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One week away from general election

Candidates weigh in on current race

By DAWN HANKINS - dhankins@t-g.com
Posted 11/1/22

The Nov. 8 general election, featuring Shelbyville municipal candidates, draws near. Some of the candidates vying for Council seats and City mayor recently weighed in on the race thus far.

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One week away from general election

Candidates weigh in on current race

Posted
The Nov. 8 general election, featuring Shelbyville municipal candidates, draws near. Some of the candidates vying for Council seats and City mayor recently weighed in on the race thus far.
All candidates on the City election ballot are listed as independents.
Mayoral candidate Bryan Nerren, who was out campaigning today, said his take from this election year is that “voter excitement is at an all time low.” 
Nerren has said during his campaign that he will work diligently to bring more businesses and high-quality job opportunities to this area.
Randy Carroll said his purpose for running for the office of City mayor is to be an advocate for the people. “I have studied the City budget, reviewed current and past decisions that are affecting lives now.”
Carroll has been open during his campaign about wanting to work to lower property taxes. He advised that he’s heard a lot about that topic from the community during his campaign.
“Our taxes are too high, as a result, we see questionable spending disguised as sound leadership,” said Carroll. “My leadership will bring fiscal responsibility and expand our tax base with attractive industries, providing high value jobs.”
Face-to-face meetings with voters and business owners have given him valuable insight, he said, on the direction for Shelbyville’s future. He believes he and Council can achieve many goals.
Lizzie Peoples said things are going great in her campaign. She’s looking forward to her election night gathering at Coffee Break on the public square.
Current Shelbyville Mayor Wallace “Wally” Cartwright will not be running for another term as mayor. His last Council meeting will be in December.
Comments from Council candidates
Karen Thrasher, who is running in Shelbyville City Council’s Ward 4, said, “We are working hard, talking with lots of people.  I am very pleased that early voting is going so well.  It’s always encouraging when our citizens get out to vote, and I certainly hope this trend continues.” 
Thrasher is confident there will be “a good outcome” for her efforts during this race. “I have been extremely blessed by the support and help extended to me by citizens who believe that my qualifications make me their best choice.” 
Thrasher said people have expressed their excitement about the good efforts ongoing for the City. There are also concerns on the street, she said, that there needs to be a Council which will be smart about all decisions—one that will Shelbyville to grow in good, positive ways. 
“We must manage our growth rather than allowing growth to manage us,” explained Thrasher. 
Incumbent for Ward 4, William Christie, who is hoping for a third term on City Council, said this has been “a very challenging City Council race.” He has served as representative of Ward 4 the last 8 years.
Christie added, “The good thing . . . I have had the opportunity to visit with the citizens of the 4th Ward, meet new friends and get their opinions about how issues are going in Shelbyville. If I am fortunate to be re-elected, I will take this information and present it to the Council for consideration.”
He said that the results of this election will determine whether the Council is made up of members that will raise taxes to cover expenses or members that understand the burden that higher taxes put on citizens.
Candidate for City Council, Bobby Turnbow, said Friday that judging from the conversations he’s had with people in Ward 6, he feels certain they are ready for change. “Guess it’s going OK. It’s in the voter’s hands now.”  
Also running in Ward 6 is incumbent Ricky Overcast, who was elected in 2018. He is owner and operator of Overcast Bonding.
Running against Overcast and Turnbow in Ward 6 is new candidate Drew Hayes, who considers himself a Republican and conservative leader. He has said during his campaign that he will work to lower the property tax base.
Incumbent Marilyn Ewing is running unopposed for the Ward 2 Council seat. Ewing said she intends to continue working for recruitment of industry in her second Council term. She praises the companies that have graced this community for many years. She will support, she said, local tourism.
Early voting ends Thursday. As of Oct. 26, there were 2,445 early votes cast.
Polls open on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. at respective precincts.
See Bedford County Election info on the bedfordcountytn.gov/departments/elections website.