Three former elected Hamilton County leaders, including former Mayor and Deputy Governor Claude Ramsey, have endorsed Joe Smith, the independent candidate seeking the County Commission District 3 seat.
Greg Martin speaks at a Hamilton County Board of Education meeting.Smith faces Republican Greg Martin, the current school representative for the district, which includes Hixson, Middle Valley, Lakesite and Big Ridge. The seat has been vacant since Sept. 1, when Commissioner Marty Haynes took on his new role as the Hamilton County Assessor of Property.
“He is a conservative, honest and caring person,” Ramsey said in a released statement. “Few people I know have given as much service to the citizens of Hamilton County as Joe and he deserves the opportunity to serve the people of District 3.”
Former Congressman Zach Wamp and State Representative Richard Floyd also praised Smith in the announcement.
“As a former Big Ridge resident, he has my wholehearted support and he has been a dedicated, committed member of the Republican Party,” Wamp said.