Jeffrey Wilson Drops Out Of City Council Contest
posted September 19, 2008
Former City Parks and Recreation Director Rob Healy picked up papers on Friday morning for a race for mayor.
He was first in line on the first day that candidates could get qualifying papers for the election in March.
However, Mr. Healy must still clear legal hurdles concerning whether he moved downtown from his former Ooltewah residence in time to qualify.
Mr. Healy said Friday, "I have received a tremendous amount of encouragement from so many people to run for mayor. That's why I'm going forward."
On the legal issue, he said, "It's hard for me to believe that the Election Commission would say that the city charter is not accurate. It clearly says the qualifying deadline is 12 months from the date of the election."
Also, County School Board Vice Chairman Jeffrey Wilson said he has decided not to run for City Council District 5.
He said, "I am announcing today my withdrawal from the District 6 City Council race.
"With a new baby in the home and with other obligations, this is not a good time for me to be involved. I look forward to serving the citizens of District 5 as a member of the board of education."
However, it is too late to take his name off the ballot.
Incumbent Council members Jack Benson, Manny Rico and Carol Berz picked up papers early.
Also doing so were two potential opponents of incumbent Linda Bennett - Joe Graham and Deborah Scott.
Remaining candidates for the seat formerly held by John "Duke" Franklin are Russell Gilbert and Joe Rowe.
Deborah Baker picked up papers to run for one of three open seats on the Collegedale City Commission.
The Election Commission, which meets Tuesday, will have to rule on Mr. Healy's eligibility.
Incumbent Mayor Ron Littlefield, who is planning to run again, had named Mr. Healy his parks and recreation director, but he later replaced him with Larry Zehnder while offering Mr. Healy his former post of director of Outdoor Chattanooga.
State Election Coordinator Brook Thompson earlier said, based on an opinion from City Attorney Randy Nelson, that Mr. Healy is not eligible to run for mayor of Chattanooga in the election next March.
However, Jerry Summers, attorney for the election office, said the ultimate decision would be made by a court.
Mr. Healy has lived in the city long enough if the criterion is by election time, but not long enough if the standard is by the qualifying deadline.
Officials said the standard as outlined in a federal court ruling that changed the makeup of city government is by the qualifying deadline.
However, that wording did not get transcribed into the charter and the city website still lists it as by the election, officials said.
Mr. Healy currently operates RH Apparel from a building at the Eastgate complex. He bought the former Honeycutt Sports apparel that was on Lee Highway.
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