Knox County Republican Party met this morning and reorganized. Randy Pace was the only announced candidate as Chairman Buddy Burkhardt has been intending to be a 2018 candidate for Knox County Mayor.
where in the heck is 65E suppose to check in? Really!?
Knox County Register of Deeds Sherry Witt along with Billy Bright, Sandy Merriman and Debbie Davis served juice and Sausage Biscuits. Witt delivering the pork!
2018 Circuit Court Clerk candidate Charlie Susano provided Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Boy Scouts from BSA Troop 506 present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Burkhardt was nominated as was Pace. Pace sought the floor and made an introductory speech and withdrew his name from consideration in the spirit of party unity. Burkhardt was elected, Suzanne Dewar was nominated and reelected First Vice Chair. A slate of candidates were elected as Secretaries and Treasurers.
Chairman Buddy Burkhardt after being reelected.
All past Party Chairmen in attendance were asked to participate in a group photo.
When the reorganization began a 2013-2015 former Chair was recognized and asked that parliamentary procedure of someone making a motion that nominations cease and a candidate be elected by acclimation not be allowed. Parliamentarian Bud Armstrong explained the election process. Former Chairman Gerald Turner then asked so a motion for nominations ceasing can be made, the answer was yes.
In other happenings Knox News Sentinel reporter Georgiana Vines complained about being held behind the yellow tape. Only delegates and alternates were allowed beyond the yellow tape, after some comments back and forth, I made a comment about media that are a credentialed delegate. Knox County Sheriff Jimmy J.J. Jones made reference to fake news being held behind the yellow tape.
In the Sequoyah 24Q precinct only 2 delegates were seen at the convention, while at the 65E precinct at least 10 were present.
Not present today were State Representative Jason Zachary, Knox County Commissioners Charlie Busler, Bob Thomas, Ed Brantley, Randy Smith, Dave Wright. Knox County Clerk Foster Arnett. Also, Former Property Assessor Phillip Ballard and his Chief Deputy Jim Weaver appear to have vacated the Republican Party.
I had to leave before the festivities began. It was good to see so many friends. I am sorry I missed the group photo, but proud of my friend Buddy on his re-election.