From the left, State Rep. Robin Smith, R-Hixson; State Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain; Dr. Brad Bennett, Madison Roane, LeeAnn Roane, Marguerite Bennett, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Honorable Judge J.B. Bennett, State Rep. Esther Helton, R-East Ridge; State Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ootlewah; State Rep. Yasuf Hakeem, D-Chattanooga and State Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson.
The Hamilton County Legislative Delegation on Monday presented a resolution honoring the life of former Hamilton County Assessor of Property William C. “Bill” Bennett.
The resolution honored Mr. Bennett’s many accomplishments during his 36 years of public service to Hamilton County, including his terms as a county commissioner and assessor of property.
"Mr. Bennett was instrumental in implementing a county-wide ambulance service system and helped to improve fire protection services," officials said. "He helped guide the development of industrial parks in Hamilton County, as well as the Little Debbie Parkway. Later, he was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to the State Board of Equalization and served as the board’s chairman. Before entering local politics, Mr. Bennett served in the United States Army Reserve and as a sportswriter for the Chattanooga Times."
State Rep. Esther Helton, read the resolution on the floor of the House of Representatives at the State Capitol in Nashville, with Mr. Bennett’s family present.
The joint resolution was co-sponsored by State Representatives Patsy Hazelwood, Robin Smith, Yasuf Hakeem and Mike Carter, and State Senators Todd Gardenhire and Bo Watson.
“Bennett was a public servant of traditional values who cherished the relationships he made in the public sector, and he always remained true to his motto: 'Try to make a difference every day,' the resolution stated.