State law says, a vacancy occurs in a county office due to death, sickness, change of residency or any other reason an elected official is no longer able to fill the position.

Some have asked, why not leave the seat vacant until the next election? State law requires, when a vacancy occurs in any elected county office, county commission has 120 days to fill the vacancy from the time of the notification of the vacancy.

Some have asked, why not have a special election to fill a vacancy? State law does not allow for a special election. The responsibility to fill the vacancy rests solely with the county commission. Besides, a special election would also be very expensive.

Some have asked, why not appoint the second place candidate in the most recent election? Elections are not NASCAR races, there are no first, second or third places in an election. There are only those who win and those who don't. All candidates in any election have made their case to the voters. If the voters didn't elect a candidate, why would there be consideration to appoint a candidate the voters have already rejected.

When a vacancy occurs in an elected office, especially through death, the intent would be to appoint someone to fill the seat who would have similar political views of the former seat holder. In the case of replacing Commissioner Duff, an appointee should be a conservative republican with fiscal responsibility and a person of high moral character.   

On December 5th, county commission will consider filling of the vacancy left By Commissioner Duff's death. My nomination will be Joe Morrison. Mr. Morrison possesses all the qualities needed to fill the seat. He has lived in Loudon County nearly his entire life. He's a staunch conservative republican of high moral character, and an added benefit, Joe is the nephew of commissioner Duff and is very familiar with Mr. Duff's political views and how he felt about our community and the county.

If appointed, Mr. Morrison will be a great addition to the commission and represent the citizens of the 5th district and the county very well.