Hamilton Herald Masthead

Editorial


Front Page - Friday, February 28, 2020

Hamilton County legislators honor Bill Bennett




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, Judge J.B. Bennett, State Rep. Esther Helton (R-East Ridge), State Rep. Mike Carter (R-Ooltewah), State Rep. Yasuf Hakeem (D-Chattanooga) and State Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson) - Photograph provided

The Hamilton County Legislative Delegation on Feb. 24 presented a resolution honoring the life of former Hamilton County Assessor of Property Bill Bennett.

The resolution honored Bennett, who died in 2018, for his many accomplishments during his 36 years of public service to Hamilton County including his terms as a county commissioner and assessor of property.

Bennett was instrumental in implementing a countywide ambulance service system and helped to improve fire protection services. He also guided the development of industrial parks in Hamilton County and along Little Debbie Parkway.

Later, Gov. Bill Haslam appointed Bennett to the State Board of Equalization, where he served as chairman.

Before entering local politics, Bennett served in the United States Army Reserve and as a sports writer for the Chattanooga Times.

State Rep. Esther Helton (R-East Ridge) read the resolution on the floor of the House of Representatives at the State Capitol in Nashville with Bennett’s family present.

The joint resolution was co-sponsored by State Representatives Patsy Hazelwood (R-Signal Mountain), Robin Smith (R-Hixson), Yasuf Hakeem (D-Chattanooga) and Mike Carter (R-Ootlewah) and State Senators Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga) and Bo Watson (R-Hixson).

“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, which was ‘Try to make a difference every day,’” the resolution read.

Source: House Republican Caucus