Howard Farmer
Howard Farmer, a longtime educator and farmer, is seeking one of eight seats on the Anderson County Charter Commission. It’s Farmer’s first run for public office, a press release said.
Farmer wants to represent District 5, which includes the Dutch Valley, Clinton High School, Marlow, and Norwood precincts.
“I’ve voted my entire adult life, but this is the first time I’ve stepped forward to run for an office,” Farmer said. “I’m running because it is so important that we exact term limits. We have a lot of great people in Anderson County, but we’re not tapping into their talent and potential because of career politicians. We need term limits so we can benefit from new and fresh ideas.”
The press release said Farmer is the son of Wayne and Eva Farmer, who lived in Dutch Valley. He was educated at Sulfur Springs Elementary, Clinton High School, and Tennessee Tech University, the release said.
It said education has been the cornerstone of Farmer’s career, having taught 33 years in the Anderson County school system—teaching two years at Clinton High School, and 29 years at Norris High School, Junior High School, and Middle School. During that time, he served three years as assistant principal at Anderson County High School, the press release said. He maintains his membership in the Anderson County Retired Teachers Association.
The press release said Farmer is a lifelong citizen active in improving life and helping people in Anderson County. He has served 39 years on the Anderson County Soil Conservation District and is board chairman.
Other activities include board member of the USDA Farm Service Agency, member of the Anderson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, 30-plus years of service on the Anderson County Library Board (where he also served as chairman), chairman of the Clinch-Powell Library Board, and service on the Anderson County Fair Board in various positions for 67 years, and as chairman of the Administrative Board and Trustee at Dutch Valley United Methodist Church.
In addition to serving Anderson County in various capacities, Farmer is a lifetime member of the Smoky Mountain Antique Engine Tractor Association and has a love for collecting antique tractors, the press release said.
Voters will elect one charter commissioner per district to the eight-member Charter Commission.
See our 2016 Election section here.
Do you appreciate this story or our work in general? If so, please consider a monthly subscription to Oak Ridge Today. See our Subscribe page here. Thank you for reading Oak Ridge Today.
Copyright 2016 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leave a Reply