Chattanooga Mayoral Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Education Claims

News Summary

With the mayoral election approaching on March 4, 2025, Chris Long, a candidate and former mayoral runner, is under scrutiny for his educational claims. Despite asserting qualifications, Southern Adventist University states there is no record of his graduation, raising questions about his integrity. Long emphasizes his 40 years of professional experience rather than formal qualifications, as the political race intensifies with early voting starting from February 12.

Chattanooga Mayoral Candidate Under the Microscope for Educational Claims

In the heart of Chattanooga, excitement and anticipation are brewing as the mayoral election scheduled for March 4, 2025 approaches. Among the candidates vying for the city’s top position is Chris Long, a familiar face, having previously run for mayor twice in 2017 and 2021. However, this time around, Long is facing scrutiny over claims he made regarding his educational background.

Educational Background Sparks Debate

On his LinkedIn profile, Ranging from claims of holding a master’s degree in construction engineering management to a doctorate in building architecture from Southern Adventist University, Long’s educational assertions have raised eyebrows. But the university has stepped forward, stating unequivocally that while Long attended their institution, there is no record of him ever graduating. In fact, it adds that the specific programs he claims to have completed simply do not exist there!

As the details unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the university’s spokesperson emphasized the lack of evidence supporting Long’s assertions, which has thrown a spotlight on the integrity of his claims. While in the world of politics, the résumé can often speak louder than the person, this particular case has stirred a pot of curiosity and concern among potential voters.

Long’s Response: A Focus on Experience

Amidst the building tension, Long addressed inquiries regarding his educational claims by maintaining that he has never represented himself as an architect or engineer. Instead, he carries the title of a Building Codes and Municipal Regulations Consultant, boasting 40 years of industry experience. His experience, he argues, is more about his hands-on practice rather than formal qualifications. According to him, he has spent a decade involved in building and an impressive 30 years consulting on building codes while working closely with various municipalities.

It seems that Long has been advised to keep certain details under wraps by his legal team, which may also explain his reluctance to delve deeper into his educational background. His focus appears to center on his comprehensive experience dealing with regulatory compliance, an aspect he believes qualifies him for the mayoral position.

The Race Heats Up

With the incumbent, Mayor Tim Kelly, also in the race for re-election, the stakes are high for Long. The competition is heating up, and as early voting ramps up from February 12 to February 27, the dynamics of this mayoral race are bound to evolve. The Hamilton County Election Commission has confirmed that Long’s name is on the ballot, ensuring that voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on this controversial candidate.

As the days tick closer to the election, Chattanoogans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the unfolding drama surrounding Long’s claims. Will his extensive experience in the field outweigh the questions surrounding his educational background? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this election is shaping up to be one for the books.

Stay tuned, because as Chattanooga gears up for the big day, every twist and turn in the campaign is bound to keep residents talking right up until March 4, 2025.

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Additional Resources

• Local 3 News
• News Channel 9
• Times Free Press
• Wikipedia: Chattanooga
• Chattanoogan