Voters will select council members to fill Wards 1 and 4, as well as the mayor’s post.
The Catoosa County News gave each candidate a questionnaire asking for biographical information as well as positions on hot-button issues. Candidates were asked to submit their answers. Incumbent Mayor Judd Burkhart and council candidate Johnnie “Red” Smith, who seeking the Ward 1 seat, did not return the questionnaires.
Burkhart has served for two terms and is a part-owner in a real estate business. Smith, who has never held public office, is a retired Fort Oglethorpe police officer.
Contact information for candidates who did not respond is on file at City Hall.
Those who responded have their answers listed below.
Mayor’s race
Ronald L. CobbFull name: Ronald L. Cobb
Place of birth: Chattanooga, Tenn.
How can voters contact you? (706) 866 1691
How long have you lived in Fort Oglethorpe? Five to six years
Other cities of residence: Ringgold, four years
Do you have a philosophy or words to live by? If so, what? Always do what’s right instead of what’s popular, you won’t be wrong.
Favorite author: John Grisham
Favorite quote: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Favorite movie: Brian’s Song
Hobbies: Golf, church league bowling
Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations: Spouse, Jan J. Cobb; two sons, Rodney Cobb, 37, of Acworth, who owns his own company; Ty Cobb, 34, Wildwood, Ga., machinest; step-son, Mark Marks, 35, Fort Oglethorpe, owns Apex Heating and Air; step-daughter, Jennifer Marks, 24, Fort Oglethorpe, telemarketer.
Education (high school and beyond): Graduated from Lakeview High School in 1964; Northwestern Technical College, EMT degree; graduated Missouri Auction School; management school, TVA; personal property school, GPPA.
Military Service: Army National Guard, 1st and 181st
Current/past professional/business experience: Two- to four-year terms on Fort Oglethorpe City Council; retired from TVA with 26 years of service; retired from Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #43; retired from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #175; served on the Coosa Valley Regional Planning Executive Board for four years; served on the Catoosa County Planning and Zoning Board.
Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held: American Legion Post #214, Thompkins Lodge 466; Battlefield Golf Club; Fairview Baptist Church; adults choir; Sunday school director; church greeter; part-time Sunday school teacher.
Current/past political offices: Fort Oglethorpe City Councilman 1996-2000 and 2002-2006.
What do you like about the elected position you are seeking, other than “serving the public”? I like the challenge of serving unity, ethics and honor in our city. I love this city and I want to see our citizens be proud once again to tell everyone, “I’m from Fort Oglethorpe.”
What do you dislike? I dislike seeing our elected officials gaining financially from inside information that is hidden from the general public. This means all levels of government. No elected official should use information gained from holding an elected office to enter into real estate purchases or any other means to gain wealth.
What issues are you hearing from Fort Oglethorpe residents that you feel are pressing matters for the city and how will you address these? All that the residents want is a stop put on the constant headlines coming from their elected officials. They want a mayor and council that can conduct the business of the city without the 3-2 splits. They are also fed up with the never-ending firing of city managers and police chiefs. This does more harm than the mayor and council could ever imagine.
What obstacles do you foresee for city government? My biggest obstacles will be to bring the five elected officials together to work as one. Once we accomplish this, all the other things will take care of themselves.
What kind of growth, if any, would you like to have in Fort Oglethorpe? How do you propose bringing it about? The city has expanded as far east on Battlefield as it should. We will see more commercial growth on Cloud Springs Road as the widening goes forward. You will see that in the very near future, that with no direction to spread our borders, that some of the existing buildings will be torn down to make way for something better like the old Southgate Theater. We don’t have space for very much industrial growth so we will have to survive with a mostly commercial and residential tax base.
Which traffic problems, if any, would you like to correct in the city? I want to procede with the widening of Cloud Springs Road. I will also work with the State DOT and our state officials to speed up the widening of Dietz Road and Mack Smith Road. The bridging of Stuart Road to the city was my idea back in 1997. I worked with then city manager Virginia Smith and FEMA but they rejected the project because of it causing flooding problems. This project needs to be complete for the safety of people living in this area.
Fort Oglethorpe and Ringgold have both annexed several parcels of property in recent years and seem to be growing closer and closer together. Should annexations stop? Why or why not? If so, where should the city limits be? There are some areas that both cities could grow, but I don’t think we need to fight over anything in the Peavine Basin. That should be in Ringgold’s expansion area. Fort Oglethorpe has plenty of other directions to grow.
What would you most like to inform the residents of Fort Oglethorpe about? That as your mayor that the dividing of the council will be no longer. I will stay within the charter of this city and will not abuse the powers and duties of the mayor.
Future aspirations, political or business? Serve as mayor of this great city. As long as the people trust me to. If I serve with honesty and integrity, I will be mayor until my health will no longer allow me to serve. I have no aspirations of holding another elected position.
The public image of Fort Oglethorpe City Council in recent years has been rocky at times. What steps would you take to improve people’s perception of city leadership? As I said earlier in these questions, the pledge I’ll make to the residents of this fine city is to work with all five councilpersons not just to keep the three against two that’s been going on now for the last eight years. Once we work together, the public image will improve as well as the employers not having to take sides.
The city currently has an interim city manager but officials have said they plan to hire someone in a permanent position. What qualifications and personal characteristics will you look for in the next city manager? Over the last eight years we have seen four very good city managers gone. These people were doing their job as spelled out in our charter. One passed away. One was hired, and Mr. Goulart, as city attorney, and Mayor Burkhart called him before he showed up (and said) that they had three votes to fire him, so he backed out. The last two were doing the job they were hired to do and got fired because of political reasons. I will work with the city manager as I have in the past and let them do the job they were hired to do.
The council fired its last two city managers. What would you do to find a candidate who could serve the council for a longer period of time? Leave them alone and let them manage the day-to-day operations of the city.
Do you support consolidating Post Volunteer Fire Department with Catoosa County Fire & Rescue? Why or why not? If yes, how do you propose restructuring Fort Oglethorpe’s fire services? If no, what is your vision for fire services in the west side of the county? At this time it would be hard to say which would be better. I would not, at any time, leave the city without fire coverage. I would sit down with chairman Clark and the county commissioner fire and rescue units and weigh heavily on their input.
Ward 1 race
Richard Gary Egeland (incumbent)Full name: Richard Gary Egeland
Place of birth: Cleveland, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1952
How can voters contact you? (706) 861-6228 or 1936 Barrett Drive, Fort Oglethorpe
How long have you lived in Fort
Oglethorpe? Since early 1980
Other cities of residence: Chattanooga, Tenn. and Lakewood, Ohio
Do you have a philosophy or words to live by? If so, what? The way my family and I have been treated the last few years philosophy or words to live by are hard to imagine with the cruel and ugly way politics are handled in Fort Oglethorpe. You try to do the right thing, and you live with ugly rumors and finger-pointing. You do as you please and you're rewarded with tax dollars to use on your family vacation.
Favorite author: Karen Slaughter
Favorite movie: Radio Flyer
Hobbies: Reading, but most of all loving my little chocolate poodle, Coco.
Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations: Wife, Wanda Inez Egeland, 47; son, Richard “Shane” Egeland, 27; daughter-in-law, Adde Egeland, 26; granddaughter, Alivia Shay, 2 weeks old; daughter, Dawn Bowman; and granddaughter, Danielle.
Education (high school and beyond): GED, associates degree in business, studied two years in accounting and bookkeeping.
Military service: U.S. Marine Corp 1969-73. Graduated from the Marine Embassy Security Guard School in Quantico, Va. Volunteered and spent 13 months at the Embassy in Vietnam finishing my tour at the Ambassadors home as his security detachment. There, I was given the Ambassadors Award for bravery in saving the lives of three people, a mother and her two young children in a burning USAID building.
Current / past professional / business experience: I helped by stocking and doing the paperwork while my wife managed a ladies’ resale shop on Patterson avenue for over a year.
Reason you chose your profession / why you do the work you do: To be honest, I just heard from a friend they were hiring and tried out. There were over 400 people applying and I just got lucky enough to be picked. Of course, it's been a challenge but the benefits are great and the pay is good.
Clubs / organizations (including churches) and any offices held: None
Current/past political offices: None
What do you like about the elected position you are seeking, other than “serving the public”? What do you dislike? I honestly thought that, regardless of how I voted, as long as I knew in my heart I was doing the right thing for the citizens, everything would work out. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine the ugly looks I get. The people that turn their back on me as I drive by. But most of all the total disregard to the feeling of my wife, my family and myself when the lies and ugly rumors came about. I can understand the people being upset, but judging me as unfit for office and immoral in my life is beyond me. No one has the right to be so judgmental towards me after Jesus died for my sins, as well as theirs.
What issues are you hearing from Fort Oglethorpe residents that you feel are pressing matters for the city, and how will you address these? I don’t receive the phone calls the others claim to receive from the citizens.
What obstacles do you foresee for city government? Mayor Burkhart, Councilperson Moye and City Manager/City Attorney Goulart. Once they are gone I believe we can work towards our goals with Ringgold and the county in a more productive manner. Once the king and queen along with their little court jester are banned from the “think tank” at city hall, our city will once again be in good hands.
What would you most like to inform the residents of Fort Oglethorpe about? I have been writing my thoughts and opinions for four years to deaf ears. So my answer would be I’d have to wait until after the elections to see if they’ve heard me or not.
Future aspirations, political or business: I’d like to serve the City of Fort Oglethorpe for another term and finish many of the issues before us with the citizens’ support.
The public image of Fort Oglethorpe in recent years has been rocky at times. What steps would you take to improve the perception of city leadership? Again, the people would have to remove the root of the problem being the Mayor, City Attorney and Councilperson Moye.
The city currently has an interim city manager but officials have said they plan to hire someone in a permanent position. What qualifications and personal characteristics will you look for in the next city manager? The same qualifications we had in Mr. Dinley. People complained he ran the city like a military man. But isn’t that what we have in Napoleon, Ney and Josephine?
The council fired its last two city managers. What would you do to find a candidate who could serve the council for a longer period of time? Remove the Mayor, City Attorney and Councilperson Moye.
Do you support consolidating Post Volunteer Fire Department with Catoosa County Fire and Rescue? Why or why not? If yes, how do you propose restructuring Fort Oglethorpe’s fire services? If no, what is your vision for fire services in the west side of the county? I have tried many times to contact Mr. Thompson on my thoughts to no avail. Therefore I feel like the rest of the County and Fort Oglethorpe (will have) to wait and give the committee a chance to work.
What kind of growth, if any, would you like to have in Fort Oglethorpe? How do you propose bringing it about? I want to see commercial growth throughout Fort Oglethorpe. But mostly on LaFayette Road in the old part of town, bringing life back to the many ideas and dreams of years past.
Which traffic problems, if any, would you like to correct in the city? I’d like to see the semi-trucks slow down and obey the speed limit on Battlefield. Every time I see a truck fly on our roads, it reminds me of the beautiful life that was lost on the corner of LaFayette and Battlefield because of excessive speed and a load shifting taking a turn. I’d like to see people slow down and stop the lane changing. Pull off the road if they need to use their phones and for once, think of someone other than themselves while driving. Don’t drink and drive, of course, but I was reminded years ago that we didn’t have that type of problem in our city.
Fort Oglethorpe and Ringgold have both annexed several parcels of property in recent years and seem to be growing closer and closer together. Should the annexations stop? Why or why not? If so, where should the city limits be? That is something I was told to keep quiet about till all legal matters are settled.
Ward 4 race
Charles Leroy SharrockFull name:
Charles Leroy Sharrock
Place of birth: Ringgold
How may voters contact you? (706) 861-6631
How long have you lived in Fort Oglethorpe: 38 years
Other cities of residence: Ringgold and Rossville
Do you have a philosophy or words to live by? If so, what? It’s all about what is right and what is wrong, working together….works!
Favorite author: None
Favorite quote: “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Favorite movie: None.
Hobbies: Hunting and fishing.
Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations: Spouse of 40 years, Lottie Jean Sharrock
Education (high school and beyond): Ringgold High School, UTC Machinist courses, International Machinist Leadership School
Military Service: None
Current/past professional/business experience: Machinist for 40 years at U.S. Pipe in Chattanooga, Tenn., now retired since the business closed
Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held: None.
Current/past political offices: None.
What do you like about the elected position you are seeking, other than “serving the public”? It is time to return to honesty, accountability, credibility, working together, doing what is right and making progress for the city as a whole. We must work together for the benefit of the citizens and the elderly.
What do you dislike? The dissention among our city officials, self interest and special interest groups.
What issues are you hearing from Fort Oglethorpe residents that you feel are pressing matters for the city, and how will you address these? People are telling me they want a council that will work together. They want the threats of employees' jobs to cease. They want all employees to be treated fairly and equally and recognize them for their abilities.
What obstacles do you foresee for city government? The streetscaping on LaFayette Road. Getting city sewers to areas that need them. Drains and ditches need to be cleared of the debris and overgrowth that has grown up in and around the city on the easements.
What would you most like to inform the residents of Fort Oglethorpe about? I hope to bring some peace and cooperation to a council that has been working against each other in the past. It is time to change the leadership and direction of the city government. I fully support the fire and police departments. I will work for the entire city and all its residents.
Future aspirations, political or business: None.
The public image of Fort Oglethorpe City Council in recent years has been rocky at times. What steps would you take to improve people’s perception of city leadership? I would work together on the Council for the City and the citizens as a whole, instead of for personal gain or self-interest groups. I will work with the other council members without viewing them as enemies. We should not bicker and argue when different opinions and votes occur.
The city currently has an interim city manager but officials have said they plan to hire someone in a permanent position. What qualifications and personal characteristics will you look for in the next city manager? One that cares about the city and its citizens, as a whole, and one that will be fair and equal to all employees. They need to have business education and financial experience.
The council fired its last two city managers. What would you do to find a candidate who could serve the council for a longer period of time? By changing the council to a more workable city government.
Do you support consolidating Post Volunteer Fire Department with Catoosa County Fire & Rescue? Why or why not? If yes, how do you propose restructuring Fort Oglethorpe fire services? If no, what is your vision for fire services in the west side of the county? At this time, no. There needs to be some good outcome in this for everybody as a whole instead of self interest and self control. There needs to be more cooperation with the County Commission toward the Post Fire Committee.
What kind of growth, if any, would you like to have in Fort Oglethorpe? How do you propose bringing it about? The growth in Fort Oglethorpe has been tremendous in the past few years. The growth on Battlefield Parkway has grown faster than we can get sewer projects completed. We need to complete the West Chickamauga sewer interceptor as soon as possible. After the streetscaping on LaFayette Road begins, we need to focus on getting new businesses in that area that will draw residents and tourists back into this part of town.
Which traffic problems, if any, would you like to correct in the city? We need more traffic lanes on Battlefield Parkway to help with the flow of traffic. The widening of Cloud Springs Road will help some, also, when it gets finished.
Fort Oglethorpe and Ringgold have both annexed several parcels of property in recent years and seem to be growing closer and closer together. Should the annexations stop? Why or why not? If so, where should the city limits be? Annexations should continue, but, I think Fort Oglethorpe and Ringgold should work together for the best interest of everybody, as a whole, because we are both a part of Catoosa County.
Jane Moye (incumbent)
Full name: Martha Jane Moye
Place of birth: Memphis, Tenn.
How can voters contact you? (706) 866-7463
How long you have lived in Fort Oglethorpe? 14 years
Other cities of residence: Chattanooga, Tenn., Macon, Ga., Warner Robins, Ga.
Do you have a philosophy or words to live by? If so, what? The Bible.
Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations: Widowed
Education (high school and beyond): High school graduate, certified Real Estate appraiser
Military service: Civilian employee of Robins Air Force Base
Reason you chose your profession / why you do the work you do: I enjoy it.
Current / past political offices: Two four-year terms on city council
What do you like about the elected position you are seeking, other than “serving the public?” The chance to market the city in a favorable light. The opportunity to meet the citizens of the city and listen to their concerns and try to help them with their problems. To have a chance to talk to the people that usually don’t make their feeling known and that really like the city and the services they enjoy.
What do you dislike? The nay saying against the city.
What issues are you hearing from Fort Oglethorpe residents that you feel are pressing matters for the city, and how will you address these? The continued first rate service of the Fire protection. The traffic congestion on roads.
What obstacles do you foresee for city government? Continued state mandates that are unfunded. For example, the stormwater mandates are going to be rather costly for the city.
What would you most like to inform the residents of Fort Oglethorpe about? The city is continuing to grow, with inquiries coming in from many avenues. Despite how the media portrays this city, we are the only city in the area that is being sought out by different businesses. With the widening of Cloud Springs Road, I see the demand to locate in this city to even be greater.
Future aspirations, political or business: The revitalization of the downtown area of Fort Oglethorpe. The support of the tourism committee and the chamber to promote our city as a place you would want to visit.
The public image of Fort Oglethorpe City Council in recent years has been rocky at times. What steps would you take to improve people’s perception of city leadership? I’m not sure it is foreseeable. The problem is that the media has turned into a tabloid. The council has gotten along better the past two years and nobody has bothered to report that. They keep bringing up issues that are over and gone. There is no reason to continue to rehash past events. Things are published or broadcast without investigating both sides of the stories. Depending on who you like is how the story is slanted. The citizens unfortunately do not have the chance to hear the whole story unless they call someone on the council.
The city currently has an interim city manager but officials have said they plan to hire someone in a permanent position. What qualifications and personal characteristics will you look for in the next city manager? The council has not discussed the replacement of Ron Goulart or any plans to hire a city manager.
The council fired its last two city managers. What would you do to find a candidate who could serve the council for a longer period of time? The council has appointed good people into the city manager position, unfortunately they can’t seem to stop getting caught up with the political rhetoric of this city.
Do you support consolidating Post Volunteer Fire Department with Catoosa County Fire & Rescue? Why or why not? If yes, how do you propose restructuring Fort Oglethorpe’s fire services? If no, what is your vision for fire services in the west side of the county? I am anxious to see what the Fire Committee concludes. The equalization of the contribution made from the city, county and the city of Ringgold will be a plus. The bottom line is the fire services have to be kept to the standards that our citizens now enjoy.
What kind of growth, if any, would you like to have in Fort Oglethorpe? How do you propose bringing it about? Continued growth of commercial. The completion of the interceptor will be a big help in bringing in this type of growth. The continuation of the ISO 3 rating on our fire protection is also a plus for this city. The continued promotion of the city by elected officials, city manager, and employees will only be assets for the city and its citizens.
Which traffic problems, if any, would you like to correct in the city? The congestion of Battlefield Parkway should be helped with the widening of Cloud Springs Road. The implementation of the traffic unit in the police department will hopefully show down the speeding and reckless driving that we are experiencing throughout the city.
Fort Oglethorpe and Ringgold have both annexed several parcels of property in recent years and seem to be growing closer and closer together. Should the annexations stop? Why or why not? If so, where should the city limits be? If the cities are capable of providing services to parcels that are annexed, then there should not be any restrictions on how far the cities can go as long as they are legal.
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