The three men running in the Republican primary for the District 9 Hamilton County Commission seat agreed Monday that seniors should have their property taxes frozen.
But they split on whether a property tax hike is needed in general, on possible consolidation of Chattanooga city and county services and the state of education in the county.
Chester Bankston, Gary Neil and Richard Tornquist are seeking the seat now held by Commissioner Bill Hullander, who is running for county trustee against incumbent Carl Levi.
The candidates discussed their views on improving education and other issues in a meeting with the Times Free Press editorial board.
They all agreed that senior citizens should receive a property tax freeze.
In 2006, 85 percent of Hamilton County voters cast ballots in favor of the freeze. The next year, state lawmakers opened the door for counties and cities to implement it. So far, 20 counties and 22 cities have implemented the freeze, according to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's Web site. Hamilton County has not.
But when it comes to property taxes in general, Mr. Neil and Mr. Bankston said they're against an increase right now. Mr. Tornquist said he was not totally opposed to raising property taxes to increase revenue.
Each candidate also had slightly different views on consolidation of city and county services, an issue being pursued by Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield. Lately, Mr. Littlefield especially has pushed merging the city and county law enforcement departments.
Mr. Tornquist said much of the consolidation of services could occur with an agreement between the city and the county and would not involve significant changes. But he said merging law enforcement would be "difficult."
Mr. Neil agreed, saying consolidating services is something to look into but that consolidating law enforcement services would not be easy. Mr. Bankston said he would have to see if the county sheriff and residents were in favor of combining police services before he would support it.
All three also had their problems with the state of Hamilton County's school system.
Mr. Bankston, a member of the Hamilton County Board of Education, said he would like to replace Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Jim Scales, although he is under contract for two more years.
Mr. Tornquist said he was "absolutely" in favor of replacing Dr. Scales, but Mr. Neil said he was not in favor of replacing the superintendent, saying the decision belongs to the school board.
Mr. Neil said he would improve education by getting more involved with the school system.
Richard Tornquist
Age: 72
Fundraising: $0
Occupation: Retired energy management technician, Rutgers University
Prior political experience: Council of Franklin Township, N.J., 1983-1990; mayor of Franklin Township, 1990-1994
Gary Neil
Age: 52
Fundraising: $8,000 (includes $5,000 self-financed loan)
Occupation: Electrical contractor, Grant-Neil Electric
Prior political experience: none
Chester Bankston
Age: 64
Fundraising: $3,000
Occupation: Electrical contractor, CB Electric
Prior political experience: Elected to Hamilton County school board in 2006
Continue reading by following these links to related stories:
Article: Rankin says he doesn't expect to beat Ramsey