News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Overton County beginning the process of appointing its fourth commissioner this term after the passing of Frank Martin.
County Executive Ben Danner said the open seat is in District one, comprised of Livingston and areas near Hillham and Monroe. Danner said this is a large district but is unsure how many nominees will throw their name in for consideration.
“So it’s hard really to appoint somebody unless you go off the voting with the last election of the person that came in next,” Danner said. “Which that’s what we did with the Fifth District when we appointed Roger Carr, he was the next in the voting. In town this last time, nobody else ran.”
Danner said it is likely people refrained from running in District one because of the tenure incumbent commissioners had during the election. However, Danner said people can call the county office and put their name in for consideration.
He said the deadline is Friday before the October county commission meeting.
“I’ve had some people call about it but we appointed one already in the first district and only one person put in for it,” Danner said. “So I don’t know, I’ve had a few people contact me about it.”
Danner said one important thing to remember is the redistricting process that is about to begin. He said appointments might not be able to continue in their seat if voting maps change.
“Whoever we appoint, there’s nothing for sure that they will be able to run next time, in the First District,” Danner said. “They may be in another district depending on the numbers. We haven’t started meeting yet about that.”
Danner said the term will run until August 31, 2022. He said anyone cleared for nomination in the district has a chance to speak to the commission in October about why they should be appointed.
