Saturday, August 21, 2010
Taylor Files Paperwork To Contest Election Results
Lawrence County Sheriff Kenny Taylor filed paperwork with the local court system Friday afternoon that will allow him to contest the outcome of the August 5 County General Election results in the sheriff’s race category.
VIDEO: Sheriff Kenny Taylor statement Saturday
Taylor ran for re-election to the post he has held for the past four years, opposed by challengers Jimmy Brown, Mike Risner, Lee Adam England and Pete Shrader.
When the numbers came in, candidate Jimmy Brown drew the greatest number of votes. Unofficial numbers show that Brown received 3,516 votes; Sheriff Kenny Taylor 3,398; Mike Risner 2,497, Lee Adam England 332; and Pete Shrader 175.
With a near 2,500 votes cast for Risner, many felt that Risner’s bid may have slanted the outcome of the election. Shortly after the results were known, speculation began as to whether Taylor would contest the results – all because there existed a question regarding whether Risner was a legitimate candidate in the first place.
When Risner qualified to run for sheriff, many were quick to notify various officials that Risner was a long-time resident, not of Lawrence County, but of Giles County.
Since there is no county charter outlining local voter/candidate qualifications, county elections are governed under state law. While there is no residency requirement to run for sheriff, Tennessee Codes Annotated specify that a candidate must, “Be a qualified voter of the county” in which he/she is seeking election.
In order to seek election to the office of sheriff, all candidates must gain certification through the State of Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. One requirement set forth under that entity is that the candidate provide, “proof of qualified voter status in the county in which election is sought.”
Officials with the Lawrence County Election Commission indicate that Risner, whose home lies along the Lawrence/Giles County border, and whose vehicles are licensed in Giles County, did change his voter registration to Lawrence County within the proper time period.
In his registration packet, Risner declared his residential address to be 3948 Highway 43 North, Ethridge. This is a very small structure that Risner has owned for some years, that appears to be uninhabited. Many have asserted that Risner never physically moved to this address.
In fact, in recent interviews Risner conceded that his wife still lived at the Giles County address, and that he had changed his address only so that he could run for sheriff.
The question of wrong-doing comes into play on Risner’s Candidate Nominating Petition. Directly beneath the words, “I hereby direct that my name appear on the official ballot as follows, and I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information provided over my signature is true and correct,” appears Risner’s signature along with the listing of the Highway 43 address as his residential address.
Officials in the Election Commission office indicate that they did check to ensure that Risner was receiving mail at the address, and had consulted with state officials regarding the issue. No action was taken, however, prior to the election.
Members of the Election Commission are slated to meet Monday to certify the results of the election. Taylor would have up to five days afterward to contest the results.
Taylor filed his challenge with the Lawrence County Chancery Court office at 4:20 p.m. Friday. The case must now be heard by a Chancery Court Judge. Once the judge hears evidence in the case, he/she will have fifty days in which to return a ruling. That will determine whether Taylor has the right to a second election.
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