Chattanooga,
We are approaching the city of Chattanooga mayoral election on Tuesday, March 2. As of Thursday, there are only five days left of a great race.
I encourage you to vote on Tuesday. Chattanooga's population is an estimated 180,000. Out of about 114,000 registered voters in our city, a little more than 19,000 residents voted in our last mayoral election, or about 16-17 percent. These numbers mean that less than one out of five registered voters cast a ballot for our local elected officials. We can do better, and it's important that we do so.
In a city election, you and I have the power to affect the selection of the leadership of the future of our city. This moment is equally a great responsibility and opportunity. Our city's elected officials impact our lives and community on a daily basis. Think libraries and rec centers. Think public safety and emergency response. Think traffic lights and street repair. Think trash, waste water, and recycling. Think skill development, early childhood education and care. Think business recruiting and retention, education support, affordable housing and real estate planning, building codes, health codes, air quality, parks, greenspaces, soil issues, and our general wellness. Think of the homeless, the refugee, the elderly, the young, the rich, the middle class, and the poor. I'm barely scratching the surface, but quickly we can see how our elected leaders, and the wonderful and capable people who work for the city are, on the front lines of responding to our common needs on a daily basis.
On Tuesday, March 2, as a resident in Chattanooga and a registered voter, one has the chance to shape the leadership and the future of our city. I hope you will consider the candidates and cast your ballot.
There are a number of quality candidates on the ballot, all of whom sincerely desire the best for Chattanooga. However, I believe there is one candidate with a unique combination of experience and empathy, leadership and contribution that rises above the rest: Wade Hinton. Wade grew up in Chattanooga, is a graduate of our public school system, is an attorney, a businessman, a civic leader, a uniter, and a doer. He's made significant contributions that have advanced Chattanooga as a city for all who call Chattanooga home.
As you consider who to cast your vote for in these final days of the race, I want to commend my friend Wade Hinton to you as the right choice for serving as the next mayor of Chattanooga. Wade has the expertise to represent all Chattanoogans on day one, and he will do so in a way that is authentic and actionable, leading Chattanooga out of the shadow of 2020 and into the daylight of a brighter future.
As a resident, I trust Wade’s heart, Wade’s experience, and Wade’s vision. I encourage you to consider joining me in casting your vote for Wade Hinton on Tuesday, March 2.
Andrew Kean