I voted for Jack Benson as my councilman because he is effective and cares about our district and city. He has put a priority on preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods, and has worked full time to ensure a balance of growth and maintaining a quality of life we all desire.
He stands up to developers and those that care only about their agenda. Jack has a proven record, keeps us informed, responds to problems and can be relied on to look out for us.
I am asking you to vote for Jack Benson so he can continue to serve us.
Robert Adney
* * *
I have had many opportunities to interact with Jack Benson and he has always been available and willing to hear my concerns. At Tuesday night's Council meeting, we we're discussing the redistricting and the fact that Ms. Berz will be the new council member for a portion of East Brained that Jack formerly represented. Jack immediately said, "I'll represent you whether you're in my district or not."
He means it. Many un-truths about Jack have been shared by lots of people who don't know him, or who are holding a grudge against him for standing up for his convictions and/or constituents.
I say, "Get to know him before you judge him." Don't vote for Ryan King just because the Hullanders have signs everywhere in their business lot supporting him. A vote for anyone other than Jack Benson is a vote to continue the "good ole boy system."
Rusty Munger
East Ridge
* * *
Throughout my entire life I have always had a strong family unit, which has provided care and support. The patriarch of the family is my grandfather, Jack Benson. He has dedicated his life to public service in just about every form imaginable. Working in education, non-profit management, civic leadership, and for the past decade as a City Councilman, Jack has demonstrated for me how to work in an ethical and moral fashion.
Jack’s legacy has not just affected me, but my entire family. He and Kay have three sons; an attorney, a local business owner, and my father who has worked in education for nearly 30 years. Jack’s four grandchildren have all learned by his example as well; Katie recently graduated from UTK with honors, Travis is attending the United States Naval Academy, Shelby is a student at UTC while volunteering in an array of community projects, and I am a senior at UTC who hopes to follow in Jack’s footsteps by starting a career in public service.
I’m writing to you, the good people of Chattanooga, not as a campaign spokesman but as someone who has been lucky to have been affected by the positive presence of Jack in my life. As you may know, I have spent a lot of time with Jack throughout this campaign season and have learned a lot from his dignity and respect for others. He doesn’t play politics, and he certainly doesn’t engage in petty personal attacks.
Jack’s average day consists of several hours of dialogue with his constituents over the phone and through email, developing plans to meet the needs of District 4 residents, followed by meetings, and if he is lucky he gets home in time to have a late dinner with his wife of 57+ years and feed his dogs Maggie and Gracie.
Pat Benson Jr.
Chattanooga