McGary Files Qualifying Papers Just Before Deadline For City Council Race; Berke, Heathington, Satterfield In Mayor Race; Gilbert, Berz Unopposed

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Andrae McGary submitted his qualifying papers for another term as the District 8 City Council representative just minutes before the deadline at noon on Thursday. He had picked up papers on Wednesday.

Councilman McGary, who lost a state Senate contest and had indicated he would not seek re-election to the council, will be facing Moses Freeman, former city official and MLK District resident.

Three candidates wound up in the mayor's race - state Senator Andy Berke, Guy Satterfield and Chester Heathington.

Pam Ladd, who neads the City Council, is opposed by Ken Smith who has the backing of some Republican heavyweights in District 3.

District 4 Councilman Jack Benson has opposition from Larry Grohn, Scott McColpin, Ryan King and Tom Tomisek.

Robert Love Jr.

filed qualifying papers near the deadline to oppose incumbent Russell Gilbert in District 5. But election officials said he lacked the number of qualified voters by one name. He returned at 12:06 p.m., but that was too late. There were 40 names submitted initially and 24 were found to be valid. Mr. Love said he plans to run a write-in campaign.

Carol Berz will hold her District 6 seat without opposition.

Incumbent Manny Rico is opposed by Chris Anderson, Tramble Stephens and late entrant Karl Epperson in District 7.

In District 9, former councilman Yusuf Hakeem is seeking to unseat Peter Murphy.

Tom McCullough, Jim Folkner, Chip Henderson and Pat Hagan are seeking to gain the District 1 seat being vacated by Deborah Scott.

Candidates to replace Sally Robinson in District 2 are Jerry Mitchell, Priscilla Simmons and Roger Tuder.

In Collegedale, incumbents Katie Lamb, Tim Johnson and Debbie Baker qualified.

Three candidates qualified to run for city court clerk in East Ridge, though the City Council has voted on first reading to delay a vote until 2014.

Qualifying were Greg Ezell, Glen Pope and Brian White.

Mayor

Andy Berke

Chester Heathington

Guy Satterfield