Ryan Hanzelik with his wife and three daughters
Attorney Ryan Hanzelik has picked up papers to run for city judge in East Ridge.
The post has long been held by Arvin Reingold.
Attorney Hanzelik said, "With the support of my wife, my family, my friends and many of my colleagues in the legal profession, I have picked up papers to qualify as a candidate in the Aug. 7, 2014 election for judge of the East Ridge Municipal Court. It is an honor and privilege that I seek with genuine sincerity.
"I began practicing law in 2006 after graduating from the University of Memphis law school. I also attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where I graduated with Cum Laude Honors in English and was a member of the National Honor Society.
"I opened my own law firm in February 2008 on Ringgold Road in East Ridge just a few hundred yards from the police and fire departments and have grown a successful law practice in the same location since I opened for business. Being a municipal judge would still allow me to continue my law practice, which is an important factor in my decision to run for judge. I enjoy the practice of law and I plan to continue my service to my clients.
"I am a trial attorney with my first day of experience starting in a courtroom. Since that day, I have handled numerous cases in the East Ridge Municipal Court and I have handled hundreds of cases in the Sessions, Criminal, Circuit, Chancery and Juvenile Courts of Hamilton County and most of the surrounding counties including Bradley, Marion, Sequatchie, Rhea, Bledsoe, Meigs, Coffee, Fentress, Blount, Davidson, Williamson and Knox. I have personally experienced how these courts operate, conduct business, and change people’s lives on a daily basis.
"My wife and I have been residents of East Ridge since October 2007 where we have been raising our three daughters, Maddison (age 10), Annie (age 8), and Scarlett (age 6). My wife and I grew up in Chattanooga and East Ridge.
"Over the years and throughout my life, I have greatly enjoyed getting to know so many people in the East Ridge community, at the courthouse, the police department, local businesses, and many of the residents. East Ridge is our home.
"It would be an incredible honor to be elected your judge. Either way, I will continue to serve our community with the dignity and integrity that you demand."