Madison Co. commission candidate resigns
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MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — A Madison County commissioner turned in his resignation and another says he plans to step down. Both commissioners are running for re-election unopposed. Commissioner Doug Stephenson confirmed he turned in his resignation Tuesday to accept a position with the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department. Wednesday was his first day on the job. Jerry Bastin says he also plans to step down. Commissioner Gary Deaton says they were not notified until Tuesday. “I was not aware that he was gone leave until it happened,” he said. Stephenson, who was not available to talk on camera Wednesday, is running unopposed in the Aug. 7 election. He says state law bans commissioners from becoming county employees, but county employees can run for a spot on the county commission after they are hired. So, when Stephenson‘s new term begins on Sept. 1 he has a choice to rejoin the commission or step down a second time. Bastin is also running for re-election unopposed and says he plans to abandon his elected position. “My plans are to resign if and when I sell my farm,” he said. Bastin said he plans to move to the Nashville area to be closer to his grandchildren. “It was a really tough decision,” he said. Deaton says commissioners could appoint someone to take Stephenson‘s spot, or not appoint anyone and wait for the November election. “That‘s the way the system works. I mean there‘s not much you can do about it,” said Deaton. “They‘ll be replaced.” Some voters say they do not care, while others say they are disappointed. “We’re trying to get people in place that we can depend on to serve our community,” said Betty Roe, a Madison County voter. County commissioners still have to vote to approve Stephenson‘s resignation.
