Letter To The Editor – Jefferson County Commission work session meeting…

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

“Letters To The Editor” do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Jefferson County Post nor any of its employees.  The Jefferson County Post does not underwrite any of the facts or situations mentioned in the letters.

Submitted by: Steve Hammer
AKA Plaintiff # 8 in the Open Records Complaint.

I just returned from last nights Jefferson County Commission work session meeting. I have high hopes that our new commission may be able to put petty differences aside and focus on the good of the county and represent each individuals constituents. This may be a lofty goal, or unreal expectations, but without hope there is little else.

A diatribe by one of our newly elected pertained to a recent article criticizing a planned “social outing” of a commissioners and other elected officials. This outing is being billed as a “friendly gathering” in order to get to know one another, an opportunity to establish friendships beyond the party lines. An outing with no political agenda nor any government discussions to be conducted. If only such a utopia existed. This event was planned prior to our inaugural work session by a select few of our commission. One would like to think that this event is truly a social gathering with (as was repeatedly asserted) NO political aspirations. This event is NOT a springboard to any commission seat or higher office. Yet, so many other positions within the county are not by election but by appointment. Positions within EDOC are appointed, not elected. Please remember that EDOC is a taxpayer funded, but somehow unaccountable government entity.

In February of 2011, members of EDOC, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and select commission members met at Chesapeake’s in Knoxville for a social outing. This outing and subsequent sunshine law violations led to the failed megasite project. Please note that the Chamber of Commerce is also taxpayer funded and is also an unaccountable government entity.

So you must understand that as a new commissioner you have placed yourself in the hot-seat of countywide distrust and wariness. Organizing an outing to make friends at this point is NOT an endeavor to alleviate any suspicion, If you wish to win the trust of the people and ensuing goodwill, then make EDOC and the Chamber of Commerce accountable to the taxpayers– ALL the taxpayers– of this county. Why should these two entities be the exception to the rule for this county.

Make them accountable to the taxpayers,THEN throw a big bash for leaders of this county. You’ll have earned it. Then this county can focus on moving forward. Let the party begin!!

Steve Hammer
AKA Plaintiff # 8 in the Open Records Complaint.