Andy Berke

State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, held a coffee hour this morning, answering questions about his vision for the city's future.

Almost two dozen people gathered in Greyfriar's Coffeehouse, seated around a table with Berke. He announced his mayoral candidacy a month ago and is now holding coffee events throughout the city.

"The mayor has to lead the city," Berke told those gathered around. "To me, that's just not about government. That's about being a leader."

Berke is the first to announce his run for mayor. Candidates can begin picking up petitions in September and the election will be held March 2013.

For complete details, read tomorrow's edition of the Times Free Press.