cronyism and nepotism needs not exist

the ethics committee should not by staffed by sevier county officials

By Joe Karl
jkarl@theheraldnewspapers.com

published: June 27 2007 02:00 PM updated:: June 28 2007 10:30 AM

The county now has an ethics committee forced upon them by state law.

I wonder what is going to change.

For one thing, you would think members of this type of a committee should be made up of individuals that are not involved in this county in any manner.

That would eliminate any inference of a conflict of interest. It seems that all five of the positions are made up of county employees.

Also a majority of the county commissioners, their spouses or close relatives are employed by the county in one way or another.

That right there is more than an inference of a conflict.

At the commission meeting last week, one county commissioner spoke to the commission about personal project as if he were a citizen requesting a modification for a personal financial interest. He voted on his own personal matter.

That is a conflict as I understand the definition.

In another matter, a county sheriff deputy who is also a county commissioner, voted for a fellow officer to become the sheriff.

That is another conflict as I understand the definition.

Cronyism and Nepotism is a side of government that has been happening since the beginning of time. But to what degree, depends on the acceptance of the public. If the public outcry is great, cronyism and nepotism becomes a non issue.

It's not fair and now, to some extent, it's not legal.

It seems our county and the entire country is ready for a change.

Why should the citizens put up with it?

Senator Finney has published on his website the phone numbers of various government offices that protect the citizens from abuse.

One particular mention he has is the Unethical, illegal behavior of an elected official with a phone number of 1-866-416-4730.

I suggest you use it if you know of someone that is unethical or illegal behavior of an elected official.

Things are not going to change unless we speak out.

My ears are open and I'm ready to listen if you've got something to say.

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User Comments

#1 Carl commented, on June 28, 2007 at 6:57 a.m.:

Your right! The ethics board should be non county employees. Furthermore, I believe they should be elected by voters for a one term only, and not allowed to be a former employee or allowed to hold a county job for at least four years after they term ends.

#2 We're all idiots! commented, on June 28, 2007 at 8:03 a.m.:

The inmates are truly running the insane asylum!

I don't know what is more disgusting; the fact that the arrogant public officials figure we'll buy their line or the fact that the citizens follow blindly like lemmings as they're led to the cliff!

#3 John Taxpayer commented, on June 28, 2007 at 10:08 a.m.:

Let me take this time to remind you all that it was "YOU", the people of Sevier County that has put these people in office to start with. "YOU" that have tolerated 28 years of nepotism and zero growth and being under the control of STUCK ON STUPID and Larry Waters. "YOU" have let the Good Ole Boys run rough shod over the general public. The best part about "YOU" is that "YOU" can stop this madness at the ballot box. It is time for "YOU" to step up and clean out the litter box we call county commissioners and a county mayor. Dog Catchers are supposed to Catch Dogs, not appoint sheriffs and sit on ethics committes and deomonstrate cronyism in everyway. It is time for "YOU" to get rid of the Good Ole Boys so they don't keep using "YOU" like a rented mule and your children next. The time has come for "YOU" to step up to the plate and help "ALL OF US"!

#4 "WE"...not "YOU" commented, on July 4, 2007 at 6:29 a.m.:

I believe the word should be "WE" and not "YOU". Why? Because if "YOU" chose not to vote in the last election, "YOU" put these idiots into the office. If "WE" want a change, then "WE", as a community need to stand up and make some noise, get active in the community and make change happen. Change won't come about if "WE" don't make it happen. So,if "YOU" want to see some real positive change, quit whining,- and get busy working on making the change(s). If you don't like the commissioners, in the next election, get up away from the TV, leave work (by law you are afforded time to vote), get to your polling place and elect someone else. Go to the commissioner's meetings (every 1st Monday at 7pm). Get your voice heard!

#5 TO JK & JT commented, on July 23, 2007 at 3:25 p.m.:

Hey I know! Lets let Joe Karl and John Taxpayer (if they are even different entities) be the Ethics Commitee. I'm sure they would never dole out favors or put the screws to someone based on their own personal relationships.

#6 Ha commented, on August 21, 2007 at 9:53 a.m.:

So who are you, a county commissioner??? Or a relative of one??