Dr. Warren Mackey, the incumbent District 4 Hamilton County commissioner, is caught in a bind. Technically, he’s unopposed in his bid for a second term, but legally he could still lose the election and his commission seat. Debbie Gaines, his erstwhile opponent in the May 4 Democratic primary, withdrew from the contest in March. That was too late to have her name removed from the ballot, so ballots cast for Ms. Gaines count. If she should amass more votes than Dr. Mackey, she, according to law, would win the seat. Dr. Mackey obviously prefers a different outcome.
He is working industriously to assure District 4 voters that he is taking the election seriously despite Ms. Gaines’ withdrawal. He’s asking for their votes on May 4 by reminding them of his past service and his continued desire to represent them.
He has sound reasons to campaign against an opponent whose name is on the ballot but who is not actively seeking votes. Strange things can and do happen in politics, and that could occur in his race if Mr. Mackey’s supporters believe he’s automatically got the election nailed and fail to vote for him.
Earlier this month, for example, voters in Tracy City in Grundy County elected a deceased man as mayor. The gentleman died after ballots were printed but before Election Day. His name remained on the ballot and he received a majority of votes. The circumstances of that election are quite different from the District 4 primary, but the point is germane. The winner of the District 4 primary will win office. There is no Republican opposition in the August general election.
Dr. Mackey deserves a better fate — and widespread support from district voters. He first won an interim Commission appointment to fill a seat vacated by William Cotton and then was elected to a full term. A history professor at Chattanooga State Technical Community College, he is interested in both education and the welfare of his district. He has served his district and the county well.
He’s proved to be a highly visible, positive and active community leader. His tenure on the commission has been marked by consistent vision, by adherence to sound fiscal principles, by an ability to focus on important issues and by his willingness to undertake the often unsung but essential work of building foundations and alliances for the county’s short and long-term economic, civic and social progress.
Mr. Mackey is progressive on issues of taxation and city-county tax equity, the need to properly plan and manage county growth and infrastructure and the possible consolidation of city and county services. In every instance, his guiding principle, he says, is that taxpayers are well served, that their interests protected and that they get the “best bang for their buck.”
He strongly supports education and good schools, but his support is not unconditional. He rightfully advocates equitable achievement and fiscal standards for schools. He backs scrutiny of school spending and close monitoring of student progress, arguing convincingly that both are necessary to earn and retain public support.
He also is interested in improving public health and recreation, civic unity and the quality of life for county residents. He has measurably contributed to that through his office’s discretionary fund to support seven increasingly strong neighborhood organizations, youth leagues, Weed and Seed programs, and track and recreation facilities.
Dr. Mackey’s commendable record and broad-minded view of the county’s needs and its future argue persuasively for his re-election in any circumstance, but especially so in a contest against a phantom candidate who has publicly declared disinterest in holding office. We urge his election.