With veteran outstanding Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey planning to leave his office Jan. 11 to become the chief of staff of newly elected Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, it was not surprising that many aspirants — nine, count ’em — were interested in becoming the new county mayor until the next election in 2012.
The candidates who announced their interest were Mike Carter, Chester Clark, Jim Coppinger, Edward Ector Jr., Pam Hurst, Richard Rankin, Harry “Buddy” Rogers, Denise Russell-Ford and Guy M. Satterfield.
The selection is up to the County Commission. There are nine commissioners. But with one of the hopefuls a member of the County Commission, that leaves eight to make the choice.
When the initial vote was taken Monday, there was a 4-4 tie.
Mike Carter, a former General Sessions Court judge and current special assistant to Ramsey, had the support of Commissioners Warren Mackey, Greg Beck, Tim Boyd and Chester Bankston.
Jim Coppinger, currently a county commissioner and a former chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department, was favored by Commissioners Fred Skillern, Jim Fields, Joe Graham and Larry Henry.
With the tie vote failing to resolve the issue, the commissioners voted again — with a 4-4 tie again. That means there likely will be another vote Jan. 5. Will there be any change? We’ll see. But what if the 4-4 vote is repeated? On Jan. 11, County Commission Chairman Skillern would become “interim” county mayor until one or more commissioners change their minds.
With both Carter and Coppinger being men of ability and good reputation — and with able Commissioner Skillern potentially providing leadership in the meantime — we need not fear any immediate problem. But there are big issues to be decided concerning county taxes, spending and economic development in the next couple of years.
Then in 2012, residents of Hamilton County will have the opportunity to retain incumbents or elect new candidates.
Fortunately, there are prospects for good leadership in any event.