Goddard To Moderate Jefferson County Post Primary Debate, April 15

The Jefferson County Post is pleased to announce that Doug Goddard will serve as the Moderator for the April 15, 2014 Primary Debate. Goddard was elected as the first County Executive of Jefferson County in 1978, and he held the office for two terms before declining to seek reelection. During his tenure as the County Executive, Goddard Chaired the County Commission, EMS Board, and Nursing Home Board. In 1987, following his stint as the County Executive of Jefferson County, Goddard became the first Executive Director of the TN County Commissioners Association, which was a position he held for 20 years. Over the course of his time in both offices, Goddard has worked with five governors, a few hundred legislators and a few thousand county commissioners, as well as serving as spokesperson for 95 Tennessee county governments. Focal issues for Goddard during his years of service included solid waste (State Committee Chair for several years), education funding (State BEP Committee), jail operation/state reimbursement, court operation, as well as funding, planning, zoning, growth, and annexation. He also served on the State 911 Committee representing county governments and is versed in financial management, funding, and taxation. Goddard has spent the last several years acting as institutional knowledge on county government issues for several legislators and legislative committees. Beyond his extensive professional experience in county and state government, Mr. Goddard is also a distinguished war veteran.

The Jefferson County Post Primary Debate will be held on April 15, 2014 in the main courtroom of the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The debate will begin at 6:30pm, is open to the public, and will feature the contested offices of Jefferson County Mayor, County Court Clerk, Trustee, and Jefferson County Sheriff. Candidates for uncontested offices and contested judicial offices will be introduced to the public. Questions for candidates should be submitted to the Jefferson County Post via email to editor@jeffersoncountypost.com, or in person at the Jefferson County Post, located at 1237 Gay Street, Dandridge (across the street from the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse). Questions will be vetted for appropriateness and directed to candidates following a blind draw during the debate. The Jefferson County Post requests that all questions be submitted by 5pm on April 12, 2014. Citizens are encouraged to attend the debate and utilize the opportunity to hear candidates speak on issues that are central to the election.