"Over the last nine months I have been told many times to be more political. I have come to realize that this means that I must compromise my values and ethics so as to appease separate interest groups.

"I have been encouraged to look the other way when people are misusing city funds. I have been pressured to hire people that are not the best candidates for the job. Continually I have been told one thing in private and, when there is public opposition, these private commitments are not honored or voiced.

"I was hired by Mayor Littlefield to be the administrator of Parks and Recreation. It is an organization that is broken. I have started to organize a department of people that are committed to restoring it just as I am. I believe you hire great people and then you give them guidance and encouragement and try and provide them the tools they need to be successful.

"I am actively working to restore accountability, credibility and a solid work ethic in this department. I certainly disagree with the proposal to outsource the management of this department, which is one of the largest in the city, and I hope that I can finish the job I started. While my tenure may be considered controversial, I feel we have made a lot of progress and I am convinced that we are on track to meet the needs of the mayor, Council and the community. I am not afraid of the challenge to continue this important work for our community.

"I believe that decisions should be made based on what is right or wrong. You make them based on what is morally right and what is in the best interest of the citizens - not based on what is politically right, not based on what is most convenient, not on black or white, rich or poor, male or female, friend or foe, political contributor or an opponent's ally. I have worked hard to base my decisions on what is best for the great city of Chattanooga - and do what is right 100 percent of the time, not 50 percent or 60 percent.