Ron Littlefield

PDF: Campaign Financial Disclosure Statement

A little more than a year from Chattanooga city elections, Mayor Ron Littlefield said he is “pleasantly surprised” that he currently faces no opposition to a second four-year term.

“I would like not to have to devote so much attention to a potentially divisive and difficult campaign,” he said. “I’d like to keep working with the county and the Chamber and not have my attention drawn away to deal with diversions like a tumultuous and difficult campaign.”

Mr. Littlefield, a former city councilman who defeated Ann Coulter in the April 2005 mayoral run-off election, heads into the 2009 municipal election cycle with more than $55,000 cash-on-hand, according to a recent campaign finance report. He raised $17,000 in the period from July 1, 2007, through Jan. 26, records show.

Mr. Littlefield pointed to new jobs and strong relationships with county government and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce as some accomplishments thus far in his first term.

But David Eichenthal, who was the city’s chief financial officer under previous Mayor Bob Corker, said some individuals tell him they are not happy with the mayor’s performance.

“Both people who supported him last time and those who did not tell me that they are disappointed that three years into his term, the mayor has not set a clear vision for the city on the economy, crime or improving the way that city government works,” Mr. Eichenthal said. “And they say they are worried that he has too often put politics ahead of progress.”

Mr. Littlefield declined to respond to Mr. Eichenthal’s comments late Friday afternoon.

However, mayoral spokesman Richard Beeland said, “Mr. Eichenthal has never been a supporter of the administration, and we wouldn’t expect anything less from him.”

Some people have criticized some of the mayor’s actions, including his decision to reduce curbside recycling pickup from a weekly to monthly service and his support for a homeless services complex at the old Farmers’ Market site.

City Council members opposed the mayor when he arranged city work for former Councilwoman Marti Rutherford, who resigned after an ouster lawsuit was filed against her by the city attorney, so that she could get post-employment medical benefits. Mr. Littlefield ended his push for her to receive that coverage when he was advised that legal precedent was against him.

Stephen Jett, an attorney who contributed $250 to the mayor’s campaign in July, said in a voice mail that Mr. Littlefield has an open ear to constituents and various agencies and is committed to strong public service.

“I think that Ron has worked hard to carry out items that he has identified as important to his agenda for this community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Eichenthal called Mr. Littlefield “a smart, skilled politician who will use all of the levers of incumbency to win.”

“It will take money and a candidate able to articulate what they are for, not just what they are against,” he said. “This is not the kind of campaign that can be won with a few mailings, some yard signs and billboards.”