Hamilton County Commissioners Greg Beck and Larry Henry said two of the commission’s newest members – Chester Bankston and Jim Fields – are interested in becoming vice chairman.
Commissioners will meet this morning and Henry, now vice chairman, will assume the chairmanship. Jim Coppinger was the chairman, but gave up that post and his commission seat to become county mayor.
Beck, who earlier had said he was interested in the job, said he probably will withdraw his name and support Bankston.
“I think Bankston has probably got a better chance than I have with the climate the way it is,” Beck said. “It’s two Democrats and six Republicans up there. I feel more inclined to be supportive of Bankston.”
Beck and Commissioner Warren Mackey are the commission’s only Democrats.
Henry said Wednesday that Bankston and Fields had called him and confirmed their interest in the position.
Bankston and Fields did not return calls seeking comment.