On Friday evening Chattooga County Democrats held a “Meet the Candidate Night” at the Summerville Depot.  Nearly all of Chattooga County’s elected officials attended the event.  Chattooga County Democratic Party Chairman Jimmy Holbrook told those in attendance that this was an important election year and urged voters to support local Democratic candidates for office.

 

The biggest news coming out of the Democratic event on Friday night was concerning the sheriff’s race.  Incumbent Sheriff John Everett is facing two, possibly four opponents in the Democratic Primary.  Former Chattooga County Investigator Mark Schrader and former Chattooga County Deputy Jud Westbrook both announced their intentions to run for the sheriff’s position.  Two additional candidates said that they are “considering” running.  Former Trion Police Chief Charles Latta and former candidate for sheriff Aubrey “Smitty” Smith both said that they will weigh their options and may announce for the position later in the year. 

 

So far no opposition has come up for any other current Democratic incumbent.  Chattooga County Commissioner Jason Winters, Probate Judge Jon Payne, Magistrate Judge Tracy Maddux and Tax Commissioner Kathy Brown all addressed the crowd on Friday night and spoke of their intentions to seek re-election.