ATHENS, Tenn. — State Sen. Dewayne Bunch, R-Cleveland, told McMinn County commissioners last week he has filed a bill in the General Assembly to exempt the county from a law setting standards for the position of road superintendent.

That would allow the County Commission to set the standards. Several other counties have obtained exemptions, Sen. Bunch said.

“Unless this body advises that they have no interest in exempting McMinn County from the general law, I intend to pursue passage of this local bill on behalf of the numerous citizens of McMinn County,” he told commissioners.

Current regulations require candidates to be a graduate from an accredited school of engineering and have two years of experience, or to have at least four years of supervisory road construction experience in a highway department.

Sen. Bunch said several people have approached him about the change because the law limits who can run for the post.

“The issue is not about what the standards are, but who decides those who can run for the position — Nashville or the local commission,” he said.

Former County Commissioner Joe Crabtree spoke against the change, challenging Sen. Bunch on who complained about the current regulations.

“When you sit up there you serve the people,” Mr. Crabtree said. “I wish you would tell this commission how many people came before you.”

Sen. Bunch did not give names but said his goal is to evaluate the proposal.

Road Commissioner Randall Moss said he opposes the change, too.

He was eligible for the post because of his road department experience. An exemption would mean any experienced supervisors in the current highway department could run for the post.

Sen. Bunch said if the County Commission does not take action against the bill, he will leave it on the table for possible passage by the legislature. Commissioners did not give any indication what their action would be.