What kind of local government do you want? You may make some important choices Tuesday!
There are separate primary elections for Republican Party candidates and for Democratic Party candidates. Eligible voters may vote in either party primary — but not both. Then the candidates winning the primary elections will face each other in the August general election for final decisions about who will run our county government.
Many candidates have served well. Many have expressed their views, and have long records that provide voters a good basis on which to make their choices.
We have interviewed them about their public service and have found many good candidates.
As a result, we recommend:
Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. We are very fortunate that able and proven Mayor Ramsey is seeking re-election. He has served us responsibly and well for many years, and in several governmental positions. He is well known in our community for good character and good leadership. He deserves enthusiastic re-election on merit.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond. Sheriff Hammond is a man of great personal and professional integrity and experience. He has served us faithfully and well in law enforcement in Hamilton County — and in some difficult foreign parts of the world, training law enforcement officers. We are fortunate that he has offered to continue his good service for the people of Hamilton County. He should be re-elected with great enthusiasm.
Hamilton County Trustee Carl Levi. Mr. Levi has a long record of faithful financial service in offices in Hamilton County and the city of Chattanooga. He has experience, knowledge and integrity. He has been active in civic work and as a brigadier general in the Tennessee National Guard. His excellent record should be applauded by re-electing Mr. Levi to continue his fine service as county trustee.
Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles, Circuit Court Clerk Paula Thompson, Criminal Court Clerk Gwen Tidwell, Juvenile Court Clerk Ron Swafford and Register of Deeds Pam Hurst deserve votes of approval and appreciation in Tuesday’s elections to continue their years of faithful service.
We are fortunate to have these good local public officials serve us, and will do well to elect them to another term in their respective offices.
Nine members of the County Commission. Our county is divided into nine districts. Each district is entitled to one commissioner. Each qualified voter is permitted to vote for one commissioner in his or her home district. There are no Republican candidates in some districts and no Democrat candidates in others. Voters may vote in either the Democratic primary or the Republican primary — not both. Then the winners in the separate primary elections will be on the general election ballot in August for the final decisions.
In the Republican primary, the Free Press recommends Commissioner Fred Skillern for re-election in District 1, Commissioner Richard Casavant for re-election in District 2, Commissioner Jim Coppinger for re-election in District 3, Joe Graham for nomination in District 6, Commissioner Larry Henry for re-election in District 7, Tim Boyd for nomination in District 8 and Chester Bankston for nomination in District 9.
In the Democratic primary, the Free Press recommends Commissioner Warren Mackey for re-election in District 4, Commissioner Greg Beck for re-election in District 5, Commissioner John Allen Brooks for re-nomination in District 6 and Kenny Smith for nomination in District 8.
We appreciate all candidates for their willingness to serve, and hope voters will elect a very able and responsible County Commission in the August general election.