Naman Crowe, local writer and former newspaper reporter, today announced he will be a candidate for mayor of Chattanooga.
He said he won't accept a penny of campaign money and will only campaign when he feels like it.
Mr. Crowe, who lives at Ferger Place, said, "My purpose, as any candidate will tell you, is to serve the community and help make Chattanooga a better place to live, for the rich and the poor.
"A major difference between me and the other candidates is that I will not ask nor accept a single penny in campaign contributions beyond the cost of the qualifying fee.
"I will not be beholding in any type of financial way to any individual, group, organization, corporation, enterprise or political party. I will run as an Independent.
"I will not spend a dime on this campaign. I am not even going to campaign, as such. I have an invalid mother to watch after and I don’t have the time nor inclination to attend political functions or make speeches.
"I will issue statements to the press from time to time, which they may print or not. I will participate in public debates, but only if I feel like it and can find someone to watch after my mother.
"I will accept volunteers who would like to help through the sharing of their thoughts and ideas. They can contact me at my e-mail address, namancrowe@yahoo.com. But don’t write if you just want to call me names and condemn me to hell. I won’t respond.
"If elected, I will not be bringing anyone with me, much less a staff or an administration. All those who are presently employed by the mayor’s office are welcome to keep their seats.
"If they would prefer not to work with me they can leave. If I can’t work with them, I’ll work with them to find another position that would better showcase their talents.
"Beyond honesty and speaking my mind, I make no other pledges or promises."