Jonesborough Mayoral Forum 10/8/26

Jonesborough voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to lead the town during a mayoral and aldermen forum Oct. 8 at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center. The forum is being hosted by the Johnson City Press in association with the Town of Jonesborough and will feature candidates for mayor and two available alderman seats. The mayoral candidates are Michael Hartman and Brian Ponder. Running for the two alderman positions are Dana Helvey, Jason A. Greenlee and incumbents Virginia Causey and Zac Jenkins. The forum will begin at 6 p.m. with the mayoral candidates, followed by a roughly 45-minute discussion. The alderman candidates are scheduled to begin around 6:45 p.m. and will have approximately 45 minutes for their discussion.

Jonesborough Mayor Kelly Wolfe said that forums used to be fairly regular and sponsored and conducted by the now defunct Herald & Tribune. Wolfe said he approached Johnson City Press Editor Cliff Hightower about the possibility of the newspaper taking on the role the Herald & Tribune previously filled to host another forum. “I mentioned something to the editor, Cliff Hightower, that this is probably the most active election season that we’ve seen in quite some time in Jonesborough,” Wolfe said. “And this would be a perfect opportunity for the Johnson City Press to pick up the role that the Herald & Tribune once had.”

Hightower said the paper was more than willing to step into the role. “Jonesborough is an important part of the Johnson City Press’s readership,” he said. “It has been important to the Press since the day we began publishing in 1934 and it will continue to be into the future. We are proud to be Washington County’s paper of record.” Retired Sessions Court Judge John Kiener will moderate the forum. Wolfe said Kiener moderated the forums for the Herald and Tribune, also moderating other local political debates and continues to be active in the community. The forum comes as several candidates seek elected office for the first time, which Wolfe described as part of a potential “changing of the guard” in Tennessee’s oldest town.

Having been involved in Jonesborough town government on and off for 18 years, Wolfe said he knows how crucial it is for citizens to know who they’re voting for. “I think with the changing of the guard, it’s important for voters to be as fully informed as they can possibly be,” Wolfe said. Rather than a traditional debate, Wolfe said the forum will give voters an opportunity to hear candidates answer questions and explain their priorities in a public setting. “It’s important for voters to get a chance to witness these folks in action in a public forum,” Wolfe said, “where they’re asked questions and, in effect, asked to think on their feet, and tell us who they are and what they’re all about as they vie to lead our town.” Wolfe encouraged residents to attend the forum and hear from the candidates firsthand. “I would encourage everyone to come and be a firsthand observer on October 8th, period,” Wolfe said. “I’m thankful that voters will have this opportunity to get to see and hear from their candidates firsthand.”