Dalton officials plan special council election

DALTON, Ga. -- City Councilman Charlie Bethel said he soon will resign to run for the state House of Representatives.

Gary Crews, a local businessman and real estate agent who also is chairman of the Whitfield County Republican Party, has announced he'll run to replace Mr. Bethel on the council.

Mr. Bethel, who represents Dalton's Ward Four, is a few months into his second council term.

He said he'll continue to represent the people of Dalton if elected to the House of Representatives' 4th District seat. Incumbent Rep. Roger Williams, R-Dalton, has said he plans to retire when his term expires in January.

"It's an important time to have good government and I believe I bring the background, skills and knowledge -- but also the values of this community -- that need to be articulated," Mr. Bethel said.

He said state law requires that he resign from the council when he qualifies for state office in April, but he'll likely resign sooner.

"I don't want us to spend $15,000 on a special election in the city of Dalton and waste taxpayer dollars," said Mr. Bethel. "I'm going to make sure my resignation is timed so the special election to fill the Fourth Ward will coincide with the primary (election) of July 20."

Councilman George Sadosuk said it won't affect the city much to have a vacant council seat until then.

"Since this has been almost a completely united council, (Mr. Bethel's) expertise will be missed, but I think the programs that have been set forth will go forward," he said.

Mr. Crews said he's running to continue the council's current trend of reducing taxes and to promote the city.

"I think it's time for us to really try to sell our community," he said. "If elected, that will be one of my main focuses."