Longtime Mayor David Bennett has resigned from office, prompting the city to schedule a special election to fill the vacancy on the same day as the Nov. 4 general election.
Bennett, who had served in Lookout Mountain city government for 16 years, announced his resignation during the Sept. 11 City Council meeting. He was the sole candidate on the ballot for re-election this year but has since withdrawn from the race.
City Manager Kenny Lee confirmed the resignation and said a special meeting was held Sept. 26 to formally accept Bennett’s departure and swear in Vice Mayor Arch Willingham as interim mayor through the end of the current term.
Bennett cited health reasons for stepping down.
City officials were caught off guard by the timing of the announcement. The city attorney worked with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office to arrange the special election.
Candidates interested in running have until 4:30 p.m. today to qualify. To enter the race, candidates must submit a notice of candidacy, a nomination petition with at least 50 signatures from registered voters in the district, and pay a $25 qualifying fee.