D. Gary Davis

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis has announced that he will seek re-election.

In a statement Monday, Davis said that his campaign, subject to the May 6 Republican primary, will continue to be "about adhering to the basics of good fiscal policy."

"My record is one of a fiscal conservative, and I do not believe in spending money you don't have," he said. "I have never proposed a tax increase in any of the county budgets but have instead found ways to save taxpayer dollars and increase services provided. As a result, each budget has been balanced without a tax increase."

Davis was first elected to the position in August 1998, when the Bradley County mayor was called the county executive.

No one else has filed a petition for the county mayor race, according to the Bradley County Election Administration Office. However, Republican Christopher J. Davis requested a petition for candidacy in mid-January.

D. Gary Davis' intention to seek re-election is receiving support from local leaders.

"Personally, I'm glad he's running," County Commission Chairman Louie Alford said. "He's done an outstanding job and he's a good leader for Bradley County. Our working relationship is very good."

Although Bradley County's 2013-14 budget faces another challenging economic environment, it required no property tax increase, no layoffs, maintained reserves and decreased the debt, Davis said.

He cited the 6.4 percent jobless rate and 2.9 percent job growth as indicators of Bradley County's relatively good economic health in his annual "State of the County" address to the Rotary Club in January.

Bradley County's net position -- what equates to net assets in the business world -- amounted to $27.8 million, Davis said in the address. This is a $3 million increase over the previous year, he said.

Davis attributes a big part of Bradley County's success to embracing a culture of regional cooperation, which he said has played a key role in attracting major industrial investments and economic development.

Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.