Local political races already taking shape

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

DAVID SMARTT

While qualifying petitions for next year’s numerous elections will not be available until November, several potential candidates are already getting a leg up on the election season by appointing political treasurers.

A total of six potential candidates have made the step of filing papers will the election office to designate treasurers who must keep track of all money taken in and spent during the campaign season. State law requires anyone who spends or receives any money for a potential run for office must first appoint a treasurer. Several financial reports are required during and after the election season. Appointing a treasurer, however, does not mean the person must seek office.

Among those receiving treasurer papers from the election office are district attorney general hopefuls Phillip Clemons and Steve Roller, both local attorneys who say they plan to challenge incumbent District Attorney Dale Potter.

Indications are that Bill Locke, a former district attorney and presently an assistant prosecutor with the Cookeville office, may throw his hat into the ring, although his brother-in-law, Robert Newman is also reportedly interested in the job.

In another prime matchup, John Pelham has appointed a treasurer for his run for county executive where he will challenge incumbent Kenneth Rogers.

Retiring incumbents, County Court Clerk David Smartt and Trustee Joy Slatton, are expected to bring out large fields for their jobs. Presently, two have treasurers in the trustee race, Anita Nunley and Donna Pelham. One person, Diane Starkey, has a treasurer for the office of county court clerk.