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Frequent candidate Randy Fairbanks challenges veteran commissioner Fred Skillern

By Louie Brogdon 3 min read

photo Chairman Fred Skillern
photo Randy Fairbanks

Key dates:* April 7 — Last day to register to vote* April 29 — Last day to request absentee ballot* April 16-May 1 — Early voting* May 6 — County primary election

Hamilton County’s May 6 primaries are just over two months away, and two Soddy-Daisy men are hoping to win the hearts and minds of District 1’s Republicans for the County Commission seat.

Veteran Commissioner Fred Skillern is defending his seat against challenger Randy Fairbanks, a certified public accountant who has made multiple runs for public office but has not yet succeeded.

Fairbanks said Tuesday his campaigning started six months ago when friends nudged him into running.

“We’ve been meeting a whole lot of people. I’ve met some business leaders and people in the community,” Fairbanks said. “They’re just wanting a commissioner who’s more accessible to the people working in the community.”