By BILL JONES

Staff Writer

Voters filled unexpired terms in the 3rd and 5th Constable Districts during Thursday's county general election.

In the 5th Constable District race, Wayne Kelton, of 100 Heatherwood Loop, Apt., 41, received 458 votes in defeating three opponents.

Freddie C. Cutshaw, of 703 N. Main Street, Greeneville, brother of the late Gary Cutshaw who previously held the position, received 346 votes, to finish second.

David R. Foshie, 61, of 1009 Martingale Drive, Greeneville, received 266 votes and Eddie H. O'Brien, of 1034 W. Vann Road, Greeneville, received 68 votes to trail the field. O'Brien also was an unsuccessful candidate for mayor of Greeneville earlier this year.

Kelton said he wished to thank the people of Greeneville for supporting him.

"I appreciate everyone who voted for me, along with those who backed and supported me," he said. "I hope that if the people need me they will call on me. I will do the very best job that I can."

Parton Elected

In the 3rd Constable District race, William D. Parton, of 584 Flag Branch Road, was the only candidate who filed a qualifying petition.

On Thursday Parton, who was appointed by the county commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation last year of former constable Jerry Holt, received 582 complimentary votes.

Jo Roberts, Greene County's administrator of elections, has said that the candidates for the constable seats did not run by party this year because they were filling the remainder of unexpired terms.

Kelton's Background

Kelton completed 12 years of school, and has taken classes in law enforcement and jailers' duties, according to responses he filed to a Greeneville Sun candidate questionnaire last month.

He noted that he has 27 years of law enforcement experience, much of it with the Greene County Sheriff's Department, with which he is currently employed.

Kelton has been an umpire and referee for both Greeneville Parks & Recreation and the TSSAA.

Kelton had never before sought public office.

Asked earlier this year why he was running, Kelton wrote: "To serve the people of my district, also to serve Greene County and Greeneville city in any way that is needed.

"I feel like I have the qualifications for the office of constable," he said at the time.

Asked what strengths or other qualifications he would bring to the job, if elected, Kelton stated: "I have been in law enforcement for 27 years. I have worked as a dispatcher, jailer, and also rode patrol with other officers such as police, constables, Tennessee Highway Patrol and deputies. Also, I have patrolled the county."