The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, the nation’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, announced the endorsement of the following candidates for public office in the upcoming City of Chattanooga Elections:
Mayor: Andy Berke
District 1 City Council: Tom McCullough
District 2 City Council: Roger Tuder
District 3 City Council: Ken Smith
District 4 City Council: Tom Tomisek
District 7 City Council: Chris Anderson
District 8 City Council: Andrae McGary
District 9 City Council: Peter Murphy
Districts 5 and 6 incumbents, Councilman Russell Gilbert and Councilwoman Carol Berz, are running unopposed. Officials said, "We appreciate their past efforts and look forward to an open dialogue with them during the next term."
In a written statement, Toby Hewitt, president, said, "For far too long, critical issues affecting the safety and quality of life of our citizens and public service personnel have been ignored. Many times over the past eight years the efforts of our police officers to bring attention and positive change to these issues have been dismissed, and in some cases even further aggravated, by the City Administration. We are extremely optimistic about a brighter future for the City of Chattanooga and adequately addressing the critical issues affecting public safety should be the cornerstone in securing our future, instead of an afterthought.
"These candidates are receiving our endorsement for their commitment to partnering with us to improve public safety and the quality of life in our great city. All who live, work, and play in Chattanooga have a vested interest in the March 5th election. Now is the time to move Chattanooga forward."