Dear Santa

I just love this time of year! Everyone’s mind has turned from business to Christmas and it is a break that is certainly welcome. Like many others in Jefferson County, this is the time of the year that I write my letter to Santa.

Dear Santa,

I hope that this letter finds you and Mrs. Claus well. It has been an interesting year in Jefferson County, as I am sure that you are aware, but the pre and post election fervor seems to have quieted down a bit. This year I am asking for a new calculator for the finance office, with plenty of batteries. I would request a solar powered one but that would require more sunshine than we have in Jefferson County, apparently. Perhaps a lap top, too, if you can swing it. If not, maybe just a couple of tin cans and some string so they can communicate old school style. And speaking of schools, we really, really need some functional space for our Vocational classes. If possible, can you bring a couple of decent bids so that we can get on with the renovation process? I understand that we are being advised to take out around $8 million in bonds, so it would be great if you could bring everyone in Jefferson County about $1700 to cover the costs. Or, you could just bring us a new financial advisor to go along with our new Finance Director. That might be easier and would require fewer trips down the chimney.

Santa, I know that Dandridge wants a waterfront project, so please bring either some buildable land or rock climbing gear, whichever is easiest. Jefferson City got an early Christmas gift of liquor by the drink and retail package sales, so they are probably good for this year but White Pine could use a little space at their school ( I am relatively certain that they would gladly swap their “new” portable for an igloo or a sturdy cardboard box). Most of all, this Christmas, I am asking for a good definition of transparency for our governing bodies and those that receive tax payer funding. Because I cannot fathom why transparency is such an issue, I have decided that something is being lost in the translation between what tax payers expect and what we get. Maybe a good definition, written in stone, will help. As always, I look forward to your visit on Christmas Eve. Hopefully my name, and Jefferson County’s, is on your semi good list. Remember, we saved a place for you.

See you soon,

Kristin

All kidding aside, I hope that you and yours are blessed this Christmas. May your holiday be safe and happy! Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!