Mayor Andy Berke announces his re-election bid

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke announced on Tuesday that he will seek re-election.

His wife Monica and two daughters introduced him Tuesday afternoon at the Development Resource Center.

Mayor Berke says unemployment numbers have dropped during the past three and a half years.

He also says the city is working to reduce gun violence.

According to Mayor Berke, some progress has been made in that area, but he admits more needs to be done to prevent shooting deaths.

“Public safety remains a priority. Violent crime and property crime have fallen over the last four years. The challenge before us now is the scourge of gun violence. Too many young people have too many illegal guns on too many of our streets.”

City Council chairman Larry Grohn announced last week that his will challenge the Mayor in next March’s election.