PDF:Commissioner Mackey
Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey said Friday night he will change his vote and support Hamilton County Commissioner Jim Coppinger for county mayor. This shift will resolve a 4-4 deadlock between Mike Carter and Coppinger.
Mackey said in an e-mailed statement that Carter's allegations a prompted his change of heart.
"I was disappointed when Mike Carter charged the Commission with back room dealing," Mackey wrote. "The mayor's office has to rely on the commission's approval before any of his policies can be executed. He [Carter] has created a wedge that will greatly hamper a working relationship between the two branches of county government and I don't think that is in the best interest of Hamilton County. Prospective businessmen are reluctant to locate in communities where there is strife and uncertainty."
Carter did not respond to calls or e-mails for comment.
Coppinger said he was excited by the news.
"I look forward to the vote on Monday and if the vote holds I look forward to being able to unite the commission and citizens of Hamilton County," Coppinger said.
Coppinger already was in line to become mayor when Claude Ramsey steps down Tuesday to join the administration of Gov.-elect Bill Haslam.
Coppinger became chairman Wednesday because Fred Skillern gave up the post. He would automatically become interim mayor if the commission didn't name someone else to the post.
Carter, Ramsey's special assistant, alleged Skillern's resignation was a back-door scheme to make Coppinger mayor. Commissioners planned to try and resolve their 4-4 stalemate between Carter and Coppinger on Monday.