I grew up on Myrtle Avenue as a neighbor to the Gravitt family.  I know not only Marc's parents, but also knew his grandparents, so I've known the family for over 60 years.  And I must admit, that I was planning on voting for Marc from the start of his campaign.  However, at last week's forum, Marc Gravitt proved to me that he is the best candidate for the job.   

It was evident that Marc has not only attended council meetings for several years, but had also done his homework.  He was the only candidate that proved he had gone through the budget line item by line item.  When the candidates were asked to be specific about what cuts in the budget they would propose, the others simply gave the usual rhetoric, "well we need to stop wasteful spending." Marc Gravitt hit it head on with actual figures.  

When asked the hard questions, about the court clerk's office, the city manager and city attorney, Marc Gravitt again proved he was the person for the job by answering the questions with direct answers.  While other candidates stated, "they did not have an opinion or they didn't care to share opinion."   

Folks, if you either don't have an opinion or are too afraid to share it with your constituents, you don't deserve our vote.  If you haven't been attending council meeting to learn what is going on in our city, you don't deserve our vote.  If you've not taken the time to look at the city budget and come to your own decisions, you don't deserve our vote.   

Marc Gravitt has done all of these things.  He's proven he's not afraid to answer the tough questions.  He's been an advocate for East Ridge for years and has shown the type of leadership we need in East Ridge. Please vote for Marc Gravitt for councilman for the city of East Ridge-he deserves our vote.

Myra J. Rosser

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As a longtime resident of East Ridge and a retired educator from East Ridge High School, I have done many things to help our city.  Next week we have the opportunity to make a difference in East Ridge.  We voted to elect Jim Bethune in the last election so we owe it to him and our self to elect two people that can work in a progressive manner to move East Ridge forward beyond the daily pettiness we often read in the newspaper. 

Of the candidates running I am asking you to vote for Marc Gravitt and Denny Manning.  Mr. Gravitt has the qualities of leadership this city needs.  He is educated and successful in business and involved in our community affairs.   

Mr. Manning probably has the largest heart of any individual that has served on the East Ridge City Council.  He has a record of voting against wasteful spending and has never voted to raise property taxes.  I am asking family, friends and neighbors to join me in my support for these gentlemen and vote Gravitt and Manning for East Ridge Council next week. 

Doug Rosser

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To the voters of East Ridge,
I would like to ask for your support of Marc Gravitt and Denny Manning for the two available city council seats. 

I am concerned about the future of our city.  As we look to the future in an ever evolving world, it is important that our leadership reflects our values and has a clear understanding of what it takes to truly build community and lead a city.  It takes business knowledge and experience to understand how to help businesses succeed and to provide a core for community stability and growth.  It takes strong values and a commitment to making the right decisions for the right reasons to help build a strong community. 

We have all seen the tattoo parlors, cash advance operations and fireworks vendors move in to storefronts once occupied by quality retail stores, banks and professional offices. We need a change in course to reverse the trends. 

Marc Gravitt is businessman with deep family roots in East Ridge.  He is a veteran of our military with the strength and discipline to lead.  He represents the leadership our city needs for the future. 

I would appreciate your support for Marc Gravitt and Denny Manning on Nov. 6.

Ken Meyer
Former State Representative
East Ridge

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Next week's election in East Ridge is a hard one for me. I happen to know and am friends with several of the candidates running for the two open council seats. Regardless, of who I support, I run the risk of losing friendships over politics.  

Several months back, Mr. Marc Gravitt and Councilman Denny Manning both ask for my support for this election.  I deem both very qualified for the position and respect them highly and agreed to support them both. 

Later in the qualifying, Ms. Mimi Lowrey and Ms. Ann Pruett decided to throw their hat in the ring. Several weeks back Ms. Lowrey ask me for support. I was honest and told her my situation. Ms. Pruett has never asked anything of me.  

So here’s the deal folks. I am supporting Mr. Gravitt and Mr. Manning this election. If you can’t find it in your heart to support one of these gentlemen, then please, throw your support behind Ms. Lowrey.  

Mimi is well versed in the operations of the city, she has business experience, extensive knowledge in budgets and is willing to help her neighbors in anyway she possibly can. She will definitely work hard for the city and its citizens.  

John Tilley