Byrd quits courthouse career for city council
Anthony Byrd has had to choose between a 22-year career with the Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk’s Office and taking on his role as a newly elected Chattanooga city councilman.
On Wednesday, he chose serving those who put him in office after struggling with a city charter provision prohibiting an elected Chattanooga official from working for the county. His last day at the Criminal Court Clerk’s Office is April 10, he said.
“God took us this far, and if I have to give up 22 years with the courthouse, I will,” Byrd said. “District 8 needs change and improvement. I am going to show my obligation to the people who elected me to serve.”
Byrd, who unseated Moses Freeman in the March 7 election, said he didn’t plan it this way, expecting to con-
tinue working for the Criminal Court system. He said he was not aware of the rules preventing an elected city official from working for the county until he received an anonymous call two weeks ago. Since then, he’s been researching the issue with an attorney and expects to speak with City Attorney Wade Hinton very soon.
“No person, while holding any office or employment under the federal, state or county government, except the office of notary public, shall be eligible to any popularly elected office under said city government,” the Chattanooga city charter says.
Hinton could not be reached for comment.
Hamilton County Election Commission Chairman Michael Walden said it is his understanding that the city code does not prevent a county, state or federal employee from seeking an elected Chattanooga office, but draws the line at letting a person perform both duties once elected.
The Hamilton County Election Office does not keep a checklist of work-related eligibility requirements for candidates who seek office for Hamilton County, Chattanooga or the other nine municipalities within the county, Walden said.
Criminal Court Clerk Vince Dean praised Byrd’s hard work and service to his office.
“He’s a great person and he’s very personable,” Dean said