Jerry Summers
The use of the above date is in no way intended to minimize the losses and sacrifices of many who landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
However, the political and economic consequences to be applied to the citizens of Chattanooga, Tennessee, as to who qualifies to run for the political offices of Mayor and City Council by the above deadline date can be major during the next four years.
What first appeared to be a donnybrook between the present top spot occupier, the former River City head (KW), and the volatile leader of the “tribe” (MM) has almost dwindled to a free pass for the defender of the claim that Gig City is “the best” in several categories against the frivolous statements of that financial credit agency on the other end of the evaluating spectrum (Wallethub).
The front running opponent to the incumbent decided that it was in the best interest of all citizens that she accept the low paying salary of her alma mater ($250,000 plus?) and start begging for big bucks donations from the Alumni at the former Moccasin Den.
The victim of the burnt out headlight and subsequent vocal and video encounter with the “CPD’s finest”, that was somehow leaked to the News Media on public television within a few days of the 2021 election, remains a mystery to many citizens.
After a defiant public announcement that they would be an opponent for the incumbent in 2025, the receipt of “$7.2 million in scholarship funds for less fortunate youngsters” may have caused them to rescind their public statement to provide a commitment of service to the 185,000 plus citizens of the Scenic City of the South “to assist the less fortunate for the next four years.”
Of course, if Basil Marceaux (BM) should announce that he is available as a candidate his treasure trove of thousands of votes will necessitate another fundraiser for the announced incumbent's re-election statement made on September 7, 2023, for the 2025 contest.
A former Marine Corps veteran (1971-1973) (BM) has run for public office as a Republican candidate on several prior occasions with his last race being for governor of the state of Tennessee in 2010 and he received national media attention with his campaign video becoming “a viral hit in late July 2010 airing on MSNBC, the Colbert Report, etc.”
On a more serious note on BM, his luxurious family estate in the northern part of Hamilton County was heavily damaged in the October 2024 weather that decimated North Carolina.
If he can’t be encouraged to enter the Gig City top spot race any charitable gifts under the IRS level restrictions ($18,000) will be appreciated.
The City Council contests are a little different scenario - a few incumbents have decided that they have given their all for the good of the community and are retiring from the electoral battlefield with the grateful thanks from the citizenry within their district.
Fresh public service candidates are eagerly waiting for the opportunity to contribute their real (or perceived) wisdom to move the local Gig City’s reputation forward to new levels of being the unbought title of “Best of the Best” in 39 new categories (best PFAs sites in Tennessee may be added if the lead contaminated areas in eight neighborhoods can ever be eliminated.)
Of course, the present incumbents sitting on the cherished City Council seats may proudly boast of their accomplishments during their reign and minimize any minor negative setbacks in the progressive agenda espoused by the Mayor and the daily re-runs on public television and other cable channels of prior council meetings for the past ? months in non-political showings.
A few new aspirants have already qualified for the open slots and there are even a couple of contests pending on the proposed ballot at the Hamilton County Election Commission.
There are still opportunities for any public-minded citizen or chronic complainers to enter candidates in the contests before the qualifying deadline of December 19 at 12:00 noon as registered legal candidates for the City (Mayor) or District (Council) positions.
The personal satisfaction of representing and serving your community as well as receiving a personal invitation to attend the opening of every restaurant/bar or dirt shoveling event and getting your picture taken in a hard hat are additional benefits and traditions in Choo Choo City elections.
(Anyone aspiring to be a public servant should obtain the legitimate and necessary 25 signatures to qualify and be part of the next steps to replace Atlanta or Nashville as the largest booming problem-free locale in the Southeast!)
PS: Relax prospective campaign donors. BM is not a registered voter in Choo Choo City but is biding his time with his political machine until the Twin Cities (S-D) can surpass the number 4 Tennessee city in population to run for the top spot.