Chris Clem, the former attorney for the election office, has been appointed to the Hamilton County Election Commission following the resignation of Tommy Crangle. Mr. Crangle left the Election Commission to run for the Tennessee House District 27 seat being vacated by Rep. Richard Floyd, R-Chattanooga.
Attorney Clem was appointed to the Election Commission by the Hamilton County Legislative Delegation after receiving a majority vote from the delegation members. Republican members were allowed to vote on the applicants. The Hamilton County Legislative Delegation is currently led by Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge. Rep. Dean has been serving as chairman of the Hamilton County Legislative Delegation since January 2013.
“We had several well qualified candidates submit their names for consideration, any of which would have done a stellar job as an Election Commissioner,” said Rep. Dean. “We appreciate those who expressed an interest and look forward to considering them again in the future.”
Attorney Clem stepped down from the attorney post at the election office in December. County Attorney Rheubin Taylor is now handling that role.
Attorney Clem is a lifelong Republican who has practiced law in Hamilton County since 1992 and is now a partner at Samples, Jennings, Ray and Clem. He served in the Tennessee General Assembly as representative for District 27 from 2000 to 2006 and also served as attorney for the Hamilton County Election Commission from 2006 to 2013. Mr. Clem earned his law degree, as well as a bachelor’s degree in accounting, from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
“I believe Mr. Clem is the perfect fit for this position and will bring a great deal to the table,” said Rep. Dean. “We are happy to welcome him to the Election Commission and wish him all the best.”
Rep. Vince Dean is seeking the GOP nomination for Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk.