Residents gather to meet candidates running for office in Crockett County
CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — Residents in one community get the chance to meet the candidates running for office following the first day of early voting.
Crockett county residents gathered this evening to put a face to some candidates names that are on the ballot, here’s a look.
“We want to give a chance for all the candidates to come and kind of voice what they’re about and kind of their platform. That’s what we’re doing here tonight,” said Walter Yearwood, president of the republican party in Crockett County.
Candidates from Alamo, Bells, Friendship, Gadsden, and Maury city that showed up gave a quick speech. These speeches were encouraged to be recorded to then be posted on their social media platforms.
Residents in these four cities were able to hear from potential aldermen, mayors, and school board members. Some voters shared what they are looking for in the candidates.
“Somebody that’s going to uphold our values in Crockett county, is going to look toward the future for the children and what our county need. Is going to strive for everything that will make Crockett county better,” said Hope Owens, voter.
Owens is an American history teacher. This was her first time attending a candidate meet and greet and she says voting is important to her.
“Any time you give up that right to vote and have a voice in the government, especially being a woman. Obviously that’s something we have fought for the last 100 years and I’m proud to be able to vote and cast my vote for the choices I want, to make a difference in our county,” said Owens.
Derrick Smith wanted to attend the meet and greet to become more educated and involved with his community. He shared the most important thing he looks for in a candidate is someone who has a vision for the community.
“I think it was just nice to meet them and get to shake their hand. Some of the introductions weren’t exactly what I was expecting. But the benefit was like what’s happening now, and what was happening before it officially started and having those conversations with them,” said Smith.
He encourages voters to get out to vote intentionally. This was smith’s first time attending a meet and greet.
“What’s Alamo facing, even some of the candidates were talking about infrastructure or water system. I don’t know that unless I kind of learn that from them. So hearing that from people that’s already in office describe that to me and then people say that’s what we want to do in the future means the most,” said Smith.
Voting ends Monday, May 5 for cities in Crockett County. For a complete list of candidates in those 5 cities, click here.
For more Crockett County news, click here.
