I was in the same room as many other people during meetings concerning the rezoning of the Sweetbay (formerly Thrippence) Apartments. What I heard during these meetings was Mr. Russell Smith, of Lexington Assets Management, being grilled by demands from the citizens with conditions being placed on his company prior to rezoning. We, me being […]

On April 13, 2018 we received notification of a rezone request at 3623 Fountain Avenue, The Sweetbay Apartments. This arrived on the heels of the famous letter about the”red zone” and our Redevelopment Authority “fighting blight.” Sweetbay Apartments was NOT included in the “red zone” in spite of the obvious blight of a boarded up […]

      Change is in the air, first with our season preparing to turn to Fall, but hopefully and even more importantly, the structure of our city council.  This year, we the voters have an opportunity to change the structure of who sits on our city council. This is one of the most critical […]

I readily admit I am old, set in my ways and not too keen on change. I like the theory ” if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” Recently my washer broke! Time to go washer shopping. My head was spinning … Bells, whistles, knobs, lights and what… No agitator!! I know some of you […]

Had a chance encounter with an East Ridge resident early last week and we sat down and had a far-reaching conversation. We spoke of the upcoming Municipal Election, migrane headaches, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Greek literature, the old UTC library, Braves baseball, and the induction of Terrell Owens into the NFL Hall of […]

Last Thursday, we took yet another step toward progress in Tennessee. I’m so grateful for everyone who came out to vote.   I want to say thank you to each one of you who came out and supported my campaign to be your next State Representative for Tennessee’s 30th State House district.   At the […]

I would like to clear up some speculation about the possibility of a council appointment to replace my council seat if I am honored to have the citizens elect me as the next Mayor of East Ridge. First and foremost, the appointment process is governed by the City Charter and was approved by the citizens […]

It was not surprising to see the findings of my ethics complaint against Mayor Lambert. However it is incredibly disappointing that Mayor Lambert decided to demean citizens who dare question him. There was nothing “petty” about my complaint and “politics” was NEVER an issue, yet the Mayor could not help but get up in front […]

It is definitely political season and things are getting ugly in the 30th district race, and relatively innocuous things are getting blown way out of proportion.  Breathe, people. This week at the County Commission is a perfect example. On Wednesday, State Rep. Marc Gravitt sought to honor two people in front of the County Commission, […]

Why is the employee that was fired for theft, not being charged with theft?  City Manager Scott Miller made the statement that the employee had problems and that the stolen items were returned.  What does that have to do with the employee  STEALING?  He has had a history of abuse of city resources.  WHY IS […]

Saturday’s event at the Camp Jordan Pavilion was nothing more than extraordinary, if not history making.  Alongside the threatening eminent domain letters the citizens of East Ridge received, a Union was formed amongst the East Ridge Police Department.  Coming to City Council the night of April 26, I had only one thing I was focused […]

Editor’s Note: This opinion is from Clint Cooper, the Chattanooga Free Press’s editorial page editor. Posted with the author’s permission. District 8 pits incumbent David Testerman, who has 30 years of experience as an educator, against Tucker McClendon, a recent college graduate. It should be a no-brainer but isn’t. The incumbent, who received our support […]

Looking around near the new Exit 1, while seeing a rise in property interest in East Ridge, I’m more excited by the day for our city! Just look at the views from the exit near the intersection of I-75 and I-24. From in front of the Bass Pro Shop, you can see the new Chic-fil-A […]

When we all got together to defend our property rights a few months ago, we proved to the City that the people really care and have the power … the power to VOTE in 2018! Tomorrow is the last day to register, please register to VOTE!! I always tell people if you don’t vote, then you have […]

The pendulum is swinging in East Ridge. You can feel it, taste it, see it, for goodness sake.  I was a kid in the 1960s but one of the most popular catchphrases of the politically and culturally tumultuous period was “power to the people.” Riding a wave of dissent, the people of East Ridge banned […]