Hackworth running for Anderson County mayor

CLINTON—Former Anderson County Commissioner and Tennessee Rep. Jim Hackworth announced last week that he is a Democratic candidate for Anderson County mayor in the Aug. 7 county general election.

“I am running for county mayor because I am concerned with the lack of focus the current administration has for the issues, such as education, jobs, and quality of life, that are important to Anderson County residents,” Hackworth said in a press release. “Whether serving as a county commissioner or a state representative, I worked with other elected officials to fight for fiscal responsibility, good schools, reduced taxes, and safer neighborhoods and communities.Our management of these issues attracted the attention of businesses and brought new jobs to Anderson County.”

Hackworth is an Anderson County native who worked 34 years at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a project leader and program manager in the Maintenance and Engineering divisions. He retired in 2008.

Hackworth served as a state representative for 10 years and as a county commissioner for eight years.

“I believe the constant turmoil in the county mayor’s office is hurting our ability to attract new jobs and move our county forward,” Hackworth said in the release. “I respectfully ask for your vote and help in restoring trust, cooperation, and professional leadership back to the county mayor’s office.”

He said he would like to further strengthen the strong alliances he has with local officials.

“We must work hard to improve our schools and attract more good paying jobs with benefits to Anderson County,” he said.

Hackworth and his wife, Brenda, have two grown children and three grandchildren and are members of the First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge. He is past president of the Claxton Optimist Club and Anderson County Habitat for Humanity.

Hackworth is a graduate of Clinton High School, Roane State Community College, and Tusculum College.

He is running unopposed in the May 6 Democratic primary election and will face the winner of the Republican primary election in the general election on Aug. 7. Early voting for the primary election is April 16–May 1.