Chattanooga residents can cast their vote for one of four mayoral candidates today, Feb. 15, when early voting starts for the March 7 city election.
Mayor Andy Berke seeks re-election to the seat and faces challenges from architectural consultant Chris Long, former three-time councilman David Crockett and Larry Grohn, the councilman for District 4.
Crime and gun violence have emerged as recurring hot topics. All of Berke’s challengers have criticized his signature Violence Reduction Initiative, a program that offers gang members two choices: get out of the gang life and become productive members of society or face tough consequences. The program has failed to reduce shootings.
In 2016, the city witnessed 32 homicides, an increase over 30 in 2015 and 27 in 2014, according to Times Free Press records. Chattanooga experienced 132 shootings in 2016, a nearly 11 percent increase over the 119 shootings in 2015. Police records indicate that gang-related shootings rose from 63 in 2014 to 80 in 2015. In 2016, the number remained at 80.
While all the candidates have voiced support for the city’s police department, they also have called for increased workforce development, educational opportunities and affordable housing as key means to combat crime at its roots.