Alderman Race In Tiny Walden Drawing Big Attention, Candidate Contributions

Saturday, October 26, 2024

There's a presidential vote about to happen, but a race in a town with fewer than 2,000 residents seems to be capturing much of the political attention in Hamilton County.

Forget about 3rd District Congress or Tennessee's U.S. Senator, who is going to capture the alderman seat in Walden?

The contest between incumbent Lizzy Schmidt and challenger Lou Ziebold is filling up the letters to the editor and bringing in substantial financial contributions as well.

Ms. Schmidt reported $9,810 in gifts for the recent financial reporting.

Mr. Ziebold, a former member of the town's planning commission, almost doubled that at $18,235.

The controversy stems around what type of town center Walden should have. Town officials have not voted on a specific town center proposal at the Line Orchard property. There was a vote on what the maximum size buildings could be at a town center. The Walden Planning Commission, which included Mr. Ziebold, recommended in September 2023 that there should be no cap on the size of the buildings. Ms. Schmidt, during the October 2023 monthly town meeting, made a motion for a 15,000-square-foot cap. It was passed 2-1.

Ms. Schmidt got sued after the town center vote, but all complaints against her were dismissed.

Mayor Lee Davis, though he disagreed with Ms. Schmidt's town center vote, recently endorsed her. He said on all other issues they have been in agreement over the past four years.

Lizzy Schmidt gifts of $100 and above:

$1,000

Gary Smith

Janie McNabb

Olan Mills II

$500

Mary Aho

Annette Allen

Angela Cassidy

Linda Collins

Joe and Margha Davis

Lee Davis