Templeton Named Deputy Commissioner
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The mayor of McNairy County is stepping down to accept a position as Deputy Commissioner at the Tennessee of Agriculture. Jai Templeton tells ABC 7 Eyewitness News that he will leave the mayor’s office later this month and begin work in Nashville June 1. Templeton is a sixth generation farmer. As Deputy Commissioner he will oversee day-to-day operations of the department and help direct programs and services ranging from food safety, animal and plant health, pesticides and consumer protection to forestry and agricultural development. Templeton has served as mayor of McNairy County since 2006. He is a former county commissioner and former president of the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of Union University. Templeton said his wife and three children will continue to live in McNairy County while he commutes to Nashville. Templeton succeeds retiring Deputy Commissioner Terry Oliver who has 20 years in public service including stints as commissioner under former Gov. Phil Bredesen. Templeton said the McNairy County Commissioners will likely name his successor at their June meeting. The appointee will serve until the general election in August of 2012. The person elected in 2012 will serve a two year team until the regular election in 2014.
