With all the talk of Confederate statue removal, I fully expected more of the same when I read about the county mayor’s press conference scheduled for Aug. 29.
But instead of erasing our past, County Mayor Coppinger decided to focus on our future. The mayor displayed real leadership in advocating for more money for our schools, our infrastructure and our jail. Such leadership is rare in this time of political bitterness, when most politicians will say and do almost anything to stay in office.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for doing the right thing, not the easy thing. I urge the County Commission to follow his lead and work to Make Chattanooga Great Again.
C. Mark Warren, Esq.
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I would like to express support for Mayor Coppinger's plan to maintain the current property tax millage rate. Of course, no one likes higher taxes. But, when I can see the money not being wasted, I am 100 percent for it.
The county has lagged behind in practically every phase of government. One reason for the overcrowding at the jail is our education system. Harrison needs a new elementary school, other schools need new roofs, and my end of the county needs a functional community track.
I urge Commissioner Randy Fairbanks and all the other commissioners to vote for this plan to upgrade our school system and give Superintendent Johnson what he needs to succeed.
Mayor Coppinger has been very conservative with the county money and I commend him for it. His conservative leadership will continue with the extra money generated. I am sure this was not an easy decision for him, but certainly a necessary one. Thank you, mayor.
Steve Slater
Chairman, Soddy Daisy Trojan Fund