Chattanooga City Councilman Darrin Ledford is seeking re-election in 2021 to build upon safety, economic and planning efforts from his first term.
Ledford announced this week that he has qualified to seek re-election in March for the District 4 seat in the March 2 election, as a new mayor and council are elected.
"After prayer and many discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have decided to run again to serve as the District 4 representative to the Chattanooga City Council," Ledford wrote in a release. "I love Chattanooga and am proud to call this incredible city my home. As a father, husband, and business owner, I am concerned about our city's future as many of you are."
(READ MORE: Darrin Ledford announces City Council District 4 election bid)
Ledford was elected in 2016 in the light of what he called a "renaissance" in Chattanooga after running as a businessman, father and community leader who wanted to shape the future of the community.
Now, after a year which left the city's economy rattled by the COVID-19 pandemic and his district battered by an EF-3 tornado, Ledford says his second term will be centered on maintaining the city's vision for the future in the face of turmoil brought by 2020.
"We face a considerable challenge in budget shortfalls, while we must maintain focus on our city's responsibilities to our community," he wrote. "We must support our first responders who are at risk every day, keeping us safe. Work towards infrastructure improvements and rebuild our local economy due to the pandemic. Identifying and creating opportunities for every Chattanoogan will continue to be a priority."
As a planning commissioner on the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency's Planning Commission and chairman of the council's planning and zoning committee, Ledford says he can help steer the city and new leadership in the right direction.
"We need focused leadership, bold vision, and hands-on experience. I will continue to bring to the Chattanooga Council a strong, passionate voice and the spirit of working together through understanding for a better Chattanooga," he wrote. "Experience on the Chattanooga Council is critical during a transition to a new Mayor and administration."
Ledford is one of six council members who have filed paperwork to run for re-election as of Wednesday. He is the only candidate in his district to qualify for candidacy to date.
In the release Ledford also said he will announce the appointment of "stakeholders from every corner of District 4" to his campaign and will "outline key focuses on the challenges we face as a city and as a district in these uncertain times."
Contact Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6416. Follow her on Twitter @_sarahgtaylor.