Bill Petty earns Republican nomination for District 10 Williamson County Commission seat

Appointed District 10 Williamson County Commissioner Cheryl Brown fell short in her bid to earn the Williamson County Republican Party's nomination on Tuesday, with her challenger, Bill Petty, now set to appear on the ballot in November.

Petty earned 153 votes from District 10’s “bonafide Republicans,” while Brown earned 78 votes.

Prior to the hand-counted votes being cast at Franklin's Cool Springs Marriott, both candidates pitched their values and platforms.

Among Petty's top issues are the county’s debt, “uncontrolled growth,” and exploring alternatives to the county's planned JJJ project, which aims to see a new adult jail, juvenile center and court facilities built.

“I am a consistent conservative, not just at election time,” Petty told the crowd of voters.

“I promise to treat all people the same and not be influenced by special interests, to be dedicated to transparency and fact-based decisions, to ensure the county does not waste money on wants versus needs, to be true to the principles of limited government, low taxes, low regulations and efficient use of taxpayer, but most importantly, I promise to be true to you, to prioritize the needs and the rights of the people first.”

Petty had a team of some 30 volunteers who worked over the past two weeks to speak with voters leading up to the convention.

“We had a lot of undecideds and I went back and talked to them,” Petty told reporters. “When the actual candidate comes to somebody's house, people think, ‘well, you thought enough to come to my house'-That’s huge.”

Brown, who previously served as the Williamson County GOP chair, was narrowly appointed to the commission in July after the resignation of Commissioner David Landrum.

“It is well,” Brown told reporters following her loss. “One thing I have allowed is for God to play chess with my life, so he can move me around wherever he wants to. I’m excited for Bill Petty, and I'm thankful for the opportunity that I have that I can now add commissioner to my resume.”

Brown will continue to serve in the role until the November general election.

The Williamson County Democratic Party has not nominated a candidate for the seat. Independent candidates must submit a qualifying petition by Aug. 15.