Former educator and former chairman of the Limestone County Commission Johnny Black has withdrawn his name from consideration for appointment to the District 5 Athens City Council seat.

In Thursday’s News Courier Black’s name was listed as one of seven people who had applied for the seat vacated by Henry White, who was elected state House District 5 representative in the General Election.

However, Thursday Black said he did not “apply” for appointment to the council seat.

“A councilman, Johnny Crutcher, had asked me some time ago, even before the election, that if Henry was elected would I consider serving,” said Black. “I told him I would consider it if it was a consensus of the council, but in no way did I apply.”

Black said he does not care to be a part of a “political contest.”

“I am taking my name from any consideration,” he said. “I’m not interested in a political challenge at this time. There are many, many qualified persons in that district and I’m sure they’ll get a good one.”