Staggering Numbers

  • Saturday, January 11, 2025

The numbers are staggering. Under the Kelly administration, the executive branch budget has exploded from $2.1 million to $6.6 million - a 214 percent increase that enriches bureaucrats while leaving our city vulnerable to natural disasters.

Our recent snowfall exposed a frightening truth: Chattanooga is nowhere near ready for a major weather event like the Blizzard of '93. While administrators enjoy six-figure salaries in warm offices, our city lacks basic emergency preparedness. The salt trucks are insufficient, emergency response plans are outdated, and our infrastructure is vulnerable. If we can't handle a light snow, how will we manage when the next major storm hits? When tornadoes threaten our communities? When floods endanger our neighborhoods?

The Kelly administration spends millions studying problems but fails to prepare for real emergencies that threaten our citizens' lives.

While we remain unprepared for natural disasters, gunshots echo through our neighborhoods. The Kelly administration proposes spending $16.9 million on a 'National Park City/15 Minute City' designation instead of investing in critical emergency preparedness.

Our police officers earn significantly less than their county counterparts, forcing them to seek employment elsewhere. First responders patrol with aging equipment while administrators enjoy comfortable offices.

Howard High School, once our crown jewel, now stands as a monument to failed leadership. Less than 15 percent of graduates earn college degrees. Over 90 percent of students live in poverty. Following the May 2021 secret flights of unaccompanied minors - flights Governor Bill Lee condemned while our administration remained silent - this historic institution has seen traditional student enrollment plummet. Kelly led the effort to make Chattanooga’s Airport a Global Entry Airport; overnight flights of undocumented immigrants are breaking our budgets, our neighborhoods, our schools, and contributing to escalating crimes.

Tent cities multiply while administrators study the problem from air-conditioned offices. During weather emergencies, our most vulnerable citizens face life-threatening conditions without adequate emergency shelter options.

Small businesses suffocate under 120+ day permit delays, costing business owners money and forcing several to contemplate bankruptcy. Chattanooga’s LDO has two Ombudsmen: one for developers, infrastructure, and new construction permitting and stormwater review (no issues with this Ombudsman), and one for the Mayor’s Office, including building inspection and permitting (major issues, delays, and failure to lead with this Ombudsman who oversees building inspection before Certificates of Occupancy).

MLK Boulevard, once a thriving symbol of black entrepreneurship, withers under bureaucratic paralysis.

While they tout unity, their policies create division. While they study equity, real inequality grows. While they chase symbolic titles, our community remains dangerously unprepared for natural disasters.

Under my leadership, every dollar will serve our citizens' safety and security: - Comprehensive emergency preparedness planning - Modern snow and ice removal equipment - Updated tornado warning systems - Enhanced flood control infrastructure - Matching police pay with county rates - Modernizing first responder equipment - Creating emergency shelter solutions - Restoring fiscal responsibility

This isn't just about politics. It's about survival. The next major storm won't wait for another study or committee meeting. The next tornado won't care about symbolic titles. Our city deserves leadership that prepares for real emergencies.

Chris Long

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