1992
Rat Branch Boat Launch
Started a drive to build a boat ramp and parking lot at Rat Branch, successful with the help of Congressman Jimmy Quillen.
Professional, Conservative, Transparent
H. Chris Little
for Carter County Mayor
August General Election
Why I'm Running for Carter County Mayor
In my opinion, there has been much abuse and waste of taxpayer money. The economy is stalling. People are losing jobs and with new rounds of quantitative easing, inflation will take off again. We must do everything we can to lessen the burden on taxpayers.
What I've Done for Our Community
2011
Hampton Fire Department
Worked with Congressman Phil Roe to secure a $250,000 grant for Hampton Volunteer Fire Dept to purchase a new fire truck.
2018
Green Bridge Landing
Co-founded the Elizabethton IDEAS Group with Metin Eryasa and developed Green Bridge Landing in Hampton.
2020
Covered Bridge Park
Secured a $1 million matching grant to rehabilitate Covered Bridge Park through the Elizabethton IDEAS Group.
2020
GO BETSY
Founded GO BETSY, securing $391,000 in funding through TVA, TDOT, and TWRA to build a ramp and parking lot on Lovers Lane to expand access to the Watauga River.
2025
Roan Mountain Fire Dept
After Hurricane Helene, secured a $70,000 grant from the East Tennessee Foundation to replace a support truck that Roan Mountain Fire Dept lost during the flood.
2026
$1.5M State Fire Apparatus Grant
After being denied a grant to replace fire trucks damaged by Hurricane Helene, Chris worked with State Senator Crowe and Representatives Hill and Jones to get the State to re-examine the original decision and successfully secured a $1.5 million grant for Hampton, Roan Mountain, and Elk Mills / Poga fire departments to purchase new fire apparatus.
“Don't wait for the opportunity. Create it.”
What I Stand For
Eliminating Waste & Fiscal Responsibility
There has been too much waste and abuse of taxpayer money in Carter County. Chris Little is a penny pincher by heart and has spent 8 years attending over 90% of county commission meetings, watching how public money is spent. He will demand transparency by posting all bills and commission meeting packets online for public review. Every service contract will be put up for competitive bid, not quietly extended. He will work with the comptroller to ensure oversight of major expenditures and hold county government accountable to the people paying the bills.
Building a Future Starting Today
Education & Workforce Development
The world is changing rapidly. AI is expected to replace up to 40% of jobs by 2030. Chris Little will work with the school board to prepare students for the future, both understanding AI and training for AI-resistant careers like plumbing, electrical, masonry, carpentry, and HVAC. He will also push for stronger partnerships between local schools and employers so students graduate with real skills and real job prospects.
Bringing Jobs to Carter County
Chris Little will work to attract new businesses, prevent closings, and strengthen partnerships within the economic development community. He will work with our Federal Legislators to recruit defense industry jobs that are high-paying and recession-proof, leverage Carter County's recreation assets to attract companies that value an active lifestyle, and think outside the box on industrial recruitment. Components for military and defense products could easily be produced here and shipped to assembly plants. Carter County families deserve good-paying jobs close to home.
Flight School at Elizabethton Airport
Chris Little will work to reestablish a flight school at Elizabethton Municipal Airport. Local high schools at EHS, Westridge, Happy Valley, and Unicoi County already offer aviation classes, and a flight school would expand their capabilities. Aircraft mechanic students at Northeast State would also benefit from having a pilot's license to test fly repaired aircraft. A flight school would connect these existing programs to real careers and bring new activity to the airport.
Developing a New Business Incubator
Helping with new business startups is essential in building a permanent workforce. Reducing risk and overhead will ensure a successful business venture and provide opportunities for growth.