Commissioner Polk Passes

The Hardeman County Election Commission added one more spot to the August elections to replace Hardeman County Commissioner Thomas Polk, who passed away on November 22.

“Thomas Polk was a voice of calm reason within different committee and commission meetings. He cared about his constituents and his county. We have lost a servant of the people and he will be greatly missed. Our sincere prayers are with the family at this time,” said Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse.

Polk began his service to the  Hardeman County Schools in 1974 as a student teacher at Middleton Elementary School, and spent thirty-eight of the next fifty years in Hardeman County, notably as Assistant Principal from 1990-1998 at Bolivar Junior High, as Director of Instruction for Hardeman County Schools from 2006-2013, and as Principal of the Hardeman County Learning Center from 2013-2021.

Polk also served on the Hardeman County School Board from 2002-2006.

Hardeman County Director of Schools Dr. Christy Smith praised Polk as a true supporter of education.

“Mr. Polk was a firm believer in public education and the opportunities it could provide students. His service to Hardeman County Schools touched the lives of many students and had positive impacts on many families,” she said.

Polk’s County Commission position will be on the ballot in August, with a March primary date. It will be among four other county positions available, with candidates for each spot having picked up petitions.

Picked up already are Johnny Davis of Middleton and Bill Stone of Grand Valley, who will run for the School Board District 2, Position 2, Anthony Ford for District 3, Position 1, and Steve Gibson and Stacy Swift, who picked up for the District 3, Position 3 school board slot. Davis, Gibson and Swift picked up as independents and will run in August, while Ford picked up as a Democrat and will have a March primary.

Possible candidates for the position may come from the 2022 elections in District 1, as votes were cast for Ricky Griggs (472), Michion Gatlin (432) Christoper Leist (396), Caleb Lies (157), and Ethan Howell (75) in August, while Democrat Gary Pilkington (45) and Republican Bob Williamson (115) fell in primary races in May.

The county-wide race for Hardeman County Assessor of Property has had only incumbent Josh Pulse picking up petitions. Pulse is seeking his fourth term, having been first elected in 2012.

The March primary will have early voting take place February 14-27, while election day is March 5.