There were two last-minute surprises as the deadline for applications for Hamilton County mayor passed: Commissioner Larry Henry got out of the race while Register of Deeds Pam Hurst decided to enter.
Hamilton County Mayor candidatesMike CarterRussell E. CollinsJim CoppingerEdward Ector Jr.Pam HurstRichard RankinHarry “Buddy” RogersDenise Russell-FordGuy M. SatterfieldSource: County commission office
Commissioners plan to choose a county mayor from among the nine candidates on Dec. 27 without any public hearings or interviews.
Hurst, 55, said she had no problem with a public interview. A Republican, she was first elected in 1994 and oversees an office that records deeds and mortgages.
“I just felt the commissioners have run for office in one district,” Hurst said. “They haven’t worked in county government in an office. It seems to me like I have just as much experience as any of those guys.
“I feel like with my perspective, maybe we can look at ways to cut some spending and continue Mayor Ramsey’s tradition of growing jobs.”
Henry said he decided Friday morning not to submit a formal application. He said that without public interviews, people wouldn’t know his platform or his plans.
“I didn’t have any inclination that I had any support or votes to get the appointment,” Henry said. “It was kind of a futile attempt. I didn’t feel like it was going to be a good thing to fall on my sword up there and not get it. I want to leave my options open until 2012 and let voters decide.”
Contact staff writer Dan Whisenhunt at dwhisenhunt@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6481. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DWhisenhunt.