East Ridge Council member Esther Helton has announced that she plans to run for the state House of Representatives District 30 seat that includes parts of Brainerd, East Ridge, East Brainerd, Ooltewah, Missionary Ridge, Apison, East Lake and Collegedale.
She said, “Good government is not rare in Tennessee, but sometimes common sense and logic are. Whether serving patients as a nurse or constituents as a council member, I listen first and look for commonsense solutions.”
Ms. Helton, a nurse for 35 years working currently at the Life Care Center of East Ridge, said, “I’m a big believer in working for the voters whose budgets get tighter each year instead of for a set of talking points.”
She serves as one of four East Ridge City Council members who ran on a pro-business, balanced budget platform. Her campaign said she "has worked to facilitate business growth and job creation around the Exit One construction and successful economic development project in progress currently."
Ms. Helton said, “District 30 has had effective representation in Nashville with Rep. Marc Gravitt. I will continue to prioritize the needs of the fastest growing area in our county that balances growth, public safety, residential needs and the value to our neighborhoods.
“The next few years are critical for this area of our county. I will be proactive on behalf of my neighbors standing on my conservative record.”
Serving as treasurer for the Helton campaign committee will be Chattanooga Certified Public Accountant Zach Hutcherson.
Ms. Helton is an active member of Graceworks Church, the East Ridge Optimist Club and the East Ridge Alumni Association. She has three grown children, Lee Helton, Lisa Golden and Kip Helton along with five grandchildren.
The Republican Party primary for the state legislative seat is Thursday, Aug. 2.
Rep. Gravitt is not seeking re-election, but is running for Hamilton County Register of Deeds.
Jonathan Mason earlier announced as a candidate for the District 30 seat.