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« Election picks and predictions: Chattanooga City Council | Home | Tragedy on two wheels »
March 4, 2009
One election night, at least three different moods
Volunteers, family, and friends gathered in ballrooms, cafes, and homes across Chattanooga Tuesday night to watch televised election returns. The winners celebrated, the losers commiserated, and those headed for the April 14 runoff steeled themselves for another month on the campaign trail.
I began my rounds at Eastgate Town Center, where Councilwoman Carol Berz (District 6) and Councilman Russell Gilbert (District 5) held a combined event. (Mr. Gilbert was unopposed.) Cheers went up as each update to hit the screen showed Ms. Berz maintaining a commanding lead. A DJ played R&B classics and the wine flowed. Obviously I had to get somewhere more interesting than this blowout, but before I left I assured the two most skeptical people in the room, Carol and daughter Jenni Berz, that their victory was secure. Marti Rutherford would have had to have won about 80% of the remaining votes to upset, and that, as we now know, didn't happen.
I went to the Chattanoogan hotel next, where the Rob Healy campaign held its watch party. By contrast, this was a much stuffier affair, even if it hadn't yet turned somber. These are people used to polite cocktail environments, and they played their roles as if on cue. There was a glimmer of hope in some eyes, but when I talked to the people that really knew how to read the score, I could see that they grasped that it was over, even if they wouldn't say so. And then suddenly it was, and Rob Healy was giving a gracious concession speech. He asked people to keep the party going, but I could tell it was a lost cause.
Shortly thereafter, I ascended the stairs inside the Terminal Brewhouse to the top floor, where District 8 candidate Andrae McGary's wife Cheryl greeted me warmly. I looked around the room and saw a diverse and impassioned group of citizens who were casually upbeat despite the fact that their candidate finished second in the race. Andrae entered to enthusiastic applause, and gave a quick and rousing talk. He sounded genuinely humble and hopeful as he rallied supporters toward a goal that has simply been moved forty or so days hence.
Afterward, I caught a brew or two with Chattarati founder John Hawbaker. We discussed the dismal turnout, the three districts in which a runoff election is needed, and, well, other stuff. The bartender recognized me as the candidate who had dropped out. All in all, it was a good night.
I was of course disappointed that Rob Healy lost, but I hereby pledge, as a concerned citizen, to work with Mayor Ron Littlefield in every way possible during the next four years to make this the best city in the world.
Finally, to the 105 people who voted for me (accidentally or otherwise): thanks, even though I hope you follow directions better next time. Heh. There is a lot to say about this foray into politics, abbreviated though it was. Stay tuned.
Chattanooga City Elections , Politics is Personal | By joe lance | 10:55 PM
