This Friday, May 18, will be the first day to pick up qualifying petitions for the city election. Four of the council seats will be on the ballot. Normally, there would be just three but since Ms. Jennifer Wampler was appointed to fill her late husband, Harry Wampler's seat, that seat will also be on the ballot but just for a two year term.

So three seats will be for four year terms and one seat will be for a two year term. Also, Lenoir City elections are nonpartisan and at large. This means no republican or democrat affiliation and the top three vote getters in the four year term race are the winners and the top vote getter in the two year term race is the winner.

The three seats up for the four year term are currently held by Mike Henline, Buddy Hines and Jim Shields. The single seat in the two year term race is held by Ms. Wampler. I don't know if any or all of these candidates intend to seek re-election. Ms. Wampler could choose to seek re-election to her current seat for the two year term or she could actually run for one of seats in the four year term. 

Candidates picking up petitions will have to choose if they want to run in the four year term race or the two year term race.

I could be wrong, but I'm hearing there may be a lot of interest in the Lenoir City election this year mostly due to the Rain Tax passed by the city last year. Did you know, the city has squeezed over four hundred thousand dollars from Lenoir City churches, schools, daycares, nonprofits, businesses and citizens? That's just in eight months. Do you also remember the city can raise the Rain Tax any time they want? Lots to be thought about. Oh, also, every council member on the ballot in November voted for the Rain Tax.  

Aside from the council race, two Lenoir City School Board seats will also be on the ballot. Those seats currently held be Bobby Johnson Sr. and Jim McCarroll

In addition to the Lenoir City race, all Loudon City and Greenback elected officials will also be on the November ballot.

We'll discuss these elections in more detail as time goes on.

Greenback Election

City elections will be November 6th.

• Early voting dates- October 17- November 1, 2018