posted October 8, 2007
The City Council has the choice of nine applicants for the City Council District 6 seat that was vacated by Marti Rutherford over a residency issue.
Four more contenders posted applications on the final day they were accepted. The deadline was Monday at 4:30 p.m.
Among the new contenders is Melinda Hickey, who was a staunch supporter of Ms. Rutherford during the uproar over her status on the council.
Samevelyn Rock, a former president of the Hamilton County Education Association, also applied.
Donna Weeks, a former city human services employee, is interested in the post.
Dr. Carol Berz, who has a conflict resolution firm, entered the race.
Earlier contenders were Barbara Kelley, Steve Parks, Matthew Rivers, Julie Chamberlain and Michael Feely.
The City Council is due to discuss the appointment process at a meeting on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Meanwhile a group of 100 Brainerd residents presented a petition outlining who they do not want named to the post.
They do not want Michelle Dr. Berz, Ms. Chamberlain, Michelle Michaud, Candy Corneliussen or Alan Richelson.
Here is information on the applicants:
BARBARA KELLEY, 18 South Sweetbriar Avenue
Mrs. Kelley is the widow of former Mayor Ralph Kelley, a native Chattanoogan and attended public schools and UTC. She has been a resident of District 6 for over 40 years and long interested in and somewhat involved with activities for Chattanooga. Background includes work with TVA, Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Chattanooga, United Way, Senior Neighbors’ Portable Meals Program, plus many volunteer activities including Belvoir Neighborhood Association and various musical endeavors and interests.
STEVE PARKS, 119 Amhurst Avenue
Mr. Parks completed 28 years of public service as a member of the Chattanooga Police Department and is knowledgeable of the city government process. Has lived at his current address for 28 years and is a graduate of UTC with a major in Criminal Justice. He submitted an extensive four-page resume chronicling his professional experience/memberships, awards and community activities.
MATTHEW L. RIVERS, 3303 Montview Drive
Mr. Rivers is a Subrogation Analyst (Commercial Subrogation – Legal Division) with Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Tennessee and currently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration Program at UTC. He feels his personal, professional and educational background make him a good transitional candidate to step into the vacant position and would bring a new perspective to the Council through an infusion of youth and new ideas. He lists several honors and activities, as well as membership in the Phi Society of 1883 Fraternity.
JULIE CHAMBERLAIN
Mrs. Chamberlain states her name and positive reputation is well known in the District, is qualified to serve and was a strong candidate in the prior election as demonstrated by voter support. She purchased the home her grandparents built in 1940; has the skills, talents and experience to serve and understands the needs of the citizens within the District. She formerly worked in the Treasurer’s Office for the City of Chattanooga and has served on many councils, committees and boards focused on improving the quality of local government, education and neighborhoods. She states she will work collaboratively and will listen to input and get things done.
MICHAEL L. FEELY, 23 Asbury Drive
Mr. Feely has lived and voted in the District since 2000; is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Wesley Theological Seminary and is currently in the third year of an STM program at the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee. He is presently Executive Director of the St. Andrews Center and holds membership on several community Boards. He has completed Leadership Greeneville, Leadership Chattanooga, and the Chattanooga Resource Foundation Leadership Program. He speaks and teaches frequently at meetings and conferences on the subject of Mexico, Cuba and urban/Hispanic ministry.
DONNA RITA WEEKS, 3411 Glendon Drive
Ms. Weeks has resided at her present address for 43 years and formerly worked in the city of Chattanooga’s Human Rights/Human Relations office for 10 years prior to retiring in 2000. She states she is qualified to mediate discrimination issues with the Council and is aware of educational and community issues in the city. She serves on the Board of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Guild and the Auxiliary of the Chattanooga Theatre Center and volunteers at Memorial Hospital.
SAMEVELYN MORGAN ROCK, 312 McBrien Road, #202
Ms. Rock is a fourth generation educator with over 30 years of experience from Pre-K to college and earned her Masters Degree from Trevecca Nazarene College and Bachelor of Science Degree from UTC. Listed among several memberships/recognitions, she was named “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” in 1984 and 2004, is First Vice President of the Chattanooga Branch of NAACP and Past President of the Hamilton County Education Association. She volunteers with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, Chattanooga Boys Choir, American Red Cross, Blood Assurance and the American Cancer Society.
CAROL B. BERZ
Dr. Berz is the Chief Executive Officer of Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC and notes that she has both the ability to represent the district and the skills to work at the macro-level in addressing the city’s challenges regarding employee relations, the economy and governance that reflects a new and growing Chattanooga. Dr. Berz submitted a biographical sketch and professional resume outlining her many accomplishments and involvements.
MELINDA HICKEY, 312 South Sweetbriar Avenue
Mrs. Hickey has been involved in the Brainerd community for 35 years and lives and shops in District 6. She notes that she has the qualifications to represent the individuals of District 6 and believes strong neighborhoods build a strong city. She has served on the Belvoir Neighborhood Association’s Board for fifteen years and was President 1997-2000. She is a member of the CARTA Care-A-Van Advisory Council, graduated from the Chattanooga Citizens’ Police Academy in March of 1999, published an article on “Seizures in the Community” for Exceptional Parent Magazine in 1999 and is certified with the State of Tennessee’s Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission since January, 1997. A four-page petition of support signed by residents of District 6 was submitted with Mrs. Hickey’s letter of interest.
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