The chairmanship of the County Commission is up for grabs after the exit of two commissioners who have held the post in recent years. Larry Henry is moving on to serve as Circuit Court clerk. Fred Skillern was upset by Randy Fairbanks in the Republican primary.
Most of the returning commissioners have their eye on the possibility of taking over as chairman, or at least getting vice chairman.
First they will need to put together a coalition of five votes.
Jim Fields, of Signal Mountain, is the current vice chairman.
District 3 Commissioner Marty Haynes, who is also unopposed, is another contender.
If returnees Joe Graham, Chester Bankston and Tim Boyd make it past their upcoming election opponents they will likely be in the mix as well.Mr. Graham is facing former Commissioner John Allen Brooks in District 6. Mr. Bankston is opposed by Melinda Bone in District 9. Mr. Boyd faces former School Board Chairman Kenny Smith in District 8.
Former County Commissioner Curtis Adams is urging that the two Democrats on the commission be chosen as chairman and vice chairman. Greg Beck has been on the panel for 10 years and Warren Mackey for eight years. Mr. Adams said party politics should be put aside.
There will be newcomers on the commission replacing Mr. Henry and Mr. Skillern.
Mr. Fairbanks is opposed by write-in candidate Rhonda Thurman in District 1.
Republican Sabrena Turner is facing Democrat Ezra Maize in District 7.
The election for chairman and vice chairman will be Sept. 2.