Smith County Insider Election Poll – August 2, 2018
(Smith County Insider Press) Carthage, Tenn. – 2018 is scheduled to be a big year for elections in Tennessee and Smith County. Several top county offices will be up for election including County Mayor, Sheriff, Trustee, County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, Register of Deeds, and all 24 County Commissioner seats. Election Day will be on August 2, 2018. Early voting will be held at the Turner Building from July 13 until July 28. Only vote in the poll if you are a registered voter in Smith County, Tennessee. Vote below in the Smith County Insider Election Poll: Poll ends on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 12:00 PM.
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[poll id=”31″] Poll Disclaimer Smith County Insider polls are a way of encouraging users to express their views and participate in our community. The polls are not based on scientific, representative samples and their results are vulnerable to manipulation by individuals or groups with an interest in the outcome. They are for entertainment only. These polls do not constitute a reliable sounding of public opinion. Online polls can be manipulated by orchestrated campaigns of like-minded individuals intent on stuffing the online poll. They also can be hacked by individuals or small groups using more sophisticated techniques to overcome multiple-voting restrictions. We have no reliable method of determining whether or not an online poll has been manipulated. If, however, we see clear indications of manipulation we will remove the poll from our site. Nonetheless, all online polls are vulnerable, and evidence of manipulation may not be apparent even when it has occurred. [wdca_ad id=”11404″ ] [wdca_ad id=”11484″ ]
John Rose pledges support for President Trump

COOKEVILLE, TN– 6thDistrict Congressional candidate John Rose pledged his support for President Trump and his vision for making America great again. During their meeting in Nashville today, Rose indicated to the President that if elected, he will work in Congress to support the President’s measures to fight illegal immigration by building the wall and ending dangerous sanctuary city policies.
“It is time to take care of our borders and our people. We need to build the wall, enforce our laws, and create a system that works where law abiding American citizens are safe and dangerous illegal immigrants are kept out,” Rose said.
President Trump and Rose took a few moments to discuss their similarities as well. Rose is a businessman, first time candidate, and political outsider and was inspired to run himself after supporting President Trump during the 2016 election. “We need people in Washington D.C. who have created jobs and who have fresh ideas for helping solve our nation’s problems, not more career politicians who serve for decades and at the end of the day have nothing to show for it,” Rose stated.
The President was interested to hear about early polling and the campaign outlook. As the two finished their conversation, the President wished John well in his race.
Rose and his wife Chelsea are the owners and operators of the Lancaster Farm, a Pioneer Farm in the Lancaster and Temperance Hall communities of Smith and Dekalb Counties.
Rose is a conservative Republican, small business owner, farmer, staunch supporter of the 2ndamendment, and 100% pro-life. He is an eighth generation Tennessean who has spent his life in the district working to improve and contribute to his community. Rose is seeking the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 6thCongressional District, a seat left open by Diane Black who is running for Governor.
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Lee Ann Williams announces candidacy for Smith County Trustee

Lee Ann Williams
I, Lee Ann Williams, would like to announce my candidacy for your Smith County Trustee. I have had the great pleasure of serving Smith County as Trustee since 1998. During my time in office I have strived to make the office more efficient by adding a new tax accounting system, a new on-line search and payment system, adding a payment drop box, bidding out bank accounts, and by extending hours during the month of February.
I am an active member in the County Officials Association, The Tennessee Trustees Association and The Middle Tennessee Trustees Association. These Associations are a vital part of following legislation that affects your tax dollars.
I am the daughter of Ruth Givens, and the late Willard Givens. My husband Benny and I have been married for thirty-seven years. Our son Craig Williams is married to Ashley Ray Williams, and they have given us two wonderful grandsons, Cooper and Cole. We attend the Family Worship Center at Gordonsville, where I am involved in the youth ministry.
My relationship with Smith County is a lifelong one. I feel that Smith County folks are the best, and that God has blessed me to live here.
I would like to ask for you vote in the August election.
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Jason Stewart announces candidacy for District 2 County Commission (Tanglewood)

My name is Jason Stewart and I would like to formally announce my candidacy for District 2 County Commissioner, which includes the communities of Turkey Creek, Monoville, Riddleton, Tanglewood, and Dixon Springs. I have been a life long resident of Smith County, growing up in Defeated and graduating from Defeated Elementary. I then graduated from Smith County High School in 2000. There, I met my beautiful wife Bridgett England Stewart of 16 years. Together we have two wonderful daughters, Brooklynn who attends Gordonsville High School and my youngest daughter Bailey who attends Gordonsville Elementary.
I have been a servant for Smith County for the past 16 years. In July of 2002 I started out as a police officer for the town of Carthage City. I graduated at Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in December of 2002. I then transferred to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office in October of 2006 where I worked as a road deputy until August of 2008. I then transferred to Gordonsville High School as their school resource officer, in which I have been proudly working with these young kids for the last 10 years. I am currently the acting supervisor over the School Resource Officer Division here in Smith County.
I was raised up at Peytons Creek Baptist Church, and have been a member of North Carthage Baptist church since 2005 where my family and I attend. Being involved with the school system and our youth of this community makes them my top priority. I would be honored to continue serving our great county as your Commissioner. I humbly ask for your support and vote on Election Day, August 2. Early voting is July 13 – July 28. Thank you and may God Bless Smith County and its residents.
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Randy Glover announces candidacy for District 7 County Commission (South Carthage)

I, Randy Lee Glover, would like to officially announce that I am running for Smith County Commissioner in District 7. This district consists primarily of South Carthage, Hogan’s Creek, Bradford Hill, and Watervale communities.
Born and raised in Smith County, my parents are Roger and Genia Glover and Harvey and Cheryl Lankford. I have worked with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for the past 12 years. My current role is the Assistant Jail Administrator, training officer, and Lieutenant of the Correctional Department. I am a member of Hogan’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church, the Tennessee Cattleman’s Association, and a Board member for the Smith County Misdemeanor Drug Court. I graduated from Smith County High School in 1995. At the young age of 8, I began studying and training in Martial Arts. After winning several championships in the Southeast region and 22 State Championships, I went on to compete on both the national and international platform. In 2002, 2003, and 2005 I achieved my personal goal by earning a spot USA Kickboxing team, and went on to win a Bronze and Silver medal in the world kickboxing championships. I was inducted in the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2008. To share my passion for martial arts, I opened United Karate Studios in Carthage and South Carthage where I was the head instructor from 2002-2013.
I am engaged to Kristie Windham and plan to be married this summer. We have made our home just outside of the South Carthage city limits on a farm in the Riverpointe subdivision. Kristie has lived and worked in Smith County for several years. She works in the Smith County School system as a Math Coach for our local teachers. Together we have four children. Taylor is 19 and is currently enrolled at Cumberland University where he was recently inducted into the
Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society. Colton is an 8th grader at Smith County Middle School, where he plays on their baseball team. Cody is a 5th grader at Smith County Middle School and plays baseball and basketball in the rec leagues. Ashlyn is a 2nd grader at Carthage Elementary and plays basketball and soccer for the county rec leagues.
In 2014, I was elected Smith County Commissioner in District 2, where I served until I moved out of the district. I always made an effort to keep my communities educated about issues facing our county and I vow to do the same in my new district. I will always be available and willing to speak with anyone about any issues or problems regarding our communities and county. I would appreciate your vote and support in the upcoming election. I look forward to serving as a community representative for our district.
Randy Lee Glover
46 Fox Run Lane
Carthage, TN 37030
615-281-7557
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List of confirmed candidates for the Smith County Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet

The Smith County Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet is set to take place on June 4, 2018 at the Smith County Ag Center. Click HERE for more information about the event.
To register for the event, all candidates must contact Smith County Insider before June 1, 2018. Call/Text (615) 735-7435, email News@SmithCountyInsider.com, or send a message to Smith County Insider on Facebook to register.
ALL candidates are invited to attend. Below is a list of confirmed candidates as of June 3 – 7:20 P.M.:
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives – 6th Congressional District (Primary)
- Merrilee Wineinger (D)
- Lavern “Uturn LaVern” Vivio (R)
Governor of Tennessee
TN Senate – 17th District (Primary)
- Mary Alice Carfi (D)
- Mark Pody (R)
TN House of Representatives – 40th District (Primary)
- Chad Williams (R)
State Executive Committeeman – 17th District
State Executive Committeewoman – 17th District
- Carol Brown Andrews (D)
Smith County Mayor
- Mark Jones
- Jeff Mason
- Ricky Slack
- Billy Woodard
County Commission – Defeated – District 1
- David Morgan
- Kerry “Bud” West
County Commission – Tanglewood – District 2
- Greta Anderson Kirby
- Jason Stewart
County Commission – New Middleton – District 3
- Dalton Paschal
County Commission – Rock City – District 4
- Erika Ebel
- Matthew J. Inyart
- Ronald Shumake
County Commission – Gordonsville – District 5
- Linda Nixon
County Commission – Carthage – District 6
County Commission – South Carthage – District 7
- Joey Nixon
- Randy Glover
- Steven Lish
- Tommy Bane
County Commission – Elmwood – District 8
- David Gross
Trustee
- Lee Ann Williams
Sheriff
- Michael F. Guerra Jr.
Circuit Court Clerk
- Clifa Norris
County Clerk
Register of Deeds
- Jerri Lin Vaden-Malone
- Peggy Lancaster Massey
School Board – New Middleton – District 3
- Jeremy V. Johnson
School Board – Rock City – District 4
School Board – Carthage – District 6
School Board – Elmwood – District 8
Town of South Carthage Mayor
- Hollis Mulinax
- Tim Grisham
Town of South Carthage Alderman – Ward 1
Town of South Carthage Alderman – Ward 2
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Press Release: From the Campaign desk of Billy Woodard for Smith County Mayor
Press Release Paid for by Billy Woodard for Smith County Mayor

Press Release:
As a voter in Smith County you are going to pick a new Mayor in the August 2nd election.
Five candidates are running to be Smith County’s next Mayor. I am one of those candidates. The bait and switch of most political races is that the campaigns, prior to the vote, turn on grand visions and big promises rather than revealing the skills needed to do the job. Making big promises gets a candidate noticed and even more so in a large field like 5 candidates. That is a shame because candidates “promising skills” and “management skills” often differ.
Getting the job of Mayor and getting the job done as Mayor are two very different things. A candidate must know what the job really is and you, the voter, must know the capability of each candidate to manage a complex operational and politically sensitive organization. It is vital to choose someone with the right skills because executive ability is an essential skill for turning civic vision into civic reality. Promises aren’t enough.
- Starting from Scratch:Even the most well-intentioned predecessor leaves questions that need to be answered. He has generally moved on to another job and other ventures which leaves a gap in the continuity of the office. That gap remains until the new Mayor can bring himself up to speed. The learning curve can be steep for the inexperienced person who does not have prior business management or government experience. For many years now, we have been on a positive and steady path of growth and prosperity. Our financial standing is better than ever, our legal standing (litigation) is better than ever. The productiveness of our county offices is as good as ever. That didn’t happen overnight. Yes, there is room for improvement, but a complete reset of the political environment makes that continuing progress difficult at best and in the wrong hands it is virtually impossible.
- About the budget:Fifty-three million dollars. Yes, Smith County has a budget that big and approximately 850 employees in all departments, offices and schools. To be effective they, at one time or another need a large swath of the Mayors time and attention. Attention to financial details such as interest rates, bond rates and possible refinance of existing debt. Attention to the funds and keeping the County Commission informed of changes and any needed actions. Turning the budget in on time and keeping the tax rate as low as possible while providing the essential services demanded by the voters of Smith County.
- Emails, letters and meetings can swamp a new mayor: The mayor gets thousands of letters and emails each year. Every one of them deserves a careful reply. Fair and impartial service to the people of Smith County should be the hallmark of any Mayor elected.
- County Commission:The Mayor executes, but the Commission legislates. Without 13 of the 24 commissioners voting in agreement all those campaign promises are dead on arrival. That’s why a candidate needs to be careful about making promises that he cannot keep. The taxpayers need to be protected from “over the top” promises that are designed only to get a candidate elected and not designed to give the people of Smith County a fair distribution of services. In 2016 Smith County’s revenues were approximately $65,000,000.00 and those funds need to be budgeted properly to give the most service and be the best value for the people of Smith County.
- Employees – make or break:County employees live and work in the county and come from all corners of the county. Some from outside. Naturally they look to the Mayor to inspire them, help them know the importance of their work and to create a culture of excellence that surpasses personal agendas and serves the people of Smith County.
- Everything Else: Community breakfasts, fundraisers, food distributions, park management, industrial client visits, retention of current industry, neighboring counties and officials, Support agencies, the State Capitol, TDOT, TNECD, TN Dept of Tourist Development, TVA, county officials, not to mention taking care of yourself, your home and family, your own energy and health. Picking a Mayor is not a task the voters of Smith County should take lightly. It should be thought out and deliberate. Don’t vote based solely on kinship or the campaign “circus” of signs and ads. Vote based on credentials, experience, skill and past voting record.
You need a Mayor who isn’t going to just show up overwhelmed each day and just react to what lands in his inbox. A purely reactive mayor, hemmed in by the job, is unable to advance any vision at all. You need a Mayor who doesn’t buy into the “imperial mayoralty”, thinking that just by issuing orders, directives and commands, workers will follow. Smith County will not run on automatic pilot. It needs a steady hand and thought.
The Mayor’s job is a multitasking challenge and amid the clamor he needs the skills to be strategic and to lead with grace, wisdom humility and authenticity. He must create policy, analysis and decision-making templates that will run for the duration of his time in office and beyond.
A tall order for anyone, but an enormous leap for a candidate who has not built a complex organization or led an extraordinarily diverse team through intense challenges before.
An attractive speech full of promises may be necessary for a candidate in the election, but it is not sufficient for a Mayor to succeed. That’s why a voter must look at and consider managerial talent, experience and education before the vote.
We can secure our future thru continued progress, but not with inexperience, or campaign promises. On August 2 vote for the candidate with the skills, training and experience to lead Smith County into prosperity. Vote Billy Woodard.

Press Release Paid for by Billy Woodard for Smith County Mayor
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Shannon Minchey announces candidacy for District 4 County Commission (Rome/Rock City)

Shannon Minchey
I, Shannon Minchey, would like to officially announce my candidacy for Smith County Commissioner of District 4 (Rock City/Rome). I WILL NOT have a sign on every corner or intersection or in anyone’s front yard, so I’m asking your help in spreading the word with me. I humbly ask for your support and vote to allow me to continue serving as your Commissioner for District 4.
I am a life long resident of Smith County and live in the Rock City community with my amazing wife Casey Minchey and our three wonderful children, Marissa, Nicholas, and Madison, all whom which attend Union Heights Elementary. I really enjoy being a supporter and servant to my community and my county. Here is a little more info about myself for those who don’t know. I have been a volunteer fireman on the Rock City/Rome Fire Department since June of 2002. I have also been a member of the Smith County Rescue Squad since August of 2004. I have been employed Smith County 911 as a certified Advanced EMD since September of 2005. I am also currently in the Smith County Adult Leadership class of 2018, and for at least the last 8 years I been coaching or an assistant coach to our youth in t-ball, coach pitch softball, and now minor league baseball. My goal is to serve for the people of my district and to keep improving our community and our county for every resident and our upcoming youth to enjoy! Thank you again for your support and God Bless!
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Joey Nixon announces candidacy for District 7 County Commission (South Carthage)

Joey Nixon
My name is Joey Nixon and I am excited to again announce my candidacy for District 7 County Commissioner. Fifteen years ago, I married my best friend, Russti Oldham Nixon. We have been blessed with two children together, Brevin and Beasley Nixon. In 2015, Russti and I purchased the Waggoner Building in the heart of South Carthage, where I work as a computer software engineer.
My parents, Kenneth and Linda Nixon, raised me in this district. I feel honored to be able to call District 7 my home for my entire life.
For the past twelve years, you have allowed me to serve and represent our district. Eight of those years, I have worked hard as the chairman of the county’s budget and finance committee. I have also had the opportunity to serve on the county’s Chamber of Commerce, Joint Economic and Community Development, and Library boards.
I live my life on the principles of Faith, Family, and Community. If elected, I intend to continue to use those same principles to work for our district.
Lastly, I want to encourage anyone reading this to exercise your right to vote. Many brave men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for this right.
Your support and vote on August 2nd would be appreciated. Thank you for time, and may God bless.
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Marty McCaleb announces candidacy for District 3 School Board (New Middleton)

Marty McCaleb
Marty McCaleb, local businessman and Smith County resident announces his bid for the New Middleton District 3 School Board seat.
In kicking off his campaign, McCaleb vows to build on the reputation of success of the school system in the district. He pledges to fight for each and every student and make sure their voices are heard. As a School Board member, McCaleb would eagerly listen to district residents for their issues and concerns.
As a self-made business owner of R.M. McCaleb Transportation, McCaleb understands the value of hard work and determination and will apply these traits in his work on the School Board. McCaleb is also a lifelong resident of Smith County, still living on the family farm he grew up on and is community driven. He is running for School Board to continue his involvement with the ultimate goal of helping his community thrive.
McCaleb has three sons Jake (wife Lauren Nesbitt and grandson Jude), Jonah and Jeremiah and all went through the Smith County public education system. McCaleb is married to Stephanie Hollis McCaleb. He served on the Smith Co. Election Commission, is a member of the Tennessee Cattle Association as well as being a Gideon.
McCaleb would like to ask everyone for their vote and support. Election Day is August 2, 2018. Early voting is July 13, 2018 – July 28, 2018.
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Election Commission votes to remove Democratic State Representative candidate from the ballot

Jason Holleman
District 40 state representative candidate Jason Holleman has been removed from the ballot for the Democratic primary election this August.
A special meeting was called April 18 after Holleman’s residency was challenged for not meeting qualification requirements.
Following a unanimous vote by the Commission, it was decided that Holleman would be removed from the ballot after failing to provide sufficient proof of his claimed residency at 536 Rome Road in the Riddleton community. (Listen to audio of the full meeting above)
Holleman, a former Nashville City Councilman, picked up a petition to qualify to run in the Democratic primary on March 29. One of the qualifications for that office is for the candidate to be a resident in the county represented for one year immediately preceding the election that will be held on November 6, 2018.
Yvonne Gibbs, Administrator of Smith County elections, challenged the residency of Mr. Holleman after having proof that he did not meet those requirements to be eligible. Holleman had registered to vote in Smith County on January 22, 2018. Prior to then, Holleman had been registered to vote in Davidson County since 1991.
The Smith County Election Commission tried twice to mail Holleman’s voter registration card, but it failed to be delivered and was returned to sender. Holleman’s driver license’s address had also been changed in March 2018.
After the meeting was called to order, Yvonne Gibbs presented proof. Following that, Holleman presented his proof and then took questions via conference call from Mark Goins, Coordinator of Elections for the State of Tennessee.
Carol Brown Andrews, candidate for State Executive Committeewoman, and John Oliver, chairman of Trousdale County Election Commission, spoke on Holleman’s behalf to help prove his residency.
Andrews tweeted after the meeting:
Smith County Election Commission displayed an embarrassing lack of knowledge about everything, including online billing/banking, when they banned @jasonholleman from ballot for #TN40. Plus, they called me, neighbor forever, a liar. #TN40
— Carol Brown Andrews (@CarolBAndrews) April 19, 2018
With Holleman being removed, this now leaves no Democrat on the ballot for either the primary or general election. The next State Representative will be decided in the August 2, 2018, Republican primary.
Either candidate, Chad Williams or Terri Lynn Weaver will be unopposed in the November 6 general election.
Currently, the decision for Jason Holleman to appeal the commission’s decision to chancery court is still being debated. At the moment, Holleman has been removed from the ballot unless the decision is appealed in chancery court.
The Smith County Election Commission consists of:
- Neal Hall, Chairman
- Jimmy Kemp
- Janice Lynch
- Rusty Williams
- Rob Goodrow
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Matthew J. Inyart announces candidacy for District 4 County Commission (Rome/Rock City)

Matthew J. Inyart
I, Matthew J. Inyart, would like to formally announce my name for consideration for Smith County Commissioner in District 4 (Rome/Rock City).
I was elected by the Smith County Commissioners in May 2017 to fill the empty District 4 seat on the Commission. Since then, I’ve actively served in the Ethics (Vice-Chairperson), Rules of Order, Solid Waste, Rome Ferry Committees, among others.
I am married to Stephanie Jenkins-Inyart, an educator at Union Heights Elementary. We have two growing boys- Cooper (2 years old) and Cole (6 weeks old). We have lived on the family farm on Jenkins Road in the Rome community for the past six years. I currently work for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, in their Information Technology Division.
Since moving to Smith County, I have made it my goal to be active in the community in which I reside. That started with becoming a member at Gordonsville United Methodist Church. From there, I have joined several organizations including Southside Lions Club, which I am currently serving as President since 2016, New Middleton Masonic Lodge #249 and Carthage Benevolent Masonic Lodge #14, Smith County Adult Leadership Opportunity (serving as Chairman for Class of 2018), among others.
I moved to Smith County because my wife’s family is from here. However, in the past six years, I have made the Rome community my home. I respect Smith County’s history and I want to be part of its future. I believe in Smith County.
I humbly ask for your vote in the August 2nd election to continue to serve this community.
Click HERE to follow his campaign on Facebook.
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Jerri Lin Vaden-Malone Seeks Re-Election for Register of Deeds

Jerri Lin Vaden-Malone
I am most humble in announcing my candidacy for re-election to the office of Smith County Register of Deeds.
The office of Smith County Register of Deeds belongs to you, the citizens of Smith County. I first took this office September 1, 2006 and on day 1 I hit the ground running to learn everything I could about this office so you, the people of Smith County, would know and understand that I take this job seriously and I am here to represent each of you.
This position requires a very unique, skilled, and patient individual to correctly perform the duties of this office. The state of TN has many statues that govern the recording of instruments in our office; therefore, the position of Register of Deeds requires an individual who has the ability to understand and apply those statues to the process of recording the various instruments in this office. In this office, you must constantly study and be aware of the laws which govern this office. I feel I have demonstrated the skills and proficiency it takes to operate this office and that I am very much qualified for this office.
It is my strong belief that we must ALL work TOGETHER to stand up for our CHRISTIAN VALUES and entwine these values into our everyday workplace. A pretty smile and good heart can make someone’s day and when you come to our office that is what I want each of you to see out of myself and staff.
Many accomplishments have been made over the last few years. I would like to point some of these to you:
- The Register of Deeds office went on computer in June, 1999. All documents are recorded on a daily basis online, indexed, and verified.
- Documents prior to June 1999, have been scanned in per page per document – 30 years back and currently we are indexing these documents.
- All plats/surveys are online for public viewing which can be processed around the globe; this saves on postage and minimizes the wait time.
- Negotiating a free public website for customers, the site will have all real estate documents from 1800-present.
- Smith County Register of Deeds Audits – Zero deficiencies every year.
In this job it is most helpful to know and understand some real estate law; you can’t jump into this job without some knowledge of how the process works. There are reasons for all things to be precise and we strive to make sure all documents are precise and accurate.
Customer service is a big factor in this job and our office strives every day to give each customer a good experience and when they walk away from our office we want each person to know that we work for you and YOU are important to us. There is no way I could do this job without the help of my staff. When we first started, it was myself, Susan, and Becky. We all strived to represent our Register of Deeds office in a professional, friendly, and efficient manner every day. Susan left us to go home and babysit those precious grand babies (and yes we miss her), but when Susan left we welcomed Tammie to our office, and she has joined together with us to continue our professionalism and excellent customer service we want each of you to receive.
A little about myself —I have five beautiful girls ranging from soon to be 22 to 6— yes that is right five girls — Charli is 21, soon to be 22, and will be graduating from Cumberland University in May with a BS in Athlete Training, Chelsi who is 19, soon to be 20, is attending UT Knoxville majoring in Pre-Dentistry, Caiti and Cassi (the twins as we call them) are 13 soon to be 14 and will be 9th graders at Gordonsville High School in August and then there is Karsci who is 6 and she attends New Middleton Elementary. Travis Vaden is the dad of Charli, Chelsi, Caiti and Cassi and jointly we are raising the four of them. Karsci’s dad is Darrell Malone. We are married and reside on Agee Branch in Hickman.
My parents are Janice and Jimmy Perrigo of South Carthage, Jerry and Molly Stewart of Temperance Hall, my grandparents Sue Perrigo and the late Ray and Ocia Paschall and Clyde and Ruby Stewart.
A few years back, four of my girls, before Karsci came along, made a brochure for my campaign — They want every voter to know the reason they think their MOM (Jerri Lin Vaden-Malone) Should Be Re-Elected
Charli says my Mom is the most Competent, Chelsi says my Mom is the most Capable, Caiti says my Mom is the most Courteous, Cassi says my Mom is the most Confident, and Karsci says my Mom is a Keeper. The five of us think our Mom is the best for the job. She is a hard worker and enjoys working for the people of Smith County.
At this time I would like the thank each you for allowing me to serve as your Smith County Register of Deeds. My office has always been open to my constituents and i feel that I have served you openly, honestly, and with integrity. In advance, I want to thank you for any support in the August election and may God richly bless each one of you.
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Smith County Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet set for June 4

Updated: May 22 – 10:40 A.M.
The Smith County Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet will be held on Monday night, June 4, 2018. The event will begin with a Meet and Greet at 6:00pm, followed by a Forum led and moderated by JR Smith at 7:00pm. The event will take place at the Smith County Ag Center located at 159 Ag Center Lane – Carthage, TN 37030.
The Smith County Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet offers Smith County community members the opportunity to become more informed citizens. *ALL candidates are invited to attend, but must register with Smith County Insider by June 1, 2018. A list of confirmed candidates will be updated and listed leading up to the event.
The event is hosted by Smith County Insider and the American Legion Post 57.
Candidates will have the opportunity to speak for 2-3 minutes. The speaking time depends on how many candidates register. Due to time constraints and the number of candidates planning to attend, County Commission Candidates may have limited time to speak. Candidates can register by calling/texting (615) 735-7435 or emailing News@SmithCountyInsider.com. If time permits, each candidate running for Smith County Mayor, South Carthage Mayor, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, School Board, State Representative, State Senate, U.S. House of Representative and U.S. Senate will have the opportunity to randomly draw a question submitted by citizens to answer. Submit your candidate questions in the form below:
*All candidates are invited to attend, including but not limited to candidates running for the following offices:
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. House of Representatives – 6th Congressional District (Primary)
- Governor of Tennessee
- TN Senate – 17th District (Primary)
- TN House of Representatives – 40th District (Primary)
- State Executive Committeeman – 17th District
- State Executive Committeewoman – 17th District
- Smith County Mayor
- County Commission – Defeated – District 1
- County Commission – Tanglewood – District 2
- County Commission – New Middleton – District 3
- County Commission – Rock City – District 4
- County Commission – Gordonsville – District 5
- County Commission – Carthage – District 6
- County Commission – South Carthage – District 7
- County Commission – Elmwood – District 8
- Trustee
- Sheriff
- Circuit Court Clerk
- County Clerk
- Register of Deeds
- School Board – New Middleton – District 3
- School Board – Rock City – District 4
- School Board – Carthage – District 6
- School Board – Elmwood – District 8
- Town of South Carthage Mayor
- Town of South Carthage Alderman – Ward 1
- Town of South Carthage Alderman – Ward 2
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Peggy Lancaster Massey announces candidacy for Register of Deeds

Peggy Lancaster Massey
Peggy Massey officially announced her candidacy for Smith County Register of Deeds. Massey picked her petition up on January 29 and qualified as a candidate on March 6. Massey will face the incumbent, Jerri Lin Vaden-Malone. See Massey’s Press Release below:
Citizens of Smith County, after much encouragement from my family and friends and considerable amount of prayer, it is with great privilege that I, Peggy Lancaster Massey, announce my candidacy for the Office of Smith County Register of Deeds.
I am a native of Smith County, born in the Lancaster community. My parents are Arvilla (Pat)Lancaster Landreth and the late Robert J. (Brother)Lancaster. I am the youngest of 16 siblings most of whom live in Smith County. I graduated from Gordonsville High School in 1988 and feel so blessed to have been raised in Smith County with its beautiful landscape and wonderful people.
In 1989, I married Floyd Massey and we have been blessed with two daughters, Katelyn and husband, Jared Croslin of the Hickman community, Julia and husband, JD Butler, of Gordonsville, one son, Will Massey, a sophomore at Gordonsville High School, and one grandson, David Butler.
Life has been a wonderful journey of discerning the will of God and living into His plan and purposes for my life. My husband Floyd was called into the ministry many years ago. My family and I have been blessed to be a part of people’s lives in Putnam and Smith Counties as my husband pastored churches in both counties. He is now the pastor of Gordonsville United Methodist Church where my family and I attend.
The people of Smith County are one of the county’s greatest assets. I have learned this, not only by being a wife of a pastor, but from my work in the Smith County School System for 11 years. Starting out as a substitute teacher, I have had the privilege to work at Union Heights, Forks River, and Gordonsville to name a few. Most of my years have been at New Middleton Elementary, where I am currently the Secretary and Cafeteria Cashier. Over the years, I have meet many wonderful children and parents and had the opportunity to work with some amazing people. My work in the school system and my ability to work with people, has prepared me with the skills needed to be effective in the office of Register of Deeds. My responsibilities as office secretary over the years have been record keeping, coding attendance,keeping records and student information up to date as it becomes available, scheduling various activities,interacting with parents and students on a daily basis, and documentation to name a few. As the cafeteria cashier my responsibilities are entering money into accounts of students and employees, running daily reports, and making weekly deposits.
I was taught at a young age the value of hard work, integrity, commitment, and faithfulness. These are qualities I possess and qualities I think are important in anyone’s life who wants to succeed and make our society great, and productive. If elected as your next Register of Deeds these are the qualities, I will bring to the office. I will be committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of the Register of Deeds office in a timely manner with hard work, integrity, faithfulness, kindness and a friendly smile.
I will be working hard to see as many of the wonderful people of Smith County from now until election on August 2nd. If I miss you, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your vote on August 2ndas your next Register of Deeds.
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