A host of candidates have already picked up qualifying papers to run in the upcoming election - indicating there will be a number of contested races.

Rev. Bernie Miller said Monday he has accepted a call from a group of community leaders to get in the District 5 County Commission race against incumbent Greg Beck.

Melvin Stanley "Red" Burrows, who has regularly attended County Commission meetings over the last year and is a tax increase foe, said he is running against Commission Chairman Larry Henry in District 7. Mr. Burrows has returned his papers and qualified. He is retired from Colonial Bread, and he also is a truck driver. He has lived in the district for 42 years.

Warren Mackey, a Chattanooga State professor who narrowly lost to Commissioner William Cotton in District 4 in 2002, is planning another race. Commissioner Cotton is facing federal bribery charges. Brian Caldwell, a Republican, also picked up papers in District 4.

Terry Conley, a Republican, picked up papers in District 3. Incumbent Charlotte Vandergriff has not yet announced if she will run again.

John Brooks has picked up papers to run against incumbent Lou Miller in District 6.

John Bailes is challenging Curtis Adams in District 8.

A number of longtime incumbent county officeholders have already picked up papers. County Clerk Bill Knowles and Register of Deeds Pam Hurst have already qualified.

Others picking up papers are Circuit Court Clerk Paula Thompson, Trustee Carl Levi, District Attorney Bill Cox, Criminal Court Clerk Gwen Tidwell and Juvenile Court Clerk Ron Swafford.

Barry Steelman, the top assistant to Mr. Cox, picked up papers to run for Criminal Court judge in Division I. Judge Doug Meyer is retiring.

Sherry Paty, who won election to City Court judge after the death of Judge John Millican, has picked up papers to seek to retain that post.

Circuit Court Judge Marie Williams picked up papers.

For sheriff, those picking up thus far include Democrat Anthony Chatman and Republicans Andy Derryberry and Dave Alverson.

Rev. Miller made his announcement in a press conference at the Bessie Smith Hall. He said he will run as a Republican against Democrat Beck.

“I am excited and believe this is an opportunity to serve my community in a greater way,” said Rev Miller. “The community wants a decisive leader and one focused on the needs that exist in District 5.”

Rev. Miller has been heavily involved in the community and within District 5 since moving to Chattanooga in 1990, it was stated. Rev. Miller is pastor and founder of New Covenant Fellowship Church and long-time voice on Christian radio in Hamilton County. He is currently chairman of the board for the Chattanooga Housing Authority. He has been involved in numerous local boards and advisory panels, and is currently serving on the U.S. Census Bureau's African American Advisory Committee and Mayor Ron Littlefield’s Faith Based Advisory Board.

“In listening to the people in my district as I debated whether to be a candidate or not, I heard their concerns about education, jobs and public safety,” said Rev. Miller. “In the coming months, I am going to do a lot of listening and work with the community to make sure their voice is heard in the policy that is made in county government.”

Rev. Miller said the support of the community leaders who have publicly asked him to run helped make the final decision.

“Their support and encouragement humbles me,” said Rev. Miller. “As I prayed about running, talked with Madelene and sought counsel from others, it became clear that running this race is what I am supposed to do. I am looking forward to the campaign.”

Rev. Miller said his party affiliation as a Republican was not a concern in his decision to run for the seat in the traditionally Democratic District 5.

“What party someone belongs to will not be an issue in this election because the people of District 5 are looking for someone to lead and serve, not a political party. That point was affirmed for me by the support I have already received,” said Rev. Miller.

Dr. Miller is a graduate of Covington Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Madelene, have a son, Zachary.

Qualifying papers are available at the election office on E. 4th Street. The office will remain at that location through the May election.

County Commission 3
Terry Conley (R)

County Commission 4
Brian Caldwell (R)
Warren Mackey (D)

County Commission 5
Greg Beck (D)
Rev. Bernie Miller (R)

County Commission 6
John Brooks (D)

County Commission 7
Red Burrows (R) Qualified
Larry Henry (R)

County Commission 8
John Bailes (D)

Trustee
Carl Levi (R)

Register of Deeds
Pam Hurst (R) Qualified

Circuit Court Clerk
Paula Thompson (D)

County Clerk
Bill Knowles (D) Qualified

Juvenile Court Clerk
Ron Swafford (D)

Criminal Court Clerk
Gwen Tidwell (D)

Sheriff
Anthony Chatman (D)
David Alverson (R)
Andy Derryberry (R)

Criminal Court Judge Division I
Barry Steelman

City Court Judge
Sherry Paty

Circuit Court Judge
Marie Williams