This summer, the action film "The Expendables" featured half a dozen aging action movie stars getting together for one last hurrah.
Borrowing that theme, a movie about the Fort Oglethorpe mayoral election might be called "The Recyclables."
Voting schedule* Absentee in person: Oct. 12-22* Advance early voting: Oct. 25-29* General election: Nov. 2Source: Fort Oglethorpe Elections Office
Four men, all of whom have previously served as mayor or council members and lost elections in the last three years, qualified for the seat to replace late Mayor Ronnie Cobb.
Former councilmen Harold Silcox and Richard Egeland qualified before Friday's deadline, as did former mayor and councilman Judd Burkhart and former Catoosa County Commission chairman and city councilman Lynn Long.
The men will face off on the Nov. 2 special election to replace Cobb, who died Aug. 17.
Burkhart, 63, was mayor from 2000 to 2008 before Cobb defeated him and said his experience and knowledge on city business are key reasons why he decided to run. Burkhart, an upholsterer and interior designer, said Cobb finished up many of the projects he began and now he would like the chance to finish some of Cobb's work.
"Some of the projects they are doing right now I've been involved in," said Burkhart, who has lived in Fort Oglethorpe for 37 years.
Long, 66, served on the City Council from 1978 to 1982 and was chairman of the Catoosa County Commission from 1993 to 1996. He ran again for chairman in 2008 and lost to Keith Greene, but said both city and county leaders are doing a good job.
"We just need to keep the city and the county going in the direction it's going," said the retired real estate broker who is also a 37-year resident.
Silcox, 70, a Marine Corps vet, said since each candidate has experience in public office, his record and experience should help voters decide.
"I just hope the people look at every candidate and look at what they did when they were on the council," said Silcox, a 26-year resident.
Attempts to reach Egeland were unsuccessful Tuesday afternoon. He served from 2004 to 2008 on the council before being defeated, and he also lost an election bid last year.
Contact Andy Johns at ajohns@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6324.