Early voting starts Wednesday for the March 4 Chattanooga city elections and will run through Feb. 27.
Five people — Jenni Berz, Jennifer Gregory, Mark Holland, Christian Siler and Robert C. Wilson — are vying for election to the Chattanooga City Council seat left empty with the death last year of former council member Carol Berz.
District 6
— Communities represented: Brainerd Hills, Belvoir, Tyner Hills and Shallowford Hills
— Number of residents: 20,417 as of the 2020 U.S. Census
— Incumbent: Jenni Berz is the incumbent. She was appointed to the seat in January after the death late last year of her mother, Carol Berz, who represented the district for years.
— Key issues in the race: Housing, development
— Duties of a council member: Council members are the city’s legislators. They levy and collect taxes, appropriate money to be spent by the city and pay city debts.
— Pay for position: $29,415 yearly. Council member salaries are set at 15% of the city mayor’s salary, with Mayor Tim Kelly’s salary set at $196,100.
— Term begins: April 14
Here are the four candidates who participated in a Chattanooga Times Free Press candidate survey:
Contributed photo / Jenni Berz is running for Chattanooga City Council’s sixth district.Jenni Berz
— Age: 59
— Years lived in district: Over 50 years
— Neighborhood: Brainerd Hills
— Education: University of Tennessee, studied communications and advertising
— Occupation: Small business owner of Private Dispute Resolution Services, a mediation and conflict resolution organization
— Experience/qualifications: “I have been a professional collaborator and mediation advocate for over 20 years, working with individuals, families and organizations relative to collaborative problem-solving and conflict management. I have worked for over 15 years alongside Councilwoman Carol Berz, community and civic leaders and organizations, business owners, builders, developers, Realtors and neighborhood associations to address economic development and quality of life issues in district 6. I have actively volunteered in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce and several nonprofit organizations, developing and supporting programs and policies that have an impact on individual and community health and well-being. I currently serve in a leadership role with the Family Justice Center, Mayor’s Council for Women and MidTown Connect, all organizations that focus on making district 6 and our city the ideal place for people of all backgrounds and socio-economic levels to live, work and play.”
(READ MORE: Jenni Berz temporarily replacing late mother Carol Berz on city council)
— Family: “I live in Brainerd Hills, the neighborhood where I grew up, with my 16-year-old feist, Mady.”
— Amount raised, per latest disclosure forms: $5,400
— Website or social media page: JenniBerz.com
Why are you running? “I was taught very young about the importance of public service, giving back and leaving a place better than you found it. Over the past 25 years, I have served in several leadership roles locally and statewide, helping to develop programs and policies that improve the lives of families, support business development and sustainability and encourage collaboration and community engagement. When my mother, Councilwoman Carol Berz, passed away unexpectedly just days before the election qualifying date, I realized, with the support of family and friends, this opportunity not only ensured her legacy carried on and the positive foundations she set were sustained, but also this opportunity to contribute my vast experience and knowledge to advocate for what’s important to the constituents of district 6 and to work alongside my fellow council members to address the issues that enhance our city and promote the well-being for all Chattanoogans.”
Why should voters choose you? “I have lived in district 6 most of my life and have participated in projects and initiatives that promote economic development and quality of life. For over 15 years, I have actively volunteered my time to work with community leaders and organizations, individuals, neighborhood associations, businesses, developers and city officials to address zoning issues and economic development challenges, improve community policing and neighborhood engagement, support programs that promote well-being for families and children, develop initiatives and policies that help improve the lives of women and their families, celebrate the diversity of district 6 and make it a great place for all to live, work and play”
(READ MORE: Carol Berz’s daughter, 4 others pull paperwork for Chattanooga City Council seat)
Contributed photo / Jennifer Gregory is running for Chattanooga City Council’s sixth district.Jennifer Gregory
— Age: 46
— Years lived in district: Since 2018
— Neighborhood: South Brainerd
— Education: Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
— Occupation: Realtor
— Experience/qualifications: “Realtor with fair housing designation and residential construction certification. Restaurant manager and 25 years in food and beverage. Founder of two 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as well as a 501(c)(6) community organization. Former campaign manager for several campaigns for women of color. Experience advocating directly for human rights in health care and housing.”
— Family: Two sisters and one brother
— Amount raised, per latest disclosure forms: $4,075
— Website: gregoryfor6.com
Why are you running? “I’m running because I believe the voters of district 6 deserve to have a choice in their next elected official. I want to put my decades of customer and community service to work on the council. I’m also running to show my nephew and three young nieces that we can all make a meaningful impact in our community at the local level.”
Why should voters choose you? “I have a track record of prioritizing the community and its members above political agendas. I’m not afraid to have hard conversations to reach a respectful consensus. My experience as a Realtor allows me to contribute valuable insights to the council, particularly regarding zoning and its effects on our communities. I will ensure that every voice in district 6 is heard, not just a select few.”
Contributed photo / Mark Holland is running for election to the Chattanooga City Council’s sixth district.Mark Holland
— Age: 55
— Years lived in district: 29 years
— Neighborhood: Tyner
— Education: Studied business at Chattanooga State and accounting at UTC
— Occupation: Director, Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga
— Experience/qualifications: “Over 41 years in the restaurant industry, including 35 years in management and 15 years as an area director overseeing multiple locations. Owned and operated a corporate catering company for 15 years, collaborating with businesses and community organizations to support economic development. Extensive experience in small business coaching and economic empowerment, currently mentoring entrepreneurs at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, where I assist minority- and women-owned businesses in achieving growth and success. Executive board member of MidTown Connect, dedicated to revitalizing Brainerd and enhancing economic opportunities for local businesses and residents. Active in community development efforts, leading projects such as the Kitchen Incubator patio expansion and the annual Fall Festival Block Party & Trunk or Treat, which attracts thousands of families and supports local businesses.”
— Family: Three brothers and four sisters
— Amount raised, per latest disclosure forms: None filed
— Website or social media page: MarkHolland.vote
Why are you running? “I am running for city council district 6 because I have dedicated nearly three decades to serving this community, fostering small business growth and spearheading initiatives that strengthen our neighborhoods. My deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within district 6 drives my commitment to be a voice for all residents, including small businesses and new developers. Revitalization of district 6: I am passionate about the ongoing revitalization efforts in our district. By collaborating with organizations like MidTown Connect, we have made significant strides in rejuvenating areas such as Brainerd, enhancing economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for our residents. Advocacy for small businesses and new developers: My extensive experience in small business coaching and economic empowerment positions me to effectively advocate for the needs of small businesses and new developers.”
Why should voters choose you? “Voters should choose me because I have a proven track record of delivering tangible results for district 6. My extensive experience in business management, community development and economic empowerment has equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to effectively represent our district. Deep community roots: Born and raised in East Lake, with nearly three decades residing in Tyner, I have an intimate understanding of our community’s history, challenges and aspirations. Proven leadership: As the director of the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga and an executive board member of MidTown Connect, I have led initiatives that have strengthened our local economy, supported small businesses and enhanced community engagement.”
Contributed photo / Christian Siler is running for Chattanooga City Council’s sixth district.Christian Siler
— Age: 40
— Years lived in district: 13 years
— Neighborhood: Brainerd Hills
— Education: Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee
— Occupation: Commercial appraiser
— Experience/qualifications: “Seven years as a small business owner, nine years in real estate, and a lifelong Chattanoogan.”
— Family: Married, two daughters
— Amount raised, per latest disclosure forms: $11,100
— Website or social media page: chattanoogadistrict6.com
Why are you running? “I believe if someone has the ability to do good, then they have a duty to do good. I have the ability to make Chattanooga better.”
Why should voters choose you? “There’s no better place than Chattanooga in 2025, but we aren’t the only ones who know it now. There are a lot of changes headed our way. I know what it’s like to sign a paycheck, and added to my education and experience in real estate, I am best suited to bring fresh solutions and make solid decisions for D6, and the city as a whole.”
Contact Mariah Franklin at mfranklin@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.