Rev. Michael Feely, pastor of East Lake United Methodist Church and the executive director of the St. Andrews Center in Highland Park, was sworn in Tuesday night to replace resigned District 6 City Council member Marti Rutherford.
"I want to say that I'm honored, and I'm a little scared, too," Rev. Feely told the crowd attending the City Council meeting during a brief statement. "I hope that we can make some positive improvements in Chattanooga during the next few months."
Rev.
Feely will serve as interim council member until Ms. Rutherford's permanent replacement is chosen during an election scheduled for Feb. 5.
The six candidates running in the election are Carol Berz, Julie Chamberlain, Melinda Hickey, Rick Igou, Barbara Kelley and Charles Shaw.
In addition to Rev. Feely, the candidates seeking the interim appointment were Matthew Rivers and Donna Weeks.
Rev. Feely was sworn in by former City Judge Walter Williams.
Rev. Feely was pastor of Brainerd United Methodist Church until 2005.