Chairman John Eaves Resigns From Fulton County Commission

ATLANTA, GA -- Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves has stepped down so he can formally qualify for his bid to become Atlanta's next mayor. Eaves submitted his resignation Tuesday evening.

Fulton County District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis will serve as interim chairman of the board. Eaves is expected to qualify for the office of mayor Wednesday morning.

"It's amazing what we got done during the 10 years I was leading the state's largest county and its 1 million residents," Eaves said in a statement on his Facebook page. "Now that the county is safer, healthier, smarter and economically stronger, it is time for me to continue my service at City Hall."

Ellis, who lives in Milton, offered his "sincere thanks" to Eaves for his service to the county (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

"Together, we have launched key initiatives to improve county government and better serve our citizens," he added. "I assure you that those initiatives will continue in the months ahead as we work to improve the programs and services we offer in the state’s largest County. As interim chairman, I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and will welcome and ensure that the new chairman makes a smooth transition into their new position.”

Fulton County will hold a special election Nov. 7 to fill the remaining term, which expires Dec. 31, 2018. The Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections is expected to hold a special called meeting to formally call for the election and to establish the qualifying period.

Eaves first took office as chairman in 2007, and was re-elected in 2010 and 2014.

Image via Fulton County