McPherson v. Everett

OPINION

HENRY, Judge.

The sole issue presented by this appeal1 is the meaning of the phrase “next election occurring after the vacancy” contained in Article VII, Section 2 of the Constitution of Tennessee, in the context of a vacancy in a county office.

I

Factual Background — Action of Trial Court

A vacancy in the office of County Clerk of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County was created on January 6,1980, as a result of the death of Robert E. Worrall, the long-time incumbent. On February 5, 1980, the Metropolitan Council appointed plaintiff, Bill McPherson, to serve “until a successor is…