County executive candidates clash
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Incumbent Carol Hamblen says she wants the job another four years to continue the momentum she’s built during her term.
Those were two of the many answers provided by the candidates during Monday night’s debate which saw two of the three county executive hopefuls entertain a variety of questions.
“My daddy was there and I want to be there too,” said Warren when asked why he wants to tackle the challenge of being county executive.
To that same question, Hamblen answered, “I’ve been very passionate about my job. I see a lot of potential. I want to give back to Warren County because it’s been so good to me.”
Hamblen, who is seeking her second term, pointed to the county’s accomplishments during her first four years. She said teachers have received pay raises and was proud to say all county employees have received pay increases each year she’s been in office.
She also noted airport improvements, $4 million in grant money, and new voting machines as projects she has helped see through to fruition.
Warren, who was born and raised in Warren County, graduated from Dibrell High School before taking classes at MTSU. He had several stints working at Carrier for around 18 years before deciding to go into business for himself. He now owns a downtown business named Computers Plus.
Warren says he will focus on getting to know our state leaders in Nashville if he is elected. He said his father, W.T. Warren, had a amiable relationship with the governor when he served as county judge in the 1950s. That was during a time when county judge had many of the duties county executive has today.
“We have to learn to take advantage of the help we can get from the state,” said Warren. “We need the governor and the legislators on our side and that only comes from getting them to know us. My daddy got a lot of things for this county by going up to Nashville and meeting as many people as he could.”
Hamblen indicated her first four years have been a learning process. She said one of the challenges has been working in harmony with the 24-member County Commission.
“I had not been part of the legislative process before,” said Hamblen. “And it’s taken four years for us to understand where the other is coming from. Over the next four years, I hope to sit down and set out some goals with the new commission right from the start and find out up front from everybody where they stand.”