Rick Wilkey, former Rhea County Highway Employee, has announced his candidacy for Rhea County Road Supervisor that will be on the ballot for the March primary in 2024. Rick is a lifelong resident of Rhea County and served Rhea County in the Highway Department under two different Road Supervisors, Tommy Snyder and Glen Varner. He was the Assistant Road Supervisor under Glen Varner until 2023.
He has held many different positions in the County Highway Department such as general laborer, lead man, foreman, and Assistant Director. He describes himself as having “intimate knowledge of the highway department through his various roles and promotions.”
In his campaign announcement he tells the people of Rhea County, “I will work tirelessly to take care of our roadways, one roadway at a time. My time as Assistant Road Supervisor has given me unique insight into the problems facing our roadways.”
He says that he is running for Road Supervisor because he is ready to bring forward real solutions to the County Highways and roads.
This election will be in the Primary election on March 5th. As of press time, Rick Wilkey has one challenger, Glen Varner. Glen Varner is currently the Road Supervisor and is Rick Wilkey’s former boss. No other individuals have picked up qualifying petitions, however, they have until NOON on December 14th to do so.
This election has the potential to change several influential positions here in Rhea County. Not only is the Road Supervisor on this ballot, but the Property Assessor and School Board Members for District 2, 4, 6 & 8 are all on this ballot too in March. Incumbent Debbie Byrd is running for re-election and currently does not have a challenger.
Election day is March 5, 2024. In order to vote in this election, you must be registered to vote by Monday, February 5, 2024.
This article was written by Bailey Hufstetler, Owner and Publisher. You can contact him at bailey@rheacountyobserver.com
