Martin Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Kent
Kelso
Kent Kelso is running for mayor of Martin in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against David R. Bell.
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The race · Mayor
- 01David R. Bell
- 02Kent KelsoYou’re reading
Background
- About
- Kent Kelso is an educator who was named to fill an open seat as a Martin alderman.
Kent Kelso is running for mayor of Martin against David Bell. Thunderbolt Radio · Aug 26, 2026
Mayoral candidates David R. Bell and Kent Kelso are scheduled to appear at a public forum at UT Martin on Oct. 8. Thunderbolt Radio · Sep 25, 2026
On the record: Kent Kelso
7 sourced01C.E. Weldon Building1 sourced position
Made the motion to appraise City Hall and get a cost estimate for moving city operations into the Weldon Building; the motion passed (July 2026).
Council voteThunderbolt Radio · Jul 16, 2026Link
02Festival funding2 sourced positions
Recused himself from the board's vote on $30,000 in hotel-tax funding for the Grassroots Soybean Festival (passed 3-2, July 2026).
Council voteThunderbolt Radio · Jul 14, 2026LinkHow the council voted
as reported by Thunderbolt Radio; not a direct quote
Encouraged fellow board members to support the $30,000 hotel-tax funding for the Grassroots Soybean Festival.
Own statementThunderbolt Radio · Jul 14, 2026Link
03Strategic plan1 sourced position
Was selected head chair of the city's Vision, Voices and Viability strategic planning committee by the board (March 2026).
Commission voteThunderbolt Radio · Mar 11, 2026Link
04Housing1 sourced position
as reported by Thunderbolt Radio; not a direct quote
Said housing options were one of the biggest concerns raised in the Vision, Voices and Viability plan, which collected feedback from nearly 1,600 residents.
Own statementThunderbolt Radio · Aug 19, 2026Link
05Public transportation1 sourced position
as reported by Thunderbolt Radio; not a direct quote
Presented the lack of public transportation as a concern residents raised and contacted the Northwest Tennessee Development District about options.
Own statementThunderbolt Radio · Aug 20, 2026Link
06Oversight of city government1 sourced position
Told the board in public comment, as a Martin resident, that its oversight had been a breach of duty and called on board members and city officials to resign (Nov. 2025).
Your prolonged failure of oversight is an unacceptable breach of duty. Resignation is the only honorable choice remaining.”
Own statementTennessee Lookout · Dec 1, 2025Link
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