Mayor Tim Kelly announces reelection

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly announced his re-election campaign on Thursday evening.

Mayor Kelly said, “It’s easier to go with a box of Band-Aids or a coat of paint because residents can see an immediate effect, even if it’s temporary. Of course, that’s what a lot of politicians do, but that is not the approach I’m taking. The truth is I am not satisfied, and it is frustrating at times but that is precisely why today I am candidacy of reelection of our great city.”

Mayor Kelly said he did this to put rumors to rest, “He doesn’t need this job, he doesn’t want this job, is he dedicated to the work, and so I wanted to put that to rest honestly.”

He thinks there is still lots of work to do.

Mayor Kelly said, “We have a lot more work to do. As long as there are Chattanoogans who don’t feel safe, who can’t find a job, who don’t share in our quality of life we have not yet earned the right to celebrate.”

The mayor will continue to work hard for Chattanooga despite re-election.

“We work as hard as we can every day. I find that work fills the space you give it. I come in with my hair on fire every day and we use project manager software, and every Monday is a status update on all those items. We are working as hard as we can,” said Mayor Kelly.

Mayor Kelly also said that this was just a campaign announcement.

He said, “Today is a campaign announcement as much as anything. Don’t worry folks, we’re not going to be out there knocking on doors for quite some time, or buying ads, or sticking signs in anyone’s yard. That will not start in earnest till next year. I did think it was important to put a steak in the ground and let people know I am dedicated to the office and I am running for a second term.”

According to the mayor, 591 days remain in his current term.