Pepper out of District 18 race

Former councilwoman's husband demurs from entering race to succeed Keith Durbin

Email | Print By Nate Rau

12-15-2008 12:04 PM — Another candidate has decided to drop out of the District 18 Metro Council race before it even begins.

Attorney Ross Pepper, a member of the Belmont/Hillsboro Neighborhood Association steering committee and the husband of former Councilwoman Ginger Hausser, told NashvillePost.com he will not seek the seat.

The vacancy opened when current Councilman Keith Durbin announced his resignation effective Jan. 5 to run Metro’s Information Technology department.

“After considering the time that I’ve got to give to that job, I just reconsidered and had a reality check about how much availability I would have,” Pepper said. “I think the last 10 days of being involved in starting to get my feet wet about what I need to do not only to run the race, but to do a good job, it has given me a reality check. It’s just not for me right now.”

Pepper joined restaurant owner Randy Rayburn and attorney Allen Woods as those who considered, but ultimately decided against running to fill out Durbin’s term.

There are now three potential candidates for the vacancy at this time – attorney John Ray Clemmons, Belmont professor Kristine LaLonde and public information officer for the state Rural Development agency David Glasgow.

Pepper said he was not going to endorse anyone at this time, but added that he would like to get to know them and would consider doing so later.

The special election is likely to take place in March, between 75-80 days after Durbin’s official resignation.