I write this letter to commend Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp on his, well, commendable pick of Janie Parks Varnell to be the next Hamilton County attorney. I have known Ms. Varnell for over a decade. I worked very closely with her while it was my privilege to serve as the chief of Police of Chattanooga and we have remained friends since. Throughout that time, I have observed Ms. Varnell to possess exceptional professional qualifications and abilities, a dedication to fairness and justice, impeccable character and integrity, and an unwavering commitment to Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
During my time working with Ms. Varnell, I witnessed her consistently demonstrate a deep understanding and curiosity of the law, coupled with a remarkable passion and ability to apply it with fairness and integrity. Although we usually sat on opposite sides of legal issues, I always knew I could count on Ms. Varnell to be thoughtful, prepared, and to be able to expertly balance the interests of her client, her community, and the legal system. I have seen Ms. Varnell successfully navigate these demands in high pressure situations such as adversarial legal settings where she commands the respect of her client, her adversary, and the adjudicators of the system. Ms. Varnell’s efforts underscore her dedication not just to administering the law but to fostering a system that reflects the values and needs of her community.
Of Ms. Varnell’s many personal and professional qualities already noted above, one that really sets her apart is Ms. Varnell’s deep and abiding commitment to her community, a community which she loves intensely. A county attorney must rigorously protect individual rights, support the government organization for which she works, and help make the community they serve safer and more successful. Ms. Varnell’s sincere affection for her community - above herself - and the institutions which serve it ensures she will seek legal and practical solutions that are accessible and equitable for all and which protect both county government and the county itself.
In addition to her professional expertise, Ms. Varnell is a person of unimpeachable character. I have witnessed her approach challenging and complex situations with integrity, professionalism, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Ms.Varnell possesses a deep and unrelenting commitment to the rule of law which is mirrored by her profound and sincere loyalty to the rights, welfare, and well-being of all the people of Hamilton county.
I firmly believe Janie Parks Varnell has the leadership, temperament, vision, skills, and strong ethical compass needed to excel as county attorney. She brings a wealth of experience, tireless work ethic, and commitment to her community to this role, making her a tremendous asset to Hamilton County. I may be years and miles removed from Chattanooga and Hamilton County but my love for the community and the people who make it special burns in me unabated.
Janie Parks Varnell embodies the best of what makes Hamilton County special for so many of us. I look forward to seeing her successfully serve her neighbors in this important role.
Fred Fletcher
Chief of Police, Retired