Aaron Wells tabbed to replace Denenberg on commission
Oak Ridge resident Aaron Wells will be taking the seat formerly held by resigned Anderson County Commissioner Catherine Denenberg.
He will serve for the Sixth District, which includes the Oak Ridge Senior Center, Robertsville and West Hills voting locations. His seat will be up for reelection in August 2024.
Anderson County commissioners appointed him on Monday (May 15).
He beat applicants Regina K. Guy, Carolyn Hahs Fogelman, Joel Pelham Hewett, Ebony Capshaw and Steven Mead.
His resume, submitted to the commission, stated he has been proprietor of Lizz’s Wine and Spirits since 2015.
“When I say I live and breathe District Six, that’s my day,” he said at the meeting, listing his job, home and the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge at which he’s held various positions, as all in that district.
In response to questions, he said education is a big concern for the district’s residents, but as the district changes with new people and new concerns, adaptability is a concern in general.
He also said public safety, including Anderson County Emergency Medical Services, volunteer fire departments and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, was a top priority.
He said the Clinch River is the county’s most important resource.
“We can’t live without water,” he said.
His votes came from county commissioners Jerry White, Michael Foster, Denise Palmer, Robert Smallridge, Robert McKamey, Shain Vowell, Sabra Beachamp, Tim Isbel, Shelly Vandagriff and Tyler Mayes, giving him 10 of 15 votes.
Commissioner Anthony Allen voted for Fogelman, while commissioners Phil Yager and Joshua Anderson voted for Hewitt.
Commissioners Steven Verran and Tracy Wandell voted for Capshaw.