Knowles has top job qualifications
I voted Thursday for Bill Knowles to continue as our county clerk. That’s right, I voted for a Democrat and here are the reasons why:
Bill Knowles is a very compassionate person, and it has been my experience that his office personnel respond in the same manner by following his example;
Bill has been very innovative in improving his office procedures to improve the service he delivers to the citizens of Hamilton County;
Bill is an honest and humble person who does not use his office or position to do anything but serve the citizens; and
The Gardenhire family and the Knowles family go back decades in our relationships, and if I did not vote for and support Bill Knowles, my dad and grandmother would come up out of their graves to haunt me.
Both candidates are friends of mine; but when someone has the superior qualifications and has done an excellent job, you don’t just turn them out.
Bill Knowles deserves to be returned to his position for these positive reasons.
TODD GARDENHIRE
Fields serves clients and his community
Re: Response to David Cantrell is “the obvious answer” (letter, July 30).
I, too, have done the research. Since I only met David Cantrell recently, I had to rely upon website, talking to others, etc. However, in my analysis of the men and available information, I have arrived at a different conclusion.
I have known Jim Fields and his family for over 20 years, and throughout this period of time, he has been engaged with his family, church and community. Jim has experience working for and with people from all walks of life. He has served his clients, his employees, his peers, and his community.
In essence, Jim is a servant leader. While he is an attorney, Jim is a businessman having managed his firm for many years. I’ve watched Jim make very difficult decisions in his law practice, as well as in other situations, with upmost integrity. Jim is a man of high energy and is extremely capable.
Jim will serve the residents of District 2 as county commissioner well; therefore, I highly recommend Jim Fields to you in Thursday’s election.
TOM FRANCESCON
Behler qualified and compassionate
As the former executive director of Bethel Bible Village, I have known Gary Behler for 20 years. He served as my director of program services for 16 years, ministering to over 800 children and their families. In all of my years in children’s services, I have never met a more qualified or compassionate individual.
Each year, Bethel was subject to 12 audits and licensing inspections. Gary was responsible for meeting these stringent standards. During his tenure, we received the highest ratings from each evaluator. He was the key to Bethel’s receiving national accreditation for 12 years.
Gary has the education and experience to move the clerk’s office forward. He has been recognized in every field that he has worked as an outstanding employee and supervisor. He is a proven leader and administrator.
What means the most to me is his heart for children and their families. It is a must that records are kept in excellent fashion but it is a tremendous bonus when that child, teenager and their family know that the person keeping the records really does care about them and their future.
BOB MCFARLAND
Fort Oglethorpe
Smith shows independence
I have followed Kenny Smith over the years as he has served as the chairman of the Hamilton County school board. What I have admired most is the independence he has shown during his tenure.
Whether the proposal comes from the teachers’ union, the administration, individual parent, or group of parents, he has “called it like it is.” We need more public officials like Mr. Smith who are not unduly swayed by one group over another.
KENNETH SIMPSON
Epstein’s merits, not gender, reign
In your endorsement of Valerie Epstein for chancellor, you say a number of true and important things about her. But the ultimate reason for your endorsement – her gender – is insulting, shallow, and almost as silly as the Free Press’ endorsement of the estimable Art Grisham because he is the oldest.
There is no denying that women in general do many things better than men, but that is not the reason to vote for Valerie Epstein.
More than 500 years ago, when Elizabeth Tudor (the real Queen Elizabeth) ruled England, she established her authority with these words: “I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England too.”
A vote for Mrs. Epstein’s heart and stomach, her mind and conscience, her legal ability and her attention to duty, and the values whereby she has lived her life will be a vote well cast.
BARBARA ARTHUR
Rossville
Van Irion already working for us
Most of us want change in the federal government. Certainly all of our Republican congressional candidates say they want to cut back on the Washington colossus. But while most of the candidates talk about what they will do once elected, right now they are just talking.
There is only one candidate who is already working to downsize Washington. Van Irion has acquired an estimated 25,000 signatures and has sued the federal government over the constitutionality of ObamaCare.
Let’s elect Van Irion to the U.S. Congress. He’s the only candidate who is already working for us – and not just talking about doing something … some day.
BRIAN CLAYPOOL
Red Bank
Grisham has sense of justice, fairness
It was heartwarming to read in your newspaper that the Chattanooga Bar Association, South Eastern Tennessee Political Action Committee and now the Chattanooga Free Press has endorsed Mr. Art Grisham as their choice for the chancellor judgeship for Hamilton County. I, too, am supporting attorney Art Grisham for chancellor, and I am encouraging all members of every community to vote Thursday for Art Grisham, independent.
Mr. Grisham recently was quoted as saying: “I am not a politician, I’m a trial lawyer.” Attorney Grisham has practiced law in Chattanooga for more than 40 years, and I have known him for many of those years. I know him to be a kind, considerate Christian man with a strong faith in God.
Attorney Grisham has the temperament and sense of justice and fairness we need in our Chancery Court.
MOSES FREEMAN
Rhodes best fit of GOP candidates
During the past months, citizens of Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District have been able to hear several versions of the Republican Party line.
I have to side with the Chattanooga Times that recognized Art Rhodes as the most worthy Republican candidate.
He has demonstrated strong character during this campaign, the likes that I have not seen in some time. He does not campaign negatively but rather campaigns on the issues.
He gives thoughtful, insightful responses that reflect an in-depth understanding of the issues that face our district and our nation. He is a humble man and does not spend time in self-promotion. I also appreciate his fiscal ability to do a lot with a little. Maybe that has something to do with his grass-roots support.
All the candidates support right-to-life for the unborn. I would like to hear more about right-to-life for those of us at the other end of the spectrum (78-year-old); a balanced approach, caring for all life.
IRMA BUHLER
Collegedale