Designation will amount to election interference by giving Mr. Stout an advantage in his race for County Commissioner vs. Democratic Candidate Raven Olson
The Washington County Democratic Party (WCDP) strongly opposes the proposed appointment by the Washington County Commission of David Stout as County Commissioner for District 9, in the seat of the late Commissioner Suzi Williams. Mr. Stout is the Republican candidate for that seat in the upcoming November 5 election. Early voting starts on October 16.
“The majority Republican Commission’s designation of a Republican candidate to hold the seat less than a month before Washington County voters start casting their ballots amounts to election interference,” said Sylvain Bruni, Chair of the WCDP. “With this appointment scheduled for September 23, the Republican Commissioners are in effect putting their thumb on the political balance. Instead, District 9 voters should decide on November 5!”
The timing of this appointment is evident. WCDP considers that no one should be appointed to the seat at this point as the election starts in under 30 days. Two more months without a Commissioner is not a liability to the Commission or the people of District 9, especially since the seat has been vacant since July.
Additionally, since the last November election results showed District 9 flipping to a Democratic majority, the appointment of a Republican candidate seems even more contrary to the will of the voters. If the Commission must appoint someone, it should not be an already declared candidate for that seat.
Our Commissioners, in their efforts to honor Commissioner Williams’ wishes, should focus on the process through which all District 9 voters’ voices are heard and prevail in the election.
WCDP invites District 9 voters to speak on the matter at the next County Commission meeting, scheduled for Monday, September 23 at the George Jaynes Justice Center (108 W Jackson Blvd in Jonesborough). The meeting starts at 6 pm. Those seeking to provide public comments must sign up outside the meeting room before 5:45 pm that day.
