Why I Support Mayor Andy Berke - And Response

  • Friday, February 24, 2017

The time is vastly approaching for Chattanoogans to use their votes as their voices to decide who will be the next Mayor of our beloved hometown. Throughout this campaign season, I have had several conversations with family, friends and community members about the candidate choices, their platforms, etc. I have heard, seen and read an array of thoughts, opinions, and emotions. I’ve seen many faces that come from an array of backgrounds give the “whys”, “why nots” and “maybes” to each candidate.

Most importantly, I have heard many just wanting to have “Say” in what is to come of their city, and mainly their communities. Overall, it makes me very happy to see how we can come together to support causes that we all believe in even when they vary. What better cause to support than the selection of the next city leader of our beloved Chattanooga? While we all have a right to decide who we support, I am confident in my candidate choice for the 2017 Mayoral race.

 

Hello, my name is Karitsa Mosley Jones and I am a native Chattanoogan, a local social worker, HCDE Board Member for District 5 and most importantly I am a proud friend and supporter of Mayor Andy Berke.

 

I’m not going to keep you long but I have to share with you how Mayor Berke became a part of my life and why I feel he is the best person for the job…

 

My first encounter with Andy was here in Chattanooga shortly after he was elected to the State Senate in 2007 at a public forum he was hosting. I had just relocated back to the city and was trying to decide how I would acclimate myself back to my hometown as a young, progressive professional.

 

During his tenure in Senate, I watched Andy from afar as he diligently worked to make a difference for us at the state level. I was always in awe of his calm but assertive demeanor as he got the job done. Most importantly, I admired four things about him:

 

1. How he had made a decision to become a public servant at such a young age

 

2. His compassion for others and his desire to see others progress

 

3. His strong advocacy for change.

 

4. His tenacity to ensure that tasks are accomplished successfully with or without support of the masses

 

So, when he returned home after his time in the Senate and announced his candidacy for Mayor, I knew right away that I would lend my support in any way that I could to aid in his success. I did just that by volunteering on The Renew Chattanooga - Berke for Mayor Campaign in 2013.

 

Our friendship began at that time and the rest is history. Andy and his team put me to work. I graciously accepted a role as a volunteer during the campaign and as a facilitator for several of his Mayor- elect public forums. I have continued to support Mayor Berke, his cabinet and the council in their endeavors because I believe in his vision for our city . I also believe in what they are doing as a team to move the needle of progression in Chattanooga.

 

He doesn’t know this but he is a consistent inspiration in my life as a young professional and community leader. While I know that no one is perfect and there will be times when you may not receive the popular vote for things you do in leadership; I do believe that Andy is a true leader. I’ve learned and continue to learn many lessons from his work and through his journey as a public servant leader. Many of which are etched in my memory for years to come. One nugget of knowledge he shared with me as I began my journey in public service is to always stick to what I believe in and to support what I know to be right. Andy does this… he not only talks this talk but he walks this walk. He believes in Chattanooga and all that it can become. We are proud to have been recognized as the “Best Town Ever”. However, I must be honest. This is not the case for all Chattanoogans. I believe that Mayor Berke recognizes this. I believe that given the opportunity to serve another term, that he will work to ensure that this will change for those who are not having that experience. I believe that our voices will not fall on deaf ears. I believe that he hears us Loud and Clear. If given the opportunity to serve as Mayor again, I believe that we will continue to see much needed change in the next four years under the Berke Administration. We all know that Rome was not built in day. Let’s be honest, the issues that we face in our city didn’t happen in just 4 years and cannot be solved in that same amount of time. Effective change takes time. As a constituent, I have expressed these concerns and many others with Mayor Berke on the dire needed improvements in our city, my neighborhood and many that connect to it. I have shared how we need true economic mobility for everyone in our City to ensure that we are living up to the title of the Best Town Ever for All Chattanooga residents. I have advocated for these in the current administration and will continue to do so in the future. I know that he believes in Equity for all. Most importantly, he believes that Chattanooga is only as great as the people who live here. He wants us to have access to all that will help us to walk in that Prosperity.

 

It is imperative that we too believe in ourselves, in our city and most importantly in the attainment of the change we seek.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I urge you to Think Smart, Vote Genuine, Vote Credible, Vote Progressive, Vote Forward, Vote your Conscience and most importantly vote… Mayor Andy Berke 2017.

 

Karitsa Mosley Jones 

* * * 

I am not entitled to vote for Mayor Berke because I do not live in the city.  But, I would if I could.

I am a teacher and a few years ago I contacted Mayor Berke and asked if he would be willing to read a book that we were using in class and then come sit on a panel for discussion with my students. Without hesitation he agreed and gave up a big part of his day to come work with my kids. His visit made a big impact on my class.  His only motive was to come and share his insight with my kids.

I have a great deal of respect for Mayor Berke and I would like to see him continue to lead Chattanooga. 

Trevor Fuller

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