Winter came in like a lion this year, bringing frigid temperatures as a reminder that even the Tennessee Valley can experience rapid change in the weather. One week, you can go out in short sleeves, and the next week you need thermal gloves.
The same thing can be said about change in local politics, which also recently came in like a lion complete with a new buzzword -- consolidation -- as a reminder that we might end up going through a substantial transformation in how we are governed.
Local residents need to get comfortable with it -- the word, not the weather. Soon enough, warmer winds will blow, but talk of consolidating Hamilton County's governmental entities is here to stay. Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield set the stage late last year by pushing for a consolidated metro form of government, similar to the arrangement between Davidson County and Nashville.
Hamilton County has held two referendums on the issue, but those were years ago, long before the city began to meld with the county into a true metropolitan area. Since then, county and municipal school systems have consolidated and now, with government budgets constrained, efficiency is more important than ever.
Mr. Littlefield, who is limited to two terms in office, jokes that he can tackle such a controversial subject because he doesn't have to seek re-election. Others, including some members of the Hamilton County Commission, have to run for re-election, which means they will hear the word "consolidation" a lot in the new year from constituents who either want it or don't.
Commissioner Curtis Adams, who like Mr. Littlefield is known for not shying away from controversial issues, has said he is not running for re-election. But he recently said he is ready to explore through the committee process the possible benefits to the county under consolidation.
When you put those political factors together, you can see there is a lot more that will change around here in the new year besides just the weather.
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