Exciting Changes for East Ridge After Election Day!
The East Ridge City Council is welcoming a new face following this year’s election results, which brought a lively mix of excitement and familiar names back into the fold. Jeff Ezell is stepping into the role of City Councilman, marking a significant milestone after several attempts in previous elections. This time, he secured a solid 5,131 votes, which translates to an impressive 37 percent of the total votes cast.
Continuing Leadership from Audie Witt
Joining Ezell will be Audie Witt, who is returning for a third thrilling term. Witt’s supporters rallied passionately, helping him net 4,945 votes. It’s clear that the community values his leadership and experience.
New Challenger in the Game: Stan Allen
Also vying for a seat was Stan Allen, a retired Chief of Police for the city, who’s taking his first plunge into the political pool. Allen garnered 3,409 votes in this heated race. It’s great to see someone with such a deep commitment to East Ridge stepping up in a new way!
State Representatives Also in the Spotlight
Meanwhile, East Ridge also saw familiar faces securing their spots in the state legislature. Esther Helton-Haynes will be heading back to Nashville for her fourth term representing District 30. She successfully defended her seat against newcomer Heather McClendon, with a commanding 19,443 votes (or 60 percent) against McClendon’s 13,123 votes (40 percent). Helton-Haynes’ experience and established presence clearly resonated with the voters.
Senate Showdown: Todd Gardenhire Prevails
In another fierce race, Todd Gardenhire will continue to represent District 10. Gardenhire secured 33,193 votes (approximately 53 percent) against his determined opponent Missy Crutchfield, who amassed 28,877 votes (around 46 percent). Gardenhire’s win indicates strong support from constituents who appreciate his dedication to the district.
A Bright Future Ahead for East Ridge
The election results indicate that East Ridge residents are engaged and ready for change while also valuing experienced leadership. Voters have made it clear that they want to see established figures like Helton-Haynes and Gardenhire return to their roles in state politics, while new faces like Ezell bring fresh perspectives to the City Council.
As the dust settles and the newly elected officials prepare for their roles, it’s a perfect opportunity for residents to look ahead and consider what issues they hope their leaders will tackle. From community development to public safety, the discussion is sure to heat up in the coming weeks!
So, what do you think, East Ridge? What are you looking forward to seeing from your new City Councilman and returning representatives? It’s an exciting time for the city as we welcome necessary changes and celebrate continuity in leadership!
