Dean Arnold, an author and Chattanooga resident, wants to be the county's next District 8 Board of Education member and promises to bring innovation and creative thinking to the post.
"I am excited about the opportunity to change and improve our schools with new ideas and visionary leadership," Mr. Arnold states on his campaign literature.
Mr. Arnold's published works include "America's Trail of Tears" and "Old Money New South," the latter of which prominently features his hometown.
Though he's never run for office, Mr. Arnold said he's been civic-minded. He has a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, history and education from Covenant College.
He worked for several years with the former Chattanooga Resource Foundation, where he served as director of public policy. His work brought him to one inevitable conclusion: Much of public policy is centered on education.
If elected, Mr. Arnold said he will take a conservative approach to managing the schools budget and look for ways to get the private sector more involved in local education. What he will not do is advocate for more taxes, he said.
About the candidate* Dean Arnold, 46* Family: wife Dottie; stepson Scott, 30, daughter Tabitha, 14, and son Jaime, 12; a grandson, Brandon, 5* Occupation: Writer and publisher* Previous political experience: None
Supporter Evelyn Shankles said she's known Mr. Arnold for many years and he has qualities that are needed for the post.
"He is a solid guy," she said. "He is a Christian. He is intelligent, rational and forward-thinking. And he's an excellent writer. ... I think he's just very qualified for it."
Mr. Arnold is running for the school board seat currently held by Kenny Smith, who is seeking to succeed Curtis Adams on the Hamilton County Commission.
The general election is scheduled for Aug. 5.
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