Former three-term City Council Chairman Yusuf Hakeem announced Thursday that he is once again a candidate for the District 9 seat.

Peter Murphy is the incumbent, and he has picked up papers to run again. 

Mr. Hakeem said, "After much encouragement from a broad cross section of our community, I am a candidate for the people's seat on the Chattanooga City Council for District 9.

"I was born and raised in Chattanooga and am a 1966 graduate of Howard High School. My family and I have lived in and around what is now District 9 for the last 46 years.

"I solicit your help that I may once again represent the citizens of District 9. However, in order to be successfully elected again to the council for District 9, I must have your prayers and support.

"My participation in civil rights, civic life and local and state governments affirms my dependable and sensitive commitment to the needs of the people.

"My record also reflects a sound fiscal approach in dealing with governmental matters. I have worked in the past on a fulltime basis and will do so again for District 9 with your help. There will be no limitation to restrict me from focusing on the interests of the people since my retirement is forthcoming.

"In my previous role on the City Council I have displayed and will in the future a sense of leadership and commitment that demonstrates the ability to get things done for all of the residents of District 9.

"My involvement in civic life includes, but is not limited to these groups:  member and past president of the Glenwood Neighborhood Association, served on the board of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, Maurice Kirby Day Care Center, Chattanooga Community Impact, and the Fortwood Center. Other groups include Chattanooga Unity Group, the NAACP and Operation PUSH.

"In 1990, I was initially elected to the council for District 9. During my tenure on the council, I served as chairman three times and vice chairman twice as well as being the first chairman of the budget committee. Governor Phil Bredesen appointed me to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission and I served from 2004-2009. He also appointed me to the Board of Probation and Parole in 2006 for a six-year term. I have been and will continue to be a voice for the people in all matters of city government to move it forward."