Welcoming all Chattanooga mayoral and City Council candidates in the running for the city’s March 7 election, the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors (GCAR) on Wednesday, hosted Chattanooga’s first candidate forum in the city races.
Open to GCAR’s 1,400 members, attendance to the “Let Your Voice Be Heard” forum was encouraged in an effort to keep the real estate community informed and engaged with those who stand in line to be among the area’s next decision makers.
“All of us are called to be good neighbors and active citizens in this community, taking time to listen to the issues and the people behind them, while making your own voice heard,” said Mark Hite, Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors president. “There are a number of issues affecting both realtors and homeowners across the board, and we want to be clear on where the candidates stand. Educating our members is our ultimate goal.”
The forum featured a morning event for the four mayoral candidates— Mayor Andy Berke, Larry Grohn, Chris Long and David Crockett— followed by an afternoon forum for the Chattanooga City Council candidates from all nine districts. Hot topics included candidates’ positions on stormwater, crime, education, tax increases, zoning and building codes.
Early voting for the March 7 city elections runs from Feb. 15 - March 2 at the Brainerd Rec Center, North River Civic Center and Election Commission Office.