primary election Archives - Oak Ridge Today

Emert, Barker, Lynch lead in early, absentee voting

Posted at 8:24 pm May 1, 2018
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Steve Emert

Note: This story was last updated at 8:48 p.m.

CLINTON—Anderson County Commissioner Steve Emert had a narrow 63-vote lead over Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank in the race for a four-year term as mayor in early and absentee voting results released after primary election polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Emert had 2,997 votes (50.53 percent) compared to 2,934 (49.47 percent) for Frank, who was first elected in August 2012. Both are candidates in the Anderson County Republican Party primary.

Election day votes have not been tabulated, so results could change. The results that follow are from the Republican Party primary. There are two candidates in the Democratic primary, Mark Lucas for sheriff and Ebony Capshaw for trustee, but they are unopposed in the primary election and are assured a spot in the August 2 county general election.

In the three-person Republican race for Anderson County sheriff, Scott Barker, a Clinton Police Department detective sergeant and director of the Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force, had a significant lead over Lewis Ridenour, an Oak Ridge Police Department officer and former chief deputy. Barker had 2,841 votes (49.88 percent), compared to 1,992 (34.97 percent) for Ridenour, according to the unofficial results. [Read more…]

Races on the ballot today include mayor, sheriff, others

Posted at 10:30 am May 1, 2018
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Note: This story was last updated at 11:50 a.m.

Among the races on the ballot in the primary election in Anderson County today (Tuesday, May 1) are mayor, sheriff, trustee, county clerk, circuit court clerk, and register of deeds.

At least three of the races—mayor, county clerk, and register of deeds—could be decided in the Republican Party primary today because there are no Democrats running for those offices. That’s assuming there are no write-in candidates for those races in the August 2 county general election.

The Republican candidates for mayor are Terry Frank, the incumbent, and Anderson County Commissioner Steve Emert. The GOP candidates for county clerk are Jeff Cole, the incumbent, and his challenger, businesswoman Leesa Arowood. Tim Shelton is running for re-election as register of deeds, and he is being challenged in the Republican primary by Rocky Top City Manager Michael Foster.

There are no Democrats on today’s ballot for circuit court clerk, but there is a write-in candidate who plans to run as a Democrat in the August election. There is also a Republican write-in candidate in the race. It initially appeared this election could be decided today, but it now appears there could be the Republican nominee, either incumbent William Jones or former mayor Rex Lynch, plus two possible write-in candidates. [Read more…]

Despite censure, lawsuit, calls for resignation, Jones still running in May 1 primary

Posted at 7:57 am May 1, 2018
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

The Anderson County Commission, which is pictured above on March 20, 2018, unanimously censured Anderson County Circuit Clerk William Jones on Feb. 20, and asked him to resign after sexual harassment allegations were reported. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The Anderson County Commission, which is pictured above on March 20, 2018, unanimously censured Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk William Jones on Feb. 20, and asked him to resign after sexual harassment allegations were reported. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Note: This story was updated at 10:40 a.m.

CLINTON—He’s been accused of inappropriate behavior that includes unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted touching, and lewd and vulgar text messages. He’s been unanimously censured and asked to resign by the Anderson County Commission. He’s been sued in federal court. And some residents have joined commissioners in asking him to resign, or at least not seek re-election.

Despite those pleas, though, Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk William Jones, who has denied many allegations and called others false, is seeking re-election in the Anderson County Republican Party primary election on Tuesday, May 1. Jones has filed counterclaims in federal court and filed a defamation lawsuit in state court.

Some of the sexual harassment allegations appear to have been forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies, including the Tennessee Attorney General, Tennessee Department of Labor, and Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, according to records released by Anderson County. It’s not clear which outside agencies, if any, might be investigating the complaints, or whether the local district attorney general might be investigating.

Willliam T. Jones

Commission censures Jones, asks him to resign

The accusations against Jones, who is seeking his second four-year term, were publicly disclosed during a review of a sexual harassment complaint at an Anderson County Commission meeting on February 20.

During that meeting, Kim Jeffers-Whitaker, Anderson County’s chief deputy director of human resources and risk management, said her department had received five reports of inappropriate workplace behavior by Jones.

“The five reports create a harassing pattern,” Jeffers-Whitaker said.

She said the reports are supported by two affidavits and four sworn statements that the county’s human resources department obtained from the victims, who include four past or present employees and one citizen.

According to Jeffers-Whitaker, the alleged instances of unprofessional conduct include: [Read more…]

Rocky Top City Manager Foster running for AC register of deeds

Posted at 11:22 pm April 9, 2018
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Michael Foster is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

Rocky Top City Manager Michael Foster is running for Anderson County register of deeds in the May 1 primary election.

In a press release, Foster said he would bring conservative values and proven, experienced leadership to office.

“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for register of deeds for Anderson County,” Foster said in the press release. “During my time as city manager of Rocky Top, I have gained an understanding of the complexities of city, county, and state government.”

Foster has named his father, Larry Foster, a former director of Anderson County Schools, as his treasurer.

“Conservative principles are real for me,” Michael Foster said in the press release. “I am the only lifelong Republican candidate in this race, and I am the only candidate who has operated within their budget. I promise every resident of our county that I will operate the office without going back to the County Commission for more of the taxpayers’ money.” [Read more…]

Anderson County Mayor Frank running for re-election

Posted at 10:25 pm April 9, 2018
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Terry-Frank-Pain-Clinic-Zoning-Resolution

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank is running for re-election in the Republican Party primary election on May 1.

“I can say without a doubt that I believe my job is serving people, and I am enormously thankful for the opportunity I have had to work for the people of Anderson County,” Frank said in a press release. “During the coming weeks of the campaign, I look forward to sharing the positive progress we’ve made and the accomplishments we’ve celebrated.”

In the press release, Frank said she has been focused on education, youth development, jobs, and economic opportunity, but has also devoted much time and energy to veterans, senior adults, and animal welfare issues, as well as the issues surrounding opiate addiction. Calling herself solution-minded, Frank said she maintains a commitment to fiscal restraint and business-minded leadership on behalf of Anderson County taxpayers. [Read more…]

Early voting ends Saturday

Posted at 11:57 am August 1, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Time is running out to vote early in next Thursday’s countywide general election and state and federal primary elections. Early voting will continue today until 6 p.m. and will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Polling locations are at the Clinton Community Center, the Midtown Community Center in Oak Ridge, and the North Anderson Government Office in the Anderson Crossing Shopping Center.

On Thursday, 681 people voted, bringing the 12-day total to an impressive 7,140 early voters.

Election Day is Thursday, August 7, and polls across Anderson County will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day. For more information, call the Anderson County Election Commission at (865) 457-6238 or visit the website at www.acelect.com.

Nolan has campaign headquarters in Clinton

Posted at 1:13 am July 4, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Caitlin Nolan

Caitlin Nolan, a Republican candidate for state representative in House District 33, announced in June the opening of her campaign headquarters at 134 South Main Street in Clinton.

“The headquarters is in the center of the district, which I hope will be a convenient place for volunteers to gather as we accelerate our campaign in advance of the August election,” Nolan said.

Nolan said yard signs will be available, and she has had an open house.

“I am trying to meet as many Anderson County voters as possible to hear what you want from your state representative, and I have been so humbled that you have welcomed me into your homes and lent me your support,” Nolan said. “I’ve talked with many more of you by phone and email. I hope the headquarters will be yet another way to connect with even more neighbors.”

The state primary election is August 7. [Read more…]

Norris Bulletin to host candidate forum at ACHS

Posted at 9:53 pm April 17, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Information from WYSH Radio

All of the candidates in the upcoming Democratic and Republican contested primary elections scheduled for May 6 are being invited to a public forum to be hosted by The Norris Bulletin and moderated by publisher Jack Mitchell. The event will be held next Thursday, April 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium of Anderson County High School.

Unopposed candidates are also invited and, after a brief introduction, will be given an opportunity to make a brief statement, but they will not participate in the question and answer session of the forum.

For each of the contested primaries, candidates will be granted two to three minutes for an opening statement, after which 20 minutes will be allocated to a question and answer session where the moderator will pose four questions to each candidate, who will have two minutes to answer. Opponents will then be granted two minutes for rebuttal. The moderator, at his discretion, may permit an additional one minute to the candidate who was originally asked the question. [Read more…]

Guest column: Open primaries mean voters can choose which primary to vote in

Posted at 12:12 am April 15, 2014
By Myron Iwanski 17 Comments

Myron Iwanski

Comments I have heard regarding the upcoming election indicate some confusion about who can vote in this primary.

The election is a primary to determine who the Democratic and Republican candidates will be for countywide offices in Anderson County. This is an “open primary,” which means a voter does not register as a Democratic or Republican and can choose to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary.

While most seeking countywide offices in Anderson County run as a party candidate, most residents I have talked to vote for who they believe are the best candidates for Anderson County—no matter the party.

It is puzzling how in national elections the percentage of registered voters voting in Anderson County is much higher than in local elections like those coming up in May and August. In the last presidential election, 60 percent of registered voters in Anderson County (29,283 of 49,169 eligible) voted. However in the last local county primary election, only 17 percent of registered voters (7,765 of 46,186) voted. [Read more…]

Letter: Former Sheriff White endorses Lay in Republican primary

Posted at 3:09 pm April 13, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Letters Leave a Comment

Pictured in back row from left to right are Terry Hodge, treasurer for the Anthony Lay campaign; Clyde Cook, gun doctor, Clinton business owner; Lynn Byrge, Oak Ridge business owner, and Joe Walker, local 25-year state police officer). Pictured in front from left to right are Mary Jane White, wife of former sheriff Bill White; Lay, a Republican candidate for Anderson County sheriff; and Bill White. (Submitted photo)

Former Republican Sheriff Bill White and his wife Mary Jane White have endorsed candidate Anthony Lay for sheriff in the Republican primary election in Anderson County on May 6, a press release said.

“I have known Anthony for several years and feel he is the best qualified candidate for the office of sheriff,” White said in the press release.

Bill and Mary Jane ask the voters of Anderson County to cast their vote for Anthony Lay on May 6 in the Republican primary, the release said.

Judicial candidate Spitzer appoints Shelton as campaign treasurer

Posted at 11:33 am April 13, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Pictured above are Ryan Spitzer, center; his treasurer Patti Shelton; and Spitzer’s son Rogan. (Submitted photo)

Ryan Spitzer, a candidate for judge in General Sessions Court, Division I, has named Patti Shelton as his campaign treasurer, a press release said.

Shelton is a former director of Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge, and she is a community volunteer in many organizations, the press release said.

“Ryan has knowledge of the law and a professional demeanor that will serve him well as a judge, and I’m excited to be working on his campaign,” Shelton said. “He is my son-in-law, and I have come to know him as a caring and sincere member of our family who gives 150 percent to whatever he does.” [Read more…]

ORPD officer resigns to focus on campaign for sheriff

Posted at 9:37 pm April 10, 2014
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Randy Myers

Note: This story was updated at 3:48 p.m. April 11.

Oak Ridge Police Department Officer Randy Myers is resigning so he can focus on campaigning full-time for sheriff.

His last day on the job will officially be Tuesday, April 15.

“We’re campaigning full-steam,” Myers said Thursday. “We’re fully committed.”

Myers, 48, started with the ORPD in 2007. He is a Republican candidate for Anderson County sheriff in the May 6 primary election, where he has one opponent, Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper Anthony Lay. The primary winner will face the incumbent, Sheriff Paul White, a Democrat, in the Aug. 7 county general election.

[Read more…]