Murray County voters get to know commissioner candidates

Published 6:28 am Sunday, May 15, 2011

CHATSWORTH — The 15 candidates for Murray County sole commissioner found out Saturday that their biggest challenge may be getting voters to remember who they are.

The candidates spent much of their time at their first public forum, held at the Murray County Senior Center, just introducing themselves to the roughly 100 voters who attended.

Most of them used their opening remarks to talk about their background and families, though audience members had to remind a few of them to state their names.

Fifteen people qualified last week to run in the nonpartisan June 21 special election to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner David Ridley, who resigned unexpectedly in March.

Those qualifying were Frank Adams, Jason Griffin, Paul Hall, Jim Hazel, Greg Hogan, Larry Morrison, Steve Noland, Brittany Pittman, Rick Pritchett, Bruce Reed, Stephen Richards, Dwight Scott, Tom Starnes, Johnny Stover and Leonard Worley.

The field includes several political newcomers as well as several familiar names.

Hogan, for instance, was defeated by Ridley in the general election for commissioner in 2008. The former Eton mayor promised voters a “common sense” approach to government.

He said that developing infrastructure, such as roads, water and sewer, is the key to creating economic growth and jobs.

“You can’t just sit back and wait on companies to come to you,” he said.

Pritchett, who lost to Ridley in the Republican primary in 2008 is also making another run for the office.

Pritchett said that Murray County needs an industrial park to help attract business to the area.

In fact, economic growth was a topic touched on by all of the candidates.

Richard, a professional engineer, said that economic development is “a long term process.”

“It’s a lot like raising a child. It takes time. You’ve got to lay the groundwork,” he said. “It will take years to make Murray County more attractive to retailers and businesses.”

Worley, an IT worker, said that Murray County has a “great Mayberry feel” to it and said he would work to make it a “Mecca for retirees.”

But Scott, a builder, said that he couldn’t promise that he would bring in a Walmart or a Longhorn steak house.

“We aren’t going to get a Walmart in the middle of a recession,” he said. “What I can promise you is that I will use the money we have to maintain the services we need right now. I’d like to have all of the things these other people are talking about, but the truth is we are in a survival mode right now.”

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There will be another candidates forum Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Murray County Veterans Memorial Park.