Eight candidates vie for 3 alderman spots

Eight candidates will vie for three spots on the McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen during the Nov. 7 city election.

Five hopefuls threw their hats in the ring to challenge the three incumbents before yesterday?s noon deadline.

The incumbents, Bobby Kirby, Michael Chrisawn and Jimmy Haley are all three asking for second terms as part of the six-member city board. The other three members, Donald Hillis, Rick Barnes and Patti Nunley, will come up for election along with McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport in two years as the city council is set up on staggered four-year terms.

Among the candidates seeking the aldermanic spots is former city vice mayor and alderman Billy Wood, who retired from the board six years ago after losing the mayoral election against Royce Davenport. Jimmy Bonner Sr., who came up short in his re-election bid two years ago after serving one term as alderman, is also among those trying for another term.

Along with present and former aldermen, there are also three political newcomers. They include Gregory David Smartt of Ben Lomand and son of County Clerk David Smartt; Mary F. Shirley, an employee of Caney Fork; and Dennis Taylor of Warren Farmer?s Co-op.

The office of alderman is a part-time position which pays $400 per month. The job of mayor is also part time at $900 per month.

The city?s aldermanic seats are at-large offices meaning the top three vote-getters will be elected to the board. There are no districts.

While there is no mayoral election in McMinnville, there will be a three-way race for the mayor?s seat in Morrison where incumbent Bobby L. Prater, asking for his second full term in office, is facing opposition from Marvin L. Turner Sr., and alderman Travis Battles. Battles will keep his aldermanic spot even if he should lose the mayoral election since his aldermanic seat will not come up for election for another two years. Should he win, he would be required to step down as alderman to become mayor.

Meanwhile, aldermanic incumbents Joe Hefner and Donald L. Miller will be defending against challenger Gloria J. Whitaker. The top two vote-getters for alderman in Morrison will be elected.