Commission hears a dozen applicants for judge and House District 75; votes scheduled Dec. 8

Montgomery County commissioners heard applicant statements for two upcoming appointment votes during the Dec. 1 informal meeting: the Division 5 General Sessions juvenile judge and the Tennessee House District 75 seat. Voting on both appointments is scheduled for the formal commission meeting on Dec. 8.

For the Division 5 General Sessions juvenile judge, candidates included Samuel Knowlton Jr., Erin Polin Nolte and Merrill Bullock Neal. Knowlton emphasized 45 years in Montgomery County, prior service as special assistant U.S. attorney and long experience in both policing and legal practice. Polin Nolte described a background in therapy and juvenile practice combined with legal experience; Bullock Neal highlighted specialized education credentials, a Ph.D. in special education and longstanding juvenile justice engagement.

For House District 75, a slate of candidates each made five‑minute statements: Ali Phillips (who said she earned about 45% in a prior race and pledged to oppose vouchers and champion public education), Michael Langford (arguing continuity with the late Rep. Jeff Burkhart), Adolf Dagan (community businessman and immigrant representative), Kent Griffey (extensive school‑board and local utility experience), Kevin McPherson (former police officer emphasizing qualifications and public safety), and Nathan Brookover (emphasizing infrastructure priorities like widening I‑24 and completing Highway 374). Several candidates invoked continuity with Representative Jeff Burkhart and highlighted priorities such as education funding, infrastructure and veterans' services.

Commissioners did not vote during the informal session; the transcript records that each applicant was given five minutes and that voting would occur at the Dec. 8 formal meeting. Commissioners thanked applicants for their willingness to serve and proceeded with routine agenda items.