Jena Grant wins seat on Utility District board
On Oct. 1, Catoosa Utility District Authority customers voted in a four-way race for a CUDA board member. The election took place at CUDA’S office at 1058 Old Mill Road in Ringgold.
Four-way races can be close and this one was no exception. Jena Grant led with 259 votes. Second place was one vote away from being a tie: Mike Fowler received 170 votes and incumbent John Crawford received 169. Mike Perkins came in at 110 votes.
Because a candidate must receive half the votes plus one to win, a runoff election was required. On Oct. 15, 553 CUDA customers voted between Jena Grant and Mike Fowler. Grant won the election 326-226 (there was one blank vote).
Grant’s term will begin Jan. 1, 2020. CUDA board members serve six-year terms and can serve a maximum of three terms.
Here’s what Grant shared with us about running for the CUDA board of commissioners and about how she plans to work as a board member.
What was it like to run for the CUDA board of commissioners?
The campaign experience was exciting and exhausting. But the help of family and friends made it easier and more enjoyable. I really believe
that a lot of us stepped out of our comfort zone, and needless to say, we met a lot of good people and enjoyed hearing their stories.
During the campaigning process, did you study up on the water company?
Yes, with the board meetings and talking with the CUDA board members. It also helped me very much having several meetings with the general manager David Collett, office manager Sarah Stowers and maintenance supervisor Trampus Sellers. Combined, they have a world of knowledge about the water company and are very willing to help anybody that comes to them.
The board meetings give you a different perspective on some of the issues and challenges that CUDA faces and how they are planning on handling those issues. I was able to gain a better understanding of the District’s financial position and water production through updates and reports that were provided at these meetings.