Pinkston announces re-election bid, Boyd calls on him to resign

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – On the day that Neal Pinkston officially announces his re-election bid, a Hamilton County Commissioner asks him to resign.

Pinkston issued a release today saying he will seek a second term this spring.

In Tennessee, District Attorneys serve 8 year terms, the longest for elected D-A’s in the country.

“I did not take your faith in me lightly when you allowed me to be your District Attorney in 2014,” said Pinkston.

“I will continue to work hard and build on these accomplishments for the benefit of Hamilton County throughout my next term.”

He faces Sheriff’s Office attorney Coty Wamp in the Republican Primary on May 3rd.

But it was long time political foe Tim Boyd demanding that Pinkston resign today.

The Hamilton County Commissioner has dogged the District Attorney over violating nepotism rules by employing both his wife and brother in law in his office.

The state comptroller agreed and ruled that Pinkston must get rid of both.

Instead, he placed them on leave while he considers their ruling.

Boyd  used today’s commission meeting to call on Pinkston to act.

“I hope that D.A. Pinkston terminates his wife and brother in law immediately..not place them on paid leave as I understand he has done. And I do believe and especially ask for his immediate resignation, because I believe he’s failed the office.”

Boyd had asked Pinkston at a commission meting last May if he employed family members.

Pinkston replied “no.”

Boyd, who is leaving office this year, himself, freely admits that he is seeking retribution against the D.A. for an earlier investigation into the Commissioner spurred by a political opponent.

Boyd was later exonerated in that case.