The 10K resistor will bleed all but a nearby
lighting strike(or EMP event) safely to ground.
If you are worried, use the 0.01uF 500WV cap
in series with the CENTER/WIPER output.

In the "static" discharger I doubt if the NE2 will
ever flash, the 10K will effectivly bleed most static
to ground.
I wish there was an easy way to post drawing in a NG.
Print both diagrams, and wire the pot in the place of the
10K fixed resistor., place the capacitor between the wiper
and the output jack.
There one box that serves both functions.
Terry