Elizabeth Baker is seeking the Democratic nomination for the District 2 seat on the Hamilton County Commission.
District 2 includes all of Signal Mountain and parts of Red Bank, as well as Stuart Heights and Lupton City.
Baker has no Democratic opponent in the May 1 primary. She will face Republican Chip Baker, who is not related, in the Aug. 2 county general election.
In a news release, Baker said she is a founding member and co-leader of the nonpartisan group Stay with HCDE, which is against the formation of an independent school district within the town of Signal Mountain. She also served on the transition team for Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson.
Baker said she is a successful businesswoman with extensive experience in business development and management. After high school, she envisioned and developed four successful environmentally friendly businesses, shepherding them through contract negotiations with multinational firms while also providing substantial savings for other area small businesses, the release stated.
"I'm running because I believe in government that is open, transparent and accountable," she said in the release.
District 2 includes some unincorporated parts of Hamilton County, the towns of Signal Mountain and Walden, and parts of Red Bank and Chattanooga. It is "not a one-size fits all district," Baker said.
"I will listen and be accountable to all residents in the district. As their commissioner I will represent their interests and enhance their participation in the government process. I will propose that the County Commission change its regular meeting time from 9:30 a.m. to early evening, thus allowing more citizen input. Unless and until we achieve that goal, I will hold regular evening meetings across District 2 to provide the opportunity for open, two-way conversations between me and my constituents," she said.
The interest from the bond market for the recent bond issue for schools and other capital needs shows that Hamilton County is in a strong financial position, she said, "but much remains to be done."
"We need to double down on guaranteeing the safety and security of our schools and neighborhoods. We need to make sure all residents are reaping the economic rewards of the County's Triple-A bond rating. I will use my skills and experience in both the public and private sectors to make sure we are getting the best possible return on our tax investments.
"I will give 100 percent of my time and energy to ensure that we have safe schools, safe neighborhoods and equal opportunities for all. I look forward to the opportunity to work with citizens in District 2 to make Hamilton County the best possible place to live, work, raise a family and retire."
Baker and her husband, Brian, have three sons and live on Signal Mountain.