Ned Smiddy, Bob Walden pick up petitions

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Now there are four candidates who could potentially be on the August ballot for the 5th district school board seat currently held by Steve Morgan. La Follette Elementary School Principal Bob Walden and Jellico High School Resource Officer Ned Smiddy picked up petitions today. Morgan and Ryne Cummins already have petitions.

Walden will either have to retire or resign in order to serve on the board of education, according to Mallory Rosenfeld, Administrator of Elections. Rosenfeld is looking into Smiddy’s status if he is able to continue as an SRO and hold the office.

Here is who has requested a petition so far:

(I) Incumbent

School Board

District 1 – Sherry Chapman and Lisa Fields (I)

District 2 – Bryan St. John, DeWayne “Mailman” Kitts*, Brent Lester (I) and Marvin Rutherford

District 3 – Jessica Childress, Brandon Johnson, Jacob Perkins and Jason Rutherford

District 4 – Josh James (I) and Jamie Wheeler

District 5 – Ryne Cummins, Steve Morgan (I), Ned Smiddy and Bob Walden

County wide races

Road Superintendent Ron Dilbeck (I)

Property Assessor Brandon Partin (I) and N. Marie Ayers

State Rep. Dennis Powers asked for a petition to get his name on the August ballot which will be the state’s primary election.

Those wishing to run for public office in the August election may pick up petitions through Thu., April 4, 2024. Petitions must be turned in by noon on Thu., April 4, 2024.

The state districts will elect candidates in August, the primary for November’s general election; District 36 State Representative (Dennis Powers) and District 12 State Senate (Ken Yager).

* Can Kitts hold a county commission seat and a school board seat simultaneously? No, according to state law. “He will have to resign from the county commission, and the commission will have to accept his resignation in order for our office to accept his petition for county school board member (TCA 49-2-202),” said Mallory Rosenfeld, Administrator of Elections.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/08/2024-6PM)

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