Three candidates are vying for two open seats in the East Ridge City Council race.
Sitting council member Andrea “Aundie” Witt is facing two challengers — former East Ridge Police Chief Stanley L. Allen and Jeffrey Ezell, who also sought a council seat in 2018, 2020 and 2022 — in the race for two at-large council posts, according to election records.
Early voting begins Oct. 16 and continues through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Nov. 5.
East Ridge has a four-member council elected to four-year terms separately from the mayor’s position, with two of the council’s four seats on the ballot every two years. Council members are paid $7,200 annually and attend monthly council meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.
(READ MORE: Read about more local candidates on the Nov. 5 ballot at timesfreepress.com/vote-2024)
There will be four open voting precincts in East Ridge on Election Day: East Ridge precinct A at the American Legion at 3329 Ringgold Road, East Ridge precincts B and C at the East Ridge Community Center at 1515 Tombras Ave., and East Ridge precinct D at the United Methodist Church at 1601 Prater Road.
The same questions were sent to each of the candidates, whose responses were edited for space and clarity. Candidate photos are included if provided.
Ezell declined to respond. His campaign fund reflected a balance on hand of slightly more than $650 for the reporting period Jan. 16 to June 30 but indicated no new contributions.
(READ MORE: Law adds limits to East Ridge’s border region tax incentive expenses, adds oversight)
Contributed photo / Stanley L. Allen is a candidate for East Ridge City Council.STANLEY L. ALLEN
Age: 67
Education: Some college, FBI National Academy
Position-related experience and other qualifications: East Ridge chief of police and four years working with council on budgets and projects
Occupation: Retired
Family: Three sons and daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter
Contact: Text or call 423-596-7965 or email stanforercouncil@gmail.com
Social media: Stan Allen for East Ridge City Council on Facebook
Campaign disclosure: Allen collected two donations for a total of $250 in campaign contributions between April 20 and June 30, one for $100 and another for $150.
Q: Why are you running?
A: I have worked closely with the council as chief and have seen the progress and growth of the city. I want to continue that, concentrating on bringing in new businesses with new construction and rehabbing now-empty buildings. I also want to continue to develop Camp Jordan to attract sports tournaments and other events.
Q: Why should voters choose you?
A: My experience with city government.
Q: What do you feel are the main issues of concern for voters, and how do you plan to address them?
A: Taxes and how the tax dollars are spent are the main issues. I believe the current council does an excellent job of using the tax dollars wisely, and I will ensure that continues.
Q: Do you think property taxes are too high? If so, what would you cut or change in the budget to enable the town to lower the tax rate?
A: I don’t think taxes are too high. East Ridge has one of the lowest tax rates in Hamilton County. Bringing in more business will increase sales tax and keep the tax rate low.
Q: Are there any services or amenities the city is lacking that you would like to add? If so, what, and how would you propose to cover the cost?
A: East Ridge recently opened a new animal shelter that was badly needed. The police department has outgrown the current building and needs a new, larger building.
Contributed / Andrea “Aundie” Witt, is a candidate for East Ridge City Council.ANDREA “AUNDIE” WITT
Age: 72
Education: Bachelor of science degree from East Tennessee State University
Position-related experience and other qualifications: While employed by the state department of labor and workforce development, participated in economic and community development for Hamilton County and surrounding counties, including working with Volkswagen before retiring in 2015 with 37 years of service to the state
Occupation: Retired from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Family: Husband, David Witt; son, Jeremy Micah Witt; and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Hamon
Contact: 423-622-3520
Social media: Aundie Witt East Ridge City Council on Facebook
Campaign disclosure: Witt’s campaign fund reflected a balance on hand at the last report of $849.69 with a $300 contribution from herself between June 1 and Sept. 30 and $1,134.62 in disbursements leaving a $15.07 balance.
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Q: Why are you running?
A: Under this council’s leadership and the effective use of the Border Region Act, East Ridge prospered throughout the pandemic and beyond. The Border Region Act is scheduled to end in 2027, and I am asking the citizens to allow me to remain on the council to move East Ridge forward by bringing in more business and tourism dollars.
Q: Why should voters choose you?
A: I will continue to support economic growth and business development under the Border Region Act, and I will continue to support funding for the fire, police and city services.
Q: What do you feel are the main issues of concern for voters, and how do you plan to address them:
A: Zoning restrictions protecting our neighborhoods, improvements to our streets, better services to our businesses and citizens, promoting safety for our community and creating business opportunities on the west end of town are the main issues for voters. As a council member, I voted to maintain zoning restrictions and implement a yearly paving schedule to improve our streets.
Q: Do you think property taxes are too high? If so, what would you cut or change in the budget to enable the town to lower the tax rate?
A: East Ridge has one of the lowest city taxes of any municipality in Hamilton County that provides full service. I will not vote for a property tax increase. We are seeing an ongoing increase in our city sales tax revenues due to retail businesses opening stores in East Ridge.
Q: Are there any services or amenities the city lacks that you would like to add? If so, what and how would you propose to cover the cost?
A: The city currently provides quality services for our citizens. However, I am open to listening to their concerns when problems arise and will work to find a quick resolution.
Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.