Paris, Tenn.—At Saturday’s Henry County Republican Party caucus, the local GOP officially nominated Josh Frey for County Sheriff and Carlton Gerrell for County Mayor.
A large crowd was on hand for the caucus, with 260 party members registered and even more in attendance. The caucus was held at the Henry County Fairgrounds and was overseen by Tennessee GOP Chairman Scott Golden.
Frey is a Lieutenant with the Paris Police, has lived in Henry Co. all his life and has 23 years experience in law enforcement. He is a member of the Henry County Schools board of education and began his career in 1997 as a Corrections Officer for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and in 1999 was hired by the Paris Police Department. At the Paris PD, he has worked in many roles, including patrol, K9 officer, investigations, special operations and patrol lieutenant.
Frey was nominated by former Chief Deputy Randy Gean which Frey said was an honor. “I want to serve Henry County,” he said, and pledged to be accessible 24/7, “treat everyone fairly and treat everyone with integrity.”
The names of three men were put forward for the position of County Mayor: Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell, former State Rep. Tim Wirgau; and County Commissioner Marty Visser. Both Gerrell and Wirgau have announced they are candidates for the post, but Visser has not and he declined being nominated. “Thanks for the compliment, but I decline”, Visser said.
Gerrell told the crowd he has “worked tirelessly” for the city of Paris and county and said the position of County Mayor “is something I’ve had my sights set on for some time.”
Gerrell moved to Henry County over 25 years ago and is a four-term Paris mayor. He is administrative pastor at Tennessee Valley Community Church and has master’s and bachelor’s degrees, with a bachelor’s in business.
He said he has done everything that would better him to be County Mayor and said he believes the county needs to focus on: broadband for the entire county (“I’m committeed to do all I can to achieve that at minimal cost to the taxpayer”); workforce development which he said should begin earlier in school; continuation of the 641N expansion; Industrial Park development; and bringing more college education to the county. “I was one of the team that brought Jackson State to Paris” and he said he’d like to see it expand here.
Wirgau told the crowd that he entered local politics in 2006 and was a Henry County Commissioner before being elected to State Rep. He also said he ran and won as a Republican “when it wasn’t popular” to do so in Henry County.
He said he believes he is the best-suited candidate for the County Mayor’s position. He noted he is the only candidate who has not yet picked up a petition “because I want the people of Henry County to put me on the ballot.”
After both candidates spoke, Golden asked each if they accepted the nomination of the party. Gerrell said yes and Wirgau said, “Regrefully, I cannot accept the nomination today.”
Gerrell was nominated by acclimation and told the crowd. “I am humbled. God Bless.”
After the caucus, County Elections Administrator Delaina Green explained that according to state election law, Wirgau could still be on the ballot for County Mayor if he takes out a petition as an Independent candidate.
Sheriff Candidate Josh Frey speaks, while Jim Poe and Mike Ainley listen.
Long lines at today’s Republican Caucus.
Top photo: Tim Wirgau makes his presentation to the crowd as Carlton Gerrell (in front row in turquoise shirt) listens. (Shannon McFarlin photos).