The candidates for District 3 commissioner in Red Bank agree on many of the issues facing the city, but they bring different backgrounds to accomplish the tasks.

The work includes reviving Red Bank, enforcing building codes and attracting new business, say candidates Greg Jones, 43, and Dallas Rucker Jr., 45.

Red Bank needs stronger enforcement of its building codes, both candidates said, and more involvement by absentee landlords, whom they blame for allowing apartment buildings and rental homes to fall into disrepair.

Mr. Jones said his chief credential is his 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he was involved with managing everything from safety programs and facilities to a squadron of 350 men.

“I think that I have a great ability to relate to the people in the community, and I think I have a great ability to work with those that are in leadership positions to accomplish what needs to be accomplished for the greater good,” he said.

As a building official with the city of Chattanooga, Mr. Rucker said his knowledge of the construction industry and experience working in government give him insight into how government works and qualify him to tackle the problem of deteriorating properties.

“I think it’s government’s place to create a community where businesses want to come and locate,” he said. “And that starts with a good, safe community.”

The District 3 position opened in August with the death of Ronnie Moore, who served on the commission for 21 years as a commissioner, vice mayor and twice as mayor. Re-elected to the commission in 2006, Mr. Moore, also a longtime employee at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, was set to serve until 2010.

Both candidates said their deep ties to Red Bank would help them remain responsive to the needs of the city residents.

Raised in Red Bank, Mr. Jones returned to the Chattanooga area after retiring from his military career and bought a home in Red Bank in February. He said he regularly attends city commission meetings and believes that his knowledge of the outside world paired with his emotional connection to the place he grew up gives him a valuable perspective.

“My heart is in this community,” he said. “This is where I grew up; this is where my family lives. I’ve traveled around the world in my 22 years in the Air Force and I’ve been to a lot of wonderful places but look where I’m living now — I’m back in Red Bank.

“This community to me presents a warm, at-home feeling for me, and I want to keep that alive.”

Mr. Rucker said his background as the owner of a construction business helps him understand the pressures on small business. He said he would do his best to support small business growth as a way to reinvigorate the community.

“What I’d also like to help do is bring a sense of pride in the community that those people who are there for the long haul can be proud of Red Bank,” he said.

Red Bank City Manager Chris Dorsey said the changing of the guard could bring new life to City Hall.

“It may bring some fresh ideas and some new ideas,” he said. “I also think Ronnie did a very good job representing them down there, and he always had great ideas. But new blood is always good, too.”

CHART

City of Red Bank Municipal Election

Candidates were asked questions about why they are running, what they hope to accomplish, and what they see as their key strengths and their level of community involvement. Ruth Jeno and Monty N. Millard are running unopposed; the special runoff election for District 3 commissioner will go to the top vote getter.

Ruth Jeno (Commissioner at large incumbent)

1. 58

2. Lived in Red Bank for 12 years

3. Homemaker

4. “I like helping the community, I like working for the community.”

5. Attract new business to Red Bank by showcasing vacant buildings; encourage people to keep property up to code through greater enforcement of city codes; develop a senior citizens program (exercise classes, health screenings) at the new community center; encourage apartment owners to convert to condominiums to stabilize the population; keep taxes low

6. A people person, experience as a member of the Red Bank Planning Commission

7. Member of the Planning Commission, member of the Red Bank Neighborhood Pride Association, member of the Red Bank Chamber of Commerce, member of the Riverbend Smocking and Sewing Guild, attends Stuart Heights Baptist Church

Monty N. Millard (District 2 incumbent)

1. 56

2. Lived in Red Bank for 56 years

3. Vice president with First Tennessee Bank, branch manager with Red Bank Financial Center

4. “I feel like we have a lot of opportunity to help Red Bank grow and progress.”

5. Fill vacant buildings with new businesses by exploring tax relief option; apply for a streetscape grant to beautify the north end with new sidewalks and street lights; advocate for the new middle school to be built at the Bi-Lo site at intersection of Browntown Road and Dayton Boulevard

6. Banking background, third-generation Red Bank citizen, cares about the future of the city and wants Red Bank to remain independent

7. Sits on the board of directors for the Red Bank Chamber of Commerce Council (has been a member since 1979), Red Bank board member for the North River Civic Center

Greg Jones (District 3 candidate)

1. 43

2. Has lived in the Chattanooga area since 2005; Red Bank since February 2008

3. Financial advisor, retired from a 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force

4. “I just feel like with my experience and travels around the world, I probably could bring a fresh face and new ideas to the Red Bank community.”

5. Attract new business; clean up the apartment complexes that aren’t up to code; repair side streets (widening, repaving); advocate for the community to ensure the new middle school is located where citizens want it to be

6. Attends commission meetings, management experience in the Air Force; fresh face, integrity, honesty

7. Active in the Red Bank Council for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, member of the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, adjutant for the VFW Post 3679, member of American Legion Post 40 in Ringgold, Ga., served in the Kiwanis in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and the Lion’s Club in Chickamauga, Ga.

Dallas Y. Rucker Jr. (District 3 candidate)

1. 45

2. Lived in Red Bank for 16 years

3. Building official for the City of Chattanooga

4. “I just think I can bring my knowledge of working in city government ... to help the citizens create a better community.”

5. Encourage people to improve the upkeep of their property; reduce the number of vacant buildings by offering a tax incentive to attract new businesses; audit city ordinances to see which ones are working and reform those that aren’t

6. Experience working for the county and the city of Chattanooga, experience working with citizens to solve problems and to connect to the appropriate official

7. Member of the Red Bank Masonic Lodge, volunteered with the Sidewalk Committee, helped out with the Community Center committee

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