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Mayor Berke Explains Restructuring of City Departments

136 views · Published 25 April 2013 · 2:19 · Indexed 1 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2013 · News & Politics

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By Jerry Askin Will restructuring and combining departments be effective for the city of Chattanooga? That's exactly what Mayor Andy Berke says will help the city save money and produce more effective results. The mayor wants to combine city programs into four main departments. But, many residents say they worry if services or jobs will be cut. I think he has some good ideas. I think we need to give him a chance, says Chattanooga resident Shelia St. AlmonSt. Almon tells us she voted for Mayor Berke because it's time for change. She admires his plans to restructure city departments. But, she explains her main worry.I think it will be unfortunate if services are cut, especially in areas that need services, says St. Almon.We were there Monday as Mayor Berke explained his vision for city government.We've gone through a process of identifying what's important to our community.  Now we are structuring our city government to make sure that we meet those goals, says Mayor Berke.Meeting those goals, he says, means combining and renaming current city programs into four departments : Economic and Community Development, Youth and Family Development, Transportation, and Public Works. But, the mayor says by doing so would also mean eliminating some departments like the Department of Education, Arts  Cultures, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Human Services.  Recreation is not our goal, youth development is our goal.  Recreation is a tactic that will get us there, says Mayor Berke. Antonio Boston says he grew up using rec centers.I like the idea that the mayor is using youth development.  It gives you more time with family. In the black community, there are a lot of kids growing up without a mother and father, says Boston. Boston worries how the restructuring process will impact youth. He explains how effective they were to his life.My mom made me and my brother go to parks and recreation. It made me a better student today, as I am working -- coming out of the minority community, and by coming out of the Avondale and Carver center, says Boston.A few weeks ago, Mayor Berke asked key department heads and others to submit their resignations.  Monday, he said he'll announce who will take over those positions very soon.  The last part of that process will be putting people in place who can make that vision a reality for Chattanooga, says Mayor Berke.We're told the Chattanooga City Council will vote on Mayor Berke's plans on Tuesday night.  Depend on us to keep you updated.

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