Although we are only a little more than a month into 2019, statistics from the Officer Down Memorial Page indicate that across the nation 15 police officers have already been killed in the line of duty.  One officer death is too many.  Fifteen is an outrage!    These same statistics indicate that in 2018 a total of […]

You gotta feel for Steve Paris. Paris lives in a beautiful house on an acre of land on Orlando Avenue, just off Bennett Road. His place, one of about 10 houses on the dead end street, is the nicest piece of property in the neighborhood. When a developer bought up the house across the way […]

Earlier this month East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams invited everyone to come to Local Coffee for an event called “Meet the Mayor.” About 30 folks showed up and talked about our city and what it’s gonna take to make East Ridge a better place to live. The discussion was lively, interesting, sometimes pointed and at […]

I’ve got to hand it to Brian Williams, the new Mayor of East Ridge, he’s a good listener. He said he was going to have a “meet the mayor” event where he would sit and talk with residents of East Ridge and take the temperature of the people he serves. By golly he did it. […]

Well, 2018 has come and gone and we are a week into the new year. You may or may not have set some goals for yourself for 2019. You know, goals that will either make you a better person or make you feel like you’ve actually accomplished something in the 365 days that God has […]

To the citizens of East Ridge, I am so honored to have your overwhelming support and confidence as your next Mayor. I want to thank everyone that voted for me as well as contributed and supported me throughout my campaign. I want to congratulate Jacky Cagle and Mike Chauncey on their wins for city council. I want to also […]

Lately, I am reminded of the critic.  I am reminded of the public servants who run for office, serve the citizens, and make decisions in the public arena.  I am reminded of the truth.  I am reminded of so many things lately that I simply remember this famous attribution of Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not […]

The election is Tuesday and will determine the future of not only East Ridge, but regional, state, and National government operations.  Not too long ago we saw the detrimental turn of societal outliers as they attacked the nomination process of our newest Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh.  I remember the outrage of so many conservative […]

Let me first say that I like and respect John Tilley. But as the late, great Paul Harvey would say.. Now the rest of the story. Insurance for life?  This discussion started when spouses of retired employees realized that policy had changed around 2009.  Retirees with 25 years of service had their insurance paid at 100 percent, but […]

The East Ridge Municipal elections are rapidly approaching. Unfortunately, it has become the norm in politics to demonize candidates without remorse for them or their families Jim Bethune has by some been categorized as an used car salesman. When in reality, he had over a 40-year career in the auto industry with the majority of […]

Spring forward, fall back!  As we set back our clocks, let’s not set back our City as well. Election day for Mayor of East Ridge is on us. For those of us who have been watching the happenings in East Ridge over the years see only one clear choice. Brian Williams has two years under […]

While I align myself with the Republican party, I will be supporting Joda Thongnopnua instead of Esther Helton in the race for State House of Representatives District 30. His willingness to communicate with his constituents is what our district needs, considering the diversified socio-economic make up in our district. I am confident, if elected, Joda […]

I think the East Ridge City Council meetings might need to say the “Serenity Prayer” before the meetings:  “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. ”   The City Manager has confirmed what many of us have been talking […]

This election reminds me of a famous poem by Robert Frost called “The road not taken.”  Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; This election […]

Ms. Grant, I respect your right to voice your opinion and to cast your vote as you choose.  That is what makes this country great.  However, I have explained my reasons on numerous occasions and knew what I voted for and I had a clear intent for this authority.  Please see my previous response on […]