Authored By Staff Report

Chattanooga businesswoman Aloyse Brown announced Tuesday her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Hamilton County Mayor.

If elected, she would be the county’s first female mayor.

Brown wants to focus on four main issues—fixing Hamilton County schools, repairing county roads, safely reducing jail overcrowding and committing to a transparent government, according to a news release.

She said in a prepared statement:

We have to better prepare our workforce, address violent crime, make our streets safer, and invite every citizen to take part in a more transparent government. It’s time to remove the roadblocks that many face in accessing the opportunities that we’ve created. My biggest concern is the $250 million backlog of facility maintenance that is holding Hamilton County students back. As a community, we can no longer justify ignoring our schools and teachers.

Brown said she’s talked with countless Hamilton County citizens to get an understanding of what they are looking for in a county mayor.

According to the Hamilton County Election Commission, another Democrat George Ryan Love is also seeking the Democratic nomination.

The winner of the May 1 primary will go on to the general election.

Mayor Jim Coppinger is the only Republican currently on the ballot.

“Hamilton County hasn’t had a competitive race for its mayor in years, and that finally changes in 2018,” Brown said. “Voters get to choose a better tomorrow.”

Brown lives in Lookout Mountain with her husband.