Two men are running for the office of Hamilton County Clerk. They are Bill Knowles and Chester Heathington. Let us look at their records.

Bill Knowles--
Since 1974 he has been responsible for over $600 million in fees, with excellent audit reports.
Since 1985 has had the best County Commission record keeping system in the state.
1991 he opened a full-service tag and title satellite office with extended hours for the convenience of the Hamilton County citizens.
1993 he contracted with the state for On the Spot Vehicle Title Printing and drivers license renewals
2001 he instituted the first vehicle registration renewals by mail and the Internet in the state.
2008 he instituted online marriage license research to support the study of genealogy.
To this day Mr. Knowles has the interest of the citizens of Hamilton County as his prime objective and is always seeking ways to improve the service of this office to those citizens.

Chester Heathington--
1982 arrested and charged with aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. Pled guilty in 1983 to assault and received six-month suspended sentence.
1982 arrested and charged in Federal Court for violation of refusing to comply with signs prohibiting entrance to U.S. Post Office working area which was controlled by the GSA and refusing to obey orders and directives of Federal Protective Service Officers to leave the non-public area of the U.S. Post Office in violation federal law. Pled guilty to both counts, sentenced to 30 days in jail which was suspended and placed on probation for six months and fined $50. An assault charge in this case was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
1983 found in violation of federal probation for being arrested by Chattanooga Police for DUI and convicted. Probation extended for six months.
1990 arrested for driving on revoked license-pled guilty-30 days in workhouse fined $200, ordered to pay costs of $50 a month after release. Also charged with DUI. Pled guilty, sentenced to workhouse, fined $500. License revoked for two years. Sentence suspended on good behavior for 11 months and 29 days on the condition he serve 45 days in jail.
2000 Driving on revoked or suspended or canceled license-dismissed
2004 Charged with domestic assault- bound over to Grand Jury 2005 without hearing-2006 Case dismissed on motion of state
2006 Charged with driving on revoked license-dismissed
2008 Charged with gambling-dismissed
2008 Charged with possession of gambling device or record—Pled guilty $50 fine

On June 22, 2010 Mr. Heathington finally paid the outstanding court cost/fines that he owed to the Hamilton County Sessions Court.

Let the record speak for itself. Do you really want an individual that has shown contempt for the law or someone who has contributed to Hamilton County by trying to make the County Clerk's office more user-friendly, every day. Bill Knowles is the man for the job and deserves your vote.

Glen T. Pope
East Ridge

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When I read Mr. Pope's opinion, it was a double shock. 1) I'm surprised that someone with a record like Mr. Heathington's was able to get support to be on the ballot. 2) Why haven't local journalists reported this to voters?

Thank you, Mr. Pope, for speaking out.

Les Wilmoth

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I read with great interest the opinion on "Comparing The County Clerk Candidates" this morning. While I am among a large number of county residents who must admit that my support of Bill Knowles is based not only in his track record for many years in the County Clerk's office, but by his personal character of integrity, I was not really shopping for a new candidate when I read the article this morning.

Our community -- and our country -- are in crisis of having many elected officials who simply do not have any integrity or character and deserve to be ousted from office. Bill Knowles, however, is not one of those sort. My own philosophy is, "If it's not broke, don't fix it." Bill Knowles has served Hamilton County well, and will continue to do so if he is re-elected as the Hamilton County Clerk.

Joel Davenport

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I would encourage all registered Hamilton county voters to vote for Bill Knowles for county clerk. He may be listed as a Democrat on the ballot; however, his ethics and ideals are the furthest thing from the Democratic ideology. He has run a tight and efficient ship ever since he took office, many years ago. He has brought the county clerk’s office to new heights of technology, customer service and professionalism.

I encourage all voters to vote for him regardless of the “D” next to his name. The so-called Republican, Chester Heathington, that is running for county clerk does not have the level of professionalism that is necessary to be county clerk. He has a checkered past that includes aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, charged in federal court for violation of refusing to comply with signs prohibiting entrance to U.S. Post Office working area, driving on revoked license-three times, domestic assault, illegal gambling, and possession of gambling device. Mr. Heathington’s record speaks for itself.

Please do not vote for Mr. Chester Heathington just because he has an “R” next to his name because he does not represent the Republican party or the voters of Hamilton County in a positive manner. How can the voters support this man as county clerk when he does not even pay his own fines to the court?

Therefore, my vote is for Bill Knowles, the current county clerk, who is a man of integrity and morals unlike his opponent. I hope that you will join me in voting for County Clerk Bill Knowles, once you read the facts about Mr. Heathington.

Voting for Bill Knowles,
Mary Ella Taylor
Chattanooga