CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- While three Republican candidates for Bradley County mayor have been in the local headlines, two other candidates have entered the race more quietly.
Paul Krisle is the Democratic Party candidate. He is unopposed on the May 4 party primary ballot.
Erin Fuller is an independent candidate. Her name will appear on the Aug. 5 general election ballot.
Also on the Aug. 5 ballot will be the winner of the Republican primary -- incumbent D. Gary Davis, County Commissioner Lisa Stanbery or Chris Weir.
"I decided to run for Bradley County mayor because my vision is different from the current administration," Ms. Fuller said during a political forum last week. "I'm an independent, so I owe nothing to anybody."
Ms. Fuller became locally prominent three years ago by opposing the building of a new city airport in the Tasso community where she lives. Since then she has raised objections that led to concerns for property rights and stormwater regulations.
EARLY VOTINGEarly voting for the May 4 county party primaries continues through April 29.
"Things were changing the lifestyle of the people," she said.
Mr. Krisle said he is running on behalf of underpaid teachers and county sheriff's deputies.
"I am running for transparency," Mr. Krisle said during the same forum.
He said he would post his budgets on the county Web site for 15 days for citizens to study before he submitted them to the County Commission.
"You will have 15 days to look it over and call the 14 county commissioners with your input," he said.