To the Citizens of East Ridge,

My name is Brian Williams and I am seeking one of the two open seats on the East Ridge City Council. I feel I am well qualified to represent the community as a candidate for this office. I have been a resident of East Ridge for the last 18 years. While I would be a newcomer to elected office, I am not a stranger to the needs of our community. My professional background includes 20+ years in software development with added experience in project management and overseeing departmental budgets. Managing the different needs and personalities of dynamic groups is not new to me as I have supervised large staffs.

I feel that my involvement in the City Council is important as we have reached a pivotal time in the growth of our city. Clearly, East Ridge is a city that is moving in a positive direction. This positive growth is the result of hard work by some members of the city council, city staff and many more concerned citizens. I want to help this progress continue by sharing my knowledge and skills to best serve the needs of the community.

I am a strong advocate for the growth of our local business community. These include the “legacy” businesses that have helped East Ridge grow as well as the new ones. It is imperative that these businesses are successful in order to prevent an additional tax burden on our homeowners.

I strongly believe in:

_ Transparency 

_ Accountability 

_ Community Involvement 

_ Supporting our First Responders (Fire & Police) with the best resources

 _ Updating our City Codes to accommodate future growth

The community must be allowed to help drive solutions and not be satisfied with pre-ordained results. Representing the best interest of the majority of our community is the responsibility of all council members. I would work closely with current and future council members, staff and the community. Community engagement must be a process, not an afterthought. With that in mind, I also feel that “giving-back” to our community is very important. If elected, I would “give-back” 100% of the monies I receive as a city council member to deserving East Ridge organizations and charities. This commitment is not an election novelty that will “go away” but instead, my desire to make a difference. Being elected to represent you, the community, is a privilege. The first year of service I would donate to three charities that are important to me.

Those charities are:

_ East Ridge Needy Child Fund

_ East Ridge Parks & Recreation (athletic scholarships, registration fees and equipment)

_ Friends of East Ridge Animal Services

The following year, others charities or the same, would be assessed by need. Again, this is not a gimmick but a heart-felt desire to serve. While not every member of the council may be in my position to donate their time and monies to this level, we can all “give-back” something to make our community a better place to live.

I respectfully ask for your support and vote in November for the East Ridge City Council

Sincerely,

Brian Williams