posted June 23, 2008
Former City Parks and Recreation Director Rob Healy is eyeing a race for mayor, but first he must clear up a qualification issue.
Mr. Healy said in a May 6 letter to election office attorney Jerry Summers that he moved downtown in February "and now I am more enthusiastic than ever over the possibility of running for the office of mayor."
He said he wanted to make sure he met the qualification requirements, saying there appears to be some conflict in the requirements.
Mr. Healy moved into town on Feb. 28, which would be more than a year before the March 3 election.
But attorney Summers said under the Brown V. City case in 1990 there was reference to a requirement that the residency be based on the time of qualifying.
Brook Thompson, the state election coordinator, has written City Attorney Randy Nelson asking him for an opinion on which date should apply.
Mr. Healy would be opposing incumbent Mayor Ron Littlefield under whose administration he was fired in 2006.
The City Council voted in April 2006 to uphold his termination as parks and recreation director.
Mayor Littlefield said he had offered to let Mr. Healy return as Outdoor Chattanooga director at no reduction in pay. Mr. Healy went before the council, making allegations against the mayor and saying he had been fired.
Another person mentioned as a possible mayoral contender, County Commissioner Jim Coppinger, said he is focusing on his County Commission role.
The former city fire chief said, "I have been humbled by the people from all walks of life who have asked me to consider running for mayor."
Mr. Healy is represented by attorney Jim Haley.
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