Election Day, 2008
HUNTSVILLE — A summer-long campaign for the Assessor of Property’s office comes to an end today (Thursday) as Scott Countians go to the polls.
The race is the only county-wide race on the ballot, but has generated considerable interest. Steve Thompson, the incumbent, faces opposition from Rick Russ, a former County Commissioner. Thompson has served served in his role as Assessor of Property since 2000, while Russ, who is employed as a paramedic with Scott County EMS, was a County Commissioner in the 4th District until 2006.
While the tax assessor’s office may be the only county-wide race on the ballot, a number of district races are up for grabs, most notable of which are races for the Boards of Education in Scott County and Oneida.
In the 2nd District, Scott County Board of Education member Sam Wright has chosen not to seek re-election. Vying for his seat will be Brad Zachery and Sandra E. Young.
In the 3rd District, board chairman Jake Sharp has opted not to seek re-election. Sharp’s sister, Wilma “Mae” Chitwood, was a candidate for the office. However, she died unexpectedly last week following a short battle with cancer. Former 3rd District board member Tony Sexton is also on the ballot.
In the 6th District, board member Vivian Smith is running unopposed.
In the Oneida Special School District, Board of Education Chairman Dr. Nancy Williamson and Vice-Chairman Dr. Danny Cross are both up for re-election. They are the only candidates on the ballot.
Constable positions will also be up for grabs in each of the county’s seven civil districts. In the 1st District, incumbent David “Blue” Day is running unopposed. There is no candidate in the 2nd District; however, multiple persons have mounted write-in campaigns. In the 3rd District, incumbant Teddy King is opposed by Roy Lee Phillips. In the 4th District, incumbent Curtis Crabtree is being opposed by Jimmy E. Sexton. George A. Sexton, Raymond L. Day and Wilburn Walker are competing for an open seat in the 5th District. In the 6th District, former jail administrator Michael R. Wilson is opposing incumbent David P. Brewster. In the 7th District, incumbent Anthony Carson is opposed by Mike Erwin and Jason Claborn.
Democratic and Republican primaries for state representative, state senate, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are also held today.
The polls will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
According to Administrator of Elections Gabe Lowe, 1,364 ballots were cast in the early election period, which ended Saturday. Among those, 699 voted in the general election only, while 343 voted in the Republican primary and 322 voted in the Democratic primary.