Brent LambertBrent Lambert, the two-term Mayor of East Ridge, has announced his campaign to run for the District 8 seat on the Hamilton County Commission.
Since 2010, the City of East Ridge has seen remarkable economic growth while utilizing the state's Border Region Retail Tourism Development District Act, according to a news release.
The city's economic success can also be seen in its local option sales tax revenue, which increased 20 percent from 2016 to 2017, the news release states.
"Eight years ago, it was my distinct honor to be chosen by the citizens of East Ridge to serve as their mayor," Lambert said in a statement. "Their confidence in my abilities has afforded me the opportunity to help lead initiatives that have resulted in significant job-creating economic development, major road-infrastructure advancements, and improvements to important city services with an emphasis on offering the taxpayer the most value for their tax dollar. This was all accomplished whilst keeping property taxes far lower than the surrounding area."
In addition to seeing local economic expansion under Lambert's leadership, the city has benefitted from investment in tremendous infrastructure improvements with the reconstruction of Camp Jordan Parkway and the ongoing reconfiguration of I-75 Exit 1, the news release states. There are also upcoming projects to install sidewalks and streetscaping on the west side of town to improve residents' quality of life, as well as attract new business to the area.
"I want to be able to apply the experience and ability I've garnered over my successful tenure as mayor to also benefit citizens of the entirety of District 8," Lambert said. "If I'm given the honor to serve as County Commissioner, I pledge to not only stand on principle, but to do so in a manner that will allow me to accomplish goals and meet the needs of the citizens I am elected to serve."
Lambert currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga.
The primary election is set for May 1. Early voting will take place April 11-26.