Guest Editorial: Steve Hammer

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The following is a guest editorial by Steve Hammer, member of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Board and local entrepreneur. 

After months of watching the public unrest, due to the commission’s actions in regard to cuts to emergency services and improperly posted beer permits, I would like to offer the following suggestions. Some “guidance,” if you will.

A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE COUNTY COMMISSION OF JEFFERSON COUNTY TENNESSEE, HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS TO RECEIVE PUBLIC INPUT ON BASIC EMERGENCY SERVICES AND BEER PERMITS.

WHEREAS, the citizens of Jefferson County deserve to have direct input into the budgeting process and issuance of beer permits proposed by the County Commission, and

WHEREAS, cuts to emergency services and issuing of beer permits that may be undertaken by the County Commission could have a direct impact on specific communities and the quality of life in Jefferson County generally, and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Jefferson County may be required to bear the burden of costs related to decisions made reducing emergency services and improperly issued beer permits by the County Commission, and

WHEREAS, the citizens of any community in Jefferson County, deserve to be made aware of any proposed reduction of emergency services and issuance of beer permits that may be under consideration for that community prior to initiation of said proposal.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the citizens, this day and everyday, to the County Commission as follows:

SECTION 1: That the County Commission of Jefferson County, Tennessee is urged to hold open, public meetings to seek input and public opinion prior to proposing any reduction to emergency services or issuing beer permits in Jefferson County.

SECTION 2: That the County Commission of Jefferson County, Tennessee is urged to hold its public input meetings at a venue that is in close proximity to the areas affected by the proposed reductions and locale of the beer permit and at a time that will maximize convenience for citizen attendance.

SECTION 3: That upon approval of this resolution and its signing, the Board of Commissioners of Jefferson County direct the County Clerk’s Office to transmit a copy of this resolution to each seated member of the County Commission of Jefferson County, Tennessee.

So it will remain to be seen if citizen input is important to the County Commission in ANY aspect other than attempting to suppress potential economic development.

The citizens await your answer.

Steve Hammer

Source: Steve Hammer, Guest Editorialist