Former Senator Andy Berke picked up qualifying papers for city elections at the Hamilton County Election Commission Thursday.
He is the first person to formally announce his candidacy for Mayor of Chattanooga. Berke did not seek re-election to the State Senate earlier this year.
Berke grew up in Chattanooga and has represented the city now for five years. His focus will be economic development and quality of life. Former Senator Andy Berke said, "When we think about those two things, that really means issues like crime, entrepreneurship, small business and education. When I go and I talk to people in Chattanooga, those are the things I hear that they care about."
On November 15th, Former Senator Berke will host a rally at the Bessie Smith Hall where supporters sign his qualifying petition. City elecitons will be held March 5th of next year.
