“It has been my esteemed pleasure and great honor to serve the citizens of Roane County as an elected commissioner from the 2nd District,” Hickman said in his resignation letter, which was addressed to Chairman Randy Ellis and County Executive Ron Woody. “I thank God for allowing me the strength and opportunity to follow my dreams of being a leader in the garden He has planted me in.”

 

Calls to Hickman’s cell phone went unanswered Thursday morning. In the letter he indicated he was resigning because he no longer lives in District 2.

 

“My journey in life has led me and blessed my family and I with a new home, which lies just outside of my district,” the letter said. “I pray to one day be able to once again take my seat at the table of legislators.”

 

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for May 10. However, in order to comply with the state law, Ellis said the Commission won’t be able to fill the vacant seat until its June meeting.

 

“It will be on the agenda for the June meeting to appoint someone to fill the unexpired term,” Ellis said.

 

The term will end on Aug. 31, 2022. Ellis said there will be a public hearing before the June meeting. People interested in the seat can address the Commission at that time.

 

“We’re looking for people who want to serve that live in the district to step forward,” Ellis said.

 

Ellis suggested anyone interested in the vacant seat should send a resume to Woody’s office.

 

“They’ll get them to me and we’ll get them submitted out to commissioners,” Ellis said. “It’s important that whoever wants to serve comes to that public hearing to address the Commission.”

 

Ellis, who also represents District 2, said he’s going to miss serving with Hickman.