The Greeneville Sun - News Story

By AMY ROSE
Staff Writer

Greeneville voters on Tuesday elected two new aldermen, businessmen Buddy Hawk and Keith Paxton.

And Joe Waggoner was reelected to his at-large seat on the Greeneville Water Commission.
Hawk, Paxton and incumbent Nancy McNeese Monger were seeking the two First-Ward aldermen seats.

Hawk, former co-owner of The Tailor Shop, received the highest number of votes, 577.

Paxton, owner and operator of the Little Top Drive-Thru restaurant, received 317 votes.

That was 51 votes more than Monger, who got 266 votes.

In early voting, Paxton and Monger were separated by only 4 votes, with Monger receiving 160 to Paxton's 156.

But on election day, Paxton narrowly defeated Monger in all four precincts of the First Ward.

Monger, retired longtime executive director of Main Street: Greeneville, was appointed to fill the seat vacated when former alderman Laraine King was elected Greeneville mayor in 2008.

Nearly 10% Turnout

A total of 1,178, or 9.78 percent, of the 12,039 registered voters cast their ballots, according to the Greene County Election Commission.

The election also included two alderman races in Mosheim and one commissioner race in Tusculum.

As the polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday, a small crowd gathered on the steps of the Election Commission office on North Main Street.

Among them were Elizabeth Sexton, the retired Greeneville Water Department employee who ran against Waggoner.

Sexton said, "This is the first time I have ever sought public office, and I congratulate Joe."

She said she does not plan to seek the office again because of its lengthy six-year term.

"I wish Joe and the commission well, because the commission has some tough decisions to make coming up soon," she added.

Hawk In From Nashville

Also among the crowd there were Hawk and his wife, Jeanette, and their son, State Rep. David Hawk, R-5th, of Greeneville.

Hawk, 66, is a semi-retired small business owner and developer, he was co-owner of The Tailor Shop, a former Greeneville clothing store, from 1978 to 2005.

From 1978 until about 1990, he and W.T. Daniels, now a Second Ward Alderman, were co-owners of The Tailor Shop.

About 1990, Daniels sold his interest in the business to Hawk's son, David, and Buddy and David Hawk continued to co-own and operate the business for more than a decade until David Hawk became sole owner. He closed the store in 2005.

Buddy Hawk and Daniels, a lifelong friend, continue to have some joint business interests.

Rep. Hawk had driven home from Nashville after budget hearings Tuesday morning, and planned to drive back to Nashville Tuesday night. He noted that a legislative session was scheduled at 9 a.m. today.

When his mother commented about his need to get some sleep, Rep. Hawk said, "I'm too excited to sleep."

His father also was "very excited and pleased," he said after the final numbers were tabulated. Buddy Hawk added that he is glad he did not disappoint his supporters who believed he could win, and he still hopes he won't disappoint when he takes office.

"I'm very appreciative for all of my support," he said, expressing thanks to his family and friends.
"We're going to have to get to work and do a good job for the city," he said.

Paxton said, "I just want to make sure that I do my job right. I feel I've got to get to work."

Paxton expressed thanks to all those who gave him valuable input during the election, his family, co-workers, neighbors and the voters.

He said the election became real for him when he went to vote and actually saw his own name on the ballot.

"I guess it hit me when I went down and voted for myself," Paxton said.

The 46-year-old is working to complete his degree at Walters State Community College.

In addition to owning the Little Top, he works in business consulting and property development and owns rental properties.

Monger Comments

Monger said, "I really appreciate all the people who voted for me and who helped with this election."
Recalling her short time in office, she said, "I enjoyed working with the people at Town Hall and the people who work with the city."

She noted that she particularly will miss her service on the Kinser Park Commission, to which she was appointed as an alderman.

Monger added that she will be able to continue her service on the Greeneville Historic Zoning Commission. She was appointed to that board in 1997 by the Greeneville Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

"I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family and doing some of the things I enjoy doing," Monger said.

Much of her time, she noted, will be spent with her 11 grandchildren, who range in age from 6 months to 12 years.

Waggoner Wins Handily

Waggoner, who has served two consecutive six-year terms on the Water Commission, received 771 votes to Sexton's 243.

Waggoner said he felt humbled and honored to be reelected by the voters.

"I'd like to congratulate Elizabeth, because she ran an honorable and clean race, and I've always respected her. She ran a great campaign, and I applaud her for it," he said.

Waggoner thanked the voters who took the time to cast their ballots.

"I certainly appreciate the taxpayers of the Town of Greeneville," he said, adding that he will strive even harder to put their interests first in everything he does in the future.

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