The UnifiEd Action PAC, that was formed in order to identify, recruit, and work towards the election of pro-public school candidates for County Commission, School Board, and county mayor, has issued its endorsements for the upcoming election.
Officials said this month, the PAC went through an exhaustive endorsement process that included candidate interviews and written responses that tackled:
- fair and transparent funding for our schools
- reducing or eliminating concentrated poverty in our schools
- expanding access to early childhood education
- increasing dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students
- supporting the turnaround efforts of our lowest performing schools
- creating a cohesive vision for our public schools
Ten candidates are being endorsed for election to the County Commission and County Mayor's office "based on their commitment to ensuring full implementation of the above priorities for the public schools in Hamilton County."
“UnifiEd Action PAC is focused on ensuring that every child in Hamilton County has the support and environment to succeed in the 21st century.
The candidates we are endorsing today have committed to providing that when they are elected to local office”, said Lakweshia Ewing, UnifiEd Action PAC board member.
Endorsed candidates include:
- Jim Coppinger- County Mayor
- Randy Fairbanks- County Commission District 1
- Chip Baker- County Commission District 2
- Elizabeth Baker- County Commission District 2
- Rosabelle Gorman- - County Commission District 3
- Warren Mackey- County Commission District 4
- Katherlyn Geter- County Commission District 5
- David Sharpe- County Commission District 6
- Sabrena Smedley- County Commission District 7
- Brent Lambert- County Commission District 8
*Note: The PAC has decided to endorse both candidates in District 2.
“We are excited to fight alongside our endorsed candidates while they advocate for the best public school system possible”, said PAC President Lorie Runge. “We strongly believe that these candidates will be champions for the 43,000 students being educated in the Hamilton County Public Schools”.
UnifiEd Action PAC plans to endorse in the local School Board races after the filing deadline in early April. Those interested in getting involved in UnifiEd Action PAC can email the PAC at
UnifiEdActionPAC@unifi-ed.org.