Joe’s Run

Joe Lance is running for Mayor of Chattanooga.

Until recently, Joe has been the proprietor of Tennessee Ticket, a truly indispensible site for Chattanooga and Tennessee politics. When I have needed or wanted to find out the real scoop on an upcoming election, the nature of the office, and the history of the candidates, Joe has been my go-to guy.

He is fair. In some races, he expresses a preference for one candidate over another, but even while doing so, he presents the case as evenhandedly as can ever be expected, and gives quality information on both candidates.

I met him once, at an impromptu conference of Chattanooga bloggers. My impression of him was, besides being an overall nice guy with a good attitude, that he would rather let others speak, while he processes all the information. When he does join in and make a statement, it is well considered and thoughtful.

Honestly, I would be very surprised if his mayoral bid was successful. To the best of my knowledge, he is not well funded, and does not have the backing of many big players in Chattanooga politics. I would be glad to be corrected on these items, if I am mistaken. On the other hand, I do think he deserves attention. It’s early enough that, with participation of enough Chattanoogans, he could still become well funded. Backing from big players is something he will have to court if he so chooses, but I truly believe that he deserves to be noticed and to be in the competition.

In my situation, there isn’t much I can do. If I can find a $5 bill under the sofa cushions, I’ll certainly send it his way. Apart from that, all I can do is try to call attention on this blog. I’m sorry to say that a Chattanoogan reading this blog has probably already learned of Joe’s candidacy through other Chattanooga news outets or blogs… that is to say that my voice is redundant with the local readership.

Be that as it may, good luck to you, Joe. I don’t know the other candidates, and since you have shut down your site, I can only use your archives to learn about them. But, unless I learn something very compelling (and positive) about your competition before then, you have my vote!