2022 1 ELECTION YEAR • AUGUST 4TH • CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022
Created and Brought to you by: The Equity Alliance P.O. Box 331821, Nashville, TN 37203 615-492-0061 • [email protected] • www.theequityalliance.org @theequityalliance @EquityAlliance1 @theequityalliance
Graphic Design Community Partners Thank you to our Media Sponsors: CivicTN Chattanooga Business Elite About The Guide Chattanooga Times Free Press Communities United Serving People (CUSP) As part of our voter education and outreach programs, our goal is to expand the electorate Olivet Baptist Church Deez Fine Cuts by creating new and informed voters. The Tennessee Voter Guide is a free, nonpartisan, The Edney Innovation Center Grace Pointe Church public resource to help Hamilton County Haven's voters make an informed decision in the voting Herman's Restaurant booth on Election Day. The widely popular Knoxville City Council Movement publication is produced by The Equity Alliance Knoxville College / Knox County Commissioner Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals in partnership with Tell Publishing and is distributed by a host of community partners. Masonic Lodge Roots Beauty Supply Brainerd/Hwy58 UUNIK Academy Special Thanks The Equity Alliance Board, Staff, and Volunteers oPrufbinlaisnhceiarlsly Nsuoptpeo: rTthcias nisdaidafrteees,. nonpartisan publication. The Equity Alliance does not endorse Every effort was made to contact each candidate who qualified with the local county election commission to obtain their profile information. In the event we couldn't reach a candidate, readily available information was captured from online sources. Due to the large number of candidates, candidates' campaign platforms may be edited; community affiliations were limited to five; and those who did not return a profile were only listed by name. Profiles were printed as-is from questionnaire responses and were only edited for word count, grammar or clarity.
GUIDEINSIDE THE Introduction From The Equity Alliance 1 Voter Registration Requirements & Deadlines 2 Voter ID Requirements 2 Absentee Ballot Info 4 Tips for Voting in the Midst of COVID-19 5 What Does Election Day Voter Suppression Look Like? 6 August 4 Election Calendar 7 What’s on the Ballot 7 Candidate Profiles & Elected Office Definitions 8 Early Voting Times & Locations 47 Election Day Polling Location & Hours 47 Getting Your Voter Rights Restored 48 Voting as a College Student 49 Poll Watch: Being Turned Away 49 Contacting the Election Commission 50 About The Equity Alliance 50
DCeoaurnHtyaVmoitlteorn: The United States Supreme Court;s controversial decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, a constitutional right of abortion, upheld by almost a century, has been a hot topic amongst politicians in this upcoming election. Regardless of which side you agree with, knowing which candidate aligns with your values is vital. Other hot topics in Tennessee are scrutiny and censorship of school library content and imposed tougher restrictions on transgender athletes. I know society puts a lot of emphasis on the Presidential Elections but our local elections are pivotal on the local and federal levels. We need to ensure that we aren't laxed in choosing crucial seats in this election. In this guide, we've included a brief description of each position. In Chattanooga, seats for the District Attorney General, Mayoral, General Session Judges, County Council and School Board are up for grabs. Regardless of where you live in Tennessee, you should have a say in who represents you. Voters should pick their representatives and not the other way around. These upcoming elected positions should be vetted carefully even beyond what you read in our Tennessee Voter Guides. We include contact information for some candidates if they submitted it and/or if we found it, so you can reach out to them to ask specific questions. Make it a priority to attend in-person or tune-in virtually to events they are on program to speak at. Are you hearing your priorities being discussed? Your community's priorities? Outside has opened up with the availability of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters and we've adjusted to living within the COVID-19 virus as it continues to generate new strains. Be sure to check out how to continue to stay safe and vote in the midst of the virus on page 5. We know that voter suppression is a big deal and we want you to be diligent in identifying what that looks like so be sure to check how what does election day voter suppression look like on page 6 The Equity Alliance equips Black Tennesseans and other communities of color with the proper information in the civic process so we all can show up informed on Election Day. The Equity Alliance is proud to provide you with our 2022 Tennessee Voter Guide, a free, nonpartisan, public resource for Chattanooga voters to be informed. In this guide, you'll find unbiased candidate profiles, a description of what each elected office does, polling locations and hours, voter ID requirements, etc. Our goal is to empower you to exercise your right to vote as a means to bring a balance of power to these public offices. Thank you to our community partners, the TEA team, 529 Graphics, Tell Publishing, and our volunteers and distribution partners for their contributions to the 2022 Tennessee Voter Guide. Be sure to share the guide with your family, neighbors, friends, customers and on social media. Visit www.TNvoterguides.com to access our mobile-friendly site and obtain your free copy. Stay vigilant, Charlane Oliver & Tequila Johnson 1 Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director The Equity Alliance CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022
VOTER REGISTRATION Voter Registration Requirements Register in Person: Paper Registration: You may complete a paper form at the To be Eligible to Register to Vote in Hamilton County, Hamilton County Election commission office, Department Tennessee all of the following qualifications must be of Safety (motor vehicles division), Department of Health met: (WIC program), public libraries, and many other designated government agencies. • You must be a United States citizen Once you complete the form, you may either mail-in or hand- • You must be a legal resident of Hamilton County when deliver the application to: Hamilton County Election Commission: submitting a voter registration application 700 River Terminal Rd • You must be 18 years of age or older by the date of the Chattanooga, TN 37406 next election Voter Registration Deadlines • You must not have been convicted of a felony or, if you This election's voter registration deadline is Tuesday, July 5th have such a conviction, have your voting rights restored by close of business. Deadlines can creep up quickly. Make sure as required by state law, and you're registered to vote! New registrations must be postmarked • You must submit a properly completed voter registration or delivered to the Hamilton County Election Commission no application at least 30 days before an upcoming election later than thirty (30) days before an election, in order to vote in that election; that is state law. Voter ID Requirements DID YOU All voters must present a federal or Tennessee state ID KNOW: containing the voter's name and photograph when voting at the polls, whether voting early or on Election Day unless an These photo IDs may be expired, unless exemption applies. Acceptable forms of ID include, even if you are voting in Hamilton County for the expired: first time. Student IDs, library cards and photo IDs issued by cities, counties and • Tennessee driver's license with your photo other states may not be used. • United States passport • Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security photo ID • Photo ID* issued by the federal or Tennessee state government • United States Military photo ID (active or retired) • Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo *These photo IDs may be expired, unless you are voting in Hamilton County for the first time. Student IDs, library cards and photo IDs issued by cities, counties and other states may not be used. Ways to Register To Vote Online Voter Registration: bit.ly/teavote. You must have a Tennessee driver's license or identification issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security in order to submit this application online. If you do not have a Tennessee driver's license or Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID, you will be able to print the voter registration form and submit by mail. Location of Mail-in Voter Registration Applications: The Hamilton County Election Office has placed mail-in application forms at each U.S. Post Office in the county. Additionally, forms can be found at any City Hall or Public Library. The Department of Safety, Department of Human Services, Military Recruiting Offices, Hamilton County Health Department and the County Clerk's Office also have forms available during normal business hours. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 2
Absentee Ballot Info Tips For Voting In The Midst Of COVID-19 CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 3
ABSENTEE 1. Name of the registered voter BALLOTS: 2. Address of the voter's residence 3. Voter's social security number Tennessee law allows for absentee voting 4. Voter's date of birth only under certain circumstances. You must 5. Address to mail the ballot submit a written request containing the 6. The election in which the voter wishes to participate. If the information to the right to your local county election commission office by the seventh election involves a primary, the political party in which the voter day before Election Day. You can use the wishes to participate. absentee ballot request form to make sure 7. Reason the voter wishes to vote absentee. If applicable, a copy all required information is provided. of the CDL containing the CDL number or the TWIC card must be included in the voter's request. You can submit your written request for an 8. Voter's signature absentee ballot by mail, fax, or e-mail. If e-mailing your request, be sure the attached Email: [email protected] document contains the information to the Phone: 423-209-8683 right and your scanned signature. Fax: 423-209-8686 Mail: Hamilton County Election Commission Attn: Absentee Department 700 River Terminal Road Chattanooga, TN 37406-1736 A request that contains this information will be processed and a ballot will be mailed to the voter. NOTICE: A person who is not an employee of an election commission commits a Class E felony if such person gives an application for an absentee ballot to any person or commits a Class A misdemeanor if such person gives an unsolicited request for application for absentee ballot to any person. T.C.A. § 2-6-202(c)(3) and (4). COVID-19 IS There are several categories you would need to fall under in order STILL A REASON to request an absentee ballot but below is the wording specifically TO REQUEST about COVID-19 from the Tennessee Secretary of State AN ABSENTEE website: BALLOT: You are hospitalized, ill or physically disabled and unable to appear at your polling place to vote (this includes persons who have underlying medical or health conditions which in their determination render them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 or at greater risk should they contract it). For a list of underlying health conditions that makes a person more susceptible, see the [CDC Guidelines]. A physician's statement is not required to check this box. You are the caretaker of a hospitalized, ill or physically disabled person (this includes voters who care for or reside with persons who have underlying medical or health conditions which in their determination render them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 or at greater risk should they contract it). For a list of underlying health conditions that makes a person more susceptible, see the [CDC Guidelines]. A physician's statement is not required to check this box. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 4
COVID-19TIPS FOR VOTING IN THE MIDST OF While voting is important, voting safely is more important while COVID-19 is still a part of our lives whether you are fully or partially vaccinated or not vaccinated at all. So as you decide which method of voting is suitable for you, keep these tips in mind for the upcoming August 4 State and Federal Primary Election and State and County General Election. M ail-in Absentee Ballots are optional. The new law requires an option to list COVID-19 as a reason to mail-in your vote. Must apply for the ballot at https://sos.tn.gov/elections/ guides/guide-to-absentee-voting by July 28. Once approved, the completed ballot must be mailed in by Election Day at 7 p.m. to be counted. If you're going to do in-person voting, make sure your address is updated to limit the amount of time you have to be in the polling station. Use this link to update your address: ovr.govote.tn.gov. C onsider early voting during times when there aren't huge crowds and you have the option to choose which polling location to vote. Visit page 47 of this guide for early voting locations and times. T o minimize the amount of time at the polling station, review the Chattanooga Voter Guide so you'll know who you're voting for before you get there. Follow guidelines issued by public health officials, including safe practices when in a public setting like wearing a mask and gloves and practicing social distancing - staying 6 feet apart from everyone. Bring your own disposable gloves and stylus pen to use on the touchscreen while using the voting machine. Do not take additional people with you who are unable to vote. Use hand sanitizer before and after you use the voting machine. If you are sick or test positive for COVID-19, please stay home. DID YOU The Center for Disease Control (CDC) KNOW: says for COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes) – excluding K-12 school settings. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 5
WHAT DOES ELECTION DAY VOTER SUPPRESSION LOOK LIKE? The Black and brown vote has increasingly shown its power to energize and disrupt elections. No matter who you vote for, voter suppression manipulates and toxifies the voting process by placing undue barriers and burdens on voters. That is why we want you to know what voter suppression looks like and how you can call it out, share it with others, and combat it with correct information and appropriate actions. Voter Intimidation and Misinformation Threats, physical acts of intimidation and misinformation are tactics used to sway voters from voting. People have threatened that the police or immigration authorities will be at the election polls lingering and looking for a reason to arrest voters. Rumors may be spread that voters will be stopped at the door and election officials will overly question voters' eligibility. Since Tennessee law prohibits poll workers from campaigning within 100 feet of the polling locations, campaign workers will likely be on the sidewalk, in the parking lot and in adjacent areas to attempt to give you candidate materials. You are free to accept or decline the materials. Please do not allow the presence of campaign workers, volunteers or media representatives to deter you from voting Long Lines It's easy to see a long line and be compelled to turn away, but voting is important. A way to minimize election day long lines is to take advantage of early voting, which lasts two weeks prior to the election day. For the August 4 election, the Early Voting dates are JULY 15 - JULY 30. If you choose to vote on Election Day, be prepared for the long lines. This includes consideration for comfortable clothing and shoes, bringing snacks, bottled water, medication as needed, portable cell phone charging device and cord, and something to hold your attention such as a book or magazine. Provisional Voting If you claim to be registered to vote but are not on the list, you can receive a provisional ballot for later verification. Ballots are eligible for verification if votes are cast in the correct precinct. Tennessee does not provide a limited provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are counted within FOUR business days after Election Day. Unofficial Poll Watchers Tennessee law allows for official poll watchers, who have to submit paperwork to the election committee, to sit in and watch. If they have questions about any irregularities they see, they are to bring it to the attention of the manager on-site and not directly to a voter. Sometimes unofficial poll watchers may be there but the election officials should handle them. Make sure you view the POLL WATCH: IF YOU ARE BEING TURNED AWAY on page XX in this voter guide to report any voter suppression. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 6
2022 July 5 Voter Registration Deadline ELECTION YEAR July 15 Early Voting Begins July 28 Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot July 30 Early Voting Ends August 4 Election Day AUGUST 4TH BALLOT Chattanooga-Hamilton county elections G overnor State and Federal Primary U nited States House Districts 3 State House Districts 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 S tate Senate S tate Executive Committeeman District Districts 11 Districts 10 • 11 State Executive Committeewoman District Districts 10 • 11 State And County General Election C ircuit Court Judge East Ridge Judge Chancellor Lookout Mountain Commissioners Hamilton County Commission District Lookout Mountain Judges District 6• 9 • 11 Lookout Mountain School Board Red Bank Judge G eneral Sessions Court Judge Division Signal Mountain Judge District 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 Soddy Daisy Judge County Clerk H amilton County School Board District District 3 • 5 • 6 • 8 • 10 • 11 Chattanooga Council District District 8 CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 7
Candidate Profile & Elected Office Definitions CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 8
GOVERNOR PROFILES Governors are responsible for implementing state laws and overseeing the operation of the state executive branch. As state leaders, governors advance and pursue new and revised policies and programs using a variety of tools, among them executive orders, executive budgets, and legislative proposals and vetoes. Governors carry out their management and leadership responsibilities and objectives with the support and assistance of department and agency heads, many of whom they are empowered to appoint. BILL Party Affiliation: Facebook: BillLeeTN LEE Republican Twitter: billleetn Candidate Status: Website: billlee.com Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Governor Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University Active in Grace Chapel Church and in numerous faith-based ministries, which have taken him all over the world to serve people in need, including to Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. Top Three Issues: Traveling around the state, I’ve learned that most Tennesseans have a few things in common: • They want a good job. • A good school for their kids. • A safe neighborhood for their families. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 9
CARNITA FATE Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] ATWATER Democratic Facebook: Carnita4Governor Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Governor Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Owner African-American International Museum Austin Peay State University Foundation Top Three Issues: • Fight against abusive tax-incentives for rich developers. • Promote environmental accountability for renewable energy. • Advocate for small business owners who is the background to any healthy growth and economic development. JB SMILEY, Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Website: votejbsmiley.com JR. Democratic Facebook: votejbsmiley Candidate Status: Twitter: jbsmileyjr Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Governor Previous elected offices held: Memphis City Council Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Attorney Tennessee Tech University; University of Pikeville; University Boy Scouts of America; member of New Mt. Zion MB Church of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Top Three Issues: • Education: As Tennessee’s next governor, we will work to strengthen and fully fund our public education system. This includes investing in pre-k expansion, vocational training, wraparound services to help parents, and working to eliminate barriers to accessing quality childcare, and education across the state. • Healthcare: As Governor,I will advocate for affordable and accessible health care while also addressing disparities which will lead to better health outcomes for everyone who calls Tennessee home. • Women’s Rights: As governor, I will fight to protect a woman’s right to choose and laws that establish bodily autonomy; and work to eliminate pay inequality in Tennessee. The Smiley administration will stand against any law or policy that serves as an attack on women. DR. JASON Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Website: martinfortn.com MARTIN Democratic Facebook: DrJasonMartinTN Candidate Status: Twitter: jasonbmartin Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Governor Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Doctor Tulane University; medical school at the University of South Alabama Top Three Issues: • Covid-19 Rebound: As an ICU doctor, I have spent the last two years in the trenches fighting the virus. When I am governor, I want to make sure we beat this pandemic using science, sound thinking, and a plan to get us back to living our lives as normally as possible. • Women’s Rights: Protecting the health and reproductive rights of women across the state is not just important, but the right thing to do. There are widespread attacks on women’s rights and as a physician, it is important to me that we make sure women have full control over their reproductive rights. • Cannabis: Pass cannabis for recreational use. Period. Decriminalize small drug offenses. This is a bipartisan issue, and as a governor for all Tennesseans, I will make sure that we do not lag behind on this issue. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 10
UONFITREEDPRSETSAETENSTAHTOIVUESSE PROFILES The U.S. House of Representatives makes and passes federal laws. The House is one of Congress's two chambers (the other is the U.S. Senate), and part of the federal government's legislative branch. Also referred to as a congressman/congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees. The number of representatives with full voting rights is 435, and is proportionate to population per state. DISTRICT 3 CHUCK Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Twitter: repchuck FLEISCHMANN Democratic Facebook: repchuck Website: fleischmann.house.gov Candidate Status: Instagram: repchuck LinkedIn: repchuck Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Congress, TN-03 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Congressman Undergraduate degree in Political Served on the board of the National Craniofacial Association; board of the Science from University of Illinois; JD Cherokee Area Council of Boy Scouts of America; served as the president of the Top Three Issues: from University of Tennessee Chattanooga Bar Association; served as the chairman of the Chattanooga Lawyers • Education Pro Bono Committee. • Foreign Affairs • Social Security CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 11
MEG Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Twitter: Meg4Congress GORMAN Democratic Facebook: Meg4Congress Website: meg2022.com Candidate Status: Instagram: Meg4Congress LinkedIn: Meg4Congress Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Congress, TN-03 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Store Support Team Leader at Whole Foods University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Top Three Issues: • Protecting our democracy and voting rights • Putting people first (investing in universal health care, child care, and quality public education; protecting women’s rights; gun reform; ending mass incarceration and for-profit prisons) • Combating climate change SANDY Party Affiliation: CASEY Republican Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office your're seeking: Congress, TN-03 CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 12
STTAETNENESSESNEAETE PROFILES The Senate is the upper house of the Tennessee General Assembly and is composed of 33 members who are elected to four-year terms of office. They are elected by the voters of their Senate legislative district. The functions of the Legislature are to enact, amend, and repeal the laws of Tennessee. Some of the specific powers granted to the Tennessee General Assembly by the state Constitution include: the appropriation of all money to be paid out of the state treasury; the levy and collection of taxes; and the right to authorize counties and incorporated towns to levy taxes. BO Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] WATSON Republican Website: capitol.tn.gov/senate/members/s11.html Candidate Status: Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: State Senate District 11 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Physical Therapist BA in Biology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Sunday School Teacher - Hardin Class; Baylor Board of Physical Therapy, University of Tennessee Center for Health Trustees; Junior Achievement- Orchard Knob Elementary Sciences Memphis School; Habitat of Humanity; Pachyderm Club CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 13
TEONFNRESEPSREEESSETNATTAETHIVOEUSSE PROFILES he House of Representatives is the lower house of the Tennessee General Assembly, composed of 99 members who are elected to two-year terms of office. They are elected by the voters of their House legislative district. In general, the functions of the Legislature are to enact, amend, and repeal the laws of Tennessee, and they can create changes in the form of bills, resolutions and joint resolutions. Some of the specific powers granted to the General Assembly by the state Constitution include: the appropriation of all money to be paid out of the state treasury; the levy and collection of taxes; and the right to authorize counties and incorporated towns to levy taxes. The House also has the power to start impeachment hearings. DISTRICT 26 TIM Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] ROBERTS Democratic Facebook: Tim Roberts For TN House District 26 Candidate Status: Website: votetimroberts.com Challenger Elected office you're seeking: TN House District 26 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Stay at home dad Bachelor’s Degree (Political Science) N/A Top Three Issues: • Marijuana Legalization and expulsion of records • Education reforms • Repealing Open Carry CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 14
ALLISON Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] GORMAN Democratic Facebook: Allison Gorman for TN House District 26 Candidate Status: Website: votegorman.com Challenger Elected office you're seeking: TN House District 26 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Writer/Editor BS in journalism from UTK; MA in Volunteer work w/ several organizations in TN affiliated with voting rights and English from East Carolina University restoration of voting rights. I’ve worked on the policy and messaging sides and participated in countless voter registration events across Hamilton County. Top Three Issues: • Expanding access to health care • Fully funding and supporting traditional public schools; opposing diversion of public tax dollars to charter (or any other) schools with a de facto religious or political agenda • Opposing bad legislation—that is, laws that aren’t necessary, haven’t been thoroughly vetted, harm marginalized communities, aren’t grounded in facts or data, are opposed by nonpartisan experts, aren’t fiscally or economically sound, aren’t constitutionally sound, or violate human rights/freedoms. GREG Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Twitter: tnvolgregmartin MARTIN Republican Facebook: gregmartindistrict3 Website: electgregmartin.com Candidate Status: Instagram: LinkedIn: Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: TN House District 26 Previous elected offices held: Hamilton County Commission District 3 Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Realtor B.A. Degree from Bryan College, and Past President of the Hixson Kiwanis Club; the Chairman of the Board of Directors Masters and Doctoral Degrees from New of Teen Challenge MidSouth; Advisory Board of Directors of the Friends of Hixson; Top Three Issues: Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary previously served on the Board of Directors of the Hixson Council of the Chamber of • Safe neighborhoods and communities Commerce • Infrastructure • Jobs DISTRICT 27 PATSY Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] HAZLEWOOD Republican Facebook: RepPatsyHazelwood Candidate Status: Website: capitol.tn.gov/house/members/h27.html Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: TN House District 27 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Retired B.S., Math, Physics and Secondary Elder and Trustee, Signal Mt. Presbyterian Church; Member and past President, Education, Middle Tennessee State Chattanooga Rotary Club (1st female president in 100 year club history); Immediate Top Three Issues: University Past President - Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga; Member, Bible in the • Lively growth Schools Board; Member, Friends of the Festival Board • Safe communities • Unwavering values CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 15
MICHELE Party Affiliation: RENEAU Republican Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office you're seeking: TN House District 27 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Writer/Editor DISTRICT 28 YUSUF A. Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] HAKEEM Democratic Candidate Status: Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: TN House District 28 Previous elected offices held: Chattanooga City Councilperson (19 years) Chattanooga Public School Board (10 years) TN House of Representatives District 28 (2 years) Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Retired Howard High School, Chattanooga State; Second Missionary Baptist Church, Deacon; Bessie Smith Cultural Center; University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Tennessee Board of Parole and Probation; Chattanooga NAACP Life Member and Board Member; Tennessee Human Rights Commission Top Three Issues: • Healthcare • Education • Criminal justice reform DISTRICT 29 GREG Party Affiliation: Email: electgregvital.com VITAL Republican Candidate Status: Community Affiliation: Open Seat Current chairman of the Land Trust for Tennessee; former chairman of the National Parks Conservation Association; served on the board of the Friends of Moccasin Bend National Elected office you're seeking: TN House District 29 Park; and the Tennessee Aquarium. Previous elected offices held: Collegedale City Commission Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Co-founded Morning Pointe Senior Living Business degree from Southern Adventist University Top Three Issues: • Growing our economy • Cutting taxes and eliminating regulations • Protecting the right to life CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 16
DISTRICT 30 ESTHER Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Twitter: estherhelton5 HELTON Republican Website: electesther.com Candidate Status: Facebook: E sther Helton Tn State Representa- Incumbent tive-D30 Elected office you're seeking: State Representative House District 30 Previous elected offices held: State Representative HD 30 2018-present Councilmember City of East Ridge 2016-present Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Nurse PRN community outreach Cempa Community East Ridge High School 1980; Chattanooga East Ridge High School alumni Association; East Ridge Optimist Club; Hamilton Care School of Practical Nursing 1981 County Pachyderm Club; Construction Career Center State Board Member; Healthy Parks Healthy Person State Board Member Top Three Issues: • I am a common sense conservative. I am pro life, pro second amendment, pro school choice and I believe healthcare decisions should be between the Doctor and Patient, not insurance companies or government. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 17
STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMAN/ COMMITTEEWOMAN PROFILES The State Executive Committee governs the affairs of the Tennessee Republican and Democratic Parties. The committee acts as a board and establishes policy to guide the party. The committee members for the State Executive Committees for the GOP and Democratic party hold leadership positions within their boards but can also be active for the state in other ways. DISTRICT 10 COMMITTEEMAN KENNETH Party Affiliation: Facebook: people/Ken-Meyer-for-TN-GOP-State-Executive-Committee/ MEYER Republican Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: State Executive Committeeman District 10 Previous elected offices held: Tennessee House of Rep Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Senior Director of Government Affairs for K12, Inc BS in Economics from the University of Tennessee at board member of Beacon Center of Tennessee Chattanooga College of Business Top Three Issues: • Small government • Limited taxation • Strong national defense and the security of our nation CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 18
CHRIS Party Affiliation: Facebook: chris.anderson.54943 ANDERSON Democratic Twitter: chrismanderson Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: State Executive Committeeman District 10 Previous elected offices held: Chattanooga City Council in 2013 Current Employment/Occupation: Senior Advisor to the Mayor for Legislative Initiatives DISTRICT 10 COMMITTEEWOMEN RAQUETTA Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] DOTLEY Democratic Facebook: rddotley Candidate Status: Website: raquettadotley.com Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: State Executive Committeewoman District 10 Previous elected offices held: Chattanooga City Council District 7 Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Executive Director of the Net Resource Foundation Undergraduate from University of Co-chair of the Hamilton County Voters Coalition, Get Engaged Chairperson for the and as Church Administrator for Westside Tennessee at Chattanooga; Masters local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc; Secretary of the Alton Park/Piney Woods Missionary Baptist Church. from Temple Baptist Seminary Neighborhood Association; A Step Ahead Contraceptive Access Advisory Committee; the Relative Caregiver Advisory Board Top Three Issues: • Building strong communities • Express opinions via voting • Input in policy matters EMILY Party Affiliation: Facebook: EmilyandPhilGoldberg GOLDBERG Republican Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office your're seeking: State Executive Committeewoman District 10 Community Affiliation: board member of Beacon Center of Tennessee SUZANNE Party Affiliation: Facebook: EmilyandPhilGoldberg SCHOOLFIELD Republican SAPP Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office your're seeking: State Executive Committeewoman District 10 CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 19
DISTRICT 11 COMMITTEEMAN RYAN Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] SCOFIELD Democratic Facebook: RyanFor11 Candidate Status: Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: District 11 State Executive Committeeman Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Social Security Disability Legal Assistant Seeking a BA in History Hamilton County Democratic Party Top Three Issues: • TNDP Financial responsibility • Building strong rural county • Improving sub-committee functionality DAVID Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] QUEEN Republican Facebook: dgqueen Candidate Status: Website: davidqueencpa.com Challenger Elected office you're seeking: District 11 State Executive Committeeman Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: President of QFSC and owner of David Queen CPA MBA, Finance - UT Chattanooga, 1996; BS/BA, Erlanger Financial Review Board - Board Member, Vice Chair; City of Accounting - UT Chattanooga, 1987 Chattanooga Audit Committee - Board Member, Chair; Estate Planning Council of Chattanooga; Friends of Hixson - President, Chair; Hixson Kiwanis - Treasurer, Past President WILLIAM Party Affiliation: ROGERS Democratic Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office your're seeking: State Executive Committeewoman District 10 CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 20
DISTRICT 11 COMMITTEEWOMAN TINA Party Affiliation: BENKISER Republican Candidate Status: Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: District 11 State Executive Committeewoman Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Attorney Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Physical Science (honors Board member of Beacon Center of Tennessee; Chairman of in Biochemistry) with an Economics minor from Mississippi Republican Party Texas; lead a Precept Bible study at Second University for Women; Juris Doctor from The University of Baptist Church, Houston, Texas; founding member of Hamilton Alabama Flourishing RACHEL Party Affiliation: CAMPBELL Democratic Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office your’re seeking: <<Seeking>> Previous elected offices held: N/A Community Affiliation: Chair of Hamilton County Democratic Party CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 21
DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL PROFILES They prosecute all misdemeanor and felony charges brought in Juvenile Court, the General Sessions Courts, the Grand Jury, and the Criminal Courts of the District. COTY Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] WAMP Republican Facebook: Committee to Elect Coty Wamp Candidate Status: Website: cotywamp.com Challenger Elected office you're seeking: District Attorney General Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: General Counsel, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office University of Tennessee, BS Political Science 2011 Member, Chattanooga Bar Association; Member, Hamilton County Pachyderm Club Top Three Issues: • Focusing more prosecutorial resources on gang and violent crime and cracking down on offenders who are caught selling heroin or fentanyl. We should not negotiate plea deals on our most serious cases. • Supporting law enforcement. I will be accessible to law enforcement across the county and they will know that if they treat people well and respect constitutional rights, their District Attorney has their back. • Prioritizing child abuse cases including child sex abuse-- importantly, restoring the Child Sex Abuse Prosecutor position in the office. JOHN ALLEN Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Website: brooksforda.com BROOKS Democratic Facebook: brooksforda LinkedIn: johnbrooksforda Candidate Status: Instagram: johnbrooksforda Challenger Elected office you're seeking: District Attorney General Previous elected offices held: Hamilton County Commission District 6 Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Attorney University of Tennessee Law School Founding member of the AIM Center; former Treasurer of the Fortwood Center; Former Board Member of Moccasin Bend Top Three Issues: • John wants to bring fair, honest, and responsible leadership to ensure justice is served in Hamilton County. John has the ability to lead others to exhibit the highest levels of professionalism, timeliness and efficiency in the District Attorney’s office. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 22
COUHNAMTYILMTOANYOR PROFILES The County Mayor is elected to a four-year-term by the citizens of Hamilton County to head the executive branch of Hamilton County Government. As the Chief Fiscal Officer for the County, it is the Mayor's responsibility to oversee the preparation and administration of official budgets and financial reports. WESTON Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] WAMP Republican Facebook: westonwamp Candidate Status: Website: westonwamp.com Open Seat Community Affiliation: Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County Mayor Tennessee Board of Regents; Ministry Young Life Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Leads the Millennial Debt Foundation University of Tennessee Top Three Issues: We’ve laid out a vision and a plan that would: • Bring new accountability and transparency to county government • Refocus public education on training our students for careers • Protect our values for a generation to come. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 23
MATT Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Twitter: adamsformayor ADAMS Democratic Facebook: adamsformayor Website: mattadamsformayor.com Candidate Status: Instagram: adamsformayor LinkedIn: adamsformayor Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County Mayor Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Community Affiliation: Army Veteran Went on several mission trips with my church across the United States and was later appointed as the youngest member in my church’s 200 year history to its administrative board; Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee for the city of Calhoun, TN Top Three Issues: • Quality Education - Your zip code should not dictate the quality of your education. We must practice equitable investment in our school system. • Economic Development- The long term economic development of Hamilton County will be dependent on a holistic approach to government. • Affordable Housing - There is a housing crisis across this county. The county needs to work with developers and nonprofits to close the gap to housing affordability CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 24
HAMCOILMTMONISCSOIOUNNTY PROFILES In a county commission form of government, a body of elected commissioners serves both the executive and the legislative duties, meaning they enact local ordinances and administer them. They approve budgets, oversee spending and hire county employees. The commission usually consists of three to five officials. There are five Lookout Mountain Commission seats and they serve a two-year term. DISTRICT 6 DAVID Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] SHARPE Democratic Facebook: votesharpe Candidate Status: Website: votesharpe.com Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County Commission District 6 Previous elected offices held: Hamilton County Commission District 6 Current Employment/Occupation: Community Affiliation: Hamilton County Commission District 6 Co-chair of the Southern Brewers Festival, an event that has raised millions of dollars for local charities and brought thousands of visitors to Chattanooga. Top Three Issues: • Stronger schools • Stronger workforce • Stronger communities CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 25
RUTH Party Affiliation: Email: voteruthjeno.com JENO Republican Facebook: profile.php?id=100077771917146 Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County Commission District 6 Previous elected offices held: Red Bank Commission; Mayor of Red Bank Current Employment/Occupation: Community Affiliation: Artist/Seamstress Board of directors for the Red Bank Food Pantry and Red Bank Seniors on the Go, a program she founded more than a decade ago that offers services to local senior citizens; the Awana Club Ministry; the American Red Cross. Top Three Issues: • Public Education: Our children are our future. I will advocate for a quality education system starting with pre-K through graduation. • Economic Development: As a strong leader with a background in planning I will work with my fellow Commissioners to bring more economic vitality to Hamilton County, particularly through development opportunities like the recently acquired 2000+ acre McDonald Farm in Sale Creek. • Safety: I support our Hamilton County’s Sheriff’s Department; I will support a budget ensuring proper funding for our officers and the equipment needed to keep our families safe in all areas of Hamilton County. DISTRICT 9 DR. STEVE Party Affiliation: Facebook: profile.php?id=100071367783846 HIGHLANDER Republican Candidate Status: Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County Commission District 9 Previous elected offices held: Hamilton County School Board Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Educator B.A. and master’s degrees in educational administration, The Sits on the education, The Legal and Legislative, and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; D.Min., Covington Health, Human Services, Personnel, Arts, Recreation, and Seminary Public Relations Committees DR. STEVE Party Affiliation: Website: greatersecondmbc.org/pastor.html CAUDLE Democratic Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County Commission District 9 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Senior Pastor position at Greater Second Missionary Lane College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business; Master’s of AWANA; the Big-Hearted Angel’s Ministry Baptist Church Theology Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary; Doctor of Ministry degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary of New Orleans, LA, with a Top Three Issues: major in Leadership • Standing up for the truth in government • Funding public education • Protect our democracy CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 26
DISTRICT 11 JOSEPH “JOE” Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] GRAHAM Republican Facebook: electjoegraham Candidate Status: Website: electjoegraham.com Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County Commission District 11 Previous elected offices held: Hamilton County Commission, District 6, 2010-2018 Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Owner/Operator Accent Printing Inc, Accent Car K-12, ChattState President of the Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association; Lookout Valley Lions Club Wash Inc., Graham Properties Officer; Rebuild Together Chattanooga Board Member; Red Bank Food Pantry Board Member; Community Activist Top Three Issues: • Safe and inclusive schools with open enrollment countywide. • JOBS JOBS JOBS! Our district needs jobs for all that want them to improve the quality of life in the new District 11 • Safe and vibrant neighborhoods with services to help people stay in their homes and not get run out because of new developments running the property values (and corresponding taxes) up. We need opportunities for our young people so they stay supported with positive activities and not left with no better choices than gang membership MONTRELL Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] BEASLEY Democratic Website: montrellbesley.com Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County Commission District 11 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Director of Community Engagement, Chattanooga Bachelor’s in Health and Human Performance, Austin Peay Co-Founder, Lighthouse Collective; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Preparatory School State University; Master’s in Public and Community Health, Inc.; Executive Board Member, Boys and Girls Club of Austin Peay State University Chattanooga Top Three Issues: • Education: Ensuring a quality education for every student in District 11 means paying our teachers more and investing in critical infrastructure of our public schools • Public Safety: We must take a community-first approach to public safety and behavioral health to reduce our jail population and unnecessary arrests. Public safety also includes ensuring a clean environment and secure street infrastructure. • Economy: Improving our economy requires that we support local businesses by including them in our county contracts and utilizing homegrown workforce. It’s also essential that we increase access to affordable housing and livable wages for all in District 11. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 27
SESSGIEONNESRJAULDGE PROFILES The Metropolitan General Sessions Court of Nashville-Davidson County is a high volume limited jurisdiction Court that hears civil, misdemeanor, felony, traffic, environmental, and metropolitan ordinance violations. This Court is served by eleven judges that are elected to an eight year term. DIVISION 1 CHRISTIE Candidate Status: Facebook: christie.sell.9 SELL Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Sessions Court Judge Div 1 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Sessions Court Judge Div 1 Juris Doctorate, 1994; Bachelor of Arts with honors, American Inns of Court; American Judges Association; Chattanooga Bar 1991, from University of Memphis; Notre Dame High Association (Secretary and past Young Lawyer President); Chattanooga School, 1987 Bar Fellow; Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute (Board Member) Top Three Issues: • I have been recognized for my integrity, character, and performance on the bench by receiving over a 99 percent approval rating from the Chattanooga Bar Association and by being elected as a “Fellow” for exemplifying these qualities. I have been further recognized for my fairness, competence, effectiveness and excellent leadership by the endorsements from the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Fraternal Order of Police and Firefighters Association. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 28
DIVISION 2 ALEX MCVEAGH Candidate Status: Facebook: friendsofjudgealex MCVEAGH Incumbent Website: votejudgealex.com Elected office you're seeking: Sessions Court Judge Div 2 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Judge Bachelor of Science degree in economics and political President of the Young Lawyers Division of the Chattanooga science from Vanderbilt University; Juris Doctor degree from Bar Association; East Tennessee Governor of the Tennessee Vanderbilt Law School Bar Association’s YLD Board; ABA House of Delegates; member of Brock-Cooper Chapter of the American Inns of Court; the Downtown Chattanooga Rotary Club. DIVISION 3 GERALD Candidate Status: Facebook: gerald.webb.146 WEBB, JR. Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Sessions Court Judge Div 3 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Sessions Court Judge BA History, Middle Tennessee State; JD, Cumberland School of Member, Chattanooga Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Law, Samford University Association and American Bar Association; board member ArtsBuild; board member Erlanger Hospital LARRY ABLES Candidate Status: Email: [email protected] ABLES Challenger Facebook: larry.ables Elected office you're seeking: Sessions Court Judge Div 3 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Attorney BS in Public Administration, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; JD Law, Florida Coastal Law School CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 29
DIVISION 4 LILA Candidate Status: Email: [email protected] STATOM Incumbent Website: judgelila.com Elected office you're seeking: Sessions Court Judge Div 4 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Community Affiliation: Judge Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security; Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute; National Association of Women Judges and American Judges Association; Federalist Society, Chattanooga Chapter DIVISION 5 GARY Candidate Status: Facebook: gary.starnes.12 STARNES Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Sessions Court Judge Div 5 Previous elected offices held: Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Judge Undergraduate degree, University of Tennessee at Former board member, American Red Cross Chattanooga and his juris doctorate from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 30
COUNTY CLERK PROFILES WF BILL Party Affiliation: Website: electknowles.com KNOWLES Republican Candidate Status: Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: County Clerk Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: County Clerk Master License to Barber Top Three Issues: • Continuing implementing new technologies • Continuing monitoring legislation that affects the office • Continuing to look for new ways to make interacting with the government easier. NIVEK Party Affiliation: RUCKER Independent Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office you're seeking: County Clerk Previous elected offices held: N/A WILLIAM Candidate Status: ROGERS Incumbent Elected office your're seeking: County Clerk R. CHESTER Party Affiliation: HEATHINGTON Independent Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office your're seeking: County Clerk CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 31
HASMCHILOTOOLNBCOOAURNDTY PROFILES The school board represents the public's voice in public education, providing oversight for what the public schools need and what the community wants. An effective school board plays an important watchdog role in keeping your local school on track and setting policies that affect your child and your school. Their job is three-fold: (1) Oversee and evaluate DISTRICT 3 JENN Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] PIROTH, MA Candidate Status: Facebook: JennPirothServes Challenger Website: JennPirothServes.com Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 3 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: ASL Interpreter BA - Elementary Education, MA- Mental Health Counseling Mom to 4 children in HCDE schools Top Three Issues: • Increase staff pay • Make schools safer by increasing funding for mental health services • Equal education regardless of zip code CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 32
JOE Party Affiliation: Facebook: JoeSmithD3schoolboard SMITH Republican Candidate Status: Incumbent Elected office you’re seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 3 Previous elected offices held: N/A DISTRICT 5 CHARLES Party Affiliation: Facebook: Charles-Paty-for-School-Board-District-5 PATY Repulican Candidate Status: Challenger Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 5 Previous elected offices held: Current Employment/Occupation: Education: University of Chattanooga, Bachelor of Science; Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, Juris Doctorate KARITSA Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] MOSELY JONES Democratic Facebook: ElectKaritsaMosleyforSchoolBoardDistrict5 Candidate Status: Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 5 Previous elected offices held: Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Licensed Master Social Worker BA in Sociology & Criminal Justice and MSW in Social Work & Community Mental Health from Alabama A&M University DISTRICT 6 BEN Party Affiliation: Email: votebenconnor.com LinkedIn: votebenconnor CONNOR Democratic Facebook: VoteBenConnor2022 Candidate Status: Instagram: votebenconnor Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 6 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Philanthropic Coordinator King University Normal Park SPARK board; board of directors chair of Northside Learning Center; basketball coach and room parent at his children’s schools Top Three Issues: • A dad who wants to make a difference by listening to parents, teachers, & educated information to make the right choices for all our children CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 33
JON Party Affiliation: BAKER Republican Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office your're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 6 DISTRICT 8 LARRY Party Affiliation: Facebook: larry.grohn GROHN Republican Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 8 Previous elected offices held: Chattanooga City Council Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Social & Political Commentator Kansas University (1987-1990); MS Education Curriculum and Instruction 1990; The University of Texas, San Antonio (1985- 1986); BA History 1987 Top Three Issues: • I will oppose anyone or any ideology which dismisses the great legacy of America! The Progressive Left, including the current admin of Hamilton County schools, has taken over our schools’ curriculums and libraries. • I will stand against those who introduce relative morality, anti-American ideology and indecent materials into the classrooms of our children. KATIE Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] PERKINS Democratic Facebook: KatiePerkinsD8 Candidate Status: Website: katieperkinsforschoolboard.com Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 8 Previous elected offices held: Chattanooga City Council Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Former Preschool Teacher Bachelor’s degree from UTC and a Active member of Christ United Methodist Church and heavily involved in the master’s of fine art degree children’s ministry; elementary volleyball coach and basketball coach; actively participates in the PTO of her children’s schools. Top Three Issues: • Elevate Students for success by giving them the tools and support they need. • Provide Safe Schools so every teacher, parent, and student feels secure and confident. • Modernize Infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing community. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 34
DISTRICT 10 JEFF P. Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] CRIM Democratic Facebook: JPC4HD10 Candidate Status: Website: jeffcrim.com Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 10 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Staff Chaplain, CHI Memorial Hospital Master of Divinity, School Of Religion at Earlham College; District Commissioner, Boy Scouts of America; ACS Chaplain, Bachelor of Arts, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga United States Coast Guard Auxiliary; Board Member, United States Selective Service System Top Three Issues: • The purpose of serving on the school board is to ensure that students have access to an appropriate public education. • Schools should prepare students to become adults who embrace civic life and interact with their neighbors. • Standardized tests are a useful tool, but they are not the ultimate tool for evaluating school and teacher effectiveness or student achievement. FAYE Party Affiliation: ROBINSON Republican Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office your're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 10 CHRISTINE Party Affiliation: ESSEX Independent Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office your're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 10 DISTRICT 11 STEVE Party Affiliation: MCKINNEY Independent Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office your're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 11 CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 35
VIRGINIA ANN Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] MASON Republican Website: virginiaannemanson Candidate Status: Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 11 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Director of Boarding Admission at Baylor School B.S.at University of California at Irvine Former Board member of Girls,Inc, Little Miss Mag Day Early Learning Center, T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital Top Three Issues: • Literacy and Academic preparedness • Encourage parent involvement and support for community/neighborhood schools • Transparency in curriculum and the budget JILL MURPHY Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Twitter: jillblackd11 BLACK Democratic Facebook: jillblackd11 Website: jillblackforschoolboard.com Candidate Status: Instagram: jillblackd11 LinkedIn: jillblackd11 Open Seat Elected office you're seeking: Hamilton County School Board District 11 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Not currently employed, practiced as a social worker Masters of Science in Social Work from UT-Knoxville, Bachelor First Centenary UMC, Battle Academy PTA for 16 years in the community of Arts in Sociology from University of Mississippi Top Three Issues: • We must meet students where they are and give them what they need to succeed. Every student, no matter what zip code they live in, deserves an excellent education. • SUPPORT for TEACHERS: Our teachers work in an environment that is unsustainable, and we must offer competitive pay and more support in the classrooms through aides and paraprofessionals. • INVESTMENT in FACILITIES: Our community is growing and the time is now to prepare and build for the future by making the necessary investments in facility maintenance and construction. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 36
CCHITAYTTCAONUONOCGILA PROFILES It acts as the legislative branch of the city government, as well as its policy-making body. The council also looks to the city's goals, major projects and infrastructure improvements ranging from community growth to land use to finances and strategic planning. MARIE Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] Twitter: 4two3marie MOTT Candidate Status: Facebook: 4two3marie Website: votemott.com/home Challenger Instagram: 4two3marie LinkedIn: 4two3marie Elected office you're seeking: Chattanooga City Council District 8 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Self-employed Harvard Kennedy School of Government Former Chairperson Civic Engagement (Hamilton County/ Chattanooga Branch); Co-Founder of ICANTBREATHECHA Top Three Issues: • Affordable Housing: residents connected to better opportunities to gain skills will earn higher wages for households. • Jobs/Small businesses: small businesses connected to capital and opportunities to do business with the city of Chattanooga strengthens our local economy and help brilliant entrepreneurs the ability to thrive. • Community Safety: we must decriminalize poverty and seek alternatives in public safety such as mental health response harm reduction to allow police to focus on violent crime. CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 37
MARVENE Candidate Status: Email: [email protected] NOEL Incumbent Website: marvenenoel.com Elected office you're seeking: Chattanooga City Council District 8 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: City of Chattanooga/City Council Bachelor of Science, Associate of Past President and active member of Orchard Knob Neighborhood Watch Association; Applied Science Degree Health Parkridge Health System Board of Trustees; Chattanooga League of Women Voters Director Sciences of Diversity; The Neighborhoods Development Oversight Committee (The Lead for Health Disparities); The Orchard Knob Collaborative Top Three Issues: • Protecting our communities, making sure they are clean, safe and maintained. Fostering economic growth and development making sure housing is affordable for your income. Not just affordable housing. Incomes differ. Protecting our families addressing the Food Deserts, Health disparities, Home ownership and building Generational Wealth. MALARIA Candidate Status: Email: malariemarsh.com MARSH Challenger Facebook: profile.php?id=100082084622619 Elected office you're seeking: Chattanooga City Council District 8 Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Community Affiliation: Investigator League of Women Voters of Chattanooga; on the Park Ridge Health System Board of Governors; Neighborhood Development Oversight Committee; Orchard Knob Collaborative; the East Chattanooga Community Council CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 38
EASJUTDRGIDEGE PROFILES The East Ridge Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, and the court's judge has the power to assess fines up to $50, plus court costs for violations, in some instances, these courts can impose a civil penalty of up to $500 and jail sentences up to 30 days. KEVIN B. Candidate Status: Email: [email protected] WILSON Open Seat Community Affiliation: Elected office you're seeking: East Ridge City Court Judge Chattanooga Bar Association, Collegedale Tomorrow Previous elected offices held: Collegedale City Court Judge Foundation, General Sessions Court Judges Conference, Municipal Judges Conference Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Judge East Ridge, Collegedale, and self employed Doctor of Jurisprudence lawyer Top Three Issues: • Personal responsibility • Respect for the law • Efficiency of Court process CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 39
TRACY Candidate Status: Email: [email protected] Website: tracycoxlaw.com COX Challenger Facebook: tracycoxlaw-102708901362406 LinkedIn: tracycoxlaw Instagram: tracycoxlaw Elected office you're seeking: East Ridge City Court Judge Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Attorney Juris Doctorate from the University of Board of Directors for Children’s Advocacy Centers; the Chattanooga Family Tennessee College of Law Justice Alliance Courts Task Force; Board of Governors for the Chattanooga Bar Association; Voices Committee for the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga CHRIS Candidate Status: Email: [email protected] DIXON Challenger Website: chrisdixonlaw.wixsite.com/mylegalbodygaurd Elected office your're seeking: East Ridge City Court Judge Previous elected offices held: N/A Current Employment/Occupation: Community Affiliation: Attorney Board of Directors for Children’s Advocacy Centers; the Chattanooga Family Justice Alliance Courts Task Force; Board of Governors for the Chattanooga Bar Association; Voices Committee for the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga RICH Candidate Status: Fracebook: Rich-Heinsman-for-East-Ridge-Judge-107112492002941/ HEINSMAN Challenger Elected office your're seeking: East Ridge City Court Judge Previous elected offices held: N/A Education: New York University CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 40
LOOCKOOMUTMMISOSUIONNTAIN PROFILES In a county commission form of government, a body of elected commissioners serves both the executive and the legislative duties, meaning they enact local ordinances and administer them. They approve budgets, oversee spending and hire county employees. The commission usually consists of three to five officials. There are five Lookout Mountain Commission seats and they serve a two-year term. JIM Elected office your're seeking: Lookout Mountain Commission BENTLEY WALKER Elected office your're seeking: Lookout Mountain Commission JONES KAREN Elected office your're seeking: Lookout Mountain Commission LEAVENGOOD DAVID Elected office your're seeking: Lookout Mountain Commission PASCHALL WILLIAM Elected office your're seeking: Lookout Mountain Commission VALADEZ CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 41
MOULNOTOAKINOUJTUDGE PROFILES The Lookout Mountain Court has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, and the court's judge has the power to assess fines up to $50, plus court costs for violations, in some instances, these courts can impose a civil penalty of up to $500 and jail sentences up to 30 days. STEVIE PHILLIPS Email: [email protected] Twitter: lawyer stevie PERSINGER Facebook: steviephillipslaw Website: steviephillipslaw.com Instagram: steviephillipslaw LinkedIn: steviephillipslaw Elected office you're seeking: Lookout Mountain Judge Previous elected offices held: Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Attorney B.A. in History and Spanish, Loyola University Federal Bar Association, Board of Governors; The Mayor’s Women’s Council for New Orleans; J.D., University of Tennessee Justice; The AIM Center, Board Member; The Southeastern Tennessee Legal College of Law Association for Women; The Tennessee Bar Association CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 42
LOOSCKHOOUOT LMBOOUANRTDAIN PROFILES In a county commission form of government, a body of elected commissioners serves both the executive and the legislative duties, meaning they enact local ordinances and administer them. They approve budgets, oversee spending and hire county employees. The commission usually consists of three to five officials. There are five Lookout Mountain Commission seats and they serve a two-year term. JULIE Elected office your're seeking: Lookout Mountain School Board FISHERZ KAREN Elected office your're seeking: Lookout Mountain School Board WELBORN JAMES Elected office your're seeking: Lookout Mountain School Board WILLIAMS CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 43
REJDUDBGAENK PROFILES The Red Bank Court has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, and the court's judge has the power to assess fines up to $50, plus court costs for violations, in some instances, these courts can impose a civil penalty of up to $500 and jail sentences up to 30 days. JOHNNY Candidate Status: Email: [email protected] HOUSTON JR. Incumbent Facebook: HoustonAlexanderPLLC Website: houstonalexander.com Elected office you're seeking: Red Bank Judge Previous elected offices held: Red Bank Judge Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Attorney and Judge BA in Philosophy, University of Tennessee in Knoxville; law degree from Memphis State University CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 44
SIGNAJLUMDOGUENTAIN PROFILES The Signal Mountain Court has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, and the court's judge has the power to assess fines up to $50, plus court costs for violations, in some instances, these courts can impose a civil penalty of up to $500 and jail sentences up to 30 days. GARY S. Party Affiliation: Email: [email protected] HUMBLE Candidate Status: Website: garyhumblelaw.com Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Signal Mountain Judge Previous elected offices held: Signal Mountain Judge Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Community Affiliation: Attorney and Judge BA History, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Juris Works with High School Mock trial as judge and scorer Doctor The University of Memphis- Cecil Humphreys School of Law CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 45
SODJDUYDGDEAISY PROFILES The Soddy Daisy Court has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, and the court's judge has the power to assess fines up to $50, plus court costs for violations, in some instances, these courts can impose a civil penalty of up to $500 and jail sentences up to 30 days. D. MARTY Candidate Status: Facebook: groups/391451127564961 LASLEY Incumbent Elected office you're seeking: Soddy Daisy Judge Previous elected offices held: Soddy Daisy Judge Current Employment/Occupation: Education: Judge BA from Carson-Newman College; J.D. degree from the Vanderbilt School of Law; and attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School CHATTANOOGA VOTER GUIDE • 2022 46
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