By Matthew S.L. Cate
Staff Writer
Former Catoosa County Commission Chairman L.C. Cripps is seeking to oust GOP state Rep. Ron Forster in the July 18 Republican primary election.
Mr. Cripps, a former Democrat and ex-sheriff’s deputy, said the three-term incumbent is no longer effectively representing the state House’s 3rd District.
“Somebody’s got to go to Atlanta and say, ‘We need help,’” he said.
The 3rd District is made up of portions of Catoosa and Whitfield counties.
Rep. Forster, R-Ringgold, is chairman of the House Interstate Cooperation Committee and serves on the House Appropriations Committee. He had more than $14,000 in campaign cash as of April 1, state records show. He said he uses much of his campaign contributions to give back to local organizations and said he actually ranks among the lowest money-raisers in the Legislature.
“I think comparing my record as a state representative and his past performance as chairman of the commission, I believe the voters know who to vote for,” Rep. Forster said about his challenger.
He said the gains he’s made for the district by rising through the House ranks would be erased if voters send someone new to the Capitol.
But Mr. Cripps, also of Ringgold, said even with his higher visibility and positions, Rep. Forster is failing his district in terms of getting state money for local projects and being responsive to the concerns of local government.
“We’re not getting that for a reason,” he said.
The General Assembly this year did approve several projects Rep. Forster sought for the district. The 2007 state budget awaiting Gov. Sonny Perdue’s signature includes $20,000 to help develop an industrial park, $10,000 to help extend Ringgold sewer lines to Chattanooga’s treatment facility and $15,000 for repairs to the Ringgold depot.
But Mr. Cripps said Catoosa County’s growth is continuing to outstrip its ability to pay for other, more-necessary infrastructure, and he would fight harder to ensure the state sends in more money to help.
Catoosa County GOP Chairman Brad Scott said the local party will not endorse a candidate in the primary.
“We support both guys because they’re both running as a Republican, and they’re both good guys,” he said.
Mr. Cripps, 51, said he would like to explore additional state income tax breaks for married couples and elderly workers in post-retirement jobs, and promised he wouldn’t serve more than four two-year terms.
He lost his 2000 re-election bid for the commission chairman post and also has previously sought the sheriff’s office.
Greg Bentley, chairman of the Catoosa County Democratic Party, said Mr. Cripps hasn’t been active in the Democratic organization for some time.
“But we’ll make an issue about it (if he wins the primary),” he said, adding a Democratic candidate will file papers for the race during next week’s qualifying period.
E-mail Matthew S.L. Cate at mcate@timesfreepress.com
Staff Writer
Former Catoosa County Commission Chairman L.C. Cripps is seeking to oust GOP state Rep. Ron Forster in the July 18 Republican primary election.
Mr. Cripps, a former Democrat and ex-sheriff’s deputy, said the three-term incumbent is no longer effectively representing the state House’s 3rd District.
“Somebody’s got to go to Atlanta and say, ‘We need help,’” he said.
The 3rd District is made up of portions of Catoosa and Whitfield counties.
Rep. Forster, R-Ringgold, is chairman of the House Interstate Cooperation Committee and serves on the House Appropriations Committee. He had more than $14,000 in campaign cash as of April 1, state records show. He said he uses much of his campaign contributions to give back to local organizations and said he actually ranks among the lowest money-raisers in the Legislature.
“I think comparing my record as a state representative and his past performance as chairman of the commission, I believe the voters know who to vote for,” Rep. Forster said about his challenger.
He said the gains he’s made for the district by rising through the House ranks would be erased if voters send someone new to the Capitol.
But Mr. Cripps, also of Ringgold, said even with his higher visibility and positions, Rep. Forster is failing his district in terms of getting state money for local projects and being responsive to the concerns of local government.
“We’re not getting that for a reason,” he said.
The General Assembly this year did approve several projects Rep. Forster sought for the district. The 2007 state budget awaiting Gov. Sonny Perdue’s signature includes $20,000 to help develop an industrial park, $10,000 to help extend Ringgold sewer lines to Chattanooga’s treatment facility and $15,000 for repairs to the Ringgold depot.
But Mr. Cripps said Catoosa County’s growth is continuing to outstrip its ability to pay for other, more-necessary infrastructure, and he would fight harder to ensure the state sends in more money to help.
Catoosa County GOP Chairman Brad Scott said the local party will not endorse a candidate in the primary.
“We support both guys because they’re both running as a Republican, and they’re both good guys,” he said.
Mr. Cripps, 51, said he would like to explore additional state income tax breaks for married couples and elderly workers in post-retirement jobs, and promised he wouldn’t serve more than four two-year terms.
He lost his 2000 re-election bid for the commission chairman post and also has previously sought the sheriff’s office.
Greg Bentley, chairman of the Catoosa County Democratic Party, said Mr. Cripps hasn’t been active in the Democratic organization for some time.
“But we’ll make an issue about it (if he wins the primary),” he said, adding a Democratic candidate will file papers for the race during next week’s qualifying period.
E-mail Matthew S.L. Cate at mcate@timesfreepress.com
