Learn about your Hamilton County candidates
By Louie Brogdon, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Below are the responses from the candidates, in their own words.
Contested races
Age: 57
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Two Dogs
Education: B.S., Industrial Organizational Psychology from
Previous Public Office Experience: City Councilwoman from 2009 -- 2013; council vice-chairwoman, 2011; chairwoman 2012 and 2013
Church or Civic Involvement: North River YMCA Chair,
Achievements: Small Business of the Year Finalist,
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
Why should voters choose you?
Age: 64
Occupation: Part Owner of Mackey Monuments
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Wife and an adult daughter.
Education: Bachelors and Masters Degrees from
Previous Public Office Experience: Elected to the
Church or Civic Involvement:
Achievements: In
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge facing the
Why should voters choose you?
Voters in the
Not available
Age: 66
Occupation: Court officer, County Commissioner
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married, seven children, 13 grandchildren
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience: two terms as
Church or Civic Involvement:
Achievements: Special Commendation by President Regan for work with young people. Special invitation to the National Prayer Breakfast from Obama for work in community service. Special acknowledgements from church and civic groups.
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The biggest challaeng is continuation fo building jobs and developign community while at the same time keepting a close eye on the crime rate, and jobless rate and school performance levels in the distirict. Finding the formula for involving communities parents, churches and civic organizations to alleviate some of the problems of our young people.
Whatever we put in to them will be the signature of our efforts in the future whether good or bad.
Why should voters choose you?
Because of my experience and knowhow and leadership on the county commission. Because of my hands on community activities and relationships both with seniors and with youth. I think all of this makes me a model commissioner and a person that youth can build a future on and our seniors can have a secure environment with.
Not available
Not available
Not available
Criminal
Age: 57
Occupation: Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: three sons
Education:
Public Office Experience: Criminal Court Clerk since 1994; Chattanooga City Court Clerk;
Church or Civic Involvement:
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The Criminal Court Clerk's office is a very detailed and technical job. Over 50,000 new cases are filed in both the five criminal divisions of
Why should voters choose you?
I hope voters will look at my history as their Criminal Court Clerk and remember the things I have accomplished. I run the office professionally, not politically. The Criminal Court Clerk office is a fundamental part of our criminal justice system. All parties to a case, in addition to members of the general public, deserve reliable records. I made these records open and easily accessible so that this trust is possible. It is a constitutional office, and like many other county offices, charges fees from those who use our services. In my case, we charge fees to those convicted of crimes. Prior to my election in 1994, there were no efforts to collect those fees, and taxes paid for the office's salaries. However, I have managed the office so that taxes do not pay any of the salaries of my staff -- and have not done so since 2000.
No photo. No info available
Contested races
Age: 48 years old
Occupation: Attorney at Law at Spears,
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married
Education: Graduate of
Previous Public Office Experience: Appointed Commissioner of the
Church or Civic Involvement: Member of
Achievements: Has practiced law for more than 20 years with local firm Spears,
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The primary challenge is to provide the just and efficient court system our Tennessee Constitution demands and our citizens need and deserve. A growing population will increase the use of the justice system by those needing a forum for remedy and correspondingly increase the demand for a skilled judiciary.
Part of the solution is a judiciary with the dedication, judgment and work ethic to analyze and understand a vast array of legal issues across a wide breadth of difficult disputes, and with the management skills to increase efficiency. Another part of the solution is the utilization of electronic filing and access to digital files. This part of the solution cannot be implemented by one judge alone, but the process must be embraced by those committed to assist in the process of improvement to better serve those in the justice system while remaining good stewards of tax dollars.
Why should voters choose you?
Courts must be open, public, fair, and efficient, but above all, resolute in providing justice. That is my commitment to our citizens.
For more than 20 years, I have practiced law in
Through working with organizations of this community and my legal practice, I have gained the understanding and experience in the management of budgets and the implementation of systems that improve efficiency and performance, skills necessary to the administration of justice.
Age: 53
Occupation: Attorney
Residence: Chattanooga/
Years lived in
Family: Married, two children
Education: GPS,
Previous Public Office Experience: None
Church or Civic Involvement: The Ministry Center;
Achievements: Special Judge in
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
A judge must be fair and impartial. They must be kind, but firm. They must be knowledgeable and patient when dealing with tedious facts and disagreeable attorneys. A judge is a professional test-
taker. A judge serves as a referee who controls the flow of information. A judge is in charge of the litigants who hope to have their day in court. They must be knowledgeable in the rules of evidence and civil procedure. Most importantly, judges must instill public confidence in the judicial process by acting in a manner befitting an individual who has the highest of character and ideals.
I will address this challenge by drawing on the skills that I've derived as a mediator and a special judge. I will continue to study the law. I will constantly remind myself that the Lord requires me to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. Micah 6:8.
Why should voters choose you?
I will do my utmost to carry out the very serious duties of judge. I will maintain great care, integrity, fairness, and common sense.
As a family law attorney, I have seen people at their very worst. I am prepared to address their case in such a way that even if they don't win, they will leave the courtroom with a sense of satisfaction that at least they had a fair opportunity to present their case.
I will apply principles that I base my conduct on as a Christian and a conservative Republican. I have a strong work ethic and will work hard to get the job done.
I am qualified for this position. 70 percent of
Chancellor, Part 1
Age: 61
Residence:
Years lived in
Married: Married, three children
Education:
Public Office Experience: Currently Member of
Church or Civic Involvement: 1st
Achievements: Licensed to practice Law in
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
Awesome power resides with the Chancellor. Yet, the Chancellor must also deal compassionately with those who cannot protect themselves. In particular, the power to stop government action is extraordinary.
We must apply current technology to
Why should voters choose you ?
I am the only candidate who has the breadth of experience that qualifies one to address the broad range of issues that come before the Chancellor. I have spent my entire professional life engaged in the resolution of disputes. I have been fortunate to have been involved in a broad range of cases, but also in different roles: as a trial lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and author. I gained knowledge from 35 years of trial practice, patience from mediation practice and the ability to make difficult decisions from serving as an Arbitrator. And, in each one of these roles, I have distinguished myself.
In 2010, the
Age: 54
Occupation: attorney
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: married, two children
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience: none
Church or civic involvement: Member of the
Achievements: Graduated from
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The greatest challenge facing
As Chancellor, I will use my hands-on experience with these cases involving very vulnerable people to work with the family members and apply the law carefully and compassionately to achieve the best for the senior. In these filings, it will be my responsibility, in light of the changes in the administrative staff, to pay particular attention to detail to assure due process and
Why should voters choose you?
Foremost, I possess the judicial temperament required of every judge. This is especially essential in this court which hears cases involving the most vulnerable members of our community from victimized children to our seniors with Alzheimer's facing conservatorship. Like current Chancellor Brown, I'll work hard, treat the lawyers and the parties with respect, and make myself accessible after hours.
Currently, the majority of the caseload is the conservatorships. Having been appointed by Chancellor Brown as guardian in conservatorship cases, I have the necessary experience to hear these difficult cases. As a trial lawyer, I also have experience in the equity cases as well. I'm the only candidate suggesting improvements to make current open files available by electronic access that will result in cost-reduction and efficiencies.
I've been fortunate to utilize and refine the skills needed to be a proficient judge by serving as special judge on several occasions.
County Mayor
Age: 58
Occupation: Mayor of
Residence:
Lived in
Family: Married, two step children and one grandchild
Education:
Public Office Experience:
Church: Burks United Methodist
Civic:
Achievements: Presented no tax increase budgets, created over 7,000 new jobs, recruited 27 new businesses, helped more than 50 businesses expand, made available
What is biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
Public education, workforce development, economic development and creating jobs. Public education is critical to the success of
Why should voters vote for you?
As Mayor I have created and presented three budgets with no tax increases. We have reduced the workforce by 59 positions and cut the budget by millions of dollars. We have maintained our AAA bond rating by all three rating agencies and saved taxpayers millions of dollars by refinancing several bonds. We have delivered a balanced budget on time to the Commission every year and have come in under budget each of those years. We have created more than 7,000 jobs through new and expanding businesses and work with the
Age: 61
Occupation: importer, auto master tech, home repair master, machinist, song writer, movie producer, inventor, businessman.
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: married, two children and five grandchildren
Education: 12 years, two college, GM master training in N.J., VW school,
Previous Public Office Experience: Force Recon Marine
Church or Civic Involvement: Baptist
Achievements: Created five canned vegetable labels and sold them to Food Lion, Winner of seven mandated orders from
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
Make everybody listen to higher court orders concerning false arrests of thousands of citizens at all cost. Emission testings -- close them.
Why should voters choose you?
Everybody else only cares about making money for their government office. Me, I care about their rights first. I will not break my protect and defend oath from the marine corp. Everybody else thinks they are immune, and they are and break their oaths all day every day. I'm an importer for years and know how to create jobs.
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Age: 57
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant- owner of Fairbanks Bookkeeping and Tax Service
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married, two daughters
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience: NA
Church or Civic Involvement: Member of
Achievements: My biggest achievement in the sports arena would be having the honor of referring the 2009 TSSAA championship football game. In my professional career I would say that obtaining my CPA designation. In my personal life my biggest and most important achievements would be raising my two beautiful daughters.
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge in
Why should voters choose you?
Age: 77
Occupation: Business
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Wife, one son (deceased)
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience: 20 years
Church or Civic Involvement:
Achievements: Keeping taxes low, building schools, play grounds, sewers, improved roads, supported volunteer fire departments
-
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
Improving safety, schools, sewers, fire protection, fire hydrants, roads -- doing this without a tax increase.
Why should voters choose you?
I have experience and knowledge of my District and citizens. I've lived and worked in District and have contact on a daily basis with a diverse group of citizens in this District. I have lived in
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired, for 38 years I was a business owner in the insurance industry. Twice I built an insurance agency from the ground up and grew each into a very successful business.
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: married, six children, 29 grandchildren and one great grandchild
Education: graduated from
Previous Public office: Chairman of the
Church and civic involvement: Elder in my church, Moccasin Bend Board of Trustees,
Achievements: My single greatest achievement is my family. Gloria and I have raised six wonderful children, all of whom were educated in public schools in
To this day we continue a tradition we began when they were small children, and that is weekly family time for reflection, fun and discussions about life, Christianity and the American way of
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you seek, and how will you address it?
The single greatest challenge is to continue the tremendous growth we are experiencing in
Why should voters choose you?
I am the only candidate with public office/service experience. I am retired, and therefore the only candidate who can devote as much time, even full-time, to the needs of
My passion for
Age: 57
Occupation: Residential Paint Contractor
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience: None.
Church or Civic Involvement: My wife and I attend
Achievements: I am a successful local business owner. I am also a fundraiser for civic projects, including a
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
First, the
Why should voters choose you?
I have spent all of my adult life in service to residents of
Age: 45
Occupation: Owner and Broker of
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married, three young adult children
Education: Associate of Applied Science from
Previous Public Office Experience: N/A
Church or Civic Involvement: Member of
Achievements: Received the Academic Excellence Award for graduating top of my class from the Radiology and Ultrasound Programs at
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking?
Since launching my campaign, I have met with school principals, teachers, voters, civic and community groups, and multiple community and business leaders in our area. Some of the most commonly expressed concerns have been the need for a new middle school in
Why should voters choose you?
As the owner of
Age: 37
Occupation: Passenger Sales Manager --
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married, four children
Education: Graduated from
Previous Public Office Experience:
Church or Civic Involvement: Ordained as deacon at
Achievements:
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
Economic needs are among the most pressing issues for
jobs while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. I will be actively engaged with all areas of the district in order to encourage economic development (where appropriate), bringing revitalization and jobs while expanding the tax base. One example would be providing recruiting and planning assistance to the
Why should voters choose you?
My experience, integrity, and work ethic make me the most qualified candidate for this position. Being a lifelong resident of
Age: 80
Occupation: Retired
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married, four children, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience: Six terms on the
Church or Civic Involvement: Music Director at
Achievements: Named to the
What is the biggest challenge facing the office youa re seeking, and how would you address it?
Schools: We have some of the top rated schools in the state and some of the lowest rated schools. If elected I plan to request to be named chairman of the education committee. I served as chairman of that group five years. I would do everything in my power to pull these grades up. We have schools that run 15 to 20 points below state average. This would require the best teachers at low achieving schools.
Why should voters choose you?
Highly experience! I have the time, have my own office with conference room for meetings. I think I could make a big difference with our schools that are lagging behind.
Age: 62
Occupation: engineer
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Wife, three children and five grandchildren
Education: BSIE from
Previous Public Office Experience: Current first term
Church or Civic Involvement: Member of
Achievements: Technical consultant to
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge is letting my constituents know what accomplishments have been made during my tenure as County Commissioner. Co-sponsoring programs through the effective use of discretionary funds to free up hundreds of thousands of incarceration cost through an alternative sentencing program having a 90 percent success rate. Helping a local nonprofit with a pilot literacy program for Pre-K through 2nd grade receive national attention and over
Why should voters choose you?
I have never voted for a tax or fee increase. I will protect the citizens from wasteful spending and ask the hard questions when faced with determining whether to fund a project. I will defend the public's best interest when government over reach threatens their rights as U.S. citizens. I will always be mindful of the citizens best interest and will not be pressured by special interest groups.
Register of deeds
Age: 59
Occupation:
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married, three children, five grandchildren
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience:
Church or Civic Involvement: member at
Achievements:
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
Continued progress with indexing and backscanning old data and images from 1800s to 1960's, continued creation of computer programs that could accelerate some of the title search process.
Why should voters vote for you?
Voters should choose me because of my 20 years experience as the Register. I believe that experience does count.
I also have a 10 year background researching real property titles and I have worked with real estate attorneys during that time. That lends itself to helping set rules for computer programs, and assisting customers with property information.
Also under my direction we have been successful in remitting 25 million plus excess fees which does not include the salaries that we additionally paid out of our fees.
Did not participate
Sheriff
Age: 69
Occupation:
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married, three children and nine grandchildren
Education: B.A. in Psychology, B.S. in Criminal Justice, Masters in Criminal Justice
Previous Public Office Experience: Chief deputy for 17 years, served as mayor of Ridgeside city, worked at juvenile court for 7 years, worked as international police training instructor overseas
Church or Civic Involvement:
Achievements: CALEA Award -- being only one of five Sheriff's Offices in
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
My priority is to provide personal safety to residents in their homes, their businesses, and their community. I am also tasked to respond to natural disasters, the closing of mental health services, and other safety and personnel issues, all within a county-government budget.
In response to the budget challenge, I started the
I will continue to appropriate the
Why should voters choose you?
Crime against persons and property has been on a downward trend in
After years of work, the
Through the implementation of training and technology, I have been able to maximize patrol time while minimizing the administrative task load for officers. As your Sheriff, my commitment is to an effective, efficient force for personal safety.
I have been successful to lead our team in the mission to protect the residents of this county.
Age: 41
Occupation: Law Enforcement
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married, two children
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience: None
Church or Civic Involvement: Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Fighter -- former fire fighter current member of the Board of Directors; HCSO Explorers Program (created by
Achievements: My biggest achievement has been to raise my family to love God and our country. My professional achievement is I have worked my way up the
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
Addressing the critical manpower shortage in the Jail and Patrol Divisions without increasing budgetary funding is the biggest issue facing the next Sheriff. My plan for the Jail is to implement a cost neutral reorganization of certain positions currently performing tasks outside of the Jail and the three shifts that manage the inmate population. For Patrol Division I plan to evaluate and transform recently created staff positions into salaries for more patrol officers.
Why should voters choose you?
I'm the only candidate for Sheriff that has patrolled our streets and fought to keep our schools and neighborhoods safe. I'll attack the gang and drug issue head on and implement prevention courses for our children to learn the lifelong affects of crime and drugs. Ever since
Age: 65
Occupation: Owner of
Residence:
Years Lived in
Family: Married, on child, three grandchildren
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience:
Church or Civic Involvement:
Achievements: Owned and operated
What is biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge facing the
Why should voters vote for you?
Voters should vote for me because I have the experience in both the private and public sectors to manage the
As a County Commissioner for over 11 years, I understand what it takes to govern effectively without burdening the taxpayers.
Age: 53
Occupation: attorney
Residence:
Years lived in
Family: Married; mother and grandmother
Education:
Previous Public Office Experience: Notary Public, Special City Court Judge,
Church or Civic Involvement:
Achievements: Pro Bono Award, 2001
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge facing the
Why should voters choose you?
I am a practicing attorney and an officer of the court. Over the past thirty-three years, working first as a paralegal and later as an attorney, I have developed close working relationships in the Circuit and
Did not participate.
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