Residents of Carter County’s 8th District now have a new constable to serve them, but his face may be familiar to many residents.
Members of the Carter County Commission selected David Campbell out of a field of three candidates to serve as the 8th District’s new constable. Campbell is currently a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) teacher at Elizabethton High School.
Each district in the county is served by two constables. Under state law, constables are elected law enforcement officers who serve their local communities. 
Campbell was appointed by the county’s governing body to fill a vacancy created when long-time 8th District Constable Bob Carroll retired in November.
Following Carroll’s retirement, the county advertised the vacant position and received three applications for the position. Joining Campbell in applying for the post were former constable Ernest Rosenbaum and retired law enforcement officer Brian Keener.
During Tuesday’s Commission meeting, all three applicants were given the opportunity to address the Commission regarding their qualifications.
Campbell introduced himself to the Commission, stating he was an Elizabethton native and graduate of EHS. After graduating college with his degree, Campbell said he went to work in the engineering field, primarily working in project management. He later made the transition to teaching.
While he has never worked as a law enforcement officer, Campbell said he has always had an interest in the field of law enforcement. He cited his experience in working with people and good communications skills among his qualifications.
“I don’t have a lot of experience in law enforcement, per se, but I do feel I can use the experiences I’ve had working with people,” Campbell said. “There are so many things outside of law enforcement that I bring to the table.”
After all three men were granted their turn to speak, Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey, who serves as chairman of the Commission, asked for nominations from the floor for the position of constable of the 8th District. Commissioner Timothy Holdren nominated Campbell while Commissioner Cody McQueen, who represents the 8th District, nominated Keener.
Nominations then ceased and Humphrey called for Commissioners to vote on their choice for constable. The first vote resulted in a tie with Campbell and Keener each receiving 11 votes.
Humphrey then called for a second vote and when those votes were counted, Campbell was selected by a margin of 13-9.
Campbell will serve as constable for the 8th District for the remainder of the term, which will end Sept. 1, 2018.