Mayoral Analysis

  • Friday, February 24, 2017

Why have I received four very expensive glossy three-panel fold-out flyers in the U.S. mail, seen several expensive spots on television, been deluged by “Berke for Mayor” signs everywhere, experienced a newspaper that is supposed to have two fair views on topics, however only encourages me to vote for the one person for mayor who should have done well enough over the last four years to not need to convince me, or anyone, to vote for him? We should have been convinced by his performance to date.

However, such is the campaign of Andy Berke. Why?

So, because I am old with a poor memory I took the time to use this modern machine called a computer to research the records of this publication and the Times Free Press. I find that Berke’s administration has had what I would consider a high rate of personnel turnover. Why? High office turnover is usually due to poor leadership, high stress or unethical leadership at work. Several articles suggest both exist in the Berke administration. Berke campaigned on the pledge of gang control. Shortly after assuming office Berke disbanded a functional gang task force, spent mega-money on studying the problem, lost $300,000 in federal funds, and murder and shootings have increased each year in the intervening four years. Is that success, success that you want to vote back into office for another four years (if he stays that long)? Berke campaigned on fiscal responsibility, and, although he has not raised taxes, money issues still remain a major issue. Berke vowed to improve our road, and Lord only knows what happened there. Governmental transparency, a sentinel cry of all Democrats on all levels of government, is still a dream to come true.

Perhaps I am just an out of date Christian, however to reduce fire and police pensions and health benefits, and then pay for city employee same-sex and unmarried partner health care benefits is simply wrong in my book. Again, scrapping for the votes of minorities and LGBT’s while not caring or working for our middle-class majority borders on immoral.

Berke has received a lot of campaign money from wealthy organizations and individuals who do not feel the pain of his decisions. Those of you who have seen the movie Hillary’s America learned that the large failing American cities such as Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia ruled for years, and often literally decades, by Democratic governments have done exactly what Berke has done. The Democratic mayor and government do little that is helpful for the city during their terms of office. Then just before the next election campaign they spend large amounts of money, promising everything and anything. After getting elected they don’t follow through on those promises, and coast for another four years. Inner cities be damned. Berke is following this playbook perfectly.

When did Chattanooga begin to flourish, pulling itself out of the smog and industrial dirt? The mayors of both the city and the county must be considered. In the background was Claude Ramsey (R), Hamilton County Mayor from 1996 to 2010, who was a very positive backdrop to the Chattanooga mayor. Mayor Ramsey was largely responsible for Volkswagen coming to Chattanooga. Subsequently Jim Coppinger (R) from 2010 to now has been a solid business man, working for the people. Overlay Jon Kinsey (D), city mayor from 1997 to 2001, really a DINO (Democrat in name only) with a good business head for our city. Then the real magician Bob Corker (R), Chattanooga Mayor from 2001 to 2005, a very successful builder and business man, who set in motion many aggressive programs and plans that rapidly revamped our city, especially downtown Chattanooga. Ron Littlefield (I), although challenged by some, actually upheld Corker’s movement over his eight years in office. Then came Berke. Promises, promises, chest beating, department turnover, suspected inner office scandals, rising crime rate …. review past issues of the TFP and this publication. (Don’t believe me. Put “Berke” in the search box and hit search. Have fun!)

For four years our beloved city has only crept along at best. No wonder Berke’s campaign felt the need to convince us of the wonderful things ole Andy has done (not) and will do (doubt), while many indications are he truly is setting himself up for greater things, be it a run to be governor or a place in Washington had Hillary won the WH.

Let me be clear, like it or not, before selecting a candidate, Chattanoogans need to decide what party will serve them best from 2017 to 2021. You have heard the saying “Those that ignore history are bound to repeat it.” As I noted above, the history of Chattanooga leaves no question which political party has provided the best stewards. Chattanoogans must decide which party would serve us best now. By history Chattanooga has flourished when under Conservative Republican leadership and languished under Democratic mayoral leadership. The Democratic mayors have been protected by Republican county mayors. Nuff said.

If I assume (a dangerous thing) I have convinced you to consider a Republican candidate, then which candidate would I choose? Larry Grohn has been an enthusiastic conservative City Council member and therefore knows the needs of Chattanooga well and how to go about achieving those needs for all the people. He is a loyal religious man with a solid marriage and is not looking for a higher office. He has no scandal in his life, none. He is likable, getting along with people of all social strata. He is interested in shrinking city government by combining committees, projects and increasing monetary efficiency. Larry is known and liked by the police and fire departments and other city services. He understands how to support small businesses and integrate them with large businesses. Larry Grohn is a known entity, a Republican, and will work well with our Republican County Mayor, Jim Coppinger. Larry will help Chattanooga grow, help it become all that it can become and as fast as it can. What more could we want?

Whatever your choice, I beg of you to vote. Please exercise your profoundly American right to help decide who will lead your local government. Far too often too many of us have the feeling that voting for our local officials really doesn’t matter that much. Really? There is an old saying that “All government starts at home”, and it is true. Just like on Nov. 8th, the March 7th elections do matter, they matter to you. And, if you were one of the candidates who was trying to represent you, wouldn’t you want your fellow citizens to stand up for you, or against you if that be their decision? So, please make the small effort to vote. Early voting is open until March 2nd, therefore it is super easy. Vote on the way home from Lowe’s or Walmart. Just do it. It will feel good.

If you don’t vote, you have no business complaining about a single pothole or gang shooting. I don’t want to hear it.

Roger W. Catlin, Chattanooga





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