Want to join the conversation?
Submit a Rant, which are anonymous and 25 words or less, using this form, email your Rant to rant@timesfreepress.com, or send to Rant c/o Times Free Press, 400 E. 11th. St., Chattanooga TN 37403. Include your phone number and name; names will not appear in print or online.
Or submit a letter to the editor, which are 200 words or less, use this form, email your letter to letters@timesfreepress.com or send to Letters c/o Times Free Press, 400 E. 11th. St., Chattanooga TN 37403. Letters must be signed with name, address and telephone number; only your name and general location will appear when published. Letters containing discriminatory language or generated by an AI tool may not be chosen.
All letters and rants are subject to review.
Wamp’s leadership helped achieve park
When used as an idiom, “a plum” refers to something highly desirable. That’s exactly what both Hamilton and Rhea counties are getting with the new state park at McDonald Farm. The state of Tennessee is paying for the bigger part of the park, which will be good for all to enjoy, regardless.
It will provide hiking, camping, biking and other amenities. There will still be a large amount of land retained by Hamilton County for other uses, such as the McDonald home and outbuildings.
This didn’t just come about. It happened because we have a transparent mayoral office. He puts out ideas to see what the citizens want. He takes that information, and with help, moves forward with the best plan. Another example of this is term limits for the Hamilton County mayor and commission members. Citizens are overwhelmingly in favor of term limits. Mayor Wamp didn’t just kick the can down the road; rather, he had the help of Commissioner Lee Helton to carry the ball to the commission and introduce it as a resolution. All of this is how good government works.
Sens. Bo Watson and Todd Gardenhire are also good to work for us on the state level to bring ideas to Gov. Bill Lee. State Rep. Michele Reneau hit the ground running to bring sound legislation for our benefit. In my opinion, all of our state reps are doing a good job.
Thank you, Mayor Weston Wamp, for your leadership and vision. You watch our money and move forward with wisdom. When the time comes, I will vote for your reelection, as I believe the majority of Hamilton County will do.
J. Pat Williams
–––
Property tax limits will be good for all
When an elected official works on legislation that benefits the hardworking people in their community, regardless of political party, we need to be sure we show our support by supporting their bill at the polls. Thank you, Sen. Bo Watson, for your work on limiting property tax increases. Whether you currently own a home or intend to purchase a home one day, unchecked increases in property taxes hurt.
The one thing California did right was pass Prop 13 back in 1978, which does not allow the state to use current property values to assess taxes so you aren’t punished because your home increases in value. Additionally, there is a cap of 2% increases for inflation. Older people can afford to stay in the homes they love. With property values skyrocketing in Tennessee, plenty in Hamilton County had to consider selling their beloved home when they saw their 2025 tax bill. That should never be the reason you decide to move out of your home.
Deidre Sumida
Hixson