During Ron Littlefield’s two-term tenure as Chattanooga’s mayor, critics have accused him of micromanagement. But as he heads into his last years in office, even many of those critics will have to admit he’s charging down a management path that’s decidedly macro.
The broad objectives he outlined in his State of the City address last week include his support of:
n Consolidation of city and Hamilton County services, including police, parks and recreation and public works, in the name of yielding a more efficient metropolitan government.
n The building of “green,” or environmentally friendly, infrastructure that fits with the city’s sustainable approach to progress. This began years before with projects such as the Chattanooga Convention Center, which among other innovations, uses natural sunlight. Mr. Littlefield wants all new city buildings built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.
n Building a new “world-class” public library for the city, with a first step being a new one in Brainerd, near Eastgate Mall.