Hamilton County Democratic sheriff nominee Greg Beck’s attorney Jerry Summers today filed a complaint against the city of Chattanooga saying that Mr. Beck should not be forced to step down from his job as a city court officer.

Chattanooga city Personnel Director Donna Kelley has asked Mr. Beck to take a leave of absence from his job, citing a portion of the city code stating that city employees must take a leave to run for public office.

Mr. Summers said that ordinance has a chilling effect on “any non-wealthy person” who is seeking to run for office.

Chancellor Frank Brown signed a temporary restraining order this afternoon that will allow Mr. Beck to stay in his job until a hearing can be held.

Mr. Beck also is a Hamilton County commissioner.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.