Joe Smith to make independent run for open Hamilton County Commission seat

Joe Smith, right, applies for candidacy at the Hamilton County Elections Office.
Joe Smith, right, applies for candidacy at the Hamilton County Elections Office.

Joe Smith, director of mission advancement of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, has announced an independent campaign for the open Hamilton County Commission District 3 seat.

The district represents Hixson, Middle Valley, Lakesite and Big Ridge.

Marty Haynes, who represented the district for four years, vacated the commission seat after winning the election for Hamilton County Assessor of Property on Aug. 4. He served his last day on the county commission on Aug. 31.

"A community that has given me so much, it would be an honor to continue to give back to it," Smith said.

Smith, a lifelong member of the community, cites years of YMCA leadership and refereeing high school sports among his accomplishments.

Although Smith will campaign as an independent, he said he has voted Republican all of his life.

Only one other candidate has announced intentions to seek the office: Greg Martin, who serves as the district's representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education. Martin seeks the Republican nomination.

Both Republican and Democrat parties will hold caucuses on Sept. 8 to appoint their respective nominee.

District 3 voters will decide who will fill the vacant commission seat on Nov. 8. The victor will serve the remaining two years of Haynes' term.

Upcoming Events