Residents of District 8 will be wise to vote for Kenny Smith to represent them on the Hamilton County Commission. I am impressed with Kenny Smith for many reasons.

First, Kenny has done an exceptional job serving all of Hamilton County as District 8’s representative and chairman of the school board. Kenny earned a bachelor’s degree from UTC, graduated from a four-year electrical apprenticeship program and currently serves as the Training Director of the Chattanooga Electrical Apprenticeship. Kenny’s diverse educational background gives him a unique understanding of the role of higher education in employment.

As a high school teacher, I know that young people need many post-secondary options, and that they need a high school experience to prepare them for employment. Kenny has been a longtime advocate for a stand-alone career and technical high school in Hamilton County. Serving on the Chattanooga State Community College Board has also helped Kenny see the need for a 21st century technical high school for an effective and employable workforce. Most high school teachers I’ve talked with agree that our county needs a technical high school. Our governor seems to agree with Kenny’s ideas as well; he appointed Kenny to serve on the State Workforce Development Board.

As a long-time resident and neighborhood advocate in Brainerd, I am impressed that Kenny met with many Brainerd neighborhood groups. He did very little speaking, mostly listening to what Brainerd residents have to say. Consequently, Kenny’s campaign has many Brainerd, East Ridge and Concord supporters, working side by side to make sure that this accomplished and approachable man is elected to serve us on the Hamilton County Commission. I encourage all my neighbors in District 8 to join us in support of Kenny Smith for Hamilton county commissioner.

Candy Corneliussen

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The voters of District 8 would be hard pressed to find a more capable candidate than Kenny Smith for our vacant County Commission seat.

I have known Kenny and his family for close to 20 years. We met and volunteered in our children's elementary school. Through the years, Kenny has proven his commitment to our community.

He was elected to the Hamilton County School Board four years ago and has demonstrated time and time again that he is a critical thinker and problem solver. Kenny is an individual who has the leadership ability, intelligence, integrity and dedication we need to move our county forward.

District 8 needs someone who is a good listener and researcher, someone who will represent the entire county as well as the entire district. We need to elect Kenny Smith as our next County Commissioner.

Debbie Colburn