Hawkins County mayor challenging Rep. Gary Hicks in House District 9

Outgoing Hawkins County Mayor Melville Bailey has announced he will challenge state Rep. Gary Hicks in the Republican primary for House District 9, reports the Rogersville Review.

“I am pleased to officially announce my candidacy for State Representative for District 9, serving Hawkins County and Hancock County,” Bailey said in a news release to the Review. “For the past seven and one-half years, I have faithfully served as Hawkins County’s Mayor, a job that has been both rewarding and challenging for me. Serving in this role has taught me the importance of governmental agencies working together to strengthen communities.”

…About eight weeks ago, Bailey said, he announced his intention not to seek a third term as Hawkins County’s Mayor.

“That was a difficult decision for me because I realized my role as County Mayor provided me with opportunities to meet and understand the needs of communities across our part of the region,” he said. “As I discussed my upcoming retirement with constituents, it became apparent that I had an opportunity to still serve this wonderful region by seeking the District 9 State Representative seat. As I thought more about seeking this position, I realized that being retired from a full time job would afford me the opportunity to continue to be available to the constituents, to local elected county officials in Hawkins County and Hancock County, and have time to fully commit to the needs of our region.”