Jeff Eversole announces candidacy for Hamilton County Commission

THUMBNAIL Contributed photo / Jeff Eversole
THUMBNAIL Contributed photo / Jeff Eversole
photo Contributed photo / Jeff Eversole

Jeff Eversole announced Wednesday his candidacy for Hamilton County Commission with "plans to bring a business sense to government and to advocate for responsible growth," according to a news release.

Eversole, 56, a Hamilton County resident for more than 25 years, began working for Walmart in 1982 when he was 17 years old. Working his way up within the company, he later came to Chattanooga in 1996 to grow Walmart's market share within the Southeast Tennessee area.

Area Walmart stores now generate almost $2 billion in revenue, something Eversole says demonstrates his ability to be effective as a commissioner.

"I've spent nearly four decades in business, and the majority of that time has been in business management. I'm running as a conservative Republican for the Hamilton County Commission because we need more of a business focus brought to the commission," Eversole said in a statement.

Eversole, who lives in Ooltewah with his wife, Denise, previously served 16 years as a patrol reserve with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, his release stated. He also assisted Erlanger Health System with efforts to establish the Kennedy Children's Outpatient Center and has been of service to several Chattanooga area organizations, including United Way, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Salvation Army and American Cancer Society.

Eversole's focus with the Hamilton County Commission would include "partnering with other commissioners to streamline government, improve Hamilton County education, develop plans for responsible growth and tackle major infrastructure problems," according to his campaign.

"His honesty, character and work ethic are second to none," Eversole's Campaign Treasurer Steve Ray said in a released statement. "I cannot imagine a better candidate to serve our community on the commission."

Eversole currently lives in District 9, represented by Commissioner Steve Highlander, R-Ooltewah. But political maps are being redrawn using 2020 census data, so there's no final word on which district Eversole would seek to represent.

- Compiled by Kiara Green

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