JASPER, Tenn. — Progress and watchful budgeting are the themes of the election for Marion County mayor.
After 20 years in office, incumbent Howell Moss is not seeking re-election. Two Democrats and two Republicans are seeking their respective parties’ nominations for the seat.
David Kirk, Marion County’s longtime trustee, is one of two Democrats in the race. Mr. Kirk, 66, who has held elected office since 1994, said he’s concerned about a handful of now-defunct housing developments in Marion County.
“I have the perception that there is a difference between progress and development,” said Mr. Kirk. “And there are a lot of things wrong (in Marion County) that need to be made right. In my career, I’ve seen the county budget go from $15 (million) to $20 million to $50 million.
“I feel like I understand how it should be spent and how it should be cared for. I’d like to see kids educated here and be able to work here. There is a lot that can be done that is just swept under the rug.”
Republican Russ Hood, 50, a real estate salesman and county school board member, said he is seeking the nomination to move Marion County “in the right direction” by promoting the proposed Chattanooga State Kimball Campus project as well as infrastructure improvements.
ELECTION DATES
March 15: Certification due for write-in candidates in county primary
April 5: Last day to register to vote in primary
Early voting: April 14-29
May 4: Primary for county general election
June 16: Certification due for write-in candidates
July 6: Last day to register to vote in Aug. 5 county general election or state/federal primary
Early voting: July 16-31
Aug. 5: Election day
Source: Tennessee Division of Elections
“The person who becomes the next Marion County mayor has to have the ability and drive to move this county forward,” said Mr. Hood. “If we don’t, if we sit still and do nothing, our county will fall at least 10 years behind. We have to capitalize on all we have here: I-24, rail and the river.”
Mr. Hood announced late last year that he would not seek re-election to the school board seat that he has held for the last four years.
Republican Gary Ellis, 47, said he saw the Marion County mayor’s seat opening up and decided to run.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to unite the people and tighten the government’s belt,” said Mr. Ellis, who owns a retail overstock and liquidation store. “I want to try and cut a lot of this overspending and waste. I have a keen grasp of economic and fiscal policies. This office will give us a chance to cut taxes and keep money in the people’s pocket.”
Joseph M. Payne, a Democrat, did not respond to requests for an interview.
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