So, what do y'all think?

I wish someone else had gotten into the race and Charlie could have kept his promise (which I'm certain he would have if Campen hadn't been unopposed).

However, I'd rather see the 5th district voters get a real discussion of issues and not just a candidate who waltzes into the seat w/o having to campaign than see Charlie keep that promise.

YMMV.

I'm biased.

I've known Charlie for over 20 years. I like him and admire him very much. He is honest, straightforward, and has a history of civic involvement--on top of that law degree. I think he's extremely well qualified for this position.

And since he's campaigned for a council seat previously, but lost, I don't mind that he won't have to work so hard in this primary election.

He WILL have to work a bit harder in the general, I would think.

Best of luck, Charlie.

Edit: Mayoral campaign on the brain, I guess. Two candidates for a council seat very likely means no general, eh? Well, like I said, he's worked hard for the opp previously.

Betty, fill me in here...

The point I meant to concede in the edit to my above post is that with only two candidates in this non-partisan race, one of them--even the write-in--could win the election in the primary by obtaining 50% + 1 votes.

Do I remember incorrectly, or does some exception to the rule possibly apply in an instance when one candidate is a write-in?

It's been 20 years since I got to vote in any city election...

The top two finishers in City Council primaries go to the general, regardless of totals. Not to be confused with the mayor's race.

Ah, that's right--because everyone citywide gets to cast a vote in the general for every district's council candidates.

Sorry. Needed a refresher.

Will West Knoxville be afraid of the ponytail?

Giggle.

The mister glanced over my shoulder here at my keyboard earlier tonight--when I mentioned that Charlie's ponytail was new to me and I liked it.

He bristled just a little, saying I'd told him I did not want him to wear his hair that way, so I had to explain.

"You're mostly bald, darlin'. You'd look like those poor old Foghat poops--just a fringe around the base of their necks, worn waist-length."

Charlie risks pissing off every male voter over 50, citywide.

You sound like a right handsome fella, Bob--and downright upright, too.

But I'd best ask Rachel to forgive me my momentary silliness on the subject of hairstyles and get back on track this discussion of Charlie's and Mark's sound qualifications for public office.

Sorry, Rachel et al. Please carry on!