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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Hamilton County commission fails to fill vacancy left by Chester Bankston

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Chester Bankston is the departing commissioner for District 9.
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Chester Bankston is the departing commissioner for District 9. Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Chester Bankston is the departing commissioner for District 9.

The Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday failed to reach agreement on appointing a replacement for Commissioner Chester Bankston, who is leaving before the end of his term.

After a monthlong interview and application phase following the announcement of Bankston’s departure, the remaining eight commissioners on Wednesday considered applicants to fill the District 9 seat until the term expires next fall.

Eight applicants from the district, which includes Ooltewah and Collegedale, applied for the seat. Three were nominated and voted on by commissioners, but none got a majority required by law.

Jeff Eversole, a regional market manager for Walmart, was nominated by Commissioner Greg Martin.

“I always will tell you what’s on my mind. I always want to do what’s right. I always want to take care of the folks around me, and I’m kind of for the underdog,” Eversole said. “I want people to win. I want people to succeed. And I think that’s what we need in District 9.”