Candidate withdraws from Johnson City Commission race

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A candidate running for Johnson City Commission has backed out of the race.

T.R. Dunn, who had picked up a petition to run , announced Tuesday that he will not seek one of three open seats on the five-member commission.

Dunn is co-founder of the local nonprofit 4thirteen , a faith-based program for teenagers.

In a statement, Dunn said holding public office could mean spending less time working with local teens.

“At this point, I have realized that I cannot risk not being fully present for them,” Dunn wrote. “Therefore, I have decided not to run for Johnson City Commission.”

Dunn’s full statement can be read below:

According to the county election commission’s website, Dunn had not filed his petition as of Monday. So far, four candidates have filed petitions: incumbents Joe Wise, Todd Fowler, and Aaron T. Murphy along with newcomer Joseph Coates.

The deadline to file is noon Thursday.

Election Day is Nov. 5. Early voting begins Oct. 16.

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