In late 2012, the East Ridge city council voted to change the court clerk position from an appointed role to an elected office. East Ridge first elected Patricia Cassidy August 2014.
In 2022, the East Ridge City Council realized the Charter stated, “The City Court Clerk must be a citizen of the United States and of the State of Tennessee, who is a bona fide resident and registered voter of the city, for at least one year before his/her election, is at least 21 years of age, and has never suffered a conviction for any crime involving moral turpitude.”
The city charter does not require prior experience, a particular degree, or professional licensure. Whether a candidate meets those requirements is determined from the voter’s assessment of professional qualifications.
The council determined the requirements needed to be broadened either by opening them to anyone living in Hamilton County or by reinstating the court clerk position appointed by the city manager. Ms. Cassidy informed council members she was in favor of placing it back under the East Ridge City government allowing the city manager to appoint the city court clerk. The position would receive employee benefits.
Once the council set this in motion, Ms. Cassidy proceeded to work towards defeating this referendum. I voted for this referendum to place his/her supervision under the city manager, as the staff are city employees.
I am unable to vote for Ms. Cassidy because she lost credibility when she helped to defeat this referendum. I am in the process of receiving an open records request from the city of East Ridge. My question concerns “Why has the court clerk office had such a high turnover/low retention rate of employees in the past 12 years?” All information received is public information.
Why would I vote for Misty Chauncey when people are stating she does not have the qualifications for the position? Mrs. Chauncey meets the requirements stated by the Charter.
I managed the Tennessee Career Center from 2000 through 2015 for the State of Tennessee supervising several federal and state funded programs under the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. I am aware of transferable skills that allow people to excel when placed in positions with no prior experience.
Mrs. Chauncey has been a business owner in East Ridge, holds a real estate license and is licensed as a practical nurse. Each of these positions requires following laws set by federal, state and local governments. Medical staff are held accountable for medical documentation and HIPAA Laws. Realtors are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interest, putting your needs above their own. The city court staff should be able to operate the office, allowing her to step in with her transferable management skills and learn the process quickly.
I am asking voters to vote for change, allowing Mrs. Chauncey to become the next city court clerk. She possesses management skills, clerical skills and the ability to learn the court clerk process. The city charter established term limits of 12 consecutive years for council members and there are no term limits for the city court clerk position. It is up to the voters to know when it is time for change and what is best for East Ridge.
“Aundie” Witt, East Ridge City Council Member
