Washington Stalls Out – From the Editor’s Desk: A Local Legislator’s Call for Fiscal Responsibility

Dear Readers,

As both an elected alderman in the Town of Dandridge and the Editor-in-Chief of the Jefferson County Post, I have the unique vantage point of serving our community through public office and through the press. Throughout the year, I report on the Jefferson County Commission and work closely with our town’s budget process—an experience that has deepened my respect for the discipline and transparency required of local government.

That’s why I feel compelled to speak out on the troubling dysfunction in Washington, D.C.

At the federal level, our legislators have once again failed to pass the necessary appropriations bills—or even a temporary continuing resolution—to prevent a government shutdown. This isn’t just partisan gridlock; it’s a failure of leadership. While Congress stalls, local governments across Tennessee are held to a higher standard. By law, we must submit a balanced budget to the State of Tennessee by the end of our fiscal year. No extensions. No excuses.

In Jefferson County and Dandridge, this process demands months of collaboration, public input, and difficult decisions. We don’t get to walk away when consensus is hard. We stay at the table until the numbers add up and the needs of our citizens are met.

But the consequences of federal inaction don’t stop at the Capitol steps—they ripple into our local economy. If the government shuts down, so does the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited parks in the nation and a cornerstone of our regional tourism. We’ve seen this before: during the 2013 shutdown under President Obama, park closures led to canceled vacations, empty hotel rooms, shuttered restaurants, and lost revenue for small businesses that rely on seasonal traffic.

Here in Jefferson County, tourism isn’t just a bonus—it’s a lifeline. When the park closes, our local businesses suffer. Sales tax revenue drops. Families who depend on tourism dollars feel the strain. And all of this stems from a failure to do what we as local legislators are required to do every year: pass a budget and meet our fiscal obligations.

When Washington Shuts Down, East Tennessee Feels It

Flashback to 2013:
During the 16-day federal government shutdown under President Obama, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was forced to close its gates. The impact was swift and severe:

• $24 million in lost visitor spending across the region
• Thousands of canceled reservations at hotels, cabins, and campgrounds
• Local businesses reported revenue drops of 40–60% during peak season
• Sales tax collections dipped, affecting county budgets and public services

Why It Matters Today:
With another shutdown looming, the same risks apply. Jefferson County’s economy is tightly woven into the tourism fabric of East Tennessee. When the park closes:

• Tourists cancel trips
• Restaurants, shops, and attractions lose foot traffic
• Seasonal workers face reduced hours or layoffs
• Local governments lose critical sales tax revenue

Shut Downs since 2000

December 2000 – A brief shutdown occurred due to a delay in budget negotiations, but it was quickly resolved.

October 2013 – Lasted 16 days under President Obama, triggered by disputes over the Affordable Care Act.

January 2018 – A 3-day shutdown under President Trump, primarily over immigration policy and funding for Dreamers.

December 2018 to January 2019 – The longest shutdown in U.S. history, lasting 35 days, centered on funding for a border wall.

The Bottom Line:
A federal shutdown isn’t just a national issue—it’s a local crisis. For communities like ours, the consequences are real, measurable, and deeply felt.

I urge our federal leadership to take a page from local governance.

Tennessee’s congressional delegation has voiced strong support for keeping the federal government open, emphasizing the importance of stability and responsible governance. At a time when partisan gridlock threatens essential services, Tennessee’s leaders are urging Congress to follow the example set by local governments and the State of Tennessee—where cooperation and practical problem-solving take precedence over political gamesmanship. It’s a call for national leadership to prioritize the public good over party lines.

If small towns and counties can meet their responsibilities with integrity and accountability, surely Congress can rise to the same challenge.

Our communities deserve better. Our country deserves better.

Sincerely,
Jeff Depew
Editor-in-Chief, Jefferson County Post
Alderman, Town of Dandridge