Political controversies involving Andy Ogles

The following is a discussion of political controversies involving Andy Ogles, particularly during his tenure as county mayor of Maury County (2018-present).

Before Seeking Office

Before seeking the county mayorship, Andy Ogles was executive director of the Tennessee branch of Americans for Progress. As a lobbyist for the AFP (an organization supported by the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch), Ogles had lobbied against a gas tax increase and in favor of the repeal of the Hall Tax (a state tax on interests and dividends). While Ogles was unsuccessful in blocking the gasoline tax increase (which incumbent Charlie Norman had backed as a way to raise funds for improving local roads) the Hall Tax repeal reduced county revenue.

2018 Campaign

Republican Nominating Convention

The method used by the Maury County Republican Party to select candidates in 2018 was controversial. The party used a primary election in 2014 (in which Charlie Norman narrowly defeated then-Commissioner Scott Cepicky. Cepicky later became chair of the MCRP. In 2018, the Republicans opted not to have a primary election, on the grounds that it would save the county about $35,000 in expenses associated with conducting the election. Instead, they used a nominating convention, effectively shrinking the pool of Republicans deciding the nomination from several thousand to 122 of the most dedicated party members. Ogles was endorsed by Rep. Sheila Butt, whose tenure in the Tennessee General Assembly was marred by several controversies.

Outside Campaign Advertisements

During the campaign, mail advertisements were sent out by a group calling itself the "Great America Coalition" boosting the candidacy of fourth-place finisher Amanda Kelton. Many, including incumbent mayor Charlie Norman and the Daily Herald editor James Bennett, suspected the outside group as being controlled by Republicans seeking to encourage Democratic voters to back Kelton instead of Norman or Sonny Shackelford, thus further dividing the non-Republican vote in the county to Andy Ogles' benefit. Ogles denied knowing anything about the group.

Offices Controversy

Scott DesJarlais Office

Early in his tenure as County Mayor, Andy Ogles requested office space for U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais on Maury County's Public Square. The county commission approved the request, evicting the deputy clerk in the process after it was rejected by the county budget committee. Ogles argued the office move was necessary to improve relations between the county government and DesJarlais. Some county leaders expressed concern that the monthly rent agreed to between the county and DesJarlais's was lower than it could have been. Democrats also characterized this as a "sweetheart deal" for a fellow "Tea Party" Republican.

Veterans Services Move

In early 2019, a controversy arose after Ogles backed moving the Veterans Service Office from the Memorial Building (the former U.S. Post Office at 308 West 7th Street) to the Public Square. Ogles argued that the reason for the move was that the Memorial Building basement was unsafe and did not provide enough space for VSO personnel to discuss health concerns privately with veterans. The move raised concerns about parking availability and accessibility, and Ogles himself was criticized for not communicating his intentions and reasoning clearly (which may have contributed to misinformation about the move).