Sheryl Watson to seek 1st District commission seat

   Sheryl Watson has announced his candidacy for the Carter County Commission in the 1st District representing the Hunter, Midway and Unaka precincts.
   Watson said his experience as a businessman has given him insight into the nature of economics and society that makes him qualified.
   He also said education for the county's children was of utmost importance and encouragement must be given beyond financial means. He added that it was key that the commission and community rally around its teachers.
   Watson said he sees the need to serve the 1st District as the constituency sees fit. However, he said he was not serving the whims of all. He said he noted the need for strong leadership -- which means not all decisions will be immediately favored, but appreciated on a long-term basis.
   He is married to Romanine Renfro and the couple have two children, Sheryl Watson II and Tammy Whitehead, and one grandchild, Tiffany Whitehead.
   Watson has been owner/operator of Watson's Marine on Highway 19E for 25 years. He is a former bus driver, active with county schools, and has sponsored several athletic teams. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge #238 in Elizabethton and an active member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church.