You may already know for whom you will vote in the upcoming election.  However, over the years many friends and associates call, email or stop Mary Ann and me and ask for our recommendations.  Because of the large ballot and some lesser known positions that appear on the ballot, we wanted to let you know our thoughts.
 
Regardless of whether you agree with our recommendations or not, we hope you will cast your vote.  Early voting begins this Friday.

Governor

We support Bill Haslam to be our next governor.  We like all of the Republican candidates, but believe Mayor Haslam is the best qualified to be governor.  Mayor Haslam has been a chief executive and a big city mayor.  We believe he understands Memphis' unique problems and our true potential. We know him to be a godly man, as well.  Bill Haslam is the person that we want sitting across the table from the CEO of a Fortune 500 or a trade representative from Japan, China or Germany.  www.billhaslam.com

County Mayor

Mark Luttrell is our overwhelming choice.  As a County Commissioner, I have had the unique position of working with both candidates.  Both in terms of intellect and integrity, Mark Luttrell stands head and shoulders above Joe Ford.  We need Mark Luttrell's integrity and his proven administrative abilities to keep costs in county government down. www.markluttrell.com

General Sessions Judge, Division 10 (Domestic Violence)
 
Our candidate is Judge Lee Wilson.  As county commissioner there is no issue I have championed more than stemming the epidemic of domestic violence.  In 2009, we successfully lobbied to create a domestic violence court and the county commission appointed Judge Wilson.  Changing now would be detrimental to victims of domestic violence who need continuity and a judge who understands the complexities of the issue.  This is a non-partisan race.  You can find more about Judge Wilson on Facebook.
 

General Sessions Judge, Division 7

In this race, our choice is Dennis Johnson.  There are many fine candidates in the race, but we know Dennis personally through our church (First Evangelical).  Because we know him, we know that not only does he have the experience, but he also has the temperament and commitment to the law that a judge needs.  www.electdennisjohnsonjudge.com

Trustee

David Lenoir is our candidate for Trustee.  The Shelby County Trustee is the county's banker and was formerly held by Bob Patterson and Paul Mattila.  David has a background in banking and is a successful businessman with fresh ideas to make the office more efficient and collect tax dollars from those who are not paying their fair share. www.davidlenoir.com
 
Other Recommendations
 
For the sake of brevity, I haven't given a description or rationale for my support in these races.  If you have specific questions about these selections, send me an email at mike@commissionercarpenter.com. I would be glad to elaborate.
 
Sheriff
Bill Oldham 
 
Register
Tom Leatherwood
 
Circuit Court Clerk
Jimmy Moore
 
Criminal Court Clerk
Kevin Key
 
Probate Court Clerk
Paul Boyd
 
County Clerk
Wayne Mashburn
 
Juvenile Court Clerk
Joy Touliatos
 
Circuit Crt Judge Div 4
Lorrie Ridder
 
Circuit Crt Judge Div 8
Rhynette Hurd
 
Crim Crt Judge Div  3
Bobby Carter
 
Republican State Executive Committeeman
Frank Colvett-Dis 28
Kelly Gilmer -Dis 31
 
Republican State Executive Committeewoman
Ann Edmiston-D 28
Kelly Hankins-D 29
Annabel Woodall-D 30
Rieta Selberg -D 31
Paula Sedgwick-D 32