An East Brainerd man who may run against Hamilton County Commissioner Larry Henry said encouragement from Chattanooga’s City Council didn’t affect his decision.
Gordon Anderson picked up a qualifying petition last week to run in the May Republican primary for the District 7 seat.
Mr. Anderson spoke to the City Council two weeks ago about tax equity, saying that city residents pay an unfairly high share of taxes compared to county residents.
During that meeting, City Councilwoman Sally Robinson asked him if he ever considered running for public office and encouraged him to do so.
Mr. Anderson said last week he didn’t decide to run because of council encouragement, but the meeting made him aware he could run on this platform.
“It just got me thinking about it,” Mr. Anderson said.
Mr. Henry said last week that it is “kind of unethical” for a council member to encourage someone to run.
“I would never do that,” he said.
Mrs. Robinson disagreed Friday.
KEY DATES* Feb. 18: Last day candidates may qualify for county primary* May 4: County primary* Aug. 5: County general election
“I think it’s appropriate for any elected official to encourage anyone to run,” she said. Having candidates willing to discuss issues such as tax equity is “exciting,” she added.
She said she doesn’t think anyone on the council is looking to recruit County Commission candidates who would support Chattanooga’s annexation plans or metropolitan government.
“I don’t think anybody is out recruiting anyone,” she said.
Some county commissioners have opposed Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield’s plan to annex all the territory within the city’s future growth boundary. He offered to stop annexation temporarily if county leaders agreed to discuss consolidating the two governments.
County leaders said they’ll talk about consolidating some services, but not creating metropolitan government.
Mr. Anderson said he’s not necessarily pro-annexation, but he thinks county residents should pay more taxes for services they receive.
Council Chairman Jack Benson also denied last week that council members are trying to recruit candidates.
“I don’t think the council can get into races,” he said. “It’s generally frowned upon.”
County Commission Chairman Curtis Adams said he doesn’t believe City Council support would be enough to help candidates beat sitting commissioners.
“It won’t help them,” Mr. Adams said. “They need to stand on their own feet.”