Here are your unofficial winners in the contested Hamilton County GOP primary races:
County Mayor
Jim Coppinger
County Commission, District 3
Marty Haynes
More later.
Tag Archives: Jim Coppinger
Santorified
Four vie for county mayor special election
The Times Free Press has the latest on the slate of candidates running in next year’s special election for Hamilton County Mayor. The election is being held to choose a mayor who will serve in the remainder of the 2010-14 term.
As it stands right now, two Republicans (interim Mayor Jim Coppinger and Basil Marceaux Sr.) will face each other in the March primary, and then a three-way race pitting that primary winner against independent Richard Ford and Democrat Rick Wilson will take place in August. If any other Democrats or Republicans qualify for the election, they will join the others in the primary. Any additional independents will simply carry forward to the August general election.
Additional county elections in 2012 will be held for the County Commission, 3rd District seat (special election); the Board of Education in Districts 1, 2, 4, and 7; and isn’t it time for the oddly timed Assessor of Property non-event?
Chattanooga Mayor Urges County Government to Seek Home Rule
Mayor Ron Littlefield on Thursday spoke to a crowd of city leaders about his 12-month challenge to pursue a unified government in Hamilton County.
Ron Littlefield
Photo by Moss Media Labs on flickr
Earlier, county leaders expressed their discontent at having the city government assume the lead on consolidation talks.
“We’re a part of the county,” [Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield] said. “We’re a big part of the county.”
| “ | Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield’s home rule invitation baffles leaders: Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield’s ho… http://bit.ly/nxuJx2 | |||
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On Thursday, 28 July 2011, Mayor Littlefield held a forum at the City Council building. He outlined his plans, then took questions and comments from the nearly 100 gathered.
| “ | Mayor Ron Littlefield said today he will establish an exploratory committee to start discussing a charter for home rule for Hamilton County or for metropolitan government should Chattanooga and the county merge. | ||
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| “ | RT @CliffHightower: Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield establishing home rule exploratory committee: Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefiel… http://bit.ly/r0XFDs | |||
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Packed house for meeting Mayor Littlefield called to talk metro gov't, home rule. http://twitpic.com/5xafuc
Photo by calliestarnes on twitter
| “ | NOT in attendance: Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and Hamilton County Commission Chairman Larry Henry. | |||
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| “ | Caught a bit of the mayor’s forum via @chattaction live stream. Seemed like it was a good discussion. | |||
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| “ | Littlefield holds meeting to discuss consolidated government: Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield held a meeting t… http://bit.ly/qvgm0U | |||
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| “ | Mayor says we can unify “public safety forces” without a referendum. | |||
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| “ | Mayor describes Chattanooga as “the center of the universe in sewage treatment.” Says we need a unified sewer & water utility. | |||
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| “ | Littlefield says he has had “push back” from the county in merging parks & rec. Says this should be “easy…a happy thing.” | |||
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| “ | .@chattaction member Perrin Lance (no relation) says btwn 11-19 reps on a unified council far too few. Suggests 25. | |||
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| “ | Mayor throws down a 12-month challenge: unify in 12 months. Moving into a Q&A session. | |||
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| “ | Littlefield: “we know the *staffs* (of city & county govt) can work together well.” | |||
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One TV station posed the big question on Facebook.
| “ | As Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield continues the discussion on consolidated government today, do you think that structure would benefit residents in Hamilton County and the city? | ||
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Those opposed:
| “ | A commenter says he wishes for another option: “not marriage, but divorce.” Says county is “parasitic” to city. Littlefield: “that’s harsh” | |||
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| “ | Another commenter says he doesn’t want services to urban areas (Avondale, Eastdale, etc) diluted if size of city jurisdiction increases. | |||
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“As a county resident can I propose the time table be set for when HELL freezes over.” – specchem, commenting at Chattarati
Those wary:
| “ | African-American community activist Maxine Cousins wants to be sure protections outlined in 1989-90 federal court ruling are maintained. | |||
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heneh said…
The Mayor states “Home Rule would allow ordinance powers like the city now has, such as more zoning power and code enforcement. Now the county operates under state constitutionally mandated law in which the county must pass some laws by going through the Tennessee Gereral Assembly.” My question is what is it that the Mayor wants to change in the way of zoning and code enforcement that makes it necessary to get the Tennessee General Assembly out of the way? We need the details not a general overview. What is the plan behind the plan?
Those in favor:
A little (more) conversation
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger has kicked off his tenure with a series of community meetings, one in each county commission district, to be held over a period of seven weeks. The public is invited, as are local elected officials. Apparently the sessions can get preachy when the latter gets involved.
Two meetings are scheduled for next week: on Monday, Feb. 7, at East Hamilton School, and on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at East Ridge Middle School. Both start at 6:00 p.m. More information can be found at www.hamiltontn.gov/countyconversations or by calling (423) 209-6109.