News
Athens County Coroner Resigning
By: Steve Robb-Athens Messenger staff journalist
Posted on:
Athens County Coroner Harold C. Thompson has submitted a letter of resignation to the county commissioners.
Commission President Lenny Eliason said the commissioners are expected to act on the resignation Tuesday, and to appoint a temporary replacement until the Athens County Democratic Central Committee can name an interim coroner.
Thompson is a Democrat.
Thompson, who could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon, submitted a one-sentence letter to the commissioners which read: “This letter is to announce my intention to resign my position as the Athens County coroner as of the end of the day on Sept. 30, 2014.”
According to County Democratic Party Chairman Alan Trout, Dr. Carl Ortman has expressed interest in the position.
“It sounds like an opportunity to serve the community in another way, in another venue,” Ortman said.
According to Ortman, if he is appointed his only intention at this point would be to serve the remaining two years on Thompson’s term. He said he has not made a decision to seek election to the post.
Ortman is a physician with Athens Medical Associates.
Thompson was elected coroner in the November 2008 election, defeating Republican Todd Fredricks. Outgoing coroner Scott Jenkinson did not seek re-election.