IMPORTANT DATES
Nov. 3: Last day to register to vote
Nov. 14-28: Early voting
Dec. 3: Election day; poll hours will be announced
Source: Bledsoe County Election Commission
An incumbent mayor, a former three-term state House member and a man who has run previously for Pikeville, Tenn., and Bledsoe County offices will face off in December for Pikeville’s top seat.
Two-term Mayor Greg Johnson, a Democrat who also serves on the Bledsoe County Commission, has been a player in local politics since he first was elected to the city board at age 19. He ran unopposed for re-election in 2007.
This time Johnson faces challenges from former Republican state Rep. Eric H. Swafford, who lost a re-election bid in 2010, and occasional candidate Randy Sharp.
The nonpartisan election has not generated a lot of talk so far, Administrator of Elections Lisa Wheeler said.
“There’s not much interest right now. It’s still early,” Wheeler said.
Six candidates are seeking four seats on the town’s Board of Aldermen, records show.
Incumbents Senia Anderson, Reed Sells and Bill Swearingen are seeking re-election. Charlie Young is the only incumbent not running.
The challengers are Nancy Cagle, Philip “Winky” Cagle and Jarrod Thurman.
Early voting hours have changed to answer some past complaints, according to election officials.
Hours now are broken up throughout the early voting period to give everyone a chance to go to the election office at the Bledsoe County Courthouse, officials said.
Voters can cast early ballots from 9 a.m. to noon CDT Nov. 14-17 and Nov. 26; 1-4 p.m. CDT on Nov. 18-19 and Nov. 21-22; and 4-7 p.m. CDT on Nov. 23, 25 and 28. The office will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Ben Benton is a news reporter at the Chattanooga Times Free Press. He covers Southeast Tennessee and previously covered North Georgia education. Ben has worked at the Times Free Press since November 2005, first covering Bledsoe and Sequatchie counties and later adding Marion, Grundy and other counties in the northern and western edges of the region to his coverage. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Tenn., a graduate of Bradley Central High School. Benton ...
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