Chattanooga council interviews three candidates for District 6 interim seat; vote to follow after recess

Chattanooga City Council on Jan. 28 heard five-minute presentations from three applicants for the interim District 6 seat left vacant by the death of Councilwoman Carol Burrs and scheduled nominations and a roll-call vote after a short recess.

The interviews matter because the interim appointee would represent District 6 during a roughly nine-week period before the March election, including ongoing local initiatives such as Midtown Connect and a planned study of the Airport Road area. Applicants answered questions about neighborhood engagement, Midtown Connect’s recent 501(c)(6) designation and efforts to reach marginalized residents.

Jenny Burrs, an applicant and daughter of the late councilwoman, said she applied to “ensure her legacy would carry on” and to continue projects already underway. Burrs described 15 years of community work and roles on the Mayor’s Council for Women and the Family Justice Center, and said she would prioritize accountability, transparency and constituent responsiveness if appointed. “It is essential that for the next 9 weeks, district 6 has a voice and that its concerns are addressed,” she said.

Mark Holland, who identified himself as…