East Ridge Mayor Brent Lambert has announced that he will pick up papers to run in the Republican Primary for the District 8 Hamilton County Commission seat.
“After much prayer and careful consideration, I have decided to enter the race for the District 8 County Commission seat," said East Ridge Mayor Lambert. "I have been humbled by the tremendous support and encouragement that I have received to run for this office.
"Having served as chairman of the Hamilton County Young Republicans and subsequently as treasurer of the Hamilton County GOP, I have worked hard to promote conservative principles and to grow our party with a common sense approach to the issues. Those same principles have served me well in my time on the East Ridge City Council—first as a councilmember and now as mayor.
"I am proud of the progress we have made in East Ridge. We have shown fiscal responsibility as evidenced by a more than 20 percent reduction in our debt obligation since 2010 and the creation of a formal policy to limit the addition of future debt. For the first time in our city’s history, we received a credit rating of Aa3, or ‘Double A,’ by Moody’s in 2012-2013. In addition, we have implemented a very successful curbside recycling program, created a municipal planning commission, and made numerous improvements to city facilities. But among the most significant of our accomplishments is the designation of a ‘Border Region Retail Tourism Development District’ in East Ridge, effective 2012. This makes East Ridge one of just three cities in Tennessee that will be able to take advantage of state legislation aimed at improving economic development. Of course, millions of dollars in new construction in East Ridge will have a significant impact on all of Hamilton County as well.
"As I embark upon the challenge of running for this office, I am blessed to have the full support of my family and friends. I am excited about what lies ahead and am committed to running a good, clean campaign that focuses on ideas and what we can do to build a stronger District 8, and thus, a stronger Hamilton County. I believe it is the right time, and I am ready to go to work.”