Dear Sir or Madam:

Since the last election, many East Ridge citizens have encouraged me to seek a position on the East Ridge City Council.  While I was proud to finish a close third in 2014, I would be lying if I said it has not been tough to not have more of a leadership role in our community. Channeling that desire to influence positive change in East Ridge, I have continued to actively participate in many community events and functions. If elected, I anticipate an effortless transition into public life because I have dedicated so many of my adult years volunteering time to better the East Ridge community.  In fact, I currently serve as Chairman of the East Ridge City Beer Board and Treasurer of East Ridge Alumni and Supporters Association, and I have just been appointed to the Advisory Board to the College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I have also served as:  1) Chairman of East Ridge Charter Committee; 2) Past-President of East Ridge Merchants Association; 3) Past-President for the East Ridge High School Quarterback Club; 4) Past-President of the East Ridge High School Baseball Booster Club; 5) Past-President of the East Ridge Middle School Booster Club; 6) Past-President of East Ridge Youth Twilight League; and 7) Past Treasurer of East Ridge Education Committee.

I am also extremely proud to say that during my life as a husband and father in East Ridge, both of my children were educated through the East Ridge public education system, and they grew personally and athletically through the various youth and public school sports offered within this wonderful city.  Likewise, it was the thrill of my life to coach many of my kids’ youth sports teams as that experience expanded my bond to this community. Today, it is not uncommon for me to encounter old players that thank me for the experience they had in sports many years ago and talk about how they are now giving back to their children and East Ridge.

Professionally, I currently serve as City President for Southern Community Bank. However, during my 40-year career in the banking industry, I have spent countless hours helping small business men and women find their niche in the business community. My passion to help others in the professional arena started with the degree I received in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Now, I am excited to announce that after much prayer, time and consideration, I have turned in my petition to become a candidate for East Ridge City Council. Certainly, it is vital that East Ridge elect an individual that understands the importance of appropriately supporting those that keep our city safe, expanding development as the area near Bass Pro Shop grows, and planning for a financially secure future. Together, we must move this city forward. 

I look forward to this process, and I am anxious to hear suggestions from others as to how we can all make East Ridge a better place to live.

Sincerely,

Robert Stahl