Born and raised in the Chattanooga area, Clay put down permanent roots here in Signal Mountain with his wife Rachael and his two young children. He has always been dedicated to serving his community, going back to high school when he volunteered as a junior firefighter for the Walden’s Ridge Emergency Service.
A career finance professional, Clay is now ready to engage in a civic role where he can contribute his personal and professional experiences to continue Signal Mountain’s legacy as a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
Clay currently serves as an appointee to the Signal Mountain Personnel Committee and is on the Ambassador Board of Sculpture Fields at Montague Park in downtown Chattanooga. Rachael serves on the Signal Mountain Parks Board.
Clay enjoys quality time with family, smoking a mean rack of ribs, exploring new hobbies, and attending community events with his children.
Issues
As a finance professional, Clay will prioritize fiscal responsibility with a more pragmatic approach to the budget. The Town has historically raised property taxes in response to budget shortfalls, and the current level of spending is unsustainable relative to our revenue base. With property tax rates already higher than our neighbors in Walden, Red Bank, East Ridge, and Soddy Daisy, this is a tactic we can no longer afford.
Signal Mountain is a multigenerational haven, but it’s time to make strategic choices to prepare for the future and preserve our community. We need to sustainably invest in our Town in a way that honors the Land Use Plan while positioning Signal Mountain for the next phase of growth. Intentionally planning for what comes next will allow our residents to speak up, be heard, and guide their own future.
Like most of us, Clay loves Signal Mountain for its small-town charm – the playgrounds, the supportive community, the local shops, the parks, and the all-encompassing safety. He loves it for all the little details that together makes this the best place in the region to call home. Clay will make decisions that honor the legacy of our community as he works to make our collective home an even better, financially stronger, and more inclusive place to live and raise a family.
