With the nine-member panel now expanding to 11, it’s a foregone conclusion the Hamilton County Commission dais will have new faces in September.
Even in the existing seats, Commissioner Tim Boyd, R-East Brainerd, is stepping down after 12 years on the board, and Chairwoman Sabrena Smedley, R-Ooltewah, will depart after an unsuccessful bid to replace outgoing Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, who is leaving after about 11 years in that role.
But even with all those opportunities for newcomers to run, only three of the 11 commission seats appearing on the ballot this Thursday are contested. At least six will result in a new commissioner, although a couple of candidates have served in the office in the past.
Republican Joe Graham and Democrat Montrell Besley are competing to represent the newly created District 11, which includes Alton Park, Lookout Valley and St. Elmo. Graham, a former Hamilton County commissioner, said safety has been on the forefront of voters’ minds, especially after several high-profile school shootings across the country.
“We need to make sure that we have a (school resource officer) in every school,” he said by phone.