When Hamilton County went looking for a new director for its building and zoning department, it didn’t have to look far and wide.
David Thorne worked down the hall at Chattanooga’s Land Development Office. But the idea of merging the two offices responsible for enforcing building codes isn’t a hot topic of discussion – for now.
“David was a great employee, I enjoyed having him here,” said Gary Hilbert, land development office director. “I’m happy for him, but I’m sorry he left. Now I have to hire another employee.”
Hilbert said questions about merging the two offices would be “above my pay grade.”
Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey hired Thorne. He said Thorne “had the experience I was looking for.” Thorne also worked for the county for 17 years before moving to the city.
But Ramsey wasn’t interested in discussing whether he’s open to the idea of merging the two offices.
“Anything’s possible,” Ramsey said. “I don’t want to get into that right now.”
ABOUT DAVID THORNE* Age: 64* Salary: $59,493* Family: Wife, Marty and three grandchildren: Andy, 12, Lauren, 15, and Megan, 19.* Experience: * City of Chattanooga, 2007-10; Hamilton County, 1990-2007; Thorne Electric, 1984-90; DuPont, 1964-83* Military: U.S. Army Reserve, six years. Sgt. E-5* Education: Holds certificate of industrial electricity, Chattanooga State Community College
The idea of merging some city and county services has been raised by Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield, who has advocated for consolidation for months. County officials have been lukewarm to the idea.
Thorne, 64, said he’s a team player and is open to anything Ramsey suggests as far as combining the two offices. He said the two offices working more closely “would be a great idea.”
Thorne was appointed Sept. 1 and took over for Pat Payne, who retired after 15 years.
“Pat had a little foot but he left a big footprint,” Thorne said. “I hope I do as good as he did.”
He said his office should provide assistance to builders and contractors in the county.
“We’re a team,” he said.
Contact Dan Whisenhunt at dwhisenhunt@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6481. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/DWhisenhunt.