Meet the Collegedale Commission candidates

Early voting for the Nov. 8 election is set to begin Oct. 19 and continue through Nov. 3.

With three seats up for grabs on the Collegedale Commission, we asked the four candidates the same two questions: “What experience/qualifications make you the best candidate?” and “What do you feel is the most important issue in your city and how do you plan to address it?” Each had 150 words or less with which to answer.

Check back next week to meet the candidates running for East Ridge City Council.

Debbie Baker

Age: 60

Occupation: Educator for Hamilton County Schools

I have over 20 years of experience in education and administration leadership, I’ve served on the board of Concerned Citizens for Children’s Rights and I’ve served Collegedale citizens as their city commissioner for two terms. My most important qualification is caring for and serving Collegedale citizens.

I feel the most important issues in Collegedale are the rights, safety and welfare of our citizens. A major issue is working to keep taxes down, commercial growth and preserving the healthy family atmosphere our city strived to develop.

Alexander Brown

Age: 33

Occupation: Factory worker at McKee Foods Corporation

I am a third-generation Collegedale-area resident who has led and been in leadership positions for many organizations both in the local area and the state. I have an associate degree in paralegal studies from Chattanooga State Community College, and I am fully committed to every organization/cause that I get involved in. My motivation for running is my children; I want them to have a bright future full of opportunity.

I believe that safety and business opportunity are very important to the Collegedale community. I believe that by keeping our first responders the best trained and equipped to do their jobs, they will keep our fellow residents safe. I also believe that a vision of new ideas will help to build Collegedale into a better and more integrated city while keeping our small-town values intact. Together, we can make Collegedale a better tomorrow.

Tim Johnson

Age: 57

Occupation: National account manager for Cigna

My qualifications include 35-plus successful years with Cigna. My background includes budgeting, planning, project management and people management. I currently manage several of the largest clients at Cigna. In addition, I have over 25 years volunteering in our community as an EMT with the Tri-Community Fire Department. I believe in giving back to the community. I have served for the past 15 years as a Collegedale commissioner.

Commercial growth is the No. 1 concern for me. Our city needs recruitment of business development to support our community needs and keep the tax base low for our citizens. I will continue to support the current efforts with our city planners to attract retailers.

I support the Collegedale Commons and greenways. Expanding our greenways for recreational usage and the Commons will give our community a chance to shop, enjoy entertainment and meet new neighbors. Both allow our community to connect and enjoy the great outdoors.

Katie A. Lamb

Age: 75

Occupation: Retired professor and registered nurse

My work experience includes management in hospital and university settings and [being] a city commissioner for eight years. I am also a member of a county-wide consortium of city mayors and managers that works with state representatives and senators on issues relevant to the cities.

One important issue is the need to attract commercial entities to our city so property taxes will continue to be one of the lowest in Hamilton County. As a current member of the city commission, I voted to extend a contract with a company that recruits businesses that fit into our community.

Further study should be given to public transportation needs. I hope to form a group of city stake holders to determine how best to meet the needs of the citizens regarding public transportation.

[In addition to] the city website, the city [could] use local newspapers and websites to inform citizens of commission decisions and community events.