The citizens of East Ridge have an extraordinary opportunity to change the direction of our city.

This election gives us the opportunity to change the politics as usual which has created a debt factor that is totally unnecessary.

We have an opportunity to elect two council members to join Mr. Jim Bethune in the quest for cleaning up the mess that has put our city in embarrassing situations, unnecessary debt and over spending in legal fees.

Denny Manning has kept the common sense factor on the city council. Yes, he may not talk as fancy as a Philadelphia lawyer, but the man is real and his convictions are stronger than any dedication a person can say they have. He has voted against tax increases and has given real support to the civic clubs as a member as well as helping in events and or donations. We need to keep Denny Manning on the council.

Marc Gravitt has established himself as a man of quality character and integrity. He shows these two attributes in his business and his day to day routine in the community. Like Denny Manning, Marc has given his time to the Revitalize East Ridge program and also was an active charter member of the East Ridge Merchants Association. We need to Elect Marc Gravitt so we can add his voice with Jim Bethune and Denny Manning to take a fresh look at the needs of our city.

I am proud as a citizen of East Ridge to support these two gentlemen for our city council and I strongly urge each citizen to take the step in a new direction for our city.

I would like to share a quote that I believe is appropriate to this election: "A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided" by Tony Robbins

Another quote: "Lawyers are just like physicians: what one says, the other contradicts."-- Sholom Aleichem

If this statment is true, then it might be a good idea for East Ridge to cut the salary of the high-priced attorney in half and hire another attorney.

Let's now take the right action. Let's elect Denny Manning and Marc Gravitt.

Bill Breneman

East Ridge Citizen

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I have lived in the city of East Ridge for over 50 years and have been involved in our community for many of those years .Curtis Adams said, "We are at a crossroads" and our city must elect Marc Gravitt and Denning Manning in this election . By electing Marc Gravitt and Denny Manning the city of East Ridge can shake the outside political stranglehold being held by these outsiders, mainly city lawyer Anderson and his outsider crowd.

Our part time East Ridge city lawyer is the highest priced lawyer of any city, county or municipality in Tennessee . In addition to the egregious action by this lawyer, who wrote his own contract, he is repeatedly endorsed by the incumbent politicians so we have what amounts to ultimate bureaucratic stranglehold on we taxpayers.

We must get rid of this high-priced, out-of-control political lawyer . Many East Ridge citizens are urging the electorate to vote for Mack Gravitt and Denny Manning. Please don't let this opportunity pass us by.

Chuck Mehan

East Ridge