Written by: Emma Rodriguez and Hayden Kobza
With three available seats on the Collegedale Board of Commissioners and four individuals in the race, voters will go to the ballot box over the next few weeks to select the candidates of their choice. Those running for office include two current commissioners, Vice Mayor Tim Johnson and Commissioner Debbie Baker, and two candidates not currently serving on the commission, Billy Burnette and Laura Howse.
Johnson was first elected as Commissioner in 2001. Outside of the commission, he has worked full-time as a National Account Manager at Cigna for about 40 years and also serves as an Advanced EMT with the Tri-Community Fire Department. He has volunteered in various capacities, including as a reserve police officer and EMT in Collegedale, according to the City of Collegedale’s website.
Baker was first elected commissioner in 2009. Outside of the commission, she is a special education teacher at Apison Elementary School with the Hamilton County Department of Education. According to the City of Collegedale’s website, she enjoys gardening, cooking, crafting, and sports. She also has a collection of John Deere items.
Burnette has served 13 years with the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department. Currently, he holds a senior management role with Hamilton County EMS, where he has 31 years of service. Additionally, Burnette has been involved with the Forgotten Child Fund for 19 years and serves as treasurer on its Board of Directors, according to Chattanoogan.com.
Howse has taught in the Radiography Program at Chattanooga State since 2006 and developed an online MRI program. She has also been an Online Learning Facilitator for Harvard Business School’s MBA program for the past three years. As President of the Stratford Place HOA for more than five years, she has organized food drives and community activities. According to Howse’s website, the Howse family has been involved in their local church, preparing meals and hosting events for the youth group.
Commissioner Katie Lamb, whose term ends in November, is not running for re-election. Commissioner Tonya Sadler and Mayor Morty Lloyd are also not up for re-election, as their terms end in November 2026.
Early voting starts on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and ends on Thursday, Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. To find the closest polling place for early voting and Election Day, visit https://elect.hamiltontn.gov/ for more information.
When voting, each person is required to bring one of the following IDs, even if expired: a Tennessee driver’s license with your photo, a United States passport photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, a photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government, a United States military photo ID or a Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
In interviews with the Accent, the four candidates running for office shared their motivations for running and plans for the city if elected. The answers were edited for length and clarity:
Q: What motivated you to run for this position?
Tim Johnson: As a commissioner, I am committed to making Collegedale a better place to live, where residents can enjoy the outdoors and feel safe. I’m currently leading the biggest Greenway expansion, which will connect Apison Pike, Tucker and Edgmon roads. It will be a 3-plus year project, and I would like to deliver what we have started.
Laura Howse: There is always room for improvement and Collegedale citizens deserve the very best. As a homeschool mother of two teenagers, I would bring a unique perspective to the board. I would love to represent these great people, and I hope I have earned their vote.
Billy Burnette: I’ve lived in Collegedale for 24 years, where my wife and I raised our four daughters. Recently, Collegedale has experienced tremendous growth, and it’s crucial that we continue to plan carefully and make thoughtful decisions to build on the strong foundation our previous leaders have created.
Debbie Baker: I’d like to continue the projects I’ve been working on, which is that of the Greenway. I want to build bike trails. That’s good revenue, and it brings a healthy environment into the city; plus it’s family oriented. I am also big on special ed. They’ll tell you any park, anything that’s coming about, I make sure it’s handicapped accessible. I want it to be inclusive, not just because of special needs, but parents need to be able to swing with their kids. Another thing is affordable living space. Many more would like to live in Collegedale but can’t afford a house, even though they make good money in their professions now.
Q: What do you consider the most pressing issues facing Collegedale today?
Tim Johnson: Residential growth is inevitable and a major concern regarding traffic. In my eyes, residential growth must accommodate parks and recreation where the citizens live and necessary road improvements. Building common ground with citizens and developers is the first step.
Laura Howse: Traffic and taxes. Improvement of traffic flow is essential because the safety of our residents, especially our students and children, is a key priority. Taxpayer money should be spent with respect and consideration for the long-term liabilities. Before raising taxes, we need to consider the effect on our retired citizens with fixed incomes. Inflation has been hard for the city to manage, but it’s just as hard for families.
Billy Burnette: As I’ve been going door-to-door to meet with residents, it’s clear that growth and infrastructure are major concerns. Recently, a large new community is being developed, and many citizens feel their voices were not heard. This has led to a lack of trust in the current elected officials. During my conversations with them, I explained that had I been elected at the time the decision was made, I would have also voted in favor. However, I would have held meetings in the neighborhoods to discuss the city’s options. I outlined those options, and every resident I spoke with understood and wanted to know why the current commissioners didn’t take this approach.
Debbie Baker: I would like to see parks and recreation over on the other side of town. Have bike stations and things that would help the city. Housing is another big issue, affordable living. Right now, we’re in a situation where prices of building materials and things have gone up, but I’d like to see it not be as high. When you come out of college, as a couple, if you can afford a $400,000 – $500,000 home, that’s great. Most can’t. Make it feasible where they can obtain one, because that’s an investment. You work with your builders, and you work with getting grants. We’re always searching for a better way.
Q: How do you plan to engage with residents, particularly students?
Tim Johnson: Community engagement can be a challenge. At our Collegedale Commission meetings, we have four or five citizens that come regularly. We would like to see more. Collegedale needs to solicit feedback from students or have several representatives that bring topics to the commission. … Historically, Southern did host forums open to students and the community. We would like to see the university revitalize candidate forums. I invite students and citizens to contact me through tjohnson@collegedaletn.gov or 423-322-7991.
Laura Howse: I promise to hold quarterly town hall meetings for Collegedale residents, commissioners, planners and city officials to work together to find solutions. Communicating the town hall times and dates will be done through press releases not just Facebook posts. I will respond to emails promptly and be available to meet with students as needed.
Billy Burnette: If elected, I will regularly meet with both citizens and students to hear their thoughts and concerns. When controversial issues or resolutions come up, I want to ensure that everyone has access to all the facts—whether positive, negative or neutral—so they can make informed decisions. During such times, I plan to host town hall meetings to facilitate open discussions. Additionally, citizens already have three opportunities each month to engage with their elected officials and ask questions, and I will always make myself available during those times. I also include my cell phone number and email in all my social media posts, encouraging anyone to reach out with questions.
Debbie Baker: Students have to come get involved. It’s hard to actively engage if they don’t want to actively engage. Come to City Hall and be a voice. Invite us to things that you want us to speak at. We can get actively involved and use whatever materials and resources we have to help you. I’m real big on supporting Southern — but not just Southern, other colleges, [and] education in general — but a lot of that is just communication. We don’t know unless you tell us.
Conclusion
As local elections draw near, the candidates offer diverse perspectives on addressing Collegedale residents’ needs. Learning about each candidate’s platform will be essential as community members prepare to cast their votes this fall. Please note that the last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 29. Visit Vote@HamiltonTN.gov or call 423-209-VOTE (8683) for more information regarding the voting process.
