Russell Gilbert, food service director at Parkridge Valley Hospital, has qualified to run for the City Council District 5 seat in November, and Hamilton County Election Commissioner Joe Rowe said he is thinking about a candidacy.

Mr. Gilbert, who touted his experience working with the Enterprise Gateway Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and other civic endeavors, said he is interested in issues such as economic development and education. He said people desire a representative who fights for their interests.

“I think I am that person,” Mr. Gilbert said.

Mr. Rowe said he will decide if he’s running for former Councilman John “Duke” Franklin Jr.’s District 5 seat after the Aug. 7 election.

“I’m taking it under consideration,” he said.

The full District 5 field will not be known for almost another month. The cut-off date to qualify for the Nov. 4 special election is Aug. 21 at noon, according to the Hamilton County Election Commission.

Mr. Franklin gave up the seat after being indicted on money laundering and other charges in a federal drug-related case. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The City Council appointed retired educator Luther Shockley to the seat in June. He will hold the seat until an replacement is selected in the November special election. After the Nov. 4 race, the seat will be up for a new four-year term in March.

Mr. Rowe, who retired as a productivity manager after 37 years with DuPont, said he would be required to resign his Election Commission position should he decide to run for the District 5 race.

As he considers a run, he cited his work with the Eastside Task Force’s “Weed and Seed” anti-crime initiative and other organizations.

Robert Schreane, former chairman of the North Brainerd Community Council, had said he would consider the race, but said last week that he has opted not to run. He said he will support Mr. Rowe should he run.

Cynthia Stanley-Cash, president of the North Brainerd Neighborhood Association, previously voiced interest in possibly seeking the seat. She could not be reached for comment.

District 5 includes the following voting precincts — Bonny Oaks, Dalewood, Eastgate 1, Kingspoint, Lake Hills and Woodmore, according to the city’s Web site.

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