Mayor's Candidates on the Issues

There is alot of confusion among the electorate as to what may or may not happen with County Commission after the May 2nd primary. There is no question, however, about the County Mayor's race.

Incumbent Mike Ragsdale and challenger Steve Hall are waging a heated campaign for the seat. And whoever wins the Republican primary (no Democrats are running) will be the next County Mayor.

The two men, to their credit, have taken part in a number of debates. The most recent was today at the Halls Business and Professional Association meeting.

Here are a few highlights:

Both candidates agree the County Mayor is term limited...neither was ready to say the same about the Sheriff, Register of Deeds, Clerks of Court or the School Board, both hedging when asked directly about the issue.

Asked to prioritize the following, Public Education, Economic Development and Law Enforcement. Both men placed education at the top of the list.

On banning smoking from public places, including restaurants, both said it was a matter of individual rights. If a restaurant chooses to go smokeless fine, but both men said government should not mandate it.

Neither was willing to mandate that new county employees be non-smokers, even though both agreed that smokers' healthcare costs are potentially higher and could be a larger burden on tax payers. Again both argued it was a matter of individual rights.

Name-calling came up. Ragsdale complained that his opponent was engaging in negative campaigning. When asked to elaborate, he declined. Hall though admitted he had called Ragsdale, "Mayor Tax-dale."

This Sunday at noon on Tennessee This Week, we'll air a 30-minute version of today's debate. Also, look for it on our website.