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Thursday, September 30, 2010 • THE LEADER • A5
Debating to debate By TIFFANY HOLLAND tholland@covingtonleader.com In spite of the desire of many constituents it seems Republican candidate for the 8th Congressional District Stephen Fincher will not be debating Democratic nominee Roy Herron - even though the seat has not been seriously contested since 1988. According to press releases from the Herron campaign and other news outlets, Herron has challenged Fincher to debate in Martin and on WREG in Dyersburg and at the Memphis Rotary Club but Fincher has not accepted any of these invitations. Fincher is taking part in a “debate” at Union University in Jackson, Tenn. This will feature all four District 8 candidates that also include independents Mark Rawles of Jackson and Donn Janes of Brighton, both of whom are backed by the TEA party. However, this “debate” has the candidates speaking at different times to the audience and not directly debating each other. According to The Commercial Appeal and The Jackson Sun, Fincher’s campaign spokesman Paul Ciaramitaro issued a statement two weeks ago that Fincher refuses to take part in a debate due to the negativity of the Herron
campaign. “Stephen is not going to debate a man whose campaign commercials are filled with blatant lies that nonpartisan groups have already rejected,” said Ciarmitaro. In all probability, this statement was in reaction to a letter Covington attorney and former state Democratic Party chairman Houston Gordon wrote to U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton last month that suggested that campaign finance laws have been violated in the Fincher camp. “Everybody ought to play by the same rules,” said Gordon. “No one can hide. People have a right to know the truth.” Last Friday, these accusations were brought to attention to again when current 8th District Congressman John Tanner spoke out against Fincher and urged him to address possible mishaps in his financial situation in The Commercial Appeal. Tanner, a Democrat, who has been in Congress for 11 terms, said the voters deserve a debate between the candidates since it has not been seriously contested since 1988 and the Republicans are making a huge move to take over Congress. Fincher has called the accusations false and part of a smear campaign, but he has not addressed them directly, or attempted to dis-
prove them. The Mid-South TEA Party organization, which is supporting independent Donn Janes, expressed its displeasure with Fincher’s decline for debate in a press release. The Democratic nominee, Tenn. State Senator Roy Herron, has accepted the challenge. He seems eager to position himself as equally conservative as Fincher. Meanwhile, a conservative independent candidate Donn Janes was not invited. Janes has already shown a willingness to fight for the principles conservatives espouse,” stated the TEA Party in its release. “The Mid South TEA Party respectfully requests WREGTV to include. Janes and proceed with the debate in Dyersburg as planned. This debate should take place regardless of whether Stephen Fincher participates or not. “ Fincher, who was at last week’s Heritage Day, will also be in town for several other upcoming events to meet with potential voters in the county. Herron will be at the Tipton County Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 5 to discuss his book “God and Politics” and to greet people. The election will be on Nov. 2 with early voting beginning on Oct. 13-28.
TIPTON COUNTY’S
Most Wanted Seen one of these people? If so, call: 24-hour number: Central Dispatch 901-475-4300 Sheriff’s Office Tipline: 901-475-3307; email: sheriff@tiptonco.com Tipton County CrimeStoppers 901-476-4411 Or contact any local law enforcement agency to report any of these people.
Dandelet, Robert John Born: 09/29/1968 272 Curtis Road Brighton, TN 38011 Charge: Failure to pay child support. DUI 3rd offense
Douglas, Jr., Curtis NMN Born: 02/26/1972 233 Jamison Covington, TN 38019 Charge: habitual motor vehicle offender
Boyd, Bryan Antonio Born: 02/04/1986 125 Haynie Street Covington TN, 38019 Charge: Burglary
Cecil. Brandon Richard Born: 03/25/1983 2755 Jamestown Rd. Burlison, TN 38015 Charge: Theft over 10k
Henson, Sammy Joe Born: 08/21/1983 1453 Dry Hills Rd. Halls, TN 38040 Charge: aggravated burglary
Leopard, Billy Ray Born: 10/14/1985 1340 Dolan Rd. Drummonds, TN 38023 Charge: Poss. of sched VI
Massey, II, Jerry Lewis Born:02/17/1986 4477 Highway 51 S. Henning, TN 38041 Charge: promotion of meth manufacturing
Maclin, Abby Marjorie Born: 09/06/1968 6281 Martin West Millington, TN 38053 Charge: criminal impersonation, burglary
Morgan, Charles Edward Born: 04/05.1989 3601 Derby Drive Memphis, TN 38127 Charge: aggravated burglary
Polk, Anotonio Dewayne Born: 07/27/1984 7569 Cloverhaven Millington, TN 38053 Charge: evading arrest
Bill Haslam visits Covington By TIFFANY HOLLAND tholland@covingtonleader.com
Knoxville Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam visited Tipton County on Wednesday, Sept. 22 to speak with citizens, businesses and law enforcement officials about the future of Tennessee. He first met with county law enforcement officials at the Justice Center where they had a chance to speak to him with issues they have to deal with on a local level. Present was Sheriff J.T. “Pancho” Chumley, Chief Deputy Billy Dougherty, city police chiefs and several other local law enforcement officers. Many of them were able to wage complaints with the Haslam, the man who could be the next governor. Covington Police Chief Bennie Carver urged for “stiffer laws on juveniles” to the mayor. Chief Deputy Dougherty brought up issues Tipton County has had with unfunded mandates from the state and the costs associated with inmate healthcare and mental health facilities. Atoka Police Chief Jesse Poole expressed interest in the state having harsher laws for parole violators. Mayor Haslam spent most of the time listening to what the officials had to say and was there so he could understand many of the problems the state faces in the law enforcement arena. He did get a few words in the meeting where he expressed the importance of local police departments. “The most effective form of government is the one closest to them. The same is with (law
enforcement). And I am proud of our Knoxville Police Department,” said Haslam. “I am just here to try to get an idea of what you need from the state government.” After the meeting, Haslam headed to the Hydratrek company in Covington to tour the grounds of the new and burgeoning local business and speak with the workers. Haslam is running for governor against Mike McWherter, a Jackson business owner and son of former Governor Ned McWherter. Both candidates will be visiting Tipton County in the next few months to meet with voters. The election will be held on Nov. 2.
Haslam shakes the hand of Sheriff J.T. "Pancho" Chumley. Photo by Tiffany Holland
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Tipton County Sheriff’s Office DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ARREST OR DETAIN ANY OF THE SUBJECTS OF THE WARRANTS LISTED IN THIS DATABASE. The list is current at the time of publishing and therefore recent changes in the status of warrants may not be reflected. It is possible that some warrants have been resolved and the matter is no longer pending. This information is being provided as a service to the public; however, neither the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office nor The Leader cannot guarantee nor assume any liability for the accuracy of the information at the time of use. All warrants must be verified for accuracy through our system prior to an apprehension. All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO APPREHEND THESE INDIVIDUALS EXCEPT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PEACE OFFICERS. SOME INDIVIDUALSO MAY BE ARMED AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS. If you recognize a name on the list, if you find your name, or if you find a discrepancy, please contact the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office at 475-3300 or via email at h iff@ i