F

Despite voting numbers that would rank as dismal – just 1,538 voters out of an eligible 14,955 participated, or 10% – the Morristown city election on Tuesday managed to produce historical outcomes with two of its candidates.

Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney was re-elected to serve a third four-year term. He defeated challenger Rob Buke by a margin of 810 to 701.

“We thought this one might a little bit snug,” Chesney said. “You can’t be mayor for eight years and not make some people mad but I’ve got a really outstanding campaign team. They were unselfish and free-flowing with their advice and I was smart enough to listen to them.”

The low numbers at the polls could be a sign that registered voters were content with the status quo.

“I think overall the public was pleased with the direction we have our city going. We’ve got two main deals: Infrastructure and quality of life. And I think we’re taking care of both.

“I think folks overall are pleased,” Chesney said.

“The chamber and the industrial board are doing a great job of recruiting higher paying jobs the results in more restaurants and stores and that sales tax allows to do more things without relying on property tax, and I think one of the things is gonna be street repairs.

“That’s not something people get excited about but we know we have to give it attention this year and I think (city administrator) Tony Cox’s budget presentation in about two weeks is gonna reflect that.

“Being mayor is a lot like being quarterback you get too much of the credit too much of the blame … I get a lot of underserved credit for the talent of others and I probably get some blame I shouldn’t get but that goes with it. I understand that.

As just the second African American to be elected to City Council, Joseph ‘Joe’ Senter defeated encumbant Ken Smith, 740 votes to 709.

“I’m blessed to win,” Senter said, who had arrived at the door of election headquarters on the lower level of the Hamblen County Courthouse in time to see the numbers turn in his favor.

“My intention is to put a fresh, new face on the Council,” he said. “My thing is term limits, two terms ought to be it. But I’m going to put a fresh perspective on things. I’ve been around this city for a long time, I’m getting ready to turn 70 years old. I’ve done a lot of things and I’ve seen a lot of things. But I’m there, I’m ready to roll.”

Senter worked in the Morristown Hamblen Healthcare System emergency room for 31 years, is a licensed funeral director, embalmer and an ordained preacher

His first objective, with regard to issues he’d like to see his fellow council members address, is the homeless population in Morristown.

“The number of homeless people is unbelievable,” Senter said. “I’ve never seen it this bad. I worked for years in the emergency room and every night when I would get off, I would drive out through town and see them and want to try to find some way to help them. So we’ll see what happens.”

Incumbant Council member Chris Bivens defeated challenger Katy Tindall-Klose, 851 votes to 614.

After thanking his wife, Kim, and their two children for supporting him during the campaign, Bivens said he enjoyed the work involved, especially getting out and talking to people in the community.

“Absolutely, I love people. I love to help people,” he said. “Because that’s the reason I do this.

“As long as I feel like I’m making a difference with people, I will continue to do it. And when I feel like I’m not, it’s time to quit,” he said.

The campaign work, in fact, mirrored what he sees as his role as a Council member: to listen to concerns and research possible solutions and present those to his fellow members.

Bivens heard a variety of issues on the campaign trail – “I’ll try to help each individual concern the same way,” he said. “I’m not sure how soon I’ll bring them to council, but it’s coming.”

The campaigns were well-run according to Council member Al A’Hearn, who ran unopposed.

“There was no discord among the candidates,” he said.

‘I’m sorry that Ken lost. He was a good fit because of his businesses downtown. He had his ear to the ground, he knew what was going on downtown and that helped us as a council.

“I’m sure Joe will do a good job. I don’t know him personally, but anyone who wants to run – their heart’s in it.”

With regard to the low voter turnout, A’Hearn is of the opinion that the city election should be moved.

“We ought to look at moving this election to November, so that more people come out and vote,” he said.