Commission Can’t Agree on Interim Sheriff
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. –Tommy Cunningham is still the sheriff of Madison County, at least for another month. “To me it’s crazy not to leave me in,” Cunningham said. Sammy Britt and Tommy Cunningham both failed to secure the 13 votes required to be appointed interim sheriff until the August election. Cunningham came up one vote short. “Well, I wish that I could got appointed today, but at least I’m happy I’ve got it for another month,” Cunningham said. Britt declined to comment on camera, but issued a brief statement saying “The county commission is the governing body of the county.” Commissioner Gary Deaton voted for Britt. “He’s been in law enforcement 50 years,” Deaton said. “He’s a good man. He’s solid. He’s got integrity.” Deaton says employees at the sheriff‘s office need someone who will support them. “That department has got so much fear in it and I’m looking forward the day that fear is removed,” he said. Commissioner Barbara Johnson supports Cunningham. “I know that most of the sheriff’s department are happy with him and I just don’t want to create any more confusion in the sheriff’s department then has to be,” Johnson said. Commissioners will take up the issue again April 21. Commissioners had to nominate candidates before they voted. The third applicant, John Lewoczko, wasn‘t nominated, therefore, did not receive any votes. Madison County Attorney Steve Maroney says all three candidates could be nominated and voted on at next month‘s meeting. Here are the numbers for the first vote. Cunningham: Arnold, Brantley, Brown, Brown, Ellison, Johnson, Martin, Mercer, Neese, Pearson, Ragon Britt: Bastin, Deaton, Harrell, Johnson, Johnstone, Roland, Spain, Walls, Wilson Pass: Eddleman, Hart, Lowrance, Stephenson, Tippett
