Well known business owner Joe Wilmoth announced his candidacy today for the Tennessee Senate race. 

He will run as an Independent candidate for the seat currently held by Senator Charlotte Burks.   Senator Charlotte Burks has served since 1998, when she was elected to succeed Senator Tommy Burks following his death. 

Joe, a Putnam County native, says "when I was young, there was little work here.  There was only one sawmill."  If people wanted work, he said, they had to move.  "We're in a similar situation today.  In order to be successful now, we need the high technology industries, so that our children and grandchildren will be able to remain in the area."

Joe is married to Lois Gore Wilmoth, who was raised in Livingston, and the two have five children -- four girls and one boy, all of whom are active in business.    They have a total of fifteen grandchildren.

Bob Johnson.... 265-3773