Hamilton County Commission District 7
› OFFICE: HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 7
› Party: Republican
› Previous public office experience: Running for second term on the Hamilton County Commission
› Why voters should choose me: I am totally committed to the residents of my district. I have kept the promises I made during my 2014 campaign and have tirelessly represented my district and remained fully engaged with my constituents. I will continue to advocate for the needs of my community and support public education, promote safe neighborhoods and schools, as well as advocate for infrastructure needs.
› Biggest challenge facing the office I seek: The county commission and county mayor must work closely with the Hamilton County Board of Education and superintendent to support public education. We must also remain focused on a long-term strategy to improve literacy, increase test scores and prepare our students for the workforce. In addition, we must address deferred maintenance of our schools and secure funding to build new schools in high-growth areas. The county commission and county mayor must partner with our sheriff to address public safety and ensure we have safe schools. It is important that we be fiscally responsible with the taxpayers’ money and identify ways to make county government more efficient.
› How I will address this challenge: I will continue to build a stronger working relationship with our superintendent and school board. During my time as the education chairwoman for the commission, I set up joint meetings with the commission and the school board to improve communications. As a result, today there is a better working relationship between the commission and the school board. Collaboration and communication with our state representatives, Chattanooga City Council members and school board members is imperative if we are going to solve issues and make Hamilton County the best place to live, work and raise a family. Partnering with the Department of Education to promote a strong school system and the sheriff to ensure public safety will enhance our ability to remain competitive and attract businesses to Hamilton County and provide better employment opportunities to our citizens. I look forward to doing my part as a commissioner during my second term. I want all citizens to be glad to call Hamilton County home.
› Policy position of mine that may surprise people: I love to work hard. One thing that might come as a surprise to some would be that during my first term on the commission I worked very hard representing my district, ran a small business and obtained my MBA from Bryan College.
› Public servant I most admire: I admire state Rep. Mike Carter because he is a fighter for the people and doesn’t give up easily. He took our fight against forced annexation at the local level to the state level and got legislation passed to stop it. He gave the people a voice. I admire that.
› Campaign office: P.O. Box 28205, Chattanooga, TN 37424
› Campaign phone: 423-432-4115
› Campaign email: sabrena@sabrenarealty.com
› Campaign website: abrena4commission.com
› Campaign Facebook: Sabrena, Hamilton County Commissioner for District 7
› Campaign Twitter: n/a
› Campaign Instagram: sabrenasmedley
PERSONAL
› Age: 50
› Occupation: Owner and broker of Sabrena Realty Associates
› Education: Master’s degree in business administration
› Family: Husband, Mark Smedley; three children, Ryan, Ashlee and Chase Turner
› Residence city: Chattanooga
› Church/civic involvement: Morris Hill Baptist Church
› Quote or saying I live by: Focused on what matters: the people!