CROSSVILLE —
Former state representative Eric Swafford, in an effort to revive his political career after last year's re-election defeat, failed in his attempt to be elected as mayor of the city of Pikeville Saturday.
Incumbent two-term Mayor Greg Johnson received 311 votes followed by Swafford, who had 94, and perennial candidate Randy A. Sharp received 81 votes.
Swafford served Bledsoe and Cumberland counties in the Tennessee General Assembly, representing the 25th Legislative District, until last fall when present State Rep. Cameron Sexton defeated him handily. Voters were unhappy with the way changes were made in the Cumberland County Election Commission office and credited Swafford with the resulting chaos.
Swafford, 38, told The Chattanooga Times-Free Press prior to the election, "I'm the individual that can turn this city around. I know how to tighten budgets and operate within our means and at the same time to provide the services the citizens of Pikeville deserve."
He accused the present mayor and council of "overbudget spending."
Johnson said in the same interview published by the Chattanooga newspaper that the city's purchase of the old Dura Automotive plant was an investment in future jobs, not "overspending," in response to Swafford's comments.
All incumbents in the city council were also re-elected.
Area News
Swafford defeated in bid for Pikeville mayor's seat
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