Although six candidates will remain on the ballot, there are now only five candidates interested in filling the two positions for Town Council.
Marguerite Collins has decided she no longer wishes to run for the council because of health issues. However, the deadline for candidates to withdrawal from the election was July 17, so her name will remain on the ballot.
“I plan to inform everyone that I know to not vote for me anymore, but if I do get elected I would just have to wait to be sworn in and then I’d resign,” said Collins.
Collins said she has been having health concerns for the past year and it’s taken her this long to get answers. She said she has heart issues and will be having surgery in November.
“I just feel like I couldn’t serve the public at this time or the near future,” said Collins. “I don’t know what the outcome of this will be, and I really don’t want to start something that I can’t put 110 percent of my hard work into.”
If Collins does get elected and later resigns, Nashville Clerk-Treasurer Brenda Young said it would be up to the council to appoint someone else to the position.
Candidates were asked how they felt about this situation and how they believe it may or may not affect the election.
“Well that’s interesting,” said Nancy Crocker. “You know, you can’t make this stuff up. That’s too bad though. I don’t know her, but I hope she’s alright.”
“I’m not happy or sad I guess, but I hope she’s OK,” said Bruce Gould.
“I kind of sensed when she didn’t attend the League of Women’s Voters Forum that there was something going on there, so yeah I’m not surprised.”
“I know Marguerite, but not well,” said Ross Benson. “I’m kind of without a response, I’m just not sure, but I wish her well.”
“I pray for a healthy recovery from her,” said Rex Watters III. “I’m not sure how it will affect the voting. I don’t know her, but I wish her the best.”
The candidates are hoping for a good turnout of voters as the past years have been quieter in the municipal elections.
“These are people who will be elected for the next four years,” Young said. “This is your community and town, so I encourage everyone who can to come out and vote.”
“Sadly this is an off election year so historically it’s been a lower turnout,” said Benson. “Somewhere around 250 to 300 voters would be considered a good turnout with this election cycle, but I wish it would be closer to 600. We’ll see what happens.”
“I’m hoping we get a better turnout, but I can’t say I’m expecting one,” said Crocker. “I hope people are paying attention. I trust that they are, and hope they come out and vote.”
“They’re saying the town is expecting low turnout since it’s an off year,” said Gould. I’m hoping to talk to the town because they have a system where they can send a text to everyone to remind them. People forget and are busy and the key is to remind them.”
“Obviously we’d like to see a large turnout, but realistically we probably won’t,” said Watters. “I’m going to go out there door to door to simply let people know there is an election, and even if you don’t vote for me, that’s okay just go out and vote.”
The Democrat tried to reach candidate Lance Miller but was unsuccessful.
