Cities Languish Under Democratic Rule - And Response

  • Thursday, March 2, 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?

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 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. Berke campaigned on the pledge of gang control. Shortly after assuming office Berke disbanded a functional gang task force and lost $300,000 in federal funds by doing so. Then Berke spent mega-money on studying the problem and murders and shootings have increased each year. Is that success, success that makes you want to vote Berke 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 still remains a major issue. Berke vowed to improve our roads, 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Perhaps I am just an out of date Christian, however to reduce fireman and policeman pensions and health benefits, and then pay for city employee same-sex and unmarried partner health care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, scraping for the votes of minorities and LGBT’s while not caring for or working for our middle-class majority and service providers borders on immorality.

Berke has received a lot of campaign money from wealthy organizations and individuals who do not feel the pain of his decisions. If you saw the movie Hillary’s America you learned that the large failing American cities such as Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia were (and still are) ruled for decades by Democratic governments, and did exactly what Berke has done. Exactly. The Democratic mayor and government do little that is truly helpful for the city during their terms of office. Then just before the next election they spend large amounts of money to look good, 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 Democratic playbook perfectly.

When did Chattanooga begin to flourish, pulling itself out of the smog and industrial rubble. The mayors of both the city and the county must be considered. Claude Ramsey (R), Hamilton County Mayor from 1996 to 2010, was a very positive backdrop to the Chattanooga mayors. Mayor Ramsey was largely responsible for Volkswagen coming to Chattanooga. Subsequently Jim Coppinger (R), mayor from 2010 to 2017, 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) had a good business head. Then the real magician stepped in. Bob Corker (R), Chattanooga Mayor from 2001 to 2005, a very successful builder and business man, 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 Andy Berke. Promises, promises, chest beating, cheating, 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, select the year, 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.

Let me be clear, like it or not, before selecting a mayoral 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 doomed to repeat it.” As I noted above, the history of Chattanooga leaves no question which political party has provided the best stewardship. 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. Nough said.

If I assume that I have convinced you to consider a Republican candidate, then which candidate is best? Larry Grohn has been an enthusiastic conservative City Council member and therefore knows the needs of Chattanooga. Larry knows how to go about achieving those needs for all the people. Larry is a loyal religious man with a solid marriage and is not seeking a higher office. He has no scandal in his life, none. He is likable, getting along with people of all social strata. Larry 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. 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. Really? There is an old saying that “All government starts at home”. Just like on November 8th, the March 7th elections do matter, they matter to you. If you were one of the candidates that 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. It will feel good.

Roger W. Catlin

Chattanooga  

* * *

Don't be misled by anyone trying to convince you the issues impacting certain cities are largely due to their being more aligned towards the Democratic Party.
 
Poor Rural America that heavily and continuously votes Republican, often against their own best interest, aren't faring any better. In fact, the problems and issues facing poor rural Republican leaning towns are often found to be even more urgent. 

Brenda Washington 
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