City Council runoffs Tuesday

Chattanoogans will pick District 1, 8 and 9 City Council members in runoffs Tuesday. Fortunately, we believe all the candidates would serve well.

In District 1, we urge Councilwoman Linda Bennett’s re-election. She faces a worthy foe in conservative challenger Deborah S. Scott, but Ms. Bennett’s valuable experience on the council recommends her. The choice will be made by voters in the following precincts: Lookout Valley 1 and 2; Moccasin Bend; Mountain Creek 1, 2 and 4; North Chattanooga 2; and Northwoods 5.

Councilman Leamon Pierce faces Andrae McGary in District 8. Mr. McGary is enthusiastic and promising, but Mr. Pierce has shown a steady, independent approach in his years on the council and deserves re-election. The district’s precincts include Avondale, Clifton Hills 1 and 2, Courthouse, Downtown and East Side 1 and 2.

Two fine candidates seek the District 9 seat: J.T. McDaniel and Peter Murphy. Mr. McDaniel has had success with a number of small businesses and is a real free-enterprise “go-getter.” Mr. Murphy is an attorney of obvious intelligence. Both would work hard if elected. The district would be well-served by either candidate, so we do not pick one over the other. The district includes Amnicola, Bushtown, East Chattanooga 1, Eastdale 1 and 2, Glenwood, Highland Park and Missionary Ridge.