Some commissioners remained tight-lipped going into the weekend about who they plan to select as the county’s next mayor, but they talked freely about the qualities that man — or woman — should have.
Commissioners on Monday morning plan to select a replacement for Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey, who will leave Jan. 11 to join the administration of Gov.-elect Bill Haslam. Nine candidates are interested in the job, but some commissioners said it’s essentially a two-man race, between Commissioner Jim Coppinger and special assistant to the mayor Mike Carter.
Commissioners said they want someone with vision, leadership experience and the ability to recruit jobs to the area.
Commissioner Joe Graham said leadership is his top priority.
“A good leader is somebody that’s good with a budget, who will be able to bring our budget in without a tax increase,” Graham said. “They’ll work closely with the school system, be a good people person who will work well not only with employees but also the economic development team.”
CANDIDATES* Mike Carter* Jim Coppinger* Edward Ector Jr.* Chester Clark* Pam Hurst* Richard Rankin* Harry “Buddy” Rogers* Denise Russell-Ford* Guy M. SatterfieldSource: Hamilton County Commission
Graham also wants someone with the ability to plan years ahead in anticipation of infrastructure challenges, and to know when a business interested in the county is a good fit or not. Openness and availability to constituents also is something he’d like to see.
Commissioner Larry Henry said he wants someone with experience in county government with “a vision to move county government forward.”
“(We need) someone that understands the challenges and infrastructure needs and is willing to make the cuts to achieve that,” Henry said.
Henry said the mayor also should place an emphasis on education and favor a smart growth plan for the county.
Chairman Fred Skillern said he wants someone who “can carry on the recruitment of industry for this county.” He favors someone who can manage employees, as well as work well with other local elected officials.
Commissioner Tim Boyd said he’d like a mayor with creativity and said he wants a smooth transition from Ramsey’s administration to the next.
Commissioner Chester Bankston said he wants a mayor with management experience and someone who can manage a budget.
Commissioners have privately interviewed candidates and opted not to hold public interviews before Monday’s vote. Public hearings are not required.
Contact staff writer Dan Whisenhunt at dwhisen hunt@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6481. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DWhisenhunt.