Sgt. David Whitt, a 25-year veteran of the Athens Police Department, was chosen Ardmore’s new police chief Thursday by a vote of the joint councils of that state-line town.

“The councils voted for me, but we’re still in negotiations,” said Whitt.

If Whitt and the councils of Ardmore, Ala., and Ardmore, Tenn., can come to an terms on salary, Whitt will take over at the beginning of 2010 when long-time Police Chief William “Doc” Oliver retires.

There were two candidates for the job until Thursday when state Rep. Mac McCutcheon, R-Capshaw, withdrew his application because of questions about the ethics of holding two paying public offices.

“There were some political issues and some ethical,” he said. “My work in the Legislature is near and dear to me.”

McCutcheon had sought an opinion from Attorney General Troy King on the legality of holding both positions.

“I couldn’t get a firm yea or nay,” he said. “Unless it is above board and ethical the best thing to do would be to withdraw.”

Both McCutcheon and Whitt got their start in law enforcement at the Ardmore Police Department. McCutcheon went on to work for Huntsville Police and Whitt for Athens Police.

“On March 25, I had my 25th anniversary with Athens Police,” said Whitt. “This is where I got my start as a reserve officer for two years. I was hired in Athens by Chief Richard Faulk. This is like coming home to me. I still live up in this area.”

While at Athens, Whitt worked for three years in investigation and was a D.A.R.E. officer for many years. He is currently a patrol sergeant. He has been married for nearly 26 years to June Whitt.

“I’m glad for the community of Ardmore that this is over and they can move forward,” said Whitt. “This has been a long process and I think everyone is ready to move forward.”