There will be a contested race for Warren County Executive on the ballot this year.

Jimmy Haley and Terry Bell, two seasoned political veterans, have submitted their qualifying papers and will appear on the ballot in August. They are running as independents.

Haley served as a McMinnville alderman for 10 years before getting elected McMinnville mayor in 2012.

“I feel the best way for me to serve the most people, promote progress across the entire community, and improve future opportunities for our children, is through the office of County Executive,” said Haley. “My focus on teamwork and building partnerships with both private and public agencies has been a successful approach in McMinnville. Together we have moved the city forward. I wish to see this cooperative model used to bring our entire community together.”

Bell has been elected four times to the Warren County Commission and will have 16 years of experience at election time. He is chairman of the influential Budget and Finance Committee.

“Since I’ve been up there, I’ve tried to help the taxpayers and manage county government the best way possible,” said Bell. “I’ve always had an interest in politics and I want to keep the county moving forward. We have some big projects in front of us at this time.”

Other candidates have picked up qualifying papers for County Executive, but they have not been submitted to the Election Commission. All candidates for county government positions have until this Thursday, Feb. 15, at noon to submit qualifying papers.

The race for Warren County Sheriff is the most crowded race thus far as seven candidates have qualified. Those who have qualified, in order of when they submitted papers, are Billy Joe Crouch, Rodney Whiles, Tommy Myers, Bobby Edwards, Herb Rowland, Marc Martin and John Morgan.

Only two other countywide races are currently contested. Register of Deeds Terry Smith is seeking re-election, but he will first have to defeat Wes Williams in the Democratic Primary and then Danny Cummings in the General Election to retain his job. Two others have picked up qualifying papers but haven’t returned them.

The office open by the retirement of Circuit Court Clerk Bernie Morris has three challengers thus far in Casi Powell Cantrell, Melanie Milstead and Chris Cope. One other has picked up qualifying papers.

Three county officials are running unopposed thus far. They are Trustee Darlene Bryant, Road Superintendent Levie Glenn and County Clerk Lesa Scott.

All 24 seats on the Warren County Commission are also up for election.