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July 18, 2006
The Ticket: Picks and Predictions for August 3 - County Commission
Well, it's time. Too late, in fact, for those eager beavers who've voted already. Ah well. Here are my picks and predictions for the 2006 Hamilton County Commission election.
District 1 - Fred Skillern is unopposed
I wish there were an alternative to which to point voters, but as there isn't, I will make no recommendation.
District 2 - Richard Casavant vs. Joe Dumas
Pick: Joe Dumas. I'm hopeful for an end to the status quo we've seen for so long on this legislative body, and Dr. Dumas has the dedication and intelligence to adequately deliver real change.
Prediction: Richard Casavant. It's just hard to beat an entrenched incumbent in such a moneyed district.
District 3 - Jim Coppinger is unopposed
He's new, but seemed to have a broad base of support in the primary. Let's give him a term to prove himself.
District 4 - Brian Caldwell vs. Warren Mackey
Pick: Brian Caldwell. Brian is a friend whom I've known for almost eight years. He cares about his community, and would see to it that citizens had an open office to contact with their concerns.
Prediction: Warren Mackey. He has fought for this position since the 2002 primary where he narrowly lost to former commissioner William Cotton (who allegedly sweet-talked an election worker into transferring voters into the district to give himself the edge). Mackey was also named interim Commissioner when Cotton resigned, so that gives him an immediate advantage over Caldwell (not to mention the lopsided fundraising and, whether or not you like this effect, the district demographics).
District 5 - Greg Beck vs. Bernie Miller
Pick: Greg Beck. He came out swinging when he was named to the Commission and developed a plan to meet with School Board officials. He has widespread community support. I don't have anything against Dr. Miller, but I do usually avoid endorsing clergy for public office.
Prediction: This one will be close. Perhaps it will be extremely close. Nevertheless, I'm going to go ahead and call it for Commissioner Beck.
District 6 - John Allen Brooks is unopposed after defeating Lou Miller in the primary
District 7 - Larry Henry is unopposed after defeating Red Burrows in the primary
District 8 - Curtis Adams vs. John Bailes
Pick: John Bailes! Not only am I tired of Adams' shenanigans, I believe we can count on John Bailes to bring the kind of hard work, intelligence, and solutions-oriented approach to the Board of Commissioners that it so sorely needs.
Prediction: John Bailes. Curtis Adams' support is primarily from senior dwellers in East Ridge (single homes and retirement centers). While turnout is highest among senior citizens, many younger voters are energized for change. The Concord area is probably split, or may tilt a little toward Adams, but I believe that with the Brainerd voters and the growing support throughout the entire district (along with the funding from all over the county), John Bailes will prevail in an upset.
District 9 - Bill Hullander is unopposed
I wish there were an alternative to which to point voters, but as there isn't, I will make no recommendation.
Hamilton County Elections | By joe lance | 07:28 AM