Carter County Election Guide 2022

Carter County

Election Guide • Overview of the Offices on the Ballot • Qualifications for Office • Voting Procedures & Locations • List of Candidates April 2022 A Special Supplement to

Elizabethton Star

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She knows our needs.

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Paid for by Citizens To Elect Lois Shults-Davis, Ken Lewis Treasurer

Carter County Clerk Duties & Responsibilities

The County Clerk is elected to a four-year term and operates under a fee system, remitting all excess fees and collections to the County Trustee monthly.

The County Clerk is the clerk for the county legislative body and responsible for keeping the official record of the County Commission meetings. As such, they are tasked with all of the administrative duties related to the County Commission and its committees, such as the recording of minutes, publishing of agendas, and providing adequate public notice of meetings.

Other duties for this office include the following:

• Registration of motor vehicles and collection of applicable sales taxes • Renewal of vehicle tags • Processing online vehicle tag renewals • Issuance of disabled persons placards •Replacement titles/noting of liens • Boat registrations/renewals • Issuance of hunting and fishing licenses • Issuance of marriage licenses • Processing of Notary Public applications • Monthly collection of hotel/ motel taxes • Monthly collection of whole-

sale beer taxes • Monthly collection of severance tax • Annual beer tax collections • Issuance of manufactured home installation decals NEW Self-service Kiosk allows you to renew your vehicle registration without having to go to the courthouse.

Customers can renew their car tags by scanning their driver’s license or their current registration to search for their vehicle.

Once selected, the customer can submit their payment via credit card. The renewal decal will print-on-demand at the end of the transaction. As is the case with us-

ing a credit or debit card to renew vehicle registrations at the County Clerk’s Office, the kiosk charges the same processing fee for payments made with a credit or debit card through the kiosk system.

The kiosk is located inside the Redi-Mart Supermarket located at 5110 US-19E in Hampton.

Office Specific Qualifications:

In addition to the general provisions defined in state law (Listed Below) individuals wishing to serve as a County Clerk must also meet the following qualifications: • Shall reside within the county.

Candidates for Carter County Clerk in 2022 Republican Party Primary 2 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Clerk in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The winner will move on as the Republican Party’s nominee for the County Clerk in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Mary Gouge • Randall Jenkins

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Carter County Clerk

Mary Gouge

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I feel my years of service speak for itself.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

Our office will make available new computer technology as soon as it is implemented by the state.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

I will continue to offer a personal open door policy for all citizens.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

The growing population within the county.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

I have always had open lines of communication along with an open door policy, and I have no intentions of changing what has always worked best for the office.

Randall Jenkins 1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

My name is Randall Jenkins and I am running for County Clerk. I’m a 9th generation, lifelong Carter Countian and family man.

Serving as a commissioner for the 6th district for the past seven years I’ve seen the operations and understand completely how the clerk’s office works with the county commission. While serving as a commissioner I have taken on many leadership roles, the most recent being the redistricting process and spearheading the effort to downsize the commission from 24 to 16. Also, for the past 18 years I’ve served as a leader in the restaurant industry. Leading teams as big as 60. I have always believed that quality and hospitality is a cornerstone of any business. I believe my experience in both these fields makes me very qualified to serve you.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

The first order of business would be to get to know the current team and get their feed-

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back on the current operations. It wouldn’t be wise to jump right in and start making changes without accessing the day-to-day runnings of the office. I would like to offer the ability to purchase hunting and fishing licenses and better inform the public of all the online services that might be available to them if they choose to use them.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

The citizens need easier access to the records and minutes of the county government. I plan on making agendas and minutes accessible faster so citizens will know what is happening and be able to contact their commissioners to voice their thoughts. Knowledge is key. While campaigning the biggest need I have heard from you is speed of service. So, while accessing the operations I will be looking for ways to speed up service. One possible way of doing this is adding a drive-thru window to the current office for the tag renewal and handicap place card services if the budget and building codes allow.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Today’s technology is changing every day. Staying aware of all the current software updates, policy changes and laws will be a must. Keeping your team well trained will be an absolute need of any office holder. A team is only as good as its leader. They reflect on each other. Together, I believe we can offer the most efficient, up to date and friendly office to the people of Carter County.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

I will always keep an open-door policy whether it be in person, by phone or by email.

I believe adding an online presence is a must to help keep the public informed as well as keeping a working relationship with the other office holders.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Carter County Mayor

Duties & Responsibilities As chief executive officer of the county, the Mayor exercises a role of leadership in county government; the Mayor’s duties include but are not limited to: • Administering the day-to-day activities of county government • Carrying out and enforcing the programs and policies established by the Carter County Commission • Enforcing the regulations, policies, and procedures of Carter County • Faithfully executing the laws and ordinances of the County • Assigning employees and work in the executive

branch • Appointing persons to serve on commissions and boards, with advice and consent • Care and custody of all County-owned property • Member of the board of directors of the development district and human resource agency of Carter County • Appoints members of the emergency communications district’s board of directors, subject to confirmation by County Commission • Performs other duties and also shares administrative tasks with the other constitutional and statutory County Officials

Candidates for Carter County Mayor in 2022

Republican Party Primary

3 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Mayor in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The winner will move on as the Republican Party’s nominee for the Carter County Mayor in the August 4, 2022

County General Election: • Patty Woodby (Incumbent) • Mike “Acey” Ensor • Danny Ward

Devon Buck

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I’m a professional not a politician with over 30 years of public service — 20 years in corrections/ law enforcement, 10 years faculty instructor for a community college with two years as president of the faculty association. I’m a licensed electrician, HVAC technician, marine mechanic and an ordained minister.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

The immediate change if I get elected would be that ALL the voices of the people of Carter County be heard, not just a select few, because every Carter County citizen has the right to be heard.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

I live the life of the working person with a family and I deal with the day to day struggles and see what

it takes to survive in today’s world and I want to make a better life for the people of Carter County.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

The economy with inflation and rising costs. The challenge will be keeping spending down and budgets within reason so that taxes will not be raised.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

All elected officials are servants of the citizens of Carter County and I will have an open door policy for citizens to visit any time. I will make my mailing address, email address, office phone and cell phone numbers available to all the citizens of Carter County and encourage communications. Also, if I’m elected I plan to visit every district periodically, both formally and informally, and to visit with the citizens of the county and hear their concerns and requests.

Office Specific Qualifications:

In addition to the general provisions defined in state law (Listed Below) individuals wishing to serve as a County Mayor must also meet the following qualifications: • Shall be a qualified voter of the county.

• Shall be at least 25 years of age • Shall be a resident of the county for at least 1 year prior to the date of filing a nominating petition for election to such office.

• Shall continue to reside in the county during the term of office and shall not, during the term of office, hold any other public office for profit.

(TCA 5-6-104)

General Provisions Governing Qualifications for Office: The general qualifications of persons permitted to hold public office are set out in TCA § 8-18-101. This section provides that all persons of the age of eighteen (18) years who are citizens of the United States and of this state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of this state except: 1. Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law; 2. Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof; 3. Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election, and the election of any such person shall be void; 4. Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and 5. Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.

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Carter County Mayor

Mike“Acey”Ensor

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I have 26 years working professionally within multiple roles in the school system. I have two advanced degrees that tie in perfectly for this position — a Master’s in Administration and Leadership and an ED.S in Administration and Supervision.

Throughout my career i have learned to be an effective communicator as well as problem solver. I have also ran my parents’ construction company for the last 15 years and am familiar with bidding, budgeting and prioritizing. I have been over Facilities and Safety within the school system since 2002 and that is the main job of the county mayor. I am comfortable working alone, in small groups, and as a member of large organizations. I have the capacity as an effective communicator to build a great working network within our county and city as well as within our surrounding counties as a lot of those connections already exist.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

I will not make any major changes until I have had an opportunity to do the job for a little while then we will cut and tweak and begin to put things in the best parameters to benefit the citizens of Carter County. I would, however, begin to develop the parameters to create a full-time position (office) for a grant writer for the county, not an addition to someone’s already existing job duties. There is way too much free money out there to not have this position, as if structured properly could provide millions of dollars to be used in the county at no taxpayer’s expense.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

The people of Carter County deserve a mayor with a tireless work ethic, with an educational background to match but with a down to earth good old-fashioned common sense approach. Someone who is willing to work with all stakeholders and fight tooth and toenail for the entire county but will also compromise when dealing with the city and surrounding regions to get what is best for OUR county as a whole. I will be a great steward with OUR money.

We will take care of our have-to needs and will not

waste money on frivolous projects.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

I feel that a big challenge will be hitting the ground running with the commission as there are several members not running this year as well as many up for reelection. There could be many new faces on the county commission that will have to hit the ground running as well. That is where true leadership, teamwork, and communication come in.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

I will have an ultimate open door policy as I have had all of my professional career. I will make my phone number accessible to everyone who wants it.

I also plan on spending time weekly out and about in the county. I will post and make available an itinerary of where I will be. I would much rather look someone in the eye and shake their hand than to get a call or an email!

Leon Humphrey, Jr.

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

The young are those who will inherit Carter County. I believe that the young people have been put on the back burner, when it comes to representation in county government. I also think my young and ambitious mind can bridge what I believe to be a break in my generation and those that came before. It is my wish to bring Carter County into the future and make it a better place for us all!

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

The first thing I would do is take a deep dive into the budget of the mayor’s office and find where we can trim the fat. No more wasteful spending! The entire country is living paycheck to paycheck so we elected officials need to pinch pennies to save the taxpayer dollars. It is imperative that we live within our means! I would also focus on creating the office of grant writer. There are countless millions of dollars available for the asking. This would most definitely provide much needed revenue for projects Page 8

to enhance our region and make it more attractive to those looking for a place to live and do business.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

Our citizens need someone who is willing to take the opportunity to listen to them. Too many of our current elected officials seem to be untouchable and cannot relate to the citizens they represent. I understand what it’s like to see my tax dollars spent liberally with very little to no return on investment.

In this day of major inflation, we need someone who will spend the county’s money wisely and answer the call, to listen to the citizens needs and wishes.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

The future mayor will have to face a major issue with the current economy. We are in a time of major inflation. The price of living is rising at a rapid pace while pay rates are stagnant. To make matters worse, 22.4% of Carter Countians are 65 or older which means they are more than likely on a limited fixed income. The budgets for the past three fiscal years have been 17 million

plus dollars consistently. That’s $17 million being taken from hard working families or retired citizens who have worked all their lives so they can live. In short, whoever takes the office of mayor needs to be ready to fight off these bloated budgets the commission continues to pass every year.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

From 1933 to 1944 President Franklin Roosevelt gave roughly 30 speeches to the American people, via the radio. I believe in the old saying if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. So let’s take FDR’s fireside chats and modernize it! Address the people on all important updates in every platform possible.

The county can use Facebook, newspapers like the Johnson Press and Elizabethton Star, TV news stations, radio, the county’s website, and even our own YouTube that currently holds video recordings of the county’s meetings held in the main court room! We can use all these avenues to inform the great citizens of Carter County and keep everyone up to date!

Carter County Mayor 1. What qualifications/ background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

According to state law, the only qualifications needed to be mayor are: shall be a qualified voter of the county; shall be at least 25 years old; shall be a resident of the county for at least one year; shall reside in the county during the term of office; and shall not hold any other public office for profit. Of course, the citizens of Carter County deserve to have a mayor with more qualifications and they certainly deserve to have a mayor who possesses a wellrounded view of county government operations, as well as the experience needed to lead and to serve.

I believe I am the person who can best serve in this capacity.

I am 56 years old, am a lifelong Carter Countian, and an Elizabethton High School graduate. I went to work at the age of eight years old and have held a paying job since that time. I currently serve as a member of the Carter County Board of Education. Before my time with the school board, I served as a member of the Carter County Commission. In my role as commissioner, I served on the following committees: Chairman, Carter County Financial Management Committee; Chairman, Carter County Education Committee; Vice Chairman, Carter County Landfill Committee; Member, Carter County Highway Committee.

I have owned three successful small businesses and have 37 years of business experience in the retail industry, 35 of which have been spent in various management level positions. I have acquired many skills over the years, as well as work and life experience, that only good common sense, hard work, commitment, Page 10

Danny Ward

and a true desire to make a difference can instill. They include: working with budgets; customer service; marketing; long and short range planning; organization; recruitment; time management; public relations; problem solving; self-discipline; team building; research; and policy development and implementation.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

I would implement a policy of returning all citizens’ phone calls and requests for assistance as soon as possible. I would reach out to all of the county office holders, as well as to other department and agency leaders to let them know I am ready and willing to work with them and to listen to their needs and suggestions.

I would also reach out to our city government leadership to let them know my office is willing to work with them, when possible, to make our community better for ALL of our citizens. At the end of the day, everything our local government leaders do should be focused on the quality of our citizens’ lives.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

I have always considered constituent service to be a very important part of my work in county government and it will remain just as important in my work as mayor.

In addition to my service on the county commission and board of education, I am glad to have been able to help individuals, families, and businesses in the community with their issues and concerns by working with agencies, departments, and elected representatives at every level of government. Of course, this is not the only thing our citizens

need, but I feel it is one of the most important.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Infrastructure: without this foundation, we cannot grow and build the bright future Carter County deserves.

This is one of the most important layers of solid economic development. We need to focus on having well-maintained roads, bridges, water lines and utilities; affordable broadband for the entire county; a safe and reliable electric grid/ service; updated, well-maintained and financially efficient EMA communication systems; and the best emergency services (ambulance, police, and fire) available for our citizens and visitors.

Drug abuse: It has a considerable negative economic impact on our area but more importantly, complete families are devastated by it and the trauma children suffer as the result often reaches far into their futures. This cycle has to be broken and we have to work in every way we possibly can to chip away at it.

Jobs: We need to use different strategies to attract various types of businesses to this area. We should remember that not only can bringing a large business to Carter County be beneficial, but attracting and supporting the small businesses are important, as well. A “one size fits all” approach doesn’t always get the result we desire. Thinking outside the box is imperative to economic development. We need to remember that our ability to bring in jobs is directly related to our drug abuse and educational situations, so working on these issues will help with our jobs issues.

The implementation of afford-

able broadband in ALL communities of Carter County: Broadband is very important to our economic development, as more people are working from home and students at every level need this vital service to enhance their learning opportunities. In December 2021, the board of education voted to partner with the commission to secure funding that will bring broadband to some rural areas of the county.

The exact territory coverage is not currently known. As mayor, I intend to work hard to ensure this service is brought to the areas in Carter County that may remain without it.

Educational opportunities: The level of education for students in our county and region is an important factor as companies consider locating to the area. Young adults who are able to keep productive, well-paying jobs are often more inclined to stay in the area.

My office would continually work in any way possible with our board of education to bring good educational programs to our students.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

I would operate the mayor’s office with a spirit of ACCOUNTABILITY to our citizens. My office will operate on a regular daily schedule with a friendly atmosphere and an open door to the community. I will always respond to any missed calls and visits as promptly as possible. I will maintain a policy of TRANSPARENCY in the mayor’s office to create an atmosphere of trust and above all, I will LISTEN to the citizens.

Carter County Mayor

Patty Woodby

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I have 10 years of experience as a county employee working in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. I am familiar with the operations of several county offices that I worked with closely in that role. I also have experience working with the county’s budget process and financial procedures from the office side of things. I was elected to the county commission in 2018 to represent the 2nd District. During my tenure on the commission, I served on the Budget and Nominating Committees. I was elected to serve as vice chairwoman of the commission. When Chairman Ray Lyons had to resign for health reasons, I stepped in to serve as chairwoman of the commission. The county commission then elected me to serve as their chairwoman. Following the untimely death of Mayor Rusty Barnett in September of 2020, I stepped into the role of Interim Mayor. In November of 2020, the county commission appointed me to serve out the remainder of Mayor Barnett’s term.

I have been serving as county mayor for more than a year and a half now.

I feel I have garnered the experience to continue leading Carter County if elected this year.

I am a Carter County native. I grew up in the Little Milligan community, attending elementary school at Little Milligan Elementary and then graduating from Hampton High School. I worked to put myself through college at East Tennessee State University, where I graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Coming from humble roots in a family that struggled financially, I am well aware of the difficulties faced by many of our families in Carter County.

That is one of the reasons that I wholeheartedly believe our first duty as elected leaders is to work hard to provide our children and our citizens with the skills and resources they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately?

And why?

Carter County is making significant progress on several issues our community faces, and we are becoming a leader in the region.

We are partnering with the Tennessee Board of Regents, Northeast State Community College, TCAT Elizabethton, the Carter County School System, and other state officials to create a state-of-the-art education facility that will be the first of its kind in the state.

This facility will house the middle college and dual enrollment programs from our county schools in partnership with Northeast State, TCAT Elizabethton, and other TBR programs and give our students the ability to pursue their post-secondary education while still in high school. Students will be able to graduate high school with their diploma as well as either an associate degree or career certification.

We are partnering with cities and counties across the Northeast Tennessee region to create an abstinencebased, long-term, in-patient addiction treatment facility in the old Roan Mountain prison work camp. This will allow those in our community who are battling an addiction to reclaim their lives and begin leading a sober and productive life as a member of the community. This will also decrease the burden on our taxpayers by reducing the number of individuals housed in our jail and the number of cases coming through our court system.

We are partnering with state and local agencies to expand and develop new tourism and recreation opportunities. By expanding the Tweetsie Trail from its current terminus in Elizabethton to Hampton and linking it to the Hampton Watershed Trails, we are creating a unique tourism draw for our region. The trail will lead from Johnson City to Hampton, with the potential for further expansion to Roan Mountain, and will serve as a regional tourism

draw and opportunity for economic growth. Every dollar brought in through tourism is one dollar less our citizens pay in county taxes.

The county is also currently working with internet service providers to utilize grant funding to expand broadband access to our most underserved communities.

We are also making progress on a project that will upgrade our emergency communications system across the county and provide more safety for our first responders in the field.

If elected, there is nothing I would immediately change. I want to continue to push our major projects forward while continuing to cultivate the regional and state partnerships we are building.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

Carter County needs a leader who will advocate for our citizens on the local, regional, and state level.

Someone who will work to ensure that Carter County is not forgotten by our legislature and leaders in Nashville.

Someone who will make sure our students and our citizens are given the same consideration and opportunities as those in larger cities and counties. I have built strong working relationships with the other mayors in our Northeast Tennessee region, our state legislative delegation, state department heads, and Governor Bill Lee. Having these relationships already in place will allow me to continue being a strong advocate for Carter County.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Carter County, like many other communities in our region, faces several challenges. Carter County is no stranger to the ravages of addiction. Our workforce is experiencing a skill gap as older workers are retiring out of the workforce

without enough skilled new employees joining the ranks to take their place.

Too many of our children are graduating high school unready to enter the workforce. The traditional concept of economic development is impeded in Carter County due to a number of factors, including a lack of publicly held land suitable for development and a lack of appropriate infrastructure such as rail lines and interstate highway access. Due to these hindrances to the traditional model, Carter County must develop and pursue new and innovative strategies for economic development, such as small business recruitment and tourism. Carter County is already working on projects that will address many of these challenges. Whomever the citizens elect as mayor will need to be ready to step in day one to continue these projects and address these major challenges our community faces.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

Citizen engagement is vital to the operation of local government.

We are elected to serve the people of our community. My office worked alongside the county commission to get the necessary technology in place to begin livestreaming our county commission meetings. This will allow our residents to be more engaged in local government if they cannot attend these meetings in person. I will continue to work alongside the commission to improve citizen access to public meetings and public records. As for my office, residents can contact my office at any time with their questions and concerns and I will work to find them answers they are looking for. We will also work to distribute information through the county’s website and social media platform.

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Carter County Sheriff

Office Specific Qualifications

• Be a citizen of the United States; • Be at least 25 years of age prior to the date of qualifying for election; • Be a qualified voter of the county and a resident of the county for one (1) full year prior to the date of the qualifying deadline; • Have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent in educational training as recognized by the Tennessee state board of education; • Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or any felony charge or any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances; • Be fingerprinted and have the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation make a search of local, state, and federal fingerprint files for any criminal record. Fingerprints are to be taken under the direction of the T.B.I. It shall be the responsibility of the T.B.I. to forward all criminal history results to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission for evaluation of qualifications; • Not have been released, separated, or discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States with a Dishonorable or Bad Conduct discharge, or as a consequence of conviction at court martial for either state or federal offenses; • Have been certified by a Tennessee licensed health care provider qualified in the psychiatric or psychological fields as being free any disorder, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM III) or its successor, of the American Psychiatric Association; at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, impair the subject’s ability to perform any essential function of the job; and • Have at least three (3) years of full-time experience as a peace officer standards and training commission certified law enforcement officer in the previous ten (10) years or at least three (3) years of full-time experience as a state or federal certified law enforcement officer with training equivalent to that required by the peace officer standards and training commission in the previous ten (10) years. (This requirement does not apply in any county having a metropolitan form of government where the sheriff does not have law enforcement powers.)

• Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or violation of any federal or state laws relating to controlled substance analogues.

• Shall file with the POST Commission, • An affidavit sworn to and signed by the candidate affirming that the candidate meets the requirements of this section; and • A confirmation of psychological evaluation form certified by the psychologist/psychiatrist providing psychological evaluation as provided for in §8-8-102(a) (8) for the purposes of sheriff candidacy qualification.

General Provisions Governing Qualifications for Office: The general qualifications of persons permitted to hold public office are set out in TCA § 8-18-101. This section provides that all persons of the age of eighteen (18) years who are citizens of the United States and of this state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of this state except: 1. Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law; 2. Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof; 3. Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election, and the election of any such person shall be void; 4. Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and 5. Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.

Duties & Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below were taken from statues outlined in the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the office of County Sheriff.

The duties of a Sheriff in Tennessee are established by statute and can be grouped into four broad categories: (1) keeping the peace, (2) attending the courts, (3) serving the process and orders of the courts, and (4) operating the jail.

Keeping the Peace The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer for the county. The sheriff is the conservator of the peace, and it is the sheriff’s duty to suppress all affrays, riots, routs, unlawful assemblies, insurrections, or other breaches of the peace.

In addition, it is the duty of the sheriff to ferret out, detect, and prevent crime, to secure evidence of crimes; and to apprehend and arrest criminals.

The sheriff is also charged with patrolling the roads of the county.

The sheriff must furnish the necessary deputies to carry out these duties.

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Attending the Courts The sheriff is charged with the custody and security of the courthouse unless the county legislative body assigns this duty to someone else. It is the duty of the sheriff to prevent trespasses, exclude intruders, and keep the courthouse and the courthouse grounds in order, reporting from time to time the repairs required and the expense, to the county legislative body. It is the duty of the sheriff to attend upon all the courts held in the county when in session, cause the courthouse or courtroom to be kept in order for the accommodation of the courts, and obey the lawful orders and directions of the court. And, unless otherwise provided, it is the duty of the sheriff in every county to provide sufficient bailiffs to serve the courts.

Continued on the next page......

Sheriff Duties & Responsibilities Continued Serving the Process and Orders of the Court

It is the duty of the sheriff to execute and return, according to the law, the process and orders of the courts of record of this state, and of officers of competent authority, with due diligence, when delivered to the sheriff for that purpose. It is the duty of the sheriff to execute within the county all writs and other process legally issued and directed to the sheriff and make due return thereof , either personally or by a lawful deputy or, in civil lawsuits only, by a lawfully appointed civil process server. It is the duty of the sheriff to levy every writ of execution upon a defendant’s lands in order to satisfy the plaintiff’s judgement, and upon a surety’s property in the proper case.

Operating the county jail

Tennessee case law makes it clear that the sheriff, by virtue of his office, is the jailor and is entitled to the custody of the jail. It is the duty of the sheriff to take charge and custody of the jail of the sheriff’s county and of the prisoners therein. The sheriff is charged with receiving those persons lawfully committed to the jail and with keeping them personally or by deputies or jailer until they are lawfully discharged. It is the duty of the sheriff to be constantly at the jail or have someone there with the keys to liberate the prisoners in case of fire. The sheriff of each county shall establish regulations governing the acceptance of persons, other than state prisoners, for incarceration in the county jail. Except for the state prisoners held in the county jail, no person shall be incarcerated in the county jail without the approval of the sheriff, or the sheriff’s designee, subject to approval of the court having criminal jurisdiction over the sheriff’s jurisdiction, as provided by regulation.

Candidates for Carter County Sheriff in 2022 Republican Party Primary 4 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Sheriff in the May 3 Republican Party Primary.

The winner will move on as the Repub-

lican Party’s nominee for the County Sheriff in the August 4, 2022 County General Election:

• Kim Birchfield • Mike Fraley • Dexter Lunceford (Incumbent) • Thomas Smith

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Carter County Sheriff

Kim Birchfield

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I have a 35-year professional law enforcement career. I have served in every phase of law enforcement including administrating a department as chief of police. I have attended multiple professional classes and training. I am a proven leader, having served as a member of the Elizabethton Board of Education, and I am currently serving my second term on the Elizabethton City Council. I will be a COMMON SENSE SHERIFF WHO WILL LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE. 2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

Currently, the county is divided into three zones. If elected, I will divide the county into four patrol zones. The upper end of the Roan Mountain area will have an officer assigned to that zone who will stay there. I have met with EMS Director Terry Arnold and we have an agreement that will house a substation for my department within the Carter County Rescue Squad building in Roan Mountain. I will also reorganize the patrol shifts as they currently have four officers per shift. On day one I will assign five officers per shift and within 30-60 days I will assign a sixth officer per shift without creating more of a tax burden on the citizens.

That will allow one officer per zone with the sergeant and lieutenant to patrol countywide.

I will have a department wide order at 00:01 on Sept. 1, 2022, that gives the Carter County Constables radio access and get them

15th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition or servitude.

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set back up with their own ORI, which at one time they had, so they can access NCIC and TCIC allowing them to check such things as warrants and tag info. I will also work with the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training to see if it would be possible to re-establish our Reserve Deputy Program which would allow for more two officer units with one full-time officer and one reserve officer.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

A COMMON SENSE SHERIFF WHO WILL LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE, a sheriff who will be out in the community talking to our citizens to be fully aware of what’s going on in the county.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Number one would be the nationwide drug epidemic. Also, the operation of the detention facility is a major problem for any sheriff.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

By being an excellent communicator, I intend to form a sheriff’s advisory board. These citizens will come from all parts of the county and bring concerns and ideas back to the sheriff.

19th Amendment

26th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Carter County Sheriff

Rocky Croy

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I have 34+ years in law enforcement at the Carter County Sheriff’s Department and have performed duties as patrol, patrol supervisor, correction officer, investigator, investigator supervisor, captain of patrol and investigation and executive officer. My duties as executive officer and captain included ordering the equipment for the sheriff’s department and staying within the budget to obtain the best equipment for the best price. I assisted in setting the budget for the upcoming year. I also was in charge of conducting an internal investigation of complaints filed on officers.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

I would start reorganization to put the best people where they can do their best work and move some of the warrant personnel to patrol shift to add more people on patrol. I also would seek to restart the cleanup crew with inmates for the county. I also would start the reserve officer program and have a field training officer for new hires.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

The department needs leadership and more on patrol for better security of the citizens. The drug problem that is in place is not working so it

needs to be reworked to help with the drug problem we currently have. I feel no matter how small the call may be an officer needs to answer the call and talk with the complainant and answer any questions. I feel the citizens and officers want and deserve a department that is professional and responsible. The citizens want and deserve a fair department that treats everyone equally and is honest with the citizens and would work with other agencies.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Retaining and hiring new employees. Turnover rate has always been high at the sheriff’s department as officers are leaving for lack of leadership and higher paying jobs with better benefits. We are lucky at having an academy close by with Walters State to help fill some of the positions.

With the price of everything going up managing the budget will be even more important.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

I would release more information to the media and have an open door policy. I would explore ways to have community meetings at different locations throughout the county to discuss topics that could help the community.

Mike Fraley

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

For over 31 years, I proudly served as a member of the Carter County Sheriff’s Department. Serving in every division of the department gives me a better understanding of the daily operations of how to lead over 130 dedicated employees. Currently, I serve as an instructor at the Regional Police Academy in Greeneville teaching Firearms and Verbal De-escalation.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

More officers on the streets are a priority from day one if I am elected. It has been my priority since the day I announced.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

The ability to listen to the concerns of the citizens is important to me. I understand that we may not agree on everything, but being able to sit down and discuss the issues is very important. At the end of the day, making our community a better place should be the goal for everyone, not just a select few.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Gaining the trust of both the department and the citizens will begin on day one.

Having served under five administrations, I understand that every change in leadership brings different ideas and thoughts of how

to move forward. The mindset of “that’s not my job” will change immediately to “how can we help”? Again, I have said this from the day I announced my intentions on seeking the office of sheriff.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

Community input is extremely important to me. When a citizen has a concern in their lives, they should be able to talk to someone about it and not turned away.

Better lines of communication need to be established. The sheriff also needs to get out and see what is happening. That trust with the community should be consistent throughout the department.

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Carter County Sheriff

Dexter Lunceford

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

Eight years of successful experience as your sheriff; Honorably Discharged US Marine Veteran, having served from 1976-1979; and 36 years of law enforcement experience.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

We currently have one of the most respected and capable sheriff’s offices in Tennessee. I will continue to build on that eight years of success.

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

They need open, honest leadership. I have

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and will continue to be just that. I strive every day to represent the citizens of this county professionally and with dignity. By following that blueprint we have reduced the crime rate by 38% since 2015. We have a clearance rate 19% above the state average. When I came into office we had approximately 4,500 warrants, today we have 721. We aggressively target warrant service because a lot of these individuals drive crime. We have a very successful drug unit. Approximately 200 people have been convicted and sentenced to LONG prison terms in Federal courts. We do not do press releases on these investigations because we don’t want the criminals of this area to know what we are doing. We have an SRO assigned to every school.

4. What do you think are the chal-

lenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

We are blessed to have some of the most capable and dedicated officers anywhere, however, one of the challenges for the sheriff is and will continue to be staffing and budgeting issues, which directly affect my ability to hire and keep good qualified employees.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

My office is always open to everyone at any time and I have done all I can to make my department phone number available…213-3069. If you can’t stop by, call me and I will come to you.

Carter County Sheriff 1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position of Carter County Sheriff?

As a 12-year United States Navy Veteran, I was taught many effective leadership styles and practices that I will use to lead the men and women of the Carter County Sheriff’s Department. Being a servant leader means being the first one in and the last one out, in other words, leading by example. Upon being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, I attended East Tennessee State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Magna Cum Laude honors. At the beginning of my career at the sheriff’s department, I was assigned to the First Judicial District Drug Task Force where I worked for approximately three years. During this time, I prosecuted hundreds of drug cases, both in state and federal courts. Upon returning to the sheriff’s department, I served in or commanded all the major divisions in the department including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations (SOG), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Corrections, and Administrative Divisions. My last job assignment was the Executive Officer for the department, where I was responsible for preparing and oversight of the nine plus million-dollar budget, contract negotiations, writing and responding to Requests for Proposals (RFP) for all items over $25,000.00, oversight of the medical contract for the jail and ensuring that the everyday expenditures were paid.

During my 27 years of law enforcement service, one of my major focuses was drug enforcement. I completed many specialized schools to include: • Basic Clandestine Laboratory Safety Certification • Clandestine Laboratory Site Safety Officer • Basic Narcotics Investigator • Domestic Drug Interdiction • Report and Search Warrant Preparation • ATF Post Blast Investigations • Active Shooter: Phases and Prevention • DUI Enforcement & Sobriety Testing • High Risk Event Planning • Tactical Operations I (SWAT)

Thomas Smith • Basic Sniper/Observation • Emergency Response to Terrorism • Field Training Officer • Basic Visual Tracking My education, knowledge, and training, that I have gained over my lifetime makes me the most qualified candidate for the office of sheriff. On day one, coupled with my knowledge of the personnel, I will be able to hit the ground running to start working on making the Carter County Sheriff’s Department one of the most capable and professional departments in the State of Tennessee.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately?

While meeting and talking with the voters of Carter County, there are several areas within the department that I will look at. With that said, I will only touch on three issues.

First: Carter County citizens are concerned with the ongoing illegal drug activity that is present throughout the county. My plan is to organize a Departmental Drug Task Force to address this issue. I would like to include the Elizabethton Police Department and Avery County Sheriff’s Office to join in with the department. I have not had an opportunity to speak with these agencies as of now, but I will if I win the Republican Primary in May. This task force, with the listed agencies hopefully working in concert with us, will address everything from street level illegal drug activity to drug cartels if it leads in that direction. I have the knowledge and work ethic to know how to combat this activity successfully and we will.

Second: The next priority is to divide Carter County into four (4) working zones. This will need to be done in conjunction with the Carter County 911, as well as the other county agencies. For the sheriff’s department, this will reduce the call response time and allow for a zone unit to patrol the county’s back roads and hollows, placing the officers in the communities they are assigned to.

Third: On September 1, 2002 at 12:01 a.m. the Carter County Constables will be reinstated on the county radio system and the necessary paperwork will be made available for them to complete to obtain their NCIC privileges back. I will also have a meeting with them concerning training and

welcoming them back into the law enforcement community with open arms.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

The citizens of Carter County that I have had the honor of talking to want a sheriff that they can talk to. I will be a uniform wearing working sheriff.

My goal is to be accessible to all the citizens. On all my campaign paraphernalia, I have listed my telephone number, which I plan to keep if elected sheriff. I will be available for the citizens to talk to. THE CARTER COUNTY CITIZENS WILL NOT NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME. CUSTOMER SERVICE WILL BE OUR BUSINESS. We live in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. I have a work ethic that no other candidate can match. I will work tirelessly to combat the illegal narcotics trade and the thievery that goes along with it.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Whoever is elected sheriff will face several challenges over the next four years to include what is listed above. One of the most important challenges will be regaining the trust of the Carter County citizens with the Carter County Sheriff’s Department, combatting the increase in crime and drug activity, employee morale, employee salaries, employee safety, being fiscally conservative and ensuring that our Second Amendment rights are maintained.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

As stated above, my telephone number will be available to all Carter County citizens. Also, the sheriff’s department has the capabilities to provide information through its website, Facebook, twitter, Instagram and all the other means of social media. I will be as transparent as possible to keep the citizenry informed of what their tax dollars are providing and as stated previously, I will be a UNIFORM WEARING WORKING SHERIFF. Page 17

Carter County Trustee

Duties & Responsibilities The county trustee has three major functions: (1) collecting the county’s property taxes; (2) accounting for and disbursing county funds (including proper apportionment and determination of fund availability); and (3) investing temporarily idle county funds. The first of these duties, collection of Property Taxes, is covered under the Revenue topic. The second and third primary responsibilities both relate to financial matters. According to T.C.A. § 8-11-104, the trustee’s basic duties include the following: • Collect all state and county taxes on property; • Keep a fair and regular account of all the money received; • Receive the county’s bills; • Keep a successive warrant book, or a book showing all bills received, ruled in columns, showing the number, payee or holder, date of the day of presentation, and amount of the bill; • Pay the legal demands (just claims) immediately if there are unappropriated funds suf-

ficient to do so; otherwise to deliver the demand to the owner endorsed, and pay it in numerical order ( Interest might be due if so contracted by the county legislative body, but only until there are funds in the county treasury to make payment. Davidson County v. Olwill, 72 Tenn. 28 (1879).); • Keep fair and regular accounts of such payments; • Furnish the county executive any papers and vouchers necessary for perfecting any settlement with any person who is accountable for county revenue; and • On going out of office: (a) Deliver all books and papers of the office to the successor, especially the book showing warrants payable; and (b)Make settlement with the county executive and pay over the balance of funds remaining to the successor in office, making duplicate receipts (one of which is delivered to the county clerk to be recorded in the revenue docket).

Candidates for Carter County Trustee in 2022 Republican Party Primary 6 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Trustee in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The winner will move

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on as the Republican Party’s nominee for the County Trustee in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Larry Adams

• Jeff Guinn • Aaron Greer • Travis Hill • Chad Lewis • Andy Wetzel

Office Specific Qualifications:

In addition to the general provisions defined in state law (Listed Below) individuals wishing to serve as a County Trustee must also meet the following qualifications: • Shall reside within the county.

General Provisions Governing Qualifications for Office: The general qualifications of persons permitted to hold public office are set out in TCA § 8-18101. This section provides that all persons of the age of eighteen (18) years who are citizens of the United States and of this state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of this state except: 1. Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law; 2. Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof; 3. Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election, and the election of any such person shall be void; 4. Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and 5. Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.

Carter County Trustee

Larry Adams

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

As a lifelong resident of Carter County I have the desire to serve others.

The experience of over 30 years in customer service, and management, has given me the tools to work alongside the staff of the Trustee’s Office. I believe in teamwork over self, I want to see Carter County thrive, and I am looking forward to being a part of Carter County’s future financial success.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately?

And why?

I would not change anything immediately, though I have management experience I would like to come into the office of trustee, and earn the respect of the coworkers by learning every aspect of the office. After that is accomplished the team can look and see if there are areas we can improve on.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

The citizens of Carter County need a leader that is accessible that will be in the office every day from open to close. Citizens can call or stop by an any time to see their trustee. This will be my only job, and I won’t be distracted

by other jobs or interests. I believe in teamwork and will work to learn all the jobs in the office so my staff can have support.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

The specific challenge would be the investing of the county’s idle funds.

With rising inflation, it’s never more important to have the county’s money invested safely in a location that provides the biggest return on investment for the citizens. I’ll work to ensure we have the best possible interest rates on our funds and do my part to keep our taxes low in Carter County.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

It’s important the public has access to their elected officials. I will use technology to make access to our office easier. I will update the website with educational videos and announcements to inform the public of services offered by the Trustee’s Office. Additionally, I’ll be available to the citizens every day and will provide my direct email and telephone number so they can reach me.

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Carter County Trustee

Jeff Guinn

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

My experience as a successful business owner for 35 years and my ability to maintain a good relationship with the public is what makes the right fit for the position.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

I feel like this is a well run office. The only thing I would look at changing would be to add half days on Saturdays during tax season in order to make it easier for people to pay their taxes.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

The citizens need someone who cares about not only their tax dollars but them as individuals and families and will do whatever

they can to provide good service. I think my business experience has taught me quite a bit about this.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Whoever is elected is inheriting a great office. I believe the challenges are to keep up to the standards that have already been set and keep improving on the technology as advances are made.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

I would have an open door policy, in which any taxpayer that encounters a problem I would do everything in my power to resolve it.

Aaron Greer

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I have serviced all 95 county Trustee offices in the state of Tennessee, encompassing software sales, software installation, training, and problem solving. I also serviced the Register of Deeds, County Clerk’s, and Courts in Tennessee. I managed over 250 government office accounts with a budget totaling $225 million dollars. I am also an ETSU graduate with a Bachelor Science Degree.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

The Tax Relief program is something that I would like to work with our commissioners on immediately. We currently only match 40% to the state’s program while our neighboring Washington County matches 100%. This would help our senior citizens, veterans, and disabled property owners.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

Our citizens need more convenient ways to pay their taxes. This could be helped by installing an outdoor secure Page 20

drop box that would allow them to make payments or drop documents off 24/7 without having to come into the courthouse. This would also be the most cost-effective option for the county.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

We need to be looking for the best way to serve our constituents cost effectively while at the same time providing the best service. They have a great staff and we need to make sure we are providing them with the tools they need to do their job efficiently. The current software is out of date and needs to be updated to help keep better records, and to minimize spending on duplicate records, or out of date records.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

We could utilize social media (free), radio, text or one call systems, and mailers. A phone app would be another great tool to utilize not only as a communication tool but to make payments, etc.

Carter County Trustee

Travis Hill

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I offer the citizens of Carter County two Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from ETSU. One degree is in Accountancy and the other is in Management. I am also a Certified Municipal Finance Officer with the State of Tennessee and a Certified Utility Accountant with TVPPA. In my day-to-day job I am a governmental accountant for the City of Elizabethton. Accounting for the different governmental funds is a natural fit for an office like Trustee which is a financial based office with multiple funds. The Trustee’s Office accounts for tens of millions of dollars yearly, so who’s better to account for that money than an accountant. As an elected official for Carter County, I know the importance of every dollar that the Trustee’s Office can generate in effective investments. I have a proven history of working with a local bank to increase interest rates on idle funds. An increase of just 25 basis points on the current investments of $8 million dollars is substantial to the taxpayers of Carter County. I have also been an effective leader in the private sector and I have been an effective leader in county government. The Trustee must be able to work with all elected officials especially the county commission in making the impossible possible and I feel I am that candidate!

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

On day one, I will study the policies and procedures that the office currently has in effect. I will study to see how effective and efficient each process is. I will then meet with the office staff to ask for their suggestions on what they think can expedite services to the taxpaying citizens of Carter County to make their experience as pleasant as possible. I would like to implement a curbside service to our elderly and those with disabilities as quickly as possible.

Another area will be to study and research the current investments the county has, when they mature, and start working with banks to get the best rates to reinvest in.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

I can provide the citizens of Carter County with the work experience and education needed to hit the ground running on day one. I have the drive and passion to move the Trustee’s Office forward and bring another layer of accountability to Carter County Government. I have a proven track record as a county commissioner of fiscal management and large budget experience. I can

provide the citizens with monthly reports with 100% transparency of the financial status of the county. As a county commissioner I know the needs of the county and what it takes financially to get there. I believe I offer the ability to work with the county commission to get things done. With effective investments and increased interest revenues, I think we can increase the amount of tax relief the county provides.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

Carter County is an aging community due to having a large senior based population. Carter County also has a declining population. When most services in the county needs increases, that falls on the backs of the taxpayers and typically a property tax increase. Because many of our citizens are on fixed incomes, it becomes harder and harder for those people to survive even the slightest increase in taxes. We need to look at ways to take the burden off of these folks by increasing tax relief funds and/or implementing a property tax freeze for our seniors. Currently, the country is experiencing the highest inflation in over 40 years and interest rates on investments are very poor right now. The federal government is now trying to curb inflation by raising interest rates on loans which should start to raise interests rates on investments. The Trustee will need to be ready to effectively invest the county’s money to capture the greatest amount of interest revenue that it can. Multiple investments, strategically staggered, is the best approach to doing this.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

On day one I would work to make financial reports available to the public by uploading them to the Trustee’s page on the county’s website. I would also provide monthly updates of important information in local newspapers and also work with getting email information from citizens to email important information, dates and reminders straight to their devices. A reverse call system similar to reverse 911 could also be an option to reach a larger audience faster.

I will work with each of the 24 county commissioners to make them aware of pertinent information so that they can reach out to their constituents. I would try to stay away from direct mail as this is a costly option to the taxpayer. As I have always been as a commissioner, I will have an open door policy and my phone will always be available to anyone who needs to talk to me.

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Carter County Trustee

Chad Lewis

1. What qualifications/background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

First and foremost, I want to be YOUR Trustee. I am a lifelong Carter County citizen and have a heart for public service and helping others. I can provide the people of Carter County the same gracious care that they have continued to receive for the past 28 years by the current and retiring Trustee. Throughout my career I have taken pride in providing great customer service. I have proven myself to be hard working, trustworthy, caring, and a man of integrity. These are the same values I will continue to demonstrate if elected to be YOUR Trustee. For the past eight years, I have operated a small business with daily duties including: supervising up to five employees, budgeting expenditures, weekly payroll, and managing income cash flow. If elected, I will work diligently with the commission to save all Carter County citizens money. I am truly a man who is for the people.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

If elected, I will be keeping all employees currently working in the Trustee’s Office. I want to ensure that all Carter County citizens have accessibility to pay taxes. I will evaluate all methods of payment to determine if any costs can be reduced or eliminated. The current BIS system charges a high percentage for using a debit or credit card when paying for taxes and I want to lower these charges. While this is an optional system used for the taxpayer’s convenience, a person can pay their taxes late with cash cheaper than a person paying on time using their debit or credit card.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

The citizens of Carter County need someone who is willing to work hard for them. If elected, I will work for the people. The people will be who elected me and I will be indebted to ensure they are a top priority for the Trustee’s Office. You cannot have

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a successful business without customers. Customers want to be treated with respect, professionalism, honesty, a caring heart, and a helping hand. This is what will be provided to my customers, the citizens of Carter County.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

No one can truly attest to the challenges he or she will face in any new position. I know if I am faced with any challenges, I will face them with the mindset of what outcome will be the best for the citizens of Carter County and the employees in the Trustee’s Office. If elected to be YOUR Trustee, your voice will always be valued.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

As previously mentioned, the citizens of Carter County will be a top priority for me. Open communication is important to ensure customer satisfaction. The Trustee’s Office will continue to have an open-door policy. I would like to have quarterly workshops held at the Trustee’s Office. This would provide an opportunity for the citizens of Carter County to meet the Trustee’s Office employees and learn about daily operations within the office. I want to have more of a presence on the internet with up to date and relative information on the Carter County Trustee’s Office website. I will look at providing more online messaging to reach the citizens for important updates and post these updates on the Trustee’s website and throughout the Carter County Courthouse. Also, I can work with the electric and water companies on providing important updates on monthly bills that are mailed to citizens. The most important thing is that the citizens are kept up to date and know that I am always available to them.

Carter County Trustee 1. What qualifications/ background do you have that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I am a lifelong resident of Carter County. I received my education through the Elizabethton City School System and then I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from East Tennessee State University.

I am a Proven Leader and Dedicated Public Servant: A member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 45 years where I served as a Deacon, youth leader, and money counter.

A retired Marine combat veteran with over 27 years of experience with

Andy Wetzel

2 combat deployments.

A Battalion Chief at Elizabethton Fire Department with over 23 years of experience.

The Commander of VFW Post 2166 of Elizabethton.

The owner/operator of The Stateline Drive-In Theater for 26 years.

A member of The Elizabethton/ Carter County War Memorial Committee.

2. If elected, what if anything would you change immediately? And why?

If elected, I do not have any intention on making any immediate changes. As I stated at the candidate

forum, my intention is to identify what the needs are by consulting the current employees of the Trustee’s Office. As a team we would move forward with any changes necessary.

Example — how you pay your taxes and the investing of idle county funds.

3. What do you feel the citizens of Carter County need that you can provide if elected?

My education, my experience, my integrity, my transparency, and my record of service.

4. What do you think are the challenges facing whoever is elected to this position?

To maintain a team work environment between the Trustee’s Office and the county commission so we can provide the highest level of service for the citizens of Carter County.

Example c Tax Relief Fund.

5. If elected, how would you open up the lines of communication between your office and the citizens who elected you to keep an open airwave of dialogue with the county?

By any means possible and necessary to include: newspaper, social media, email, phone/message contacts, and the only true way to reach every citizen is to send a mailer.

Carter County Register of Deeds Duties & Responsibilities The primary function of the register is to make and preserve a record of instruments required or allowed by law to be filed or recorded, including but not limited to deeds, powers of attorney, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, contracts, plats, leases, judgements, wills, court orders, military discharges, records under the Uniform Commercial Code (primarily fixture filings), and other types of documents. T.C.A. § 66-24-101. The records provide public notice of property ownership, liens, contracts, and other transactions that affect the public interest. The register’s office is in the county seat, and the records and papers must remain in the office at all times. T.C.A. § 8-13106, 8-13-107.

Most of the instruments recorded or filed in the Register’s office relate to determining interests or rights in either real or personal property.

Some instruments received also deal with a person’s legal status with regard to other persons or legal entities.

All counties are now required to have a county

public records commission, and the register serves as an ex-officio member. The register may appoint a designee to serve on the county public records commission instead of the register personally. The county public records commission serves an important function in keeping an efficient records management program. Certain records, after microfilming, may be destroyed or transferred to the state library and archives or some other institution. T.C.A. § 10-7-401 et seq. Otherwise, these originals would be required by law to be kept in the office. The University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service publishes manuals which may be used as guides on the retention and disposition of public records. The county public records commission can affect all of the county offices, but each officeholder may prevent the transfer or destruction of any record in that office.

Generally, the records of the register’s office are to be available for public inspection during regular business hours. T.C.A. § 10-7-503.

Office Specific Qualifications:

In addition to the general provisions defined in state law (Listed Below) individuals wishing to serve as a County Register of Deeds must also meet the following qualifications: • Shall reside within the county.

General Provisions Governing Qualifications for Office: The general qualifications of persons permitted to hold public office are set out in TCA § 8-18-101. This section provides that all persons of the age of eighteen (18) years who are citizens of the United States and of this

n See REGISTER OF DEEDS, 24 Page 23

REGISTER OF DEEDS n Continued from 23 state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of this state except: 1. Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law; 2. Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys

received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof; 3. Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election, and the election of any such person shall be void; 4. Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and 5. Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.

Candidates for Carter County Register of Deeds in 2022 Republican Party Primary 1 individual qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Register of Deeds in the May 3 Republican Party Primary.

The winner will move on as the Republican Party’s nominee for the County Register of Deeds in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Jarrod Ellis (Incumbent)

Carter County Circuit Court Clerk Duties & Responsibilities The Carter County Circuit Court Clerk is located in the Carter County Justice Center and administers to the following courts: • Criminal Court – Felony convictions, appeals and bind overs from General Sessions Court • Circuit Court – Divorce records, child support, adoptions, conservatorships, workers compensation suits, etc.

• General Sessions Court – Traffic tickets (county, THP), misdemeanor charges, small claims court, orders of protection, detainer warrants, TWRA citations, misdemeanor expungements • Juvenile Court – Any judicial proceedings involving a child under the age of 18. All records are sealed.

The Carter County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office also processes passport applications.

Clerks of Court serve an important role in the operation of the Tennessee court system, a role that is outlined generally in Title 18 of the Tennessee Code Annotated. Some of the clerk’s duties include the following: 1. Attending each court session with all the papers for the cases on the docket; 2. Administering oaths to parties and witnesses who testify; 3. Keeping minutes of the court in a well-bound book of in an electronic format so long as certain rules relating Page 24

to the safekeeping of the records are followed; 4. Maintaining the rule docket and an execution docket in which all court judgements or decrees are entered in order of rendition and all receipts and disbursements in a case are entered; 5. Maintaining indexes for all books and dockets that are kept by the office; and 6. Investing funds pursuant to T.C.A. § 18-5-105. T.C.A. §18-5-102, 18-1-105.

The clerk must reside in the county where the court is held and maintain an office in the county seat. T.C.A. § 18-1-102.

General sessions clerks have duties similar to other court clerks: 1. Retaining, preserving, and filing in order all papers in civil cases; 2. Transmitting papers when an appeal has been taken to circuit court; and 3. Keeping in a well-bound book a docket of all judgements and executions, or storing such information in an electronic format in accordance with rules for the safekeeping of these records T.C.A. § 16-15-303 Because court clerks deal with voluminous paperwork, the storage and retention of documents are important aspects of these offices, and it is extremely important that the records of the clerk’s office be well organized and accurate. Clerks collect state and county

litigation taxes, criminal injuries compensation tax in courts with criminal jurisdiction, county expense fees, and depending upon the particular court, funds for the impaired driver’s trust fund., Tennessee Bureau of Investigation fees, misdemeanant jail per diems, fines, sheriff’s fees, clerk’s fees, witness fees and other items of the court costs.

Clerks prepare bills of cost in cases, account for these monies and make collection efforts when these amounts are unpaid.

Clerks maintain a cash journal (general ledger) to account for and summarize the cash transactions of the office and issue receipts for all collections.

Clerks invest idle funds according to T.C.A. § 8-21-401, and often serve in a fiduciary capacity to invest funds held for third parties. Additionally, clerks and masters conduct delinquent tax sales, and clerks more generally may conduct sales of property ordered by the court. Clerks, depending upon the particular court, may collect support, including alimony and child support, pursuant to court order and the general law although the responsibility for collecting support in many cases had been transferred to a central state collecting agency. It is the official duty of each clerk of court to attend meetings of the state court clerks’ conference unless the clerk is otherwise officially engaged or is

unable to attend for good and sufficient reasons.

Oath of Office and Bond Clerks of the court Court clerks and their deputies must take an oath of office of court clerk as well as the constitutional oath.

T.C.A. §§ 18-1-103, 18-1-104.

Every clerk must enter into a bond of $50,000 in counties with a population of less than 15,000 and $100,000 in counties with a population of 15,000 or more, or the court may require a greater bond. T.C.A. § 18-2-201. After being acknowledged before, approved and certified by the court, the bond must be entered upon the minutes of the court within 30 days and must then be recorded in the office the county register of deeds and transmitted to the county clerk for safekeeping, T.C.A. § 18-2-205. See also T.C.A. §8-19-115 (Time of filing).

Courts may require their clerks to give bond in such sum as the court may deem sufficient to cover property or funds that may at any time come to the hands of such clerks as special commissioners or receivers. T.C.A. § 18-2-202.

The court may also require special bonds to meet particular exigencies, and in a suitable penalty, whenever, in its judgement, the interest of suitors render it necessary. T.C. A. § 18-2-204.

n See CIRCUIT COURT CLERK, 26

CIRCUIT COURT CLERK n Continued from 24

Office Specific Qualifications: In addition to the general provisions defined in state law (Listed Below) individuals wishing to serve as a County Register of Deeds must also meet the following qualifications: • Shall reside within the county.

General Provisions Governing Qualifications for Office: The general qualifications of persons permitted to hold public office are set out in TCA § 8-18101. This section provides that all persons of the age of eighteen (18) years who are citizens of the United States and of this state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of

this state except: 1. Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law; 2. Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof;

3. Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election, and the election of any such person shall be void; 4. Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and 5. Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.

Candidates for Carter County Circuit Court Clerk in 2022

Republican Party Primary 1 individual qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Circuit Court Clerk in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The winner will move on as the Republican Party’s nominee for the County Circuit Court Clerk in the August 4 County General Election: • Johnny Blankenship (incumbent)

Page 26

Carter County Road Superintendent General Provisions Governing Qualifications for Office:

The general qualifications of persons permitted to hold public office are set out in TCA § 8-18-101. This section provides that all persons of the age of eighteen (18) years who are citizens of the United States and of this state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of this state except: 1. Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law; 2. Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof; 3. Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election, and the election of any such person shall be void; 4. Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and 5. Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.

Office Specific Qualifications: In addition to the general provisions defined in state law (listed below) individuals wishing to serve as County Clerk must also meet the following qualifications} • Basic qualifications of TCA 8-18-101; and • Shall reside within the county. (TCA 8-48-101) • Shall file affidavits and such other evidence as the Tennessee Highway Officials Certification Board shall require with the board not later than fourteen (14) days prior to the qualifying deadline for candidates in a popular election or, where the position is appointed, prior to appointment to the office. (TCA 54-7-104) • A person shall have at least a high school diploma or GED and meet one of the following criteria: 1. Be licensed to practice engineering in Tennessee; or 2. Be a graduate of an accredited school of engineering, with at least 2 years’ experience in highway construction or maintenance; or 3. Have a combination of education and experience equivalent to either of the above; or 4. Have at least 4 years’ experience in a supervisory capacity in highway construction or maintenance. (TCA 54-7-104)

Duties & Responsibilities Carter County Road Superintendent

Most county highway departments in Tennessee, including Carter County, are subject to a set of general state statutes known as the County Uniform Highway Law (CUHL). The CUHL can be found at T.C.A. § 54-7101 et. seq. Although the CUHL deals with many important aspects of the county highway department, it does not deal with all aspects, such as how the head of the department is selected or who purchases for the department is selected or who purchases for the department. Therefore, most counties also have private acts that deal with issues not addressed by the CUHL. The CUHL places authority over county highway department personnel with the Chief Administrative Officer, which in Carter County is the popularly elected Road Superintendent. The Road Superintendent may employ qualified administrative personnel necessary to handle correspondence, maintain accurate records of receipts and expenditures, equipment, supplies, materials, maintenance performed, and other items necessary to operate the highway department. The CAO determines the total number of employees (within the limits of the available budget), personnel policy

Republican Party Primary 1 individual qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Road Superintendent in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The winner will move on as the Republican Party’s nominee for the Carter County Road Superintendent in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Roger Colbaugh (Incumbent) Page 28

and work hours, job classifications, and policies and wages with the classifications.

In counties under the CUHL, the chief administrative officer of the county highway department has general control over the location, relocation, construction, reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of the county road system as well as the other administrative tasks which are conferred by the general law, plus any other authority granted by private act which does not conflict with the general law.

In CUHL counties, the chief administrative officer is generally responsible for the use and control of all machinery, tools, supplies and material owned or used by the county in the construction, reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of county roads and bridges.

In keeping with this general operational supervision of the county roads and bridges, T.C.A. § 54-7-201 authorizes the chief administrative officer in CUHL counties to remove or cause to be moved any fence, gate, or other obstruction from the roads, bridges, and ditches of the county and to clean out and clear all ditches along or adjacent to the county roads.

Carter County Commissioner Duties & Responsibilities The county legislative body may exercise the powers of a legislative nature granted to it by the General Assembly in public acts (laws of general application of local option application, which may be found in codified form in the Tennessee Code Annotated or in private acts that apply to a particular county (that do not conflict with the general law). The General Assembly has given the county legislature body a considerable array of powers, including the power to levy property taxes without limitation regarding rates, the power to expend funds for any lawful purpose, zoning powers for the unincorporated areas of the county and some regulatory powers, yet the General Assembly has not seen fit to grant to the county legislative body all of the powers that have been granted to Tennessee’s incorporated municipalities (cities and towns). Therefore, counties must always look for the source of authority for any action taken, as counties have no authority to act outside the scope of the powers granted by the General Assembly. The General Assembly has given the Title “county commissioner” to all county legislative body members not in a county with a consolidated city/county government. T.C.A. § 5-5-102(f).

Except in counties with a consolidated city-county (metropolitan or unification) form of government, the county legislative body is made up of not less than nine nor more than 25 members, elected from districts. No more than three members may be elected from any one district. T.C.A. § 5-5-102. Districts must be reapportioned at least every 10 years, and commissioners must represent substantially equal populations based on the latest federal census.

T.C.A. § 5-1-111. Members are elected by the voters in their district for four-year terms and until their successors are elected and qualified T.C.A § 5-5-102.

After receiving a certificate of election from the county election commission, a person elected as a county commissioner must take two oaths prior to taking office: the constitutional oath and the oath of office (otherwise known as the fidelity oath).

The county legislative body assembled in session is authorized to act for the county T.C.A. § 5-1-103. All funds to be used in the operation of the county must be appropriated for that use by the county legislative body, which can appropriate money only for expenditures sanctioned by state law. T.C.A. § 5-9-401. The county legislative body may appropriate funds for any lawful purpose.

T.C.A. § 5-1-118 (incorporating certain municipal powers in T.C.A. § 6-2-201). It is the duty of the county legislative body to adopt a budget and to appropriate funds for the ensuing fiscal year for all county departments and agencies.

A county usually adopts a budget annually but a county legislative body may prepare and adopt a biennial budget for such departments of the county as are authorized for the particular county by the comptroller of the treasury’s state director of local finance. However, such biennial budgets may not be used until changes are made to existing county law in county charters, private acts or resolutions that require annual budgets T.C.A. § 4-3-305.

The budget adopted by the county legislative body must be balanced, meaning that estimated revenues must at least equal the amounts appropriated plus any reserves required by state law. The county legislative body must levy taxes sufficient to meet appropriations (with other revenues such as state shared taxes included in the determination) and to meet all debt requirement and interest obligations. T.C.A. § 9-11-115. The county budget must meet all state law requirements. The failure to meet these requirements can cause the loss or withholding of state shared funds, such as education funds. Besides the requirements of balance and meeting debt obligations, the budget must also meet several other require-

ments such as the maintenance of effort requirement for education funding, the five-year average requirement for highway funding, the requirement not to lower the funds available to the sheriff for personnel costs without the consent of the sheriff, the mandatory minimum salaries of county officials, any court decrees providing the number and salaries of deputies and assistants of county officials, the requirement to have adequate correctional facilities (alone or in conjunction with one or more other counties) and any other mandates that state law places on the county.

The county property tax is the only significant source of revenue that the county legislative body can levy without limitation as to rate and without being subject to referendum (directly or if an adequate petition is filed) or requiring the passage of a private act.

The county legislative body has important duties. For example, the county legislative body — has duties with respect to the acceptance of county roads, the annual updating and approval of the county road list, and the closing of roads not deemed worthy of inclusion on the county road list.

• May adopt optional general laws in the areas of financial management, budgeting and purchasing.

• Has important duties with respect to approving the issuance of county debt instruments such as bonds and notes.

• Has duty to provide courthouse space for the state courts and jail facilities (alone or in conjunction with one or more counties) as well as for certain county officials.

• May adopt comprehensive zoning for the area of the county outside the corporate limits of the municipalities.

• Has a duty to have county wide personnel policy (although several offices may have their own policy separate from the general county policy).

• May provide medical and life insurance benefits to county employees and county officials through insurance or self-insurance.

• Has the authority to regulate dogs, cats and stray animals.

• May, by two-thirds vote of the county legislative body, adopt regulations to prevent public nuisances.

• May determine whether or not to adopt a distance rule regarding the sale of beer at retail.

The county legislative body must determine how to deal with its liability risks through either insurance, self-insurance, or joint self-insurance through an insurance pool. Many of the records of the county are very valuable and the county legislative body has an important role with the county public records commission and other county officials to preserve records of permanent value and to manage the county’s records efficiently. The county legislative body has a role in either electing or approving the appointment of may county officials and department heads. Also, the county legislative body may decide to limit the duties of constables to process serving and take away law enforcement powers, or to abolish the office at the end of the terms of the incumbent constables.

The county legislative body may request by resolution that members of the General Assembly representing the people of the county introduce and work for the passage of a particular private act. Such a resolution has no legal effect, but members of the General Assembly prefer to see such a resolution, particularly if passed by the number of votes that will be necessary to approve the private act, before they introduce the private bill act. However, members of the General Assembly are under no legal obligation to introduce the requested private act bill. Further, although this rarely occurs, they may introduce and work for the passage of a private act bill that provides for referendum approval against the wishes of the county legislative body. (Continued on page 30.)

Office Specific Qualifications:

In addition to the general provisions defined in state law (Listed Below) individuals wishing to serve as a County Commissioner must also meet the following qualifications: • Shall reside within and be a qualified voter of the district represented. T.C.A. § 5-5-102

General Provisions Governing Qualifications for Office: The general qualifications of persons permitted to hold public office are set out in TCA § 8-18101. This section provides that all persons of the age of eighteen (18) years who are citizens of the United States and of this state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of this state except: 1. Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law; 2. Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof; 3. Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election, and the election of any such person shall be void; 4. Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and 5. Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.

Page 29

Candidates for Carter County Commissioner in 2022 by County District Carter County residents select 3 commissioners from their district to represent them.

First District — Midway, Unaka Fourth District — Courthouse, and Hunter Precincts Eastside, Siam and National Guard Armory Precincts Republican Party Primary Five individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Commissioner for the First District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 3 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Commissioner in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Robert Acuff (Incumbent) • Mark Blevins (Incumbent) • Willie Campbell ( Incumbent) • Kenneth Fitzgerald • Nick Holder

Second District — Roan Mountain and Tiger Valley Precincts

Republican Party Primary

Republican Party Primary

Four individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Commissioner for the Fourth District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 3 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Commissioner for the Fourth District in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Jerry L. Proffitt (Incumbent) • Danny Deal • Gary Kemp • Michael Roberts

Fifth District — Happy Valley Precinct

Republican Party Primary

Two individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Commissioner for the Second District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Commissioner for the Second District in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Nancy Brown (Incumbent) • Julie Guinn (Incumbent)

Two individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Commissioner for the Fifth District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Commissioner for the Fifth District in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Ginger Holdren (Incumbent) • Lisa Childress

Third District — Central, Keenburg, Range, and Watauga Precincts

Sixth District — Elk Mills, Hampton, Little Milligan and Valley Forge Precincts

Republican Party Primary Three individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Commissioner for the Third District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 3 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Commissioner for the Third District in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Bradley Johnson • Steve Burrough • Angie Odom Page 30

Republican Party Primary Four individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Commissioner for the Sixth District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary.

The 3 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County

Commissioner for the Sixth District in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Gary W. Bailey (Incumbent) • Donnie Cable • Todd Smith • Pattie Duffield

Seventh District — Gap Creek and Westside Precincts

Republican Party Primary Three individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Commissioner for the Seventh District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The

3 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Commissioner for the Seventh District in the August 4, 2022 County General

Election: • Aaron Frazier (Incumbent) • Daniel J. McInturff (Incumbent) • Jason Rasnick

Eighth District — Harold McCormick and High School Precincts

Republican Party Primary Two individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Carter County Commissioner for the Eighth District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Com-

missioner for the Eighth District in the August 4, 2022 County General Election: • Thomas Proffitt (Incumbent) • Cody McQueen

“I believe that voting is the first act of building a community as well as building a country.” ­— John Ensign

Page 31

Carter County Constables Duties & Responsibilities

Constables are elected law enforcement officers. In counties where they exist, they all may serve civil process. In some counties, including Carter County, the constable has full law enforcement powers and, therefore may enforce the criminal laws of this state. T.C.A § 8-10-109.

Constables are elected from districts established by the legislative body subject to the following limitations: the number of constables elected cannot exceed one-half the number of county commissioners and constable districts must be reasonably compact and contiguous and must not overlap. T.C.A. § 8-10-101. Constables must have the following qualifications: A candidate must file an affidavit stating that he or she meets these qualifications with the county election commission along with the nominating petition. T.C.A. § 8-10-102. There are also permissive specifications regarding uniforms and car markings. T.C.A, § § 8-10-119, 8-10-120. Prior to taking office, constables must, at their own expense, enter into a surety bond of not less than $4,000 nor more than $8,000, at the legislative body’s discretion. T.C.A. § 8-10-106.

Constables’ duties may be limited to serving civil process of may include peacekeeping duties; the oath of office differs according to the nature of the duties. T.C.A. 8-10-108. The duties of the constable are determined according to the population classification of the particular county under T.C.A. § § 8-10-108 and 8-10-109, unless the county legislative body has acted to remove law enforcement powers. The legislative body may fill any vacancy by temporary appointment until it is filled by an election. T.C.A. § 5-1-104.

For their official bonds, constables must use a surety company authorized to do business in Tennessee. T.C.A § 8-10106. The constable pays all of the costs obtaining and recording the official bond for his or her office. T.C.A. § 8-10-106.

General Provisions Governing Qualifications for Office: The general qualifications of persons permitted to hold public office are set out in TCA § 8-18-101. This section provides that all persons of the age of eighteen (18) years who are citizens of the United States and of this state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of this state except: 1. Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law; 2. Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof; 3. Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election, and the election of any such person shall be void; 4. Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and 5. Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.

Office Specific Qualifications: In addition to the general provisions defined in state law (listed below) individuals wishing to serve as a Constable must also meet the following qualifications.

• Shall reside within and be a qualified voter of the district represented.

• Be at least 21 years of age; • Be a qualified voter of the district; • Possess at least a high school diploma or general educational development certificate (GED). Persons holding the office on or before June 30, 2011, and those reelected after July 1, 2011 without an interruption of service in the office shall only be able to read and write; • Not have been convicted in any federal or state court of a felony; and • Not have been separated or discharged from the armed forces of the United States with other than an honorable discharge; • Shall file with the county election commission, in conjunction with the nominating petition, an affidavit sworn to and signed by the candidate affirming that the candidate meets the requirements of this section. (TCA 8-10-102)

Candidates for Carter County Constable in 2022 by County District Carter County residents select 2 constables from their district to represent them.

First District — Midway, Unaka and Hunter Precincts

Republican Party Primary

3 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Constable for the First District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Constable in the August 4 County General Election: • Benny Montgomery • Chad W. Odom • Gary Perry Page 32

Second District — Roan Mountain and Tiger Valley Precincts

Republican Party Primary One individual qualified as candidate for the Office of Constable for the Second District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 1 winner will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Constable for the Second District in the August 4 County General Election: • Chris Grindstaff

Third District — Central, Keenburg, Range, and Watauga Precincts

Sixth District — Elk Mills, Hampton, Little Milligan and Valley Forge Precincts

Republican Party Primary

Republican Party Primary

2 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Constable for the Third District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Constable for the Third District in the August 4 County General Election: • Jerry L. Miller • Scott Whaley

4 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Constable for the Sixth District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Constable for the Sixth District in the August 4 County General Election: • James T. Bowers • Brian L. Keener • Bobby A. Trivette • John C. Henson

Fourth District — Courthouse, Eastside, Siam and National Guard Armory Precincts

Republican Party Primary 4 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Constable for the Fourth District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary.

The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Constable for the Fourth District in the August 4 County General Election: • Nicole Pate • Harvey Shaffer • Jim Winchester • Jason Jones

Fifth District — Happy Valley Precinct

Seventh District — Gap Creek and Westside Precincts

Republican Party Primary 2 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Constable for the Seventh District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary.

The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Constable for the Seventh District in the August 4 County General Election: • Dustin Baker • Ken Potter

Eighth District — Harold McCormick and High School Precincts

Republican Party Primary

Republican Party Primary

2 individuals qualified as candidates for the Office of Constable for the Fifth District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary. The 2 winners will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Constable for the Fifth District in the August 4 County General Election: • Mark I. Carrier • Larry M. Presnell

1 individual qualified as a candidate for the Office of Constable for the Eighth District in the May 3 Republican Party Primary.

The 1 winner will move on as the Republican Party’s nominees for the Carter County Constable for the Eighth District in the August 4 County General Election: • Bob Carroll

“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt Page 33

Write-In Campaigns & Casting A Write-In Vote Tennessee state law allows for individuals to run a write-in campaign for office without having to meet the deadline that candidates appearing on the ballot had to meet. However, for write-in votes to be officially counted, the individual must qualify as a certified write-in candidate. To do so, he or she must complete a form with the appropriate Election Commission Office by a specified date prior to the election.

Votes for anyone who has not completed the proper paperwork to become a certified write-in candidate will not be counted.

To cast a write-in vote for an office, a voter must press the button next to “Write-in” on the section of the ballot for the office which they wish to cast the write-in vote for. When the voter presses the button next to “Write-in” the screen will change and will show the letters of the alphabet next to the buttons on the machine. The voter then uses the buttons to select the letters in order to type in the name of the candidate they wish to vote for. There are also buttons to enter a space between letters, and an erase button to make corrections.

Once the voter has typed in the name, he or she must push the button next to “Done” to accept the write-in vote. The screen will then

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automatically return to the regular ballot and the name typed in by the voter will appear under the words “Write-in” and the box next to the name will be checked.

To cancel a write-in or enter a new candidate name, press the appropriate “Write-in” button again. The write-in screen will appear again and voters must use the “erase” button to remove the typed in name. Voters can then type in a new candidate name or if they wish to cancel the write-in vote they will hit the button for “done”.

Once the write-in is completed, voters can proceed with the rest of the ballot as normal.

In order for a write-in vote to count for the candidate election officials must be able to determine the voter’s intent when casting their vote.

For example, if John Smith is running a write-in campaign, the following votes would be countable: John Smith; Johnny Smith; Johnnie Smith; John Smyth; John Smythe; J. Smith; or Smith. However, votes for John; Johnny; or John S. would not be countable as votes for John Smith.

All write-in votes must be hand-counted during the canvassing process, which begins the day after the election. The voting machines

tally the number of write-in votes but do not provide a list of who received those votes. So, for example, the election results report may show that 250 write-in votes were cast in Race A, but that does not mean that all 250 votes were cast for the same individual or that all 250 votes will be countable. That is why write-in votes must be hand counted by a canvassing board.

At the polls, election works will be able to assist voters with the process of casting a vote for a write-in candidate, but are not allowed to provide information on write-in candidates or name spellings.

Under state law, poll workers are not allowed to inform voters if there is a write-in candidate in any race. Poll workers are also not allowed to provide any spellings of names of a write-in candidate. According to Carter County Administrator of Elections Tracy Harris, poll workers must respond to any questions regarding who is running for specific offices or write-in candidates with the statement: “The ballot speaks for itself.”

Poll workers are allowed to explain the write-in feature on the voting machine to assist a voter with getting the write-in process started but are allowed to type in a name for the voter.

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Acceptable forms of ID to bring to the polls All voters must present a federal or Tennessee state ID containing the voter’s name and photograph when voting at the polls, whether voting early or on Election Day unless an exemption below applies.

What IDs are acceptable?

Any of the following IDs may be used, even if expired: • Tennessee driver license with your photo • United States Passport • Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security • Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee State government • United States Military photo ID • Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo

Is my photo ID acceptable?

If you are unsure or have questions about your photo ID, contact you county election commission or the Division of Elections at 1-877-850-4959.

What if I don’t bring a photo ID to the polling place?

If you don’t bring a photo ID, you will vote a provisional ballot. You will then have two (2) business days after Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID. Upon returning to the election commission office, the voter will sign and affidavit and a copy of the voter’s photo ID be made to be reviewed by the counting board.

What if I don’t have a photo ID?

What IDs are NOT acceptable?

• College student IDs • Photo IDs not issued by the federal or Tennessee state government • County or city issued photo IDs • Library cards • Photo IDs issued by other states

You may obtain a free photo ID to vote from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security at any participating driver service center across the state. You may use the “express service” line at the driver service to obtain your photo ID to minimize wait times. Visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Voter Photo ID page for more information.

Where Do I Go To Vote?

First District — Midway, Unaka and Hunter Precincts Midway Precinct

Hunter Precinct

Hunter Elementary School 145 Hope Street • Elizabethton, TN 37643

Stoney Creek FVD Station #3 2780 Highway 91 • Elizabethton, TN 37643

Unaka Precinct

Unaka Elementary School 120 Unaka Drive • Elizabethton, TN 37643

Second District — Roan Mountain and Tiger Valley Precincts Roan Mountain Precinct

Cloudland Elementary School 8540 Highway 19E • Roan Mountain, TN 37687

Tiger Valley Precinct

Hampton High School 766 First Avenue • Hampton, TN 37658

Third District — Central, Keenburg, Range, and Watauga Precincts Central Precinct

Central Elementary School

Keenburg Precinct

Keenburg Elementary School

252 Taylortown Road, Johnson City, 37601

139 Keenburg Road • Elizabethton, TN 37643

Range Precinct

Watauga Precinct

Fairview Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 585 Watauga Road • Elizabethton, TN 37643 Page 36

Watauga City Hall 104 W. Fourth Ave. • Watauga, TN 37687

Fourth District — Courthouse, Eastside, Siam and National Guard Armory Precincts Courthouse Precinct

Eastside Precinct

Carter County Courthouse 801 E. Elk Ave. • Elizabethton, TN 37643

Eastside Elementary School 800 Siam Road • Elizabethton, TN 37643

National Guard Precinct

Siam Precinct

National Guard Armory 128 Judge Don Lewis Blvd.

Elizabethton, TN 37643

Siam Consolidated Learning Center 2453 Siam Road Elizabethton, TN 37643

Fifth District — Happy Valley Precinct Happy Valley Precinct

Happy Valley Elementary School 1840 Milligan Highway Johnson City, TN 37601

Sixth District — Elk Mills, Hampton, Little Milligan and Valley Forge Precincts Elk Mills Precinct

Hampton Precinct

Elk Mills Volunteer Fire Department 107 Poga Road • Butler, TN 37640

Hampton Elementary School 408 Highway 321 • Hampton, TN 37658

Little Milligan Precinct

Valley Forge Precinct

Little Milligan Elementary School 4226 Highway 321 • Butler, TN 37640

Valley Forge Elementary School 1485 Riverview Dr. • Elizabethton, TN 37643

Seventh District — Gap Creek and Westside Precincts Gap Creek Precinct

Happy Valley High School 121 Warpath Lane • Elizabethton, TN 37643

Westside Precinct

Westside Elementary School 1300 Burgie Street • Elizabethton, TN 37643

Eighth District — Harold McCormick and High School Precincts Harold McCormick Precinct

Harold McCormick Elementary School 226 S. Cedar Ave. • Elizabethton, TN 37643

High School Precinct

T.A. Dugger Jr. High School 305 W. E. Street • Elizabethton, TN 37613 Page 37

Voting: A duty and an honor Voting is important whether it be for county mayor, governor, or the president of the United States. Your vote is sacred.

Your voice should be heard. Early voting will end in the Republican Primary Thursday. Election Day is May 3 in Carter County and across the state of Tennessee.

There are some important local contested races in this year’s primary election — sheriff, county mayor, trustee, county court clerk, county commission, and school board.

No matter the results of the May 3 election, it is important that you participate in the electoral process and ensure that you are advocating for your rights as a United States citizen.

Despite all the things that divide us today an increasing majority of Americans seem to embrace the value of casting a ballot.

Voting, as we all know, is both a duty and an opportunity.

It is a duty that we as Americans

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have long understood. By not voting, we invite fewer and fewer people to make decisions for us that we should treasure for ourselves.

Our Constitution provides our government will be run on our behalf by people we select. If we do not vote, we are handing over that role to people of someone else’s choosing.

It is our responsibility to help guide the “hiring” of our government leaders so that the functions they perform will be carried out, to the extent possible, as we would prefer.

Obviously, we as individuals cannot be guaranteed a government of our own choosing. But, by voting, we give ourselves the chance to influence this most precious aspect. By not voting, we forfeit that chance entirely.

And we must value the opportunity, as well as respect the duty. When our colonies became a nation, we authored an experiment in government that had

never been tried.

We have, over the generations, been proud to have seen its fruits and have watched as other nations have tried to copy us, in one form or another.

Voting is still the centerpiece of our democracy, and we must see it as both a reverential duty and a glorious opportunity.

So this Election Day is an especially important one. Not that any Election Day is unimportant, but some people eligible to vote sometimes have the feeling that, if an office of president, governor or senator is not at stake, the vote is not worth the trouble to cast. But, our local election is most important as these are the leaders closest to us. They help determine what our community will be.

We hope that our pride as citizens of our beloved democracy will inspire us to gladly and thankfully get to the polls May 3.

Pastor’s Wife, Mother, & Leading Trial Attorney

Married to Rev. Joel Cook for 25 years. They have 3 children: Sarah Grace, Samuel, & Noah.

• • M.S. & J.D., University of Tennessee Knoxville • Adjunct Professor of Trial Practice, UT College of Law • Significant Courtroom Experience: ~40 Jury Trials and hundreds of Bench Trials • Practiced at every judicial level in Tennessee

SUZANNE COOK

BY THE BOOK

To the Voters of Carter County: I have enjoyed being on the campaign trail and my family and I thank you for the warm reception you have given us.

If elected, I will go by the book, the law books & the good book. As a grounded conservative, I will temper justice with grace. I am asking for your vote.

CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE CARTER, JOHNSON, WASHINGTON, UNICOI COUNTIES

423-773-1390 CitizensToElectSuzanneCook@gmail.com www.SuzanneForJudge.com Paid for by CITIZENS FOR SUZANNE COOK, LINDA BAUGHMAN, TREASURER

EARLY VOTE APRIL 13 - 28 ELECTION MAY 3

BY D W !

S K R WCarter Co. Mayor

Patty

From my heart...

PATTY’S PRIORITIES

BROADBAND

CONNECTING CARTER COUNTY WITH $10.3 MILLION FOR RURAL BROADBAND AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM TO SPEED UP EMERGECY RESPONSE TIMES

FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNICATIONS

TWEETSIE TRAIL EXTENSION

FROM 10 TO 25 MILES, LINKING VALLEY FORGE TO HAMPTON

The Power of Faith and Hard Work! www.PattyWoodbyWorks.com

It is the honor of my life to serve as your Mayor.

My term has been blessed beyond measure with opportunities for Carter County.

The opportunity to establish the Carter County Career Center which will allow students to graduate high school with a two-year Associates Degree ready for work from day one.

The opportunity to create a faith based regional addiction recovery program. A 180-bed facility with job training at the Roan Mountain Work Camp because we refuse to lose a generation to addiction.

The opportunity to join hands with area leaders and develop relationships to change the conversation about Northeast Tennessee has been amazing.

The opportunity for Carter County to take the lead on these major projects is an answer to prayers.

I am asking you for the opportunity to bring these new projects to full life with another term as Mayor.

I would be honored to have your vote and I will continue to honor you with my hard work.

Patty

PattyWoodby2022@gmail.com

423-895-8190

Paid For by Citizens For Patty Woodby, Ray Lyons, Treasurer