As East Ridge voters head to the polls, I believe citizens deserve accurate information about the people seeking public office and the claims being made about their qualifications.

There have been public claims regarding in the campaign for Municipal Court Clerk Misty Chauncey’s business ownership and management experience. I have been looking into those claims, and I have not been able to verify that she has owned a business within the city of East Ridge. I believe that distinction matters when experience and qualifications are being discussed publicly. I am prepared to provide the documentation I have gathered and would welcome a thorough, impartial review of these claims.

I also believe the public has a legitimate interest in understanding relevant public records when questions arise about the responsibilities associated with an elected position. I have obtained court records concerning Misty Chauncey’s husband, Ronald (Mike) Chauncey, including records of criminal charges and guilty pleas. Those records reportedly involve numerous offenses, including DUI-related offenses and domestic assault. I am prepared to provide the records so that the facts can be verified rather than relying on rumors or social media posts.

Additionally, other East Ridge citizens and I have expressed concerns about seeing him driving in the community today. I recognize that the existence of prior charges or convictions does not establish whether someone is legally permitted to drive. That is precisely why I believe any questions about his current driving status should be answered through verified public records rather than speculation.

I am not asking the newspaper or the public to accept my statements without evidence. I am asking for these matters to be examined fairly, with the supporting documentation reviewed and the facts reported accurately.

This election has generated considerable discussion about experience, qualifications, and accountability. East Ridge citizens deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions based on verified information, not simply campaign claims or social media accusations.

I encourage the newspaper to investigate these questions independently and give the public a clear, factual account of what the records actually establish.

_  A Concerned East Ridge Citizen