Staff Photo by John Rawlston/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Mike Carter talks with reporters outside the Hamilton County Commission room on Monday morning after commissioners deadlocked on making a choice between Carter and Commissioner Jim Coppinger to replace County Mayor Claude Ramsey, who will resign Jan. 11.Hamilton County Commissioner Tim Boyd recently found a new job with a local company headed up by a man who supports special assistant to the mayor Mike Carter’s bid to become the next county mayor.
On Monday, Boyd voted in favor of Carter replacing Mayor Claude Ramsey, who leaves in January to join Gov.-elect Bill Haslam’s staff.
The commission tied 4-4 between Carter and County Commissioner Jim Coppinger on Monday. Along with Boyd, Commissioners Chester Bankston, Warren Mackey and Greg Beck voted for Carter.
Boyd recently has been hired by ERMC, whose President and CEO Emerson Russell is friend of Carter. Russell has said he would like to see Carter replace outgoing Ramsey.
ERMC provides an array of facility services, including maintenance, janitorial and security.