posted December 2, 2008
 Randy Nelson |
He plans to spend more time with his family, including his wife, Carolyn, who has been ill.
He also will retire from the law firm of Nelson, McMahan & Noblett, which currently provides legal services for the city.
Attorneys in the firm serve as assistant city attorneys.
It will be up to the mayor and City Council to make the joint appointment of his successor.
The city attorney makes about $120,000.
Mr. Nelson, who turns 68 on Jan. 10, became city attorney on Jan. 1, 1990, upon the retirement of Gene Collins. He was then with the firm of Eugene Collins and Associates.
He is a native of Omaha, Neb., and he gained his law degree from the University of Tennessee School of Law in 1968.
He said in a retirement letter, "Forty years ago last April, fresh out of law school, I walked into the city attorney's office in Chattanooga. I was offered a position as special counsel, which upon the advice of attorney Arvin Reingold, I accepted. In 1990, I was appointed city attorney and have attempted to serve your predecessors, you and this city to the best of my ability in said position.
"The work has been intellectually stimulating, interesting, and always demanding. In perhaps no other area of law is there as diverse a number of issues and daily challenges touching almost all areas of the law.
"The work has never been boring, but the best thing about it is all the friendships developed with associates, co-workers, city employees and officials. I have accumulated memories and various stories about almost each and every one of you. I gladly count each of you as a friend with whom I have been privileged to serve the people of this fine city.
"As you know, this past year has been very difficult for my family and me. I want you to know how much we have appreciated your support during this period.
"I have been contemplating retiring for more than a year now, but something always seemed to come up to make it better to stay. Most recently, it was the Volkswagen startup which delayed my departure along with the bond issue about to be consummated. Those matters have now been largely accomplished and the time has now come for me to leave.
"I have very mixed emotions because I shall truly miss working with each of you. It is a life changing step, but one that I must take.
"Accordingly, I hereby submit my resignation from the office of city attorney to be effective Dec. 31, 2008, which will be my last day on the job and which resignation shall be effective that night at midnight."
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |