A deputy for Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp on Wednesday invited the 11-member county commission to meet with a candidate to replace the county attorney, Rheubin Taylor.
In an email sent to commissioners Wednesday, county Chief Operating Officer David Roddy wrote, “We would like to offer you all the opportunity to connect and learn more about a candidate for the position of county attorney, Ms. Janie Varnell.”
Varnell is a private-practice criminal defense attorney with Davis & Hoss and the daughter of former Chattanooga Police Chief Steve Parks. Parks and Roddy worked together at the police department. The Chattanooga Times Free Press called Varnell to request information about the discussion Friday afternoon and left a voicemail but did not receive a response by press time.
“Please join us this Friday, and I hope to see all of you there,” Roddy’s email continued.
In the email, Roddy wrote that members of the business community would also be on hand to discuss Varnell’s credentials.