Cataldi opens up, wishes Povlin ‘good luck’ after loss
Rich Cataldi, town of Farragut Alderman Ward 1 candidate, was sitting in his house after a day of campaigning and lawn mowing when hearing he lost to incumbent Louise Povlin on Election Day, Thursday, Aug. 4.
His wife, Susie Cataldi, had been campaigning on the drive up to Farragut Intermediate School, polling place for Knox County Precinct 66 North.
After the polls closed she told him the Election Day results. Rich Cataldi checked the election results for early and absentee voting on a muted TV and on his laptop.
Povlin won 9-6 in the absentee votes, 501-359 in early votes and 161-72 in Election Day votes.
“It’s been a great experience because of all the people I got to meet,” he said regarding his campaign.
Cataldi, a U. S. Navy veteran, said he met people at many places including the Lawn Chair Concert Series, while walking around Farragut placing signs and while speaking at Marine Corps Club.
Campaigning by “waving a sign” along Campbell Station Road earlier that day, Cataldi said he ran because no candidate should run unopposed.
“This was a one and done this time,” Cataldi said, adding he was enjoying his retirement too much to want to run for office again.
“Congratulations. I hope you enjoy your stay on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and good luck,” he said in a post-election voice message to Povlin.
Cataldi said he had been approved to be an inspector for the next election, which will include the presidential race.
Kelley Clancy, realtor with Century 21 for the Cataldi family and political supporter of Cataldi, came to visit that night after Knox County Election Commission had reported the results.
“As far as I’m concerned, Rich, Susie and Marc are some of the finest people I’ve ever known,” he said.
Cataldi has worked as a naval commander, an Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor and a math teacher. He also served the Town earlier on a six-member committee, the recommendations of which led to Campbell Station Greenway and the nearby Outdoor Classroom.
In interviews before the election, Cataldi criticized town of Farragut’s “Live Closer. Go further,” slogan and its logo, which he said resembled a dancing Gumby. He also said the Town should be more flexible in its guidelines for new developments.
