News Summary
Evelina Kertay, a local activist and grocery store employee, is running in the March 4 municipal elections to become Chattanooga’s first openly transgender city council member. At 23, she aims to represent East Chattanooga and several neighborhoods, bringing a wealth of experience in community advocacy. Kertay’s campaign focuses on addressing issues like transportation, food access, and renters’ rights, reflecting her commitment to social justice and representation for all residents.
Exciting Times in Chattanooga as Evelina Kertay Makes Historic Run for City Council
The city of Chattanooga is buzzing with anticipation as local activist and grocery store employee, Evelina Kertay, prepares to make a significant impact in the upcoming municipal elections on March 4. At just 23 years old, Kertay is striving to become the first openly transgender member of the city council and represents various neighborhoods including East Chattanooga, Eastdale, Glenwood, Missionary Ridge, and Ridgedale. Her candidacy comes in the wake of the current council member, Demetrus Coonrod, choosing not to seek reelection.
A Passion for Advocacy
Kertay isn’t new to the world of activism; she has been advocating for her community since she was only 14 years old. Born and raised in Chattanooga’s Hilltop neighborhood, she has lived in her proposed district for the past two years. Her journey includes volunteering at the Chattanooga Public Library and even serving on the mayor’s council for youth, giving her a head start in understanding community needs and city governance.
Many people might recognize Kertay from her involvement with the Black Lives Matter movement in Chattanooga, where she served as a protest medic. Her commitment to social justice and representation has shaped her political views and ambitions. Kertay aligns herself with several progressive organizations, including the Democratic Socialists of America and Chattanooga Clergy for Justice, advocating for causes like reproductive access and social equality.
Addressing Community Needs
One of Kertay’s driving forces in her campaign is her belief that existing systems tend to favor the wealthy while leaving the working class to fend for themselves. As she looks to future policies, she aims to tackle issues that, according to her, other candidates are overlooking. She firmly believes that the voices and needs of everyday residents deserve to be front and center.
Key Campaign Issues
As Kertay gears up for the election, she has laid out several campaign points that matter most to her constituents. Some of her key proposals include:
- Increasing funding for transportation initiatives to enhance mobility throughout the community.
- Supporting labor and tenants’ unions to empower working individuals.
- Expanding access to grocery options in areas that currently struggle with food deserts.
Among her proposed policy initiatives is a bold plan to establish a city-owned grocery store aimed at ensuring that all residents have access to essential food supplies. Kertay suggests significantly boosting the city’s spending by $2 million on the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), which she believes is crucial for enhancing transportation options. In addition, she wants to involve the Chattanooga Area Labor Council in making city budget decisions, ensuring that labor voices are considered in local governance.
Challenging Status Quo
Kertay’s perspective on attracting businesses to Chattanooga is a refreshing take as well. Rather than simply luring companies with tax cuts, she believes investing in the community’s needs, particularly food access and public transportation, is a more effective strategy for sustainable growth. Access to affordable and safe transportation options is a key concern for residents, and Kertay proposes expanding the city’s sidewalk network to improve walkability for all.
Another significant aspect of her campaign is advocating for renters’ rights, specifically a legal right to form tenants’ unions. Kertay’s vision encompasses collaboration with fellow council members and social movements to achieve objectives that resonate with community needs.
Educational Background
Kertay holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, equipping her with knowledge and skills she plans to leverage in her potential role on the city council.
As the election approaches, it’s clear that Evelina Kertay is bringing not just ambition, but a heartfelt commitment to making Chattanooga a better place for all its residents. This election could mark an extraordinary shift in representation for the city, and all eyes will certainly be on Kertay as she strives to achieve her historic goal.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Prepares for Competitive City Elections with 26 Candidates on the Ballot
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Evelina Kertay Announces Chattanooga City Council Candidacy
- Google Search: Chattanooga City Council elections
- WDEF: Cody Harvey Qualifies for City Council District 4 Race
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elections
- Chattanoogan: Cody Harvey Announces Intent to Run
- Google News: Chattanooga City Council elections
- Times Free Press: Demetrus Coonrod Won’t Seek Reelection
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga City Council
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Urbanist Suspends City Council Candidacy
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
