I’ve known Janie for 10 years or so. I’m proud to call her a colleague and a friend.
I really got to know Janie well through her work with the Hamilton County Recovery Court. In that capacity, I saw her compassion and dedication for each individual client. I watched as she celebrated each success and worked to help remedy each setback. For client after client, Janie would go the extra mile, helping them to clear legal hurdles that stood in the way of their recovery.
And she did it all as a volunteer, sharing her time and legal expertise for free.
Beyond that, Janie has built a career providing legal services to all who need her, especially police officers. It’s easy to forget that those who put on a uniform and go to work keeping their communities safe are also ordinary people who sometimes need the help of an attorney. From routine legal matters to complicated pension disputes, Janie has established something of a niche for herself in being someone who police officers can turn to in their time of need, confident that she understands the intricacies of their cases and their specific legal requirements.
Janie is a special person and an outstanding attorney. When I read on Chattanoogan.com that Mayor Wamp was considering nominating her to serve as the county attorney, I immediately knew she would do a fantastic job.
Janie would be an excellent choice.
Ted Engel
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I am heartened by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp’s decision to appoint Janie Varnell as the next county attorney, and believe the proposed transition plan is a sound idea that will benefit all parties involved.
Ms. Varnell enjoys a sterling reputation for her professional work, as well as for her civic involvement across the greater Chattanooga community. Once she’s in office, Hamilton County residents will be able to stand confident that their interests will be represented honorably and tenaciously.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Varnell for more than a decade, and while as a friend I am pleased to see her star continue to deservedly rise, as a Chattanoogan I am glad that someone of her professional caliber and personal character will be doing the work of the people.
Thank you, County Mayor Wamp, for making such a strong appointment, and thank you, county commissioners, for taking the appointment under consideration. It is my hope that this matter will be resolved as expeditiously as possible.
David Martin
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I have had the privilege of knowing Janie Parks Varnell for over 25 years. I know her community-centric heart, and dedication to the law. I have also had the pleasure of knowing her parents, Steve and Diane, who taught her by example with the hearts of public servants. Commissioners, I implore you to give her your deepest consideration for the next county attorney.
Janie’s extensive law background includes accolades such as the managing attorney for the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Police Benevolent Association, a passion developed watching her father lead the Chattanooga Police Department.
Hamilton County deserves an attorney who brings expertise, a moral compass, and fresh perspective. She is of the most upstanding character. Her dedication to the community started in her youth and led her to an impressive career. Hamilton County deserves her as our next county attorney.
Katy Whittle
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I write to express my enthusiastic support for Janie Varnell as the proposed appointee for Hamilton County attorney. Janie has dedicated her career to serving others, whether through her legal expertise representing those in need or her volunteer work empowering underserved women to confidently present themselves for job interviews. Her intellect, fairness, and no-nonsense approach make her uniquely qualified for this critical role.
While I understand that discussions surrounding this appointment have touched on broader issues, such as sunshine laws and existing contracts, I urge the county commissioners to focus on the qualifications and character of the candidate before them. Janie Varnell exemplifies the values of service, professionalism, and integrity that are essential for this position.
I encourage the commissioners to approve her appointment, recognizing the excellent leadership and expertise she will bring to Hamilton County in this role.
Danna Bailey