Early Voting Begins in Tennessee

Early voting for the March 1 presidential preference primary, or “SEC primary,” began on Feb. 10 in Tennessee. Early voting runs Mondays through Saturdays and ends Tuesday, Feb. 23. Some counties will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, for Presidents’ Day.

The easiest way for voters to find their early voting and election day polling locations, as well as view and mark sample ballots and access online election results, is through the <Go​VoteTN> app.

Tennessee’s 95 counties conduct early voting at their local election commission offices or at another location designated by the election commission. Some counties also offer early voting at satellite locations. 

Tennesseans voting early or on election day should remember to bring valid photo identification. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety is suggested.

SUD Prioritizes Alto Road Station Repair

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Jan. 26 meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties, SUD Manager Ben Beavers said SUD has declared a temporary moratorium on adding sewer customers to the area served by the Alto Road pumping station on Roarks Cove Road.

In an inspection by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Alto Road station was flagged for exceeding the allowed number of overflows. The facility was already scheduled for repairs, Beavers said. Since the inspection, SUD has replaced two of the pumps and more than half of the pipe. SUD plans to replace additional sections of broken clay pipe identified in a video camera inspection last year.

Commissioner Ken Smith asked if there were any lead pipes in SUD’s service lines. Lead residue in drinking water can result in serious health issues. 

Beavers said there were no lead pipes in SUD’s water mains, but some of the cast iron pipe laid in the 1920s had lead fittings. SUD tests for lead residue every three years, and test results have been well within acceptable limits.

A visitor asked if SUD had a policy providing for customers to make interest-free payments in the event the customer received a high water bill. In December, many customers received unusually high bills due to a longer than customary billing cycle. Beavers said in cases of hardship SUD has given customers up to 18 months interest-free to pay their bill.

The visitor recommended SUD notify customers by email in the event of billing anomalies in the future. SUD plans to update its email database to facilitate communication.

Continuing a discussion about leak insurance, Beavers estimated the cost to the customer at $1.55 per month. If SUD chooses to implement the program, all customers will be automatically enrolled. Customers will have the option to opt out by contacting the insurance company. Under the plan, the customer will not be required to pay for leaked water if the leak occurs on the line between the house foundation and meter, and if the customer can verify repairing the line. The cost of repairing the line and leaks inside the house will not be covered.

Under SUD’s present adjustment policy, SUD forgives half the cost of leaked water when the leak is between the foundation and meter. If SUD implements an insurance program, SUD will no longer offer adjustments. Customers who opt out will be responsible for the full cost of leaked water.

Tracy City and South Pittsburg water utilities plan to adopt a leak insurance program. Customers with questions should contact the SUD office or attend the next board meeting.

The board approved purchase of a new truck for the manager, cost not to exceed the budgeted amount of $26,000. Beavers said the truck he was driving, a 2006 Chevy Silverado, is no longer serviceable. The board declared the Silverado salvage. It will be offered for sale with the stipulation it must be towed from the premises due to faulty brakes and transmission problems.

Incumbent Art Hanson was declared winner of the commissioner election. Hanson will be sworn in at the next commissioner meeting on Feb. 23.

Voter Registration Deadline on Feb. 1

Tennesseans who want to vote in the March 1 presidential preference primary or “SEC Primary” must register to vote by Monday, Feb. 1. This election cycle, the Volunteer State will join six other southern states on March 1 to help decide who could be the next president of the United States.

“It’s important to ensure you are properly registered now so there won’t be any surprises during early voting or on Election Day,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said.

Early voting begins Wednesday, Feb. 10, and runs Mondays through Saturdays until Tuesday, Feb. 23. Election Day is Tuesday, March 1. Please note that some counties will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, for Presidents Day.

Hargett urges voters to take advantage of early voting if possible because of unpredictable winter weather and an incredibly long ballot.

“When you consider the number of presidential candidates, as well as the number of delegates, some voters across the state will have many choices,” Hargett said.

Early voting takes place at local election commission offices or at another location designated by the election commission. Some counties also offer early voting at satellite locations. 

For early voting locations, hours and sample ballots, contact your local election office. Contact information for election offices can be found at <http://tnsos.org/elections/elec​tion_commissions.php>.

Tennesseans voting early or on Election Day should remember to bring valid state or federal photo identification with them to the polls. For information about what types of ID are acceptable, visit <GoVoteTN.com> or call (877) 850-4959.

Voters can also download the GoVoteTN app, available in the App Store or Google Play. Voters can find early voting and Election Day polling locations, view sample ballots, see names of elected officials and districts, as well as access online election results through the application.

SUD Board Approves Travel Policy

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At its Dec. 15 meeting, the Board of Commissioners of the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties voted to approve a revised travel expense policy and an amendment to the 2016 budget, increasing the service charge for cutting off and restoring water service. The board also approved the nomination of Art Hanson as a candidate for the open commissioner’s seat.

At the November meeting, the board asked for two changes to the travel expense policy that SUD Manager Ben Beavers presented for review. The board approved the revised policy. The revisions defined circumstances when an unanticipated overnight stay would be reimbursed and added a meal allowance for day travel.

Revisiting the budget discussion at the November meeting, the board approved an amendment to the 2016 budget, increasing the service charge for cutting off service and restoring service to $25 during regular business hours and $50 after hours. The previous rate was $20 during business hours and $30 after hours. The board’s decision to raise the rate was prompted by Beavers’ report on a review of the fee charged by other utilities. SUD’s rate is low in comparison. Winchester Utilities charges $600 for this service.

Voting for the open seat in the commissioner election begins Jan. 4 and ends on Jan. 26 at the close of business hours. The ballot provides space for write-in candidates. Commissioner Hanson, who currently holds the seat, was the only SUD customer to express an interest in serving.

Reporting on operations, Beavers said unaccounted-for water loss has decreased to 15.7 percent from an average of 22–23 percent prior to SUD installing automated meter reading technology (AMR) in 2014. Unaccounted-for water loss is the difference between water produced and water registered as passing through customer meters, meaning SUD is not paid for the water. The new AMR meters more accurately record water use.

An outside contractor recently completed warranty replacement of flawed AMR meters and meter components, Beavers said. He cautioned a final assessment of the AMR meters’ role in reducing unaccounted-for water loss could not be made until the impact of the replacement meters and meter components was assessed.

For sewer customers, charges are based on metered water use. Beavers said sewer revenue had increased, which could also be a result of more accurate metering.

Heavy rainfall at the end of November resulted in a 39,000-gallon overflow at the Alto Road pumping station, Beavers said. The 2016 budget includes rehabilitation of the Alto Road facility. In the past, the Mikell Lane pumping station also overflowed frequently. SUD recently rehabilitated the Mikell Lane pumping station, and the facility performed adequately during the recent heavy rainfall.

The SUD board next meets on January 26.

2014 General Election Results

Tennessee voters approved all four amendments to the state constitution on Nov. 4 in the general election. In Franklin County, all four amendments were overwhelmingly supported. In the Sewanee precinct, voters rejected Amendment 1 about abortion and Amendment 3 about a state income tax. The local results, however, had no impact on the statewide outcomes.

Bill Haslam (R) was re-elected as governor. Lamar Alexander (R) will return to the U.S. Senate for his third term representing the state.

Scott DesJarlais (R) defeated Lenda Sherrell (D) of Monteagle in the race for the 4th Congressional District seat of the U.S. House of Representatives; DesJarlais will return to the House for his third term. David Alexander (R) will return to the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 39th District.

Turnout at the Sewanee precinct was 44.6 percent, with 841 voters. In the county, turnout was 36.6 percent; there were 9,980 voters.

In local elections, the only contested race for Sewanee Community Council was in District 3. The new representatives for this area will be Annie Armour and Pixie Dozier. Armour received 62 votes; and Dozier, 55 votes. Paul Evans received 41 votes.

In Monteagle, voters approved the sale of wine in grocery stores. Voters in Tullahoma voted in support of a similar measure.

For the full Franklin County precinct reports, go to <www.franklincotn.us/election_results>.

General Elections Tuesday : Ballot Information & Amendment Overview

The 2014 general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters will need a valid government-issued identification card to participate. 

The Franklin County general election ballot includes: governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives 4th Congressional District, Tennessee House of Representatives 39th District, and four amendments to the Tennessee state constitution. A description of the amendments follows. 

The general election ballot is at <www.franklincotn.us/departments/election_commission/>. 

In Sewanee voters will be selecting seven new members of the Community Council. Voting for Community Council will be in the Sewanee Elementary School library, adjacent to the SES cafeteria, where the electronic voting machines will be located.

The only contested election is in District 3. Annie Armour, Pixie Dozier and Paul Evans are the candidates for two seats. Armour is seeking re-election in this district.

In District 1, David Coe is running unopposed for re-election. In District 2, Bill Barton and Theresa Shackelford are running for the two vacancies; Shackelford is an incumbent in District 2. In District 4, Dennis Meeks and Andrew Sampson are both unopposed in their bid to return to the Council. 

The town of Monteagle will be voting on whether to allow the sale of wine at grocery stores. 

Residents of Tullahoma are voting on the same measure for that community.

After the polls close, CCJP is hosting its annual election night party and potluck, 7–9 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the home of Susan Holmes and Greg Maynard, 230 Tennessee Ave. Please bring a dish or snack and drink to share as the group watches the election results on television. For more information contact Charles Whitmer at (931) 636-7527 or email <charles.whitmer@gmail.com>.

The four proposed amendments on the ballot this year are complicated and confusing, full of legalese that requires an understanding of U.S. tax code and the Tennessee constitution. Since most of us aren’t ready for such a quiz, here’s some information.

Passage of any of the amendments depends on the statewide vote for governor. An amendment must receive a majority of votes cast in the gubernatorial election, no matter how many people vote on the amendment itself. Fewer votes for governor means fewer votes needed to pass an amendment.

Amendment 1 

BALLOT TEXT: Shall Article I, of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by adding the following language as a new, appropriately designated section: 

Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion. The people retain the right through their elected state representatives and state senators to enact, amend, or repeal statutes regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother. 

Yes or No

The Tennessee constitution currently provides some of the strongest privacy protections of any state, protections the state Supreme Court ruled more than a decade ago specifically extended to women seeking abortions. 

Abortion opponents have fought for 13 years to get Amendment 1 on the ballot. They say Tennesseans don’t want to live in a state that’s known as an abortion destination and that lawmakers should not have their hands tied in making “common sense” abortion policy decisions.

Abortion rights supporters say the fight over Amendment 1 is about securing the rights of Tennessee women to make a deeply personal decision without onerous restrictions. 

A “yes” vote on Amendment 1 gives Tennessee lawmakers the ability to pass, change or repeal state laws regarding abortion. The U.S. Constitution still ensures a woman’s right to an abortion. 

A “no” vote on Amendment 1 leaves the state’s protections of privacy, and the present laws on abortion, to remain as they are. Abortion is legal in Tennessee currently, with some legislatively approved restrictions, such as parental consent required for a minor’s abortion.

Amendment 2

BALLOT TEXT: Shall Article VI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by deleting the first and second sentences and by substituting instead the following:

Judges of the Supreme Court or any intermediate appellate court shall be appointed for a full term or to fill a vacancy by and at the discretion of the governor; shall be confirmed by the Legislature; and thereafter, shall be elected in a retention election by the qualified voters of the state. Confirmation by default occurs if the Legislature fails to reject an appointee within sixty calendar days of either the date of appointment, if made during the annual legislative session, or the convening date of the next annual legislative session, if made out of session. The Legislature is authorized to prescribe such provisions as may be necessary to carry out Sections two and three of this article. 

Yes or No

Amendment 2 provides that if the Legislature does not act to confirm within 60 days, the governor’s appointment for appellate court judges is automatically confirmed. If the Legislature is not in session when the governor makes an appointment, the judge takes office anyway, and the “clock” on the 60-day period—giving legislators a chance to reject—begins when the Legislature comes back into session.

A “yes” vote accepts the current selection system for selecting the Supreme Court and appellate court judges: appointed by the governor, confirmed by the Legislature, then retained or rejected by voters in a general election.

A “no” vote on Amendment 2 means that the voters of the state want to elect the judges for the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal, believing that electing judges is a better system than appointing judges.

Amendment 3

BALLOT TEXT: Shall Article II, Section 28 of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by adding the following sentence at the end of the final substantive paragraph within the section: 

Notwithstanding the authority to tax privileges or any other authority set forth in this Constitution, the Legislature shall not levy, authorize or otherwise permit any state or local tax upon payroll or earned personal income or any state or local tax measured by payroll or earned personal income; however, nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting any tax in effect on January 1, 2011, or adjustment of the rate of such tax. Yes or No

Tennesseans will consider whether to ban any new state or local personal income or payroll tax in the state.

Amendment 3 would add an explicit prohibition on enactment of a general income tax on wages and salaries by the state and local governments. The operative phrase in Amendment 3 says “the Legislature shall not levy, authorize or otherwise permit any state or local tax upon payroll or earned personal income or any state or local tax measured by payroll or earned personal income ...” 

Supporters of Amendment 3 want a ban on any state income tax; they believe that the absence of a state income tax has been beneficial in bringing jobs to Tennessee. 

Opponents of Amendment 3 argue that banning an income tax in the state constitution would limit future options and lead to higher taxes on sales and property.

A “yes” vote on Amendment 3 forbids state, city and county governments,from imposing a payroll or income tax.

A“no” vote on Amendment 3, leaves the issue of a state general income tax unchanged; the constitution does not specifically allow an income tax or bar it.

Amendment 4 

BALLOT TEXT: Shall Article XI, Section 5 of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by deleting the following language:

All other forms of lottery not authorized herein are expressly prohibited unless authorized by two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house of the General Assembly for an annual event operated for the benefit of a 501(c)(3) organization located in this state, as defined by the 2000 United States Tax Code or as may be amended from time to time, and by substituting instead the following language:

All other forms of lottery not authorized herein are expressly prohibited unless authorized by a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house of the General Assembly for an annual event operated for the benefit of a 501(c)(3) or a 501(c)(19) organization, as defined by the 2000 United States Tax Code, located in this state. 

Yes or No

Because of the language used in Amendment 4, a voter needs to know the U.S. Tax Code’s designation for nonprofit veterans’ service organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Amendment 4 seeks to change Article XI, Section 5—the same section approved by voters in 2002 to authorize the Tennessee Lottery—to add veterans’ groups to the list of charitable organizations whose tax status allows them to hold annual gambling fund-raisers.

Supporters of Amendment 4 believe this change fixes an unintentional omission of veterans organizations from the 2002 amendment; veterans-related organizations would be able to seek legislative approval for annual lottery or game-of-change fund-raisers just like other charitable organizations.

Opponents of Amendment 4 argue that gambling in any form goes against the core values of the people of Tennessee.

A “yes” vote on Amendment 4 supports allowing veterans’ groups to be able to seek approval for annual lottery fund-raisers.

A “no” vote on Amendment 4 continues the prohibition of veterans organizations to hold lotteries as fund-raisers.

Details for Upcoming Election on Nov. 4 : Council Candidates Named, Early Voting, Photo IDs

The Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election is 10 days away. Voters will need a valid government-issued identification card to participate. The candidates for the Community Council have been announced, and plans are being made to celebrate on election night.

Early voting for the general election is at the Franklin County Election Commission, 839 Dinah Shore Blvd., Winchester. The office is open 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, Oct. 25; and 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., weekdays until Thursday, Oct. 30. 

For the election of new members to the Sewanee Community Council, early voters should go to the Provost’s Office, 8 a.m.–noon, and 1:30–4:30 p.m., weekdays, Oct. 24–Oct. 30.

In Sewanee voters will be selecting seven new members of the Community Council. 

The only contested election is in District 3. Annie Armour, Pixie Dozier and Paul Evans are the candidates for two seats. Armour is seeking re-election to represent this district.

In District 1, David Coe is running unopposed for re-election. In District 2, Bill Barton and Theresa Shackelford are running for the two vacancies; Shackelford is an incumbent in District 2. In District 4, Dennis Meeks and Andrew Sampson are both unopposed in their bid to return to the Council. 

The Franklin County general election ballot includes: governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives 4th Congressional District, Tennessee House of Representatives 39th District, and four amendments to the Tennessee state constitution [see the Oct. 17 issue of the Messenger for details about the proposed amendments]. A link to a copy of the general election ballot is at <www.franklincotn.us/departments/election_commission/>. 

A photo ID is required to vote early at the Franklin County Election Commission, and on Nov. 4 at polling places. Since 2011 all voters in Tennessee are required to show a current government-issued photo ID: acceptable IDs are a current driver’s license or DMV-issued ID card, military ID, or U.S. passport; school-issued IDs, library cards, birth certificates or other forms of ID do not meet the requirement. 

The voting rights committee of the Cumberland Center for Justice and Peace (CCJP) is offering assistance for registered voters who do not currently have a valid ID. Registered voters with fixed or low incomes may be able to get an ID for no cost. For more information or to schedule assistance call CCJP at 598-9979.

After the polls close, CCJP is hosting its annual election night party and potluck, 7–9 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the home of Susan Holmes and Greg Maynard, 230 Tennessee Ave. Please bring a dish or snack and drink to share throughout the evening as the group watches the election results on television. For more information contact Charles Whitmer at (931) 636-7527 or email <charles.whitmer@gmail.com>.

Election Results for Aug. 7 Area Races

Local residents went to the polls on Aug. 7 to elect some new faces to office and to return some incumbents to their elected posts.

In Sewanee, 599 voters cast ballots (32.6 percent turnout). 434 people voted on election day; 165 absentee and early ballots were cast.

In Franklin County, 8,434 voters cast ballots (32.7 percent turnout); 4,349 voted on election day; 4,085 voted absentee or cast early ballots.

Adam Tucker defeated Lisa Rung for the District 5 seat on the Franklin County School Board. Tucker won by a very narrow margin of 14 votes, 2 percent of the total votes cast. District 5 includes Sewanee, Sherwood and Keith Springs Mountain.

Helen Stapleton won election to the Franklin County Commission, District 5, Seat B, defeating Dan Ferguson and Art Hanson. 

Steve Blount of Sewanee carried 59 percent of the vote over Justin Angel (41 percent) in Franklin County in the race for Circuit Court Judge of the 12th District Part III. When the votes were tallied for the entire judicial district (Franklin, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bledsoe, Rhea and Marion counties), Angel defeated Blount. Angel received 15,115 votes (56 percent); Blount received 11,796 votes (44 percent).

Richard Stewart was re-elected as Franklin County mayor, taking more than 51 percent of the vote, in the multi-person race.

Tim Fuller was easily re-elected as Franklin County sheriff, earning 69 percent of the vote, while opponent Mike Foster took 31 percent. 

David Alexander defeated Jack Daniel in Franklin County and across the area for the 39th District seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Although the official vote count is not complete, the tightest race in Tennessee was between incumbent Fourth District U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais and State Senator Jim Tracy. Both men have declared victory, but neither has been officially designated the winner by the Secretary of State. The unofficial results on the state’s website do not include provisional ballots, which are to be counted over the next few days, according to the Secretary of State’s office. The Associated Press has not called a winner in the race.

Statewide, 77,500 ballots were cast in the Republican primary election for the congressional seat; at last report, there was a 37 vote difference between the two men, a .045 percent difference. For DesJarlais, the unofficial count is 34,791 votes (44.89 percent); for Tracy, 34,754 votes (44.84 percent). The next closest challenger was John Anderson, who received 4,590 votes (6 percent).

In Franklin County: 73 percent voted for DesJarlais; 17 percent for Tracy; 6 percent for Anderson.

At the Sewanee box: 53 percent voted for DesJarlais, 30 percent for Tracy; 12 percent for Anderson.

“I want to thank our supporters, volunteers and all those who took time to participate in the democratic process,” DesJarlais said.

“And I especially want to thank our many friends in the Sewanee community, not just for their political support, but for the friendship they have shown the entire DesJarlais family throughout the years,” he said. 

“I made it clear from the beginning that I would proudly run on my record in Congress, and that is precisely what my campaign did. While my opponent chose to go down the path of desperate personal attacks, we stayed focused on the issues affecting Tennesseans,” the congressman said. “It is truly humbling to have been chosen as the winner of the Republican primary, and I look forward to continuing our fight for less government and more jobs.”

The winner of the Republican primary will meet Democrat Lenda Sherrell in the November election.

In the race for the U.S. Senate:, incumbent Lamar Alexander defeated Republican challenger Joe Carr. Statewide, Alexander receive 49 percent of the vote; Carr received 40 percent of the vote. Carr carried Franklin County, where he received 51 percent of the vote; Alexander received 42 percent. In Sewanee, Alexander won with 55 percent.

Unofficial election results for state and federal races are posted at <www.GoVoteTN.com>. For precinct breakdowns, county statistics and local races, go to <www.franklincotn.us/election_results/index.html>. 

Aug. 7 Election Information

Election results were not available at press time.

For details go online to <www.franklincotn.us/departments/election_commission> or read next week’s issue of the Sewanee Mountain Messenger.

Early Voting Begins; Local Candidates Express Views

The candidates running for Franklin County Commission District 5, seat B, and Franklin County School Board District 5 responded to the Messenger’s questions about the offices for which they are running. Their answers are in this issue of the Messenger, in print and online,  for your consideration. Candidate responses are unedited and published in full. 

Early voting in the Franklin County August elections begins today (Friday), July 18. Voting takes place at the Franklin County Election Commission, 839 Dinah Shore Blvd., in Winchester. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, during early voting. Early voting ends on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Election day is Thursday, Aug. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On the ballot will be local elections including the school board, county commission, county mayor, sheriff, area judgeships, as well as party primaries for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives Fourth District.

For more information contact Margaret Ottley at the Election Commission office at 967-1893.

Candidate Forum

Candidates running for election in the Franklin County General Election will be answering questions at a Franklin County Candidate Night, 6 p.m., Monday, July 14, at the Franklin County Annex Community Room. The event is sponsored by the Tims Ford Council. Expected to participate are candidates for county mayor, county sheriff and circuit court judge.

The Franklin County Annex building is located at 839 Dinah Shore Blvd., Winchester. 

Register to Vote for August Elections

The last day to register to vote in the upcoming August election is Tuesday, July 8. 

All voters must present an ID containing the voter’s name and photograph when voting at the polls, whether voting early or on Election Day.

Examples of acceptable forms of identification, whether current or expired, include Tennessee driver licenses, U.S. passports, Department of Safety photo ID cards, U.S. military photo IDs, and other photo IDs issued by the federal or Tennessee state governments. 

Early voting in the Franklin County August elections begins on Friday, July 18. Voting takes place at the Franklin County Election Commission, 839 Dinah Shore Blvd., in Winchester. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturdays during early voting. Early voting ends on Saturday, Aug. 2.

The election will be on Thursday, Aug. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On the ballot will be local elections (including seats on the school board and the county commission), area judgeships, and primaries for state elections (including the Fourth District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives).

For more information about voting, contact Margaret Ottley at the Election Commission office at 967-1893.

May 6 Primary Election Results

The results of the May 6 primary elections are complete. Since this was a primary election, voters were choosing either Democrat or Republican candidates only. For the Aug. 7 election, these winners may face Independent candidates.

12th Judicial District

Franklin, Grundy and Marion counties are located in the 12th Judicial District of Tennessee; it also includes Bledsoe, Rhea and Sequatchie counties. There are three Circuit Judges that serve the 12th Judicial District.

In the race for Circuit Court Judge, 12th Judicial District Part III, Democrat Steve Blount will face Republican Justin C. Angel.

Unchallenged candidates in the District who have no opposition in August include: Thomas W. “Rusty” Graham for Circuit Judge, 12th Judicial District Part I; J. Curtis Smith, Circuit Judge, 12th Judicial District Part II; Jeff Stewart, chancellor, 12th Judicial District; Mike Taylor, district attorney general, 12th Judicial District; and Jeff Harmon, public defender, 12th Judicial District.

Franklin County

Bill Green won the Republican primary for Franklin County mayor. He will face incumbent Democrat Richard Stewart and independent Burt Brown on Aug. 7.

Incumbent Democrat Tim Fuller will face Republican Mike Foster in the race for county sheriff. Foster has been sheriff in the past.

Register of Deeds Lydia Curtis Johnson defeated a challenge from James R. Cantrell in the Democratic primary for the office. Johnson has no Republican opponent in August, so she will retain her position.

Helen Stapleton, a Democrat, will face Dan Ferguson and Art Hanson, who are running as Independents, in the August election for County Commissioner, District 5, Seat B (Sewanee/Sherwood/Keith Springs).

Unchallenged candidates in the primary who have no opposition in August include: Johnny Hughes, County Commission District 5 Seat A; Randy Kelly, county trustee; Philip Custer, county clerk; Joe David McBee, road commissioner, Districts 1 and 5; Sandy Gilliam, constable, District 5.

Grundy County

Michael Brady won the Democratic primary for Grundy County mayor, defeating incumbent Lonnie Cleek and three other challengers. Brady will face Republican Aubrey Lee Harper.

Democrat Clint Shrum won the primary for Grundy County sheriff. He faces no opposition in August.

Gayle VanHooser was unopposed and will continue as register of deeds.

Melody Knight Oliver won the Democratic primary for circuit court clerk. She will face Republican Tosha Barrett in August.

For more information go to <www.elections.tn.gov>.

Primaries on Tuesday

On Tuesday, May 6, the Franklin County primaries will be held to select Democrat and Republican candidates for these positions: Eight-year terms—Circuit Court Judge-Parts 1, 2 and 3; Chancellor; District Attorney General; Public Defender; and General Sessions Judge; four-year terms—County Mayor; County Commissioners (16 seats); County Trustee; Sheriff; Circuit Court Clerk; County Clerk; Register of Deeds; Road Commissioners (four seats); and Constables (eight seats). 

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tennessee law requires all voters to provide a government photo identification at the time of voting.

For more information contact Margaret Ottley, administrator of elections of the Franklin County Election Commission, at 967-1893, or call the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office at (877) 850-4959.

Important Election Dates

Key deadlines related to the November general election on Nov. 6 are approaching.
The last day to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 8.
Early voting begins at the commission office on Wednesday, Oct. 17. On weekdays, Oct. 17–Oct. 30, voting takes place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 20, early voting is 8 a.m.. to noon. On Saturday, Oct. 27, early voting is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On the final two days of early voting, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the office will be open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Precincts will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To request an absentee ballot and vote by mail, there is a required form available from the Election Commission. Application must be made by Oct. 30; absentee ballots must be returned by Nov. 6.
For a copy of the form or more information about voting, call the Franklin County Election Commission at 967-1893.

Convenience Center Relocating This Fall, Council Seats Open

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Sept. 24 Sewanee Community Council meeting, John Vineyard, director of physical plant services announced that the Convenience Center will be moved to Missouri Avenue on the south side of the road, between University Avenue and Highway 41A. Vineyard said he expects the move within the next four to six weeks, depending on weather. Water, electricity and fencing will all be set up in the new location, which he said will look much the same as the current facility.

A new golf course maintenance building will be located on the present Convenience Center lot. The new golf course is projected to be open for use by late April.

The council passed a resolution honoring Robert W. White, former Sewanee chief of police, for his service to the community. White, who recently retired, served as a police officer in Sewanee for more than seven years. His career in police and security work spanned nearly 30 years. 

The resolution drafted by council representative David Coe praised White for his “wisdom” and “uncommon good humor,” “acting at all times with a level head and a compassionate heart.”

 Council election officer Dennis Meeks announced that six council seats will be open in January. The terms of council representatives John Flynn, Michael Hurst, Pamela Byerly, James Patrick Kelley and Phil White are expiring. These council representatives have not yet declared whether they will seek re-election. District 3 had one vacant seat. 

Residents wishing to seek election to the council must submit a nominating petition with the signatures of 10 community members from their district by Monday, Oct. 15. 

District 1 and District 3 both have two open seats; Districts 2 and 4 each have one open seat. Nominating petitions are available at the post office or from council election officers Meeks (598-0159) and Michael Hurst (598-0588). 

Voting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Sewanee Elementary School in conjunction with the general election. 

Residents may vote early from Oct. 16 to Nov. 5. To vote early, contact Tabatha Whitsett in the vice-chancellor and provost’s office at 598-1182.

Representing the Sewanee Community Center board of directors, Howard Franklin asked if the community would have a voice in decisions regarding the new community center proposed in the long-range plan for downtown Sewanee. Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said the planners would be in attendance at the October council meeting, when plans for the downtown area would be discussed. McCardell encouraged community input and participation.

In other business, Vineyard announced that the AT&T cell phone communication equipment being installed in Shapard Tower was expected to be operational by the end of October.

Updating the council on concerns about the airport beacon, Vineyard said two baffles had been installed, and the beacon had been lowered five degrees to reduce light pollution.

In regard to a safety issue, Vineyard reported that a truck had “clipped” one of the school-zone warning lights. The light would be repaired, Vineyard said, and both school-zone warning lights would be raised to prevent future mishaps.

Phil White announced that plans for the dog park were finalized, and the committee would begin accepting bids for construction as soon as the plans were approved by the University.