With the East Ridge City Council election nearing, I would like to offer my perspective and personal picks for the City Council. I know some of the candidates on the ballot and genuinely feel that each of them have East Ridge’s best interest at heart. I am not aware of any evil intentions on any candidate’s part. I truly think that East Ridge is fortunate to have such a fine slate of citizens offering themselves for public service.
However, I feel that I would be remiss if I did not point out that the current leadership has proven to be very beneficial. Ms. Witt and Ms. Helton have proven themselves to be very capable leaders. Both are very energetic and very forward thinking individuals. The growth that East Ridge has seen in the past few years, many of which have been during their term, is phenomenal. While it is true that most new businesses desire to locate in or near the Camp Jordan area, we have been seeing growth west of the interstate, as well. I believe that if one is being honest with themselves, they can see new business in areas other than Camp Jordan Pkwy. For example O’Reilly’s, Honda Motorsports, TaTa’s Grill, Level Up, East Ridge Family Dental, just to name a few. I urge the citizens of East Ridge to patronize those business that are located elsewhere in East Ridge.
During Ms. Witt and Ms. Helton’s time there seems to have also been more stability on the Council. They have both seemed to learn and adapt to their “part time” positions, while fulfilling their role as Council members. I have heard no recent rumors of Council members trying to force one of the Chiefs out of office or rumors of firing the City Manager because he won’t force one of them out. The council appears to understand its role in our form of government and I am proud of them.
Finally, both Ms. Witt and Ms. Helton have been representatives that everyone should be proud of. Too often we as citizens forget that we have a representative form of government. The citizens of East Ridge elect five people to represent them and to make decisions for them, based on the information that is given to them. Please join me in voting for two of the best Council members we have ever had Aundie Witt and Esther Helton.
_ Vince Dean
