Denny Manning and Brent Lambert in happier times
East Ridge City Manager Scott Miller has reversed course on firing former Councilman Denny Manning as city chaplain.
Mr. Miller said in a letter to Mr. Manning on Monday, "My actions were harsh and, in this instance, out-of-line, and I sincerely apologize to you."
He said Mr. Manning, who is a preacher, is hereby re-installed to the unpaid city chaplain post.
The firing came after Mr. Manning said at the last council meeting that Mayor Brent Lambert was "a chicken" not to show up to face an angry crowd upset over a new board with the power to take rundown homes and businesses for redevelopment. The East Ridge City Council, in a special meeting on Monday, abolished the panel. Mayor Lambert had named all of its five members.
Mr. Manning, who was one of the highest votegetters on the council during his tenure, routinely gives the opening prayer at the commission meetings.
He served the maximum two terms, but is expected to make another race after sitting out a term.