Residents of Hamilton County and the rest of Tennessee have the opportunity to make some very important decisions about our government in Tuesday’s election. We encourage heavy participation by enthusiastic and informed voters.
* For governor, we believe Bill Haslam, currently the mayor of Knoxville, is the best choice among the 16 candidates seeking to lead Tennessee for the next four years.
* In a field of eight candidates offering to represent our 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next two years, Chuck Fleischmann is recommended as a sound, conservative and outstanding candidate.
* State Sen. Bo Watson is unopposed for deserved re-election from our local 11th Senatorial District of Hamilton County.
* Voters also will elect six members of the Tennessee House of Representatives from their respective geographic and population districts. Five of them are unopposed: Rep. Gerald McCormick, Rep. Richard Floyd, Rep. JoAnne Favors, Rep. Vince Dean and Rep. Jim Cobb. In the one contested local race, the choice will be between Teresa Wood and Rep. Tommie Brown.
* Ballots in Collegedale, Lookout Mountain, East Ridge, Lakesite, Red Bank, Ridgeside, Signal Mountain, Soddy-Daisy and Walden will offer voters in those areas choices on local candidates and issues.
* A proposed state constitutional amendment will be on all ballots Tuesday. If approved, it will ensure Tennesseans the right to hunt and fish, subject to certain state regulations. It would not override private property rights nor government power to regulate commercial activities and protect threatened species. We believe a “Yes” vote is reasonable.
* For Chattanooga voters, there is a proposed amendment of a city ordinance. It seeks to make minor administrative changes concerning city employees and appeals procedures. We believe a “For” vote is reasonable.
The right of our citizens to elect our officials and make certain other decisions on local governmental matters is very important. We urge all qualified local voters to use their right to choose in Tuesday’s voting.