East Ridge, Collegedale candidates readying for elections

The stage is set for the East Ridge and Collegedale general elections.

In East Ridge, the mayoral seat is up for grabs, as well as two seats on the city council.

With Mayor Brent Lambert not seeking re-election, the race for the head spot will be between Councilman Brian Williams and former Councilman Jim Bethune.

Williams, who began serving on the council in 2016, is in the second year of his four-year term. Bethune served on the council from 2010-2014, also holding the position of vice mayor during his appointment. Bethune ran for the council during the 2016 election but lost to Williams by 37 votes.

There are eight candidates in the running in this year’s crowded East Ridge City Council race.

Incumbent Jacky Cagle, who has served on the council since 2014, is seeking to be elected to a second four-year term.

His seven contenders include Denny Manning, who is looking to make a comeback to the council after serving three consecutive terms starting in 2004. Manning left the position in 2016 due to city bylaws that prevent council members from holding office for more than 12 consecutive years.

Also throwing his hat in the ring is Gregg Shipley, now chairman of the city’s Beer Board. This will be Shipley’s second attempt at a council seat, as he also ran during the 2016 election.

Mike Chauncey, who serves as chairman of the East Ridge Planning Commission, also is running for the seat, with competition from political newcomers Jeff Ezell, Robert Gilreath Jr., Robert Jones and Andrea “Aundie” Witt.

The position of East Ridge court clerk also is open, with incumbent Patricia Cassidy running against opponent Wayne Thompson, a retired city employee.

In Collegedale, there are two open seats on the city’s Board of Commissioners. Incumbents Phil Garver and Ethan White are the sole candidates in the running for the fouryear terms. Both joined the commission in 2014.

The 2018 election will be Nov. 6. Early voting begins Oct. 17.