84. Youngest Elected Official - No More!

In my previous post of August 19, 2009 (8. Youngest Elected Official in the History of the State of Tennessee) I wrote about my experience in August, 1974, when I was elected as Shelby County Constable while at the age of 18 years, 6 months.  I felt fairly secure about my title because the voting age was only changed from 21 to 18 by the 26th Amendment in 1971.  Before that, those younger than 21 could not even vote, much less run for public office.  I also knew that under the state statutes, all positions at the state and county level required you to be at least 21 years of age.  The only exceptions were the position for constable and for county ranger.  Shortly after my election, the 1977 Tennessee Constitutional Convention (on which my father served) changed the state constitution to eliminate these two positions (although I later learned that the constable position was somehow reinstated in some counties). So, only in the last 45 years could anyone younger than 21 run for public office.  Since then I have not found on the internet anyone in Tennessee who was elected to public office at a younger age.  That is, until now.

Apparently, this summer, Mr. Bailey Hufstetler, at the age of 18 years, 4 months, was elected to a seat on the Spring City Commission in Rhea County, Tennessee.

Based on what I know right now, I am forced to pass the mantle of "Youngest Elected Official in the History of the State of Tennessee" on to Mr. Hufstetler.  It is a title I have carried these past 42 years and I am more than happy to bestow it upon a new generation.  It is also fitting that I do so now as I just recently retired from the practice of law after over three decades of service to the people of Tennessee, West Virginia and Pennsylvania (more on that at http://bickerslaw.blogspot.com).  

Mr. Hufstetler, congratulations on your election to the Spring City Commission.  I hope you enjoy your tenure there and that you will be a positive influence on the commission for the people of your community.

 

UPDATE:  Perhaps I should retain the title of the youngest elected official in the history of the state of Tennessee who completed his term, as it appears that young Mr. Hufstetler resigned his position as a city commissioner, for personal reasons, after serving only three months.