The Hamilton County Democratic Party’s Board of Directors on Thursday night unanimously voted "to raise the bar on candidates interested in becoming the Democratic nominee for sheriff."
John Bailes, chairman, said, "Raising high the standards for a sheriff nominee, the Hamilton County Democratic Party will require thorough qualifying information from all candidates."
He said the qualifying information includes the following:
1) A letter stating the candidate’s reason for running, along with goals for Sheriff’s Department and a list of five top priorities;
2) A resume of law enforcement training, experience, and references;
3) A detailed list of educational background (bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent law enforcement training);
4) A copy of POST Certification and all training certificates;
5) A release to do a background check/credit check;
6) The name of the candidate’s campaign manager and treasurer.
All qualifying information is due at Hamilton County Democratic Party Headquarters (23 Patten Parkway) no later than noon on March 7. Please call party headquarters at 423-266-4125 for more information.
“The Hamilton County Democratic Party is committed to selecting the most qualified nominee for sheriff,” said Chairman Bailes. “For us, that means raising the bar in terms of experience, education, and character.”
The Hamilton County Democratic Party will hold its nominating caucus to select a nominee for sheriff on Saturday, March 15. The caucus will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the Tropicana Room at the Chattanooga Billiards Club-East, off Lee Highway.
The general election for county sheriff will be held on Aug. 7.