Carl Levi

Hamilton County Trustee Carl Levi will kick off his campaign for a third term today with a rally from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John A. Patten Recreation Center.

Mr. Levi, a 78-year-old Republican and former Chattanooga city treasurer, is seeking a third term as the county's treasurer and tax collector.

Hamilton County Commissioner Bill Hullander, 63, also a Republican, is challenging Mr. Levi in the May 4 primary election.

There are no Democrats running for the job.

In Hamilton County, the trustee collects property taxes for the county and seven municipalities. The trustee is paid $100,771.

Mr. Levi said that, in the past eight years, his office has expanded Web-based payment and information services and increased the number of payment locations for county taxpayers from two to 28 through an arrangement with First Tennessee Bank.

Last year, the Tennessee County Trustees Association recognized Mr. Levi as Tennessee County Trustee of the Year.

"We are negotiating with the city to consolidate the collection of the city and county taxes, and who better to try to help do that than the guy that did it at the city for more than 40 years and who has done it for the county for the past eight years?" Mr. Levi asked.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

* April 5: Last day voters can register for county primary

* April 14-29: Early voting in county primary

* May 4: County primary

* July 6: Last day voters can register for county general election

* July 16-31: Early voting in county general election

* Aug. 5: County general election

CARL LEVI

* Age: 78

* Title: Hamilton County trustee

* Education: Graduate of the University of Chattanooga and the University of Wisconsin Center for Finance and Administration

* Career: A retired U.S. Army brigadier general, Mr. Levi worked in the city treasurer's office for 44 years, including 23 years as the city treasurer. He was elected county trustee in 2002 and was re-elected four years ago without opposition.