The Rutherford County Commission tackled two very heavily debated public concerns at their Thursday meeting.  First up, the proposed regulation that any new homes built within subdivisions in the county would have to have installed sprinkler systems as a fire safety measure.

Public Comments on the Sprinkler Regulation:


As it turns out, the regulation in question was never designed to be a mandate, but rather an option for those homes not easy accessible to a fire hydrant or other services...


Next, the commission shifted their focus to the Republican Party's recent decision to hold an election primary with designated parties specified for the candidates, something not traditionally done in elections involving county commissioners.

Public Comments on the Primary Issue:


Republican Party Chairman Jeff Peach defended the choice via letter to the group...


Commissioners seemed to unanimously agree that running under the banner of a specific party would be a terrible idea, and could possibly alienate voters, and deter select individuals from running for the office...


Even former Commissioner Bob Bullen made an appearance to speak on the matter, to much applause...


A motion was ultimately passed to officially inform the Republican Party that the commission did not wish to have commission elections conducted in this new manner, but rather to remain fully independent candidates.