Crossville city council election update--Two petitions already returned

The deadline to qualify to have a name put on the November 2016 ballot for Crossville city council is still 2 months off, but at least two candidates have turned in their petitions already.

According to the Cumberland County election commission, former mayor J. H. Graham and first time candidate Terri Manning have both turned in their petitions.

Others who have taken out petitions include incumbent councilman Jesse Kerley, Barry Field and Jeanette Parsons.  No additional candidates have taken out petitions.

The deadline to turn in petitions with necessary signatures to the election commission office is August 18 at Noon.

Terri Neal Manning comments on her run for Crossville city council seat

One of the candidates who has taken out a petition to run for Crossville city council in the November 8 election is Terri Neal Manning. We contacted her through Facebook for her comments.

As a female candidate she seems to be following in the footsteps of current council member Pamala Harris.

Statement from Terri Neal Manning, candidate for Crossville city council:

“I would commit to all citizens of Crossville to do just that knowledge is the key to any successful councilman.

City government should try to work together towards common goals which would benefit all citizens of Crossville. Decisions will be made based on what will be in the best interest citizens as a whole not just one.

I want to be their voice to stand up for all the citizens of Crossville that is why i am running for city councilman.

Thank you, Terri Neal Manning”

We asked for Terri's suggestion for keeping the council meetings more calmer and she responded that the council should, “listen to each other, talk it out and be truthful.” She added part of her reason for running for office was “I always wanted to help people.”

Candidates for city council election taking out papers--5 possible candidates so far.

With May 20 the first day potential candidates could pick up petitions seeking signatures to get their name on the ballot for the two city council seats to be elected in the November 8 election, five potential candidates have taken papers out so far.

The most recognizable names that have picked up petitions so far are incumbent council member Jesse Kerley and former mayor J. H. Graham III. 

Kerley is seeking reelection after serving two terms separated by two years when he ran against Graham for mayor and lost.  

J. H. Graham served several years on council then the held the longest tenure as mayor in Crossville's history.  Graham was unseated 2 years ago by James Mayberry.  

Crossville engineer Barry Field has also taken out a petition for a council seat. Field operates Field Engineering Consultant Services, LLC providing civil, environmental and structural engineering services.

The others who have taken out petitions include Jeanette Parsons and Terri Neal Manning.

The deadline for candidates to turn in completed petitions is August 18 at noon.

It is unclear if council member Pete Souza will run for reelection after originally saying he would only serve one term when he ran 4 years ago.