Chattanooga City Councilman Darrin Ledford has formed a 22-member re-election committee comprised of District 4 residents, business leaders and elected officials to ward off a challenge for his seat.
Ledford announced the list of supporters, including Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond and County Clerk Bill Knowles, who want to "keep him on the job" as he faces a challenger, Signal Centers Board President Bill Lloyd, in the March 2 City Council race.
"I am very humbled to have many residents reach out to me since announcing my reelection candidacy. Residents from the border with Georgia to the Summit area, and Concord to Morris Hill, have asked how to help keep me on the job," Ledford said in a news release Friday. "The outpour of affection is very special to my family and me; I have poured my heart into service and rolled up my sleeves to work towards advocating and echoing the voice of our community."
The list includes Jennifer and Philip Clay; Claudio Costa; Hiren Desai; Pam Garrett; Emily Goldberg; Jim Hammond; Matt Hullander; Daniel Johnston; Bill Knowles; Jonathan Mason; Katie Morgan; Gordon Parker; Mitch Patel; Alan Reimann; Dr. John Schaerer; Joe Schultz; John Shadden; Ellen Smith; Shawn Whitfield and Matt Winn.
Ledford said he will continue to prioritize increased infrastructure spending through road paving, strengthening the focus on residential zoning, and putting his 32-year Chattanooga history and relationships to work for the district.
"A city council representative's role is to work for the entire district's benefit. As a law and decision maker, that remains a priority for me including paramount support for all of our first responders. I will continue to find ways as allowed by our city charter to help my district thrive and meet the challenges we face. Understanding how our city works through intense study and experience on the council is the best way to influence needed improvements. I intend to finish vital work, including a city and district-wide zoning assessment and infrastructure projects underway, including a continued focus on the tornado-affected area."
Ledford said his second term, if he is re-elected, would be guided by collaboration.
"By working together with experience on the City Council and a new administration, our district has the best chance to attain the needed results district four needs in recovery efforts. I am ready to continue putting this experience and history to work for our city and our community, building upon the progress made while never losing sight of ongoing projects and concerns."
Contact Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6416. Follow her on Twitter @_sarahgtaylor.