Me; How are you handling the complaint from a homeowner who called about the Optimist Club members constantly parking on top of his drain fields.
Godfrey; I passed it on to the Optimist, they told me they’d take care of it. They have to have a chance to fix it. I have to give them an opportunity to take care of it.
Me; Did you vote on the zoning of the county?
Godfrey; Yes I did.
Me; Did you know there is nothing marked commercial on Hwy 411.
Godfrey; That’s what the commission did.
Me; As I understand it in the beginning you were given maps and asked to mark areas that you thought should automatically be zoned as commercial – so I take it you didn’t think Floyd’s Market, The Seymour Business Park, the Race Track or countless other properties were not commercial?
Godfrey; We were told that anything along the major roads would be marked commercial.
Me; In regards to the Optimist Club and that fiasco, do you think they are compiling with their lease?
Godfrey; They told us they could run it as a park and they told us they needed practice fields and the last time I talked to them that’s what they said they were using it for.
Me; But the lease says it’s specifically suppose to be a community park and they’ve had it now for how long?
Godfrey; But Joe you know they work with volunteers, they’re not full time parks and recreation people, they are doing what they can, they are keeping it mowed, they’re working on it, they have plans for it. Bower field didn’t pop up over night.
Me; What do you think about all that development by your house.
Godfrey; There’s nothing I can do about it. He started work before zoning went in. He turned over dirt so he can put in what he wants to put it. He’s within his rights.
Me; What do you know about the ethics committee.
Godfrey; What are you asking about it?
Me; Do you think its effective?
Godfrey; It can be.
Me; Even Jetti said it’s a joke, cause they don’t have any power to do anything.
Godfrey; Well, once they get it organized. When you first start out it takes a while to get organized to get everything in place. They’re learning so I say lets give them an opportunity to work out the kinks.
Me; The commission voted on the new building inspector, Chris Jenkins.
Godfrey; That’s who was recommended. Usually if the committee recommends someone, they do the interviews, they looked at the resumes and if no one has any objections, why should we not vote for them.
Me; What do you think about Max Watson;
Godfrey; I like Max Watson.
Me; I mean at the last commission meeting, he wasn’t able to ask a question.
Godfrey; Larry felt he was out of order.
Me; What if you had a question to ask?
Godfrey; I think I would know the proper place to do that – and it’s not there.
Me; Where would that be?
Godfrey; I could go and sit in Larry’s office or the Sheriff’s office and ask them. I think you should go by Robert’s Rules of Order. We have an agenda and we try to follow it and if I think Max has a question he should go to Larry or the Sheriff to address it.
Me; And what about Rob Lowe.
Godfrey; You mean Brad Lowe. A motion was made and seconded and that ended the meeting. I think there again, there’s a proper place to do things. If he has problems with things he needs to address them in a correct form.
Me; How would that be since I understand he’s addressed everyone but no one seems to listen.
Godfrey; I think there is a proper place to do things.
Me; But not there.
Godfrey; Yeah there, if you have a litigate question and not just killing time, you need to address the commission and get placed on the agenda and tell what you have to talk about.
Me; What’s the rules now to get placed on the agenda?
Godfrey; You have to ask and tell them why. Talk to Larry Waters or Curtis Henry to get put on the agenda.
Me; Anything else going on? Anything you want me to write about for you? Something Positive?
Godfrey; I don’t think you have a positive thought.
Me; That’s interesting, I’m sorry you feel that way. You are probably upset because of the articles printed that so many people in the North Knob Creek area are so upset with you and Bill Oaks and Buster Norton. The stories were just what the public was relating. Over 100 upset citizens met several times to try and get it changed.
Godfrey; Maybe people tell me things differently.
Me; That is exactly why it would be a good idea for you and the other local commissioners to hold regular meetings to keep the public informed of what’s going on. Had you done that I believe the NKC group would not have been blind-sighted.
Godfrey; But you are the one that says we’ll be breaking the Sunshine Law.
Me; That’s absolutely untrue. I’ve been a big proponent of commissioners being more involved with the local community.
Godfrey; We’re just trying to do the best we can for Seymour and Sevier County. That’s all we can do.
Me; Great, that’s all I’m trying to do. Let’s work together. That’s why I think local commissioners should keep the public informed on a regular basis. Had that been the case, I do believe there would not be a major group of people against what the local commissioners are doing regarding the Optimist Club.
Godfrey; Joe I listen to my public and they talk to me and I know both sides.
Me; I believe I also know both sides, including what the person that recently called you about his drain field getting damaged. He said after calling at least a couple of times, you basically gave him lip service. I’ve heard that several times.
Godfrey; That’s his opinion. I called the Optimist and told them of the complaint. That’s all I can do.
Me; What if you went to Larry and asked him to write an official letter to the Optimist stating they are not complying with their lease and they either need to comply or vacate.
Godfrey; But we also have to allow them time.
Me; Ok, but how much time do they need. It’s been going on for months. I don’t know why you guys want this thorn in your side.
Godfrey; It’s not a thorn in our side, it’s a thorn in the Opimist side. They have the problem and they need to resolve it.
Me; No, because the commission leased the property to them and you need to enforce the lease.
Godfrey; Listen, I’ve got to go.
Me; When can we talk about this and other things?
Godfrey; Well, this is a grocery story and I don’t have my calendar. Call me.
Me; When should I call you.
Godfrey; Give me a call.
And she walked off.
I have called Godfrey at her home and at Seymour Middle School, where she works. I am still waiting to talk with her.
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User Comments
Judy Godfrey is one of the sweetest women I have ever met, I can assure you she has no hidden agenda, she is doin what she thinks is best for Seymour. She may not want to talk to you for a reason. It would be commical if you attempted to deal with her late husband, who was a good man, the way you have attempted to deal with Judy. You'de get the horns.
First, it is sad that the press can't even get an interview or discussion with a county commissioner without just a chance meeting in a store. "Godfrey; Joe I listen to my public and they talk to me and I know both sides." Think about that statement: I listen to "MY PUBLIC" - that says it all. She doesn't listen to THE public, she only listens to HER PUBLIC. Godfrey talks about Roberts Rules of Order: she should know that Max had been duly recognized to speak according to Roberts Rules of Order and the mayor was the one that was out of order in shutting down that discussion. "Godfrey: A motion was made and seconded and that ended the meeting." That is almost correct except that she forgot that after a second on any motion (according to Roberts Rules of Order) a VOTE must be held. That was not done that night - they quickly adjourned without a vote so they could avoid the questions. "Godfrey: if you have a litigate question and not just killing time, you need to address the commission and get placed on the agenda and tell what you have to talk about." That is precisely what commissioner Watson and Mr. Lowe did - and they were ignored by the commission. Ms. Godfrey doesn't get to decide who is "just killing time." Ms Godfrey should be ashamed of herself rather weak attempt to justify the county commissions' actions. Her answers make little sense as there is no real justification for such refusal by a governing body to shield itself from public questioning. The commissioners are running scared because they know they are wrong and not following the rules. Being a "sweet woman" has nothing to do with it.
Run against her then if you think you can beat her. Maybe you did and got beat like a dog.
If memory serves me correct, when Joe Karl ran for office, Judy had her entire family, even her son and daughter in law from Florida come up and campaign for her because she was so sure she was going to loose. She only won because of name recognition - she is one of the worst commissioners. I'm pushing for Joe Karl to run again and this time, he'll win if he runs. Figure it out for yourself. He is the only one that will print the truth about what's going on. He calls it like he sees it. Just like you do. But the commissioners only do what they feel like they want to do. They don't have Seymour's best interest in mind. Just look at the history of their lousy actions, or lack thereof. They won't even talk to you.
We would all be better off if citizens would not vote for people based on the fact that they are sweet people or according to what church they go to. All elected and appointed officials should be judged on their ability to perform the particular job that is required of them. So many of our commissioners and appointed officials may be great people but fail us miserably in their job simply because they are unqualified to do that job - it was strictly nepotism that gave them the position. When someone is appointed or elected because of name recognition or some other unjustified criteria, we all loose. Keep hammerin Joe.
Well, i'm pretty sure that either Joe or his wife posted #4 and #5 and if memory serves me correctly Joe got his rear end handed to him, and of course his family will help her campain. Her son will probably run in the 6th district one day too. Joe by all means you have every right in the world to run, I encourage you or whoever to run for commissioner, but if you lose quit being a crybaby and take it like you have a set. Mrs. Godfrey would probably speak with a respected member of the media.
sorry "her family will help her campain"
Does anyone know, are the Cannons and the Godfreys related? Just wondering....if the answer is 'no' - figure
If being 'sweet' qualified me for a position in county government, I'd be in office today - but, not the case if you are a strong, fair, honest and independent individual, what do these women do and how do they carry on when there's not a man around with 'horns'?
Added to the above post might be something to consider - if that answer is 'yes', you'll have the reason for the question. Kudos to Joe Karl for taking any opportunity he finds to ask direct questions - if he has to cover a woman on the run, sobeit - if the interview, as usual, is skripted because of requirement of posting Commissioners in advance as to what subject a person wishes to speak, this tells you most can't respond on the spur of the moment and have problems thinking while seated! Too much pressure gets tough, but it all boils down to the job being more important or greater than most recognize, especially those who didn't stop to think whether or not they were qualified. Foremost, missing is the thought 'what I can do for the citizens of this county' but,'what can the county do for me?'
Most of the commissioners don't like questions from the public and they hate questions about what happened to our taxpayer money. They almost always find a way to dodge the question and not answer. It is tough to justify the corruption and nepotism that goes on in Sevier County, they would rather that you not ask. They all look absolutely dumbfounded when someone asks them a serious financial question. They have to lie, the truth might put them in jail. Their day will come soon enough. The corruption is just too widespread and regular to cover up much longer.
Did she have her flip flops on or just her lying jacket and high heel snake skin sneakers?
"But we also have to allow them time..."
Translation: we don't plan on doing anything about it until someone forces us.
Has the question been answered as to is really benefiting most by the Optomists' venture and the Lease acquired from the County? It takes time to sift through these matters and those looking for personal gain know that - it takes time for a newly elected commissioner to get into the swing of things under the manipulation of the Mayor but most soon fall into their specific place. There is a place for each and this is all thought out, always putting the weight on three out of a five-man committee members appointed by the Mayor who can always vote his way,this began around 1988-1989 if you read the history/Minutes closely. When a few of these commissioners are interrogated and faced with lying to an authorative figure they will dance a different tune than when asked a question by a citizen. One Commission after another will tell you that 'they would just go in and sit down and have a friendly conversation with the Mayor and ask pertinent questions - that may work for a Commissioner, for he is expected to accept the answer given and think nothing more of it - but, it doesn't work for the average citizen, for to do so one would first have to have confidence in and be able to believe the answers they were given to the question - how many of you feel comfortable or believe it is worth your while to do what Ms. Godfrey says she would do in preference to bringing a matter before the full commission.By this practice, they are able to conceal their incompetence and it is working to the extent that the citizens will allow it to continue. There is no such thing as getting a subject before this group for discussion - you first have to have an interest in the subject, have the ability to think for yourself, have a reasonable ability to express yourself if you have an opinion - most don't give a damn to begin with, can't think, couldn't speak without embarrassing themselves - that's what you got serving the County Government. If you can mope around, grin from ear to ear, laugh a little now and then, stay awake, act like you know what the subject is and are able to recognize the speaker and stay awake long enough to tune in your mind rather than think about getting home for a meal and go elsewhere one might get some discussion a'goin long enough to see what opinions and interests these commissioners have, whether or not they have the ability to do the job their district elected them to do. First class citizens have the right to have 'first-class representatives', looking to the people they work for and not satisfying their greed, desire for power and down-right stealing! Count 'em on your fingers & toes, what do you come up with - if you can name five you're doing well!
Put your money were your mouth is and run for office then. I'm tired of people whining on these forums, take action besides whining like school children and take action and run for office. The Godfreys have no family here
Joe's questions seem straight on. They don't appear insulting. One thing is certain, this woman's responses were extremely defensive. She doesn't really seem competent as a community "leader." She must be a flunky to the status quo.
Noone will be chipper when s[eaking to someoene who has attacked thier character. I'm not saying our commisiners are the greatest just saying Mr. Karl isn't held in very high regard in most places, I bet this post won't be here long.
please come to the emergency meeting on the 17th of April to see how your county is managed. The Mayor is trying to subdue anyone that may have a voice, speak now you may not be able to later.
The Mayor isn't trying to subdue any voice... He HAS subdued the voice. Every type of county government conducts meetings under a BASTARDIZED version of Roberts Rules of Order with a strict adherence to NEVER opening the floor to the public. By NEVER opening the floor to the public, the government officials guarantee that they never have to answer to the general public in public. This permits them to give lip-service to each person privately while doing nothing for the public good. After all, if the public heard the answer to tough questions in a public forum then they would see how pitiful our sections of government truly are.
Opening the floor to the public should be an honorable thing. Unfortunately it is a rarity designed to silence the public.
One big issue regarding Ms. Godfrey is that she has been telling her district voters that she knows nothing about the ribs. Max Watson passed out copies of the invoices to all the county commissioners showing that Waters approved the Sheriff's purchase of hundreds of dollars worth of ribs for the sheriff's department. Inmates don't eat ribs, but look at the size of the Sheriff and his crew. Ms. Godfrey is not being up-front about her attempt to help the Mayor and Sheriff cover this up.
Call Judy and ask her some questions. Remember, she works for you. It's not the other way around. Call Judy today!
Phone - 573-9790
The "nice lady" will surly take your calls and talk to you.
Joe Karl kudos to you I am glad there is someone like you here in Seymour. No one else will take a stand up to the cruption here in Seymour. Our Commissioners are the worst for condoning the under cover Sunshine Law. You are the man to bring these people out and clean up Sevier County once and for all. I know they are like "Birds of a Feather always Flock together". There are plenty of good people here Ms.Godfrey is replaceable and as I read the above she did low ball the questions that was handed to her. Where is Buster Norton why is he not doing the job he has as a Commissioner. Talk about "Ribs" I see very few elected officals that do not go hungry. Sevier County Sheriff Dept. should demand all our deputies and others be physically fit to do their jobs. It would not only benefit us but more important their on self. As for the rest of the Good Ole boys. What goes around will come around and you know who you are, what goes up does come down. Joe I wish you well and if you run I will give you my Vote.
Just remember "YOU" voted all these Interrelated Clowns into office over the years. Keeping Larry Waters in Office for 30 years demonstrates "YOUR STUPIDITY" not ours!
Remember the Sevier County White Caps? It is "YOUR" documented history. I guess you will just never learn!
http://dlc.lib.utk.edu/f/fa/fulltext/251...
what utopia are you from?
I'm wondering....did Joe tape record this conversation? If not, how can we be sure these are accurate quotes? Joe has been known to "stretch the truth" and put his own "two cents worth" in to preach his agenda. Not only should you question Judy, but you need to question Joe. We all know he has an agenda here. Take a moment and read some of his articles...many of them have statements added that bias and slant the news in the direction he wants it to go. Sometimes articles here are actually advertisements for Michelle's real estate business. Be careful; read EVERYTHING with a critical eye....don't believe everything you read. Think for yourself and question everything.
Several of my neighbors have tried to meet with Commissioner Godfry. She is good at making promises, but has too many late excuses for not attending.
Not sure who to vote for next election, but I will not vote to reelect anyone.
#25
If you have lived here in Seymour all your life then you know what is right and wrong. What Joe Karl has said makes "Common Sense" and given the system here in Seymour or Sevier County how can you make a statement that he is given false information when he is the only person willing to stand up for the people here in Seymour. Everytime someone tries to do some good and get to the truth people like you try to discourage others to do what is right. The right thing is to join Joe and spread a little Sunshine were it has been hidden for many years. There is such thing as a Sunshine Law and there are many high and mighty who do not abide by it especially in Sevier County. I for one would like to see it all unfold what a day of taking down the good ole boys and having new people run the system in Sevier County. I would like to see our Superintendent have to run for office not be appointed by his buddies. It is time to make changes and it will only happen if everyone will take a stand and stop being afraid of stepping on toes to get it done. Look at Knox County they came down by the Sunshine Law and yes I have heard so many people right here in Seymour/Sevier County talking about how good it is to see them brought down. Well lets see all the people come together and do the same. Can you honestly tell me #25 you think our Commissioners and elected officals are doing a fine job overall I am talking of Sevier County as a whole????
I can honestly say that Joe Karl is an idiot. I can say I would love to see Jackie Parton yo have to run for election, I can honestly say I would love to see Larry Waters get beat but you can't hitch your wagon to Joe Karl, Gary Cate or Brad Lowe and get it done. It starts with term limits, things need to be shaken up in Sevier County, we need zoning and codes enforcment, commisiners aren't going to make that happen because it will increase taxes and that is a sure way to get beat. 95% of our commisiners are in it for the extra $400 a month and the free family care insurance, reduce the monthly paycheck by 50% and give them individual coverage and lets see who sticks around to help the citizens.
#10
The 25% tax increase was suspose to go to the Sevier County Schools for supplies. Right only 2% went to the Schools. And the rest went to hire new jobs, one was a transportation Coordinator " whichis also a County Commissioner. We already have a Transportation Superivisor. So that was wasted money of our tax dollars. Money went to hire new help at the bus garage. ummm I would like to know if any of the men who work on the buses in Sevier County are Certified, all bus drivers have to be certified every year in order to keep their licenses. They have to take a drug test and physical, attend safety classe also attend CPR training. How many mechanics do we have are certified to work on the buses??? Remember these buses carry precious cargo 5 days a week twice a day.
To # 27
I HAVE lived here all my life, and I do know the difference between right and wrong....but does Joe? I don't think so!
You missed my point, # 27. My point was that you cannot blindly follow Joe. He has an agenda and will say and do anything to promote it. A true journalist does not inject his/her own opinions into a news article...Joe does. Look through the archives. How may articles have an unnamed source in them?? I'll tell you who the unnamed source is...Joe. When I called him out for doing that he deleted my posts. When I pointed out in the forum that he was promoting a property that Michelle was selling, and he wrote it as if it was a news article, he deleted my post again. Look at the "news article" about the February School Board Meeting. He inserts his opinion about field trips. That is not reporting the news...it is editorializing.
Joe is just like Billary. He will say anything to get his slant out there. Not a one of them, Joe, Hillary, and Bill would know the truth if it reached up and bit them in the butt!!
My point is to think for yourself. Don't blindly believe what Joe tells you.
Folk, You need to remember that there really is only one creditable newspaper in town, and it sure is not the Mountain Mess! Ms. Godfrey is noting more than a face setting on a Board of Commissioners controlled by the Larry Waters machine. Also, what about the female inmate that Mr. Lowe was talking about before the Commission illegally adjourned . If you are a church goer in this County and consider yourself a Christian, then ask yourself ,"are we our brothers keeper?" No one said that they (inmates) should get ribs for dinner or HBO, but come on a woman getting sprayed in her vagina intentionally with pepper spray by a male corrections officer? I think there are two standards in place here in Sevier County-the I'm in control group and the slave group.
You seem to think that all of us are imbeciles. We can read. We can all decide for ourselves. We also know that everyone, including you, has an agenda. Joe’s is open and up front. His opinion about what’s happening in the county and particularly in Seymour is also supported by a large number of recent residents along with those that have lived here all their lives. What is your agenda? Why are you so against those opinions? You seem to be very upset that Joe doesn’t agree with your opinion and doesn’t follow your belief. Why don’t you run for office so you can put a moratorium in place that would keep all new people and businesses out of the county? Instead of attacking people, why not change the system? Or are you part of the problem: You agree with keeping the same lame ducks in office forever promoting nepotism, favoritism, cronyism, and illegal governing of the people?
If the citizens incorporated Seymour we could control growth locally instead of everyone in Sevier County making decisions about Seymour.
At the rate it's growing Seymour will soon be in the city of Knoxville or Sevierville.
#1 Justanopinion commented, on April 9, 2008 at 9:32 p.m.: Judy Godfrey is one of the sweetest women I have ever met, I. . . . . That's the problem we need to elect commissioners that pass the "SMELL" test not the "TASTE" test from kissing their behinds! That's how you hapless fools got stuck with Larry waters for 30 years. He doesn't have good taste either! By the way, in the English language there is no such word as "You'de" !
To #32
If you will go back and read my posts you will notice that I never said I agreed with the way things are run in Sevier County. Shoot, I voted for change in the sheriff's race! Personally, I think we have a HUGE mess in Sevier County, but I NEVER said anything about staying with the same old, same old....You, like Joe, are misinterpreting and adding your own little twist to the words I wrote!!
I am ONLY saying not to follow Joe blindly. I ACTUALLY took some journalism courses in college, unlike Joe. I know a real reporter does not slant the story by adding their own opinion; Joe does that repeatedly. I have no problems with Joe stating his opinion ON THE EDITORIAL PAGE, afterall it IS his paper. But when he slants a NEWS story, I have to speak up. There are MANY people who read something and automatically think it is the truth, without using their own brain. And since when is pointing out the truth attacking a person? If Joe so freely prints his opinions he should be ready for the barrage of differing viewpoints, not whine about it or delete them.
BTW, my agenda is the truth and doing things the right way. In my opinion, Joe shows a lack of character by slanting the news items he prints in his paper to push his own agenda. He comes across as not trustworthy and a dishonest person. He appears to be very bitter about his loss in the election for county commissioner, and he is taking it out on everyone. For someone in his position as a newspaperman, to be throwing his weight around like he does....NOW that is scary!! If you think about it he is as corrupt as SOME of the very people he is trying to discredit! What he is doing is just plain wrong!
You sound extremely bitter. Do you think all people are stupid except you. And only you can read and comprehend? What is your problem? You need to get help. I'll pray for you. It seems that you have some hidden agenda. You are doing nothing but trashing Joe Karl. Save you energy. Do yourself and the readers a favor. Get help. Why don't you start your own newspaper and spread your own perfect articles with perfect reporting and practice what you preach. This article is about Commissioner Godfrey.
To #36
I'm praying for you too.
To #36
Hope you can do something about your anger issues.
<p>I have had enough of the commissioners to last me a lifetime. I have spent the past year trying to get the commissioners to realize they made a mistake when they gave the land to build a ballpark on Knob Creek Road. Not only did they violate the Sunshine law but then they lied about it. Or at least someone lied because they told 4 different stories and they are all on tape. Not only did they lie but then they attempted to get the county attorney to represent the Optimist Club in their lawsuit with the North Knob Creek Association. This was done by Buster Norton in a meeting in Larry Waters office on March 10th. The meeting was closed door. That is a violation because Buster told everyone in the hallway that he was going to go see Larry specifically for that reason. Time and place Judy? The time and place is in the public forum of the commissioners meetings. Otherwise your meetings to the public are a farce. You are deciding issues with the facts. You are deciding issues before you come into the meeting. You are deciding issues out of the public eye. There will be two candidates that come out of the North Knob Creek area to run in district 9. I know that for a fact. Both of them are leaders and will stand up to them. I know that because they have already stood up to them. If people from Knob Creek and Cherokee Hills vote then it will be a landslide to get them out of office. As far as Joe Karl goes, he is the first one to rock the boat a little. Maybe there is an agenda or maybe even he dislikes Judy Godfrey but it is hard to dispute the facts, especially when it is on tape. He records everyone, that is a fact. If you have trouble believing it just go to his office and ask to hear them.</p>
I would like to ask a simple question. I may not be from around here, however I why do you people pay Larry Waters over $100,000 a year to screw you over and why have you been doing so long. Is that what you folks call a Southern Thing? Sure looks like stupidity to me, but I not from around here, Thank God!
Call your senator, your congressman and the FBI and TBI.
Some one needs to come here and arrest all the criminals who claim to work in our best interest!
God help us!
#41, Voter makes a good suggestion. Until someone with authority, State Comptroller assisted by the TBI, or, the Justice Department assisted by the FbI, investigates and prosecutes the thieves, those who misuse county assets in any respect, the County citizens will get no relief.
Remember, 'the squeaking wheel get the grease', call, all, call - write email again, again and again - it will get to be very old between now and the time of the next election, perhaps we can get some relief.
The hotline for reporting waste, fraud & abuse is 1-800-232-5454, make a call today!
Maybe Commissioner Godfrey could be asked by Joe Karl next time - what does she know about the 'operations' within the School System. Does she have any affiliation with the School Board for the County, who selects the Director of Schools, does she think the entire school program is operated to the best interest of the citizens of Sevier County. Bet you she would duck these questions, does she know one person has 'handled' - as managing to work two full-time jobs, unusual as this may appear to be physically possible, the 'good doctor' has allowed this to happen in consert with the High Sheriff in that each of them have within their employment a person working a full week, drawing pay from Sevier County. What would she say to this question, and what will ALL OTHER COMMISSIONERS tell you when asked?
What will Commissioner Godfrey and any other commissioner say to the question of how it is that property taxes were raised to support the school budget requirements, then how was it that new employment positions were 'arranged', especially a position for the son of one of the board members who appointed the 'good doctor' as Director? It is reported that the expected revenues from the increased tax rate simply did not realistically go where it was intended, why then could 'another convenient position' be established to accommodate the family member of the school board member?
As Another Fly suggested,
call now to report 'fraud, waste & abuse' in county government to the Hotline established by the State Comptroller's Office:
1-800-232-5454.
I can tell you what Commissioner Godfrey will say, and most of the others if asked.
They will not answer your question at first, then, if you persist by poking it down their throats, they will fumble, fart and fall - and, as they get up to their feet once again, if they say anything at all they will tell you they simply don't 'give a damn'!
Try it for yourself, I've seen it done. I, myself, don't bother at this point to ask any of them anything, as I wouldn't believe a word most of them would say. It is obvious they don't care first, secondly they 'can't handle it', thirdly by their actions which speak more than their words, they don't give one damn thought to it.
This is the political game in this county, that is how most got to where they are, stay where they are and the reason the situation is as it is.
Finally, most who do care have come to enjoy a certain amount of satisfaction in learning why there is never any discussion on important matters posed to the County Commission in their public meeting and in compliance with the Sunshine Laws. Most of these commissioners don't want to shoot themselves in the foot, for, an open discussion would show the incompetence most of these people possess as they don't have the basic requirements to generate enough interest to ask a sensible question much less to answer a reasonable question. The favorite game among these public officials is FOLLOW THE LEADER. There is another game called TAG -
these people need to be 'tagged' as exactly what they are - non-plus, non-interested, non-compus mentis, non-caring, and non-existent next time they put themselves on the ballot!!!!
Everyone seems to dog out Joe Karl let me tell you at least he is trying to bring justic and blame were it belongs. We all know Sevier County School System is full of dirt and why not start digging them out and putting them were they belong. Its all sums up to scratch my back I'll kiss you @@@ for life. Most of the employees in the School System are family if you thin them out there would be alot of jobs to fill. I for one do not understand why the county hires sub-drivers for the buses they get paid same as the regular full time drivers. Here we have sub-drivers who may not drive everyday. They are here in Seymour and I really ponder if back ground checks were proper. There is some crazy crap in the system, let me think maybe the sub-drivers are friends of some County Employee ummmm ponder on that. Do some checking around people you may be surprised of what you will find out "right here in Seymour". As for you all trashing Joe give me a break he has given you people what you want and that is a paper that disses out the news that is going on here in Seymour and Sevier County. I recall many of you praising the Seymour Herald for bringing the news and being able to find out what goes on here in Seymour. Well Helloooo he must be doing something right "maybe stepping on some sticky toes" afraid you will be found out. UMMMM let the games begin, see who gets snuffed out first. Starting with the School System onto the Good O Boyz lets not leave out the Mayor and I forgot to mention the Commiissioners. So you keep writing Joe and digging you may find the pot of Gold. That would be better than winning the lottery.:)
#28 That is very funny. Of course no one who is a Commissioner now would bother to get out of bed on that note. I say pay them for what they haven't done and give them O insurance. lol
Godfrey thinks she is an elitist.
I don't think that ANY of our commissioners should be re elected - make them get a real job.
I wonder just how many of these postings were made by Karl and how long this one will be allowed to stay online?
Well, as I see it, more comments are against Godfrey and in favor of Karl.
Appears to me he was successful in his 'one on one' and I hope he tries again. We might find out how most of these commissioners follow 'the leader' with herd mentality, do not think for themselves but have never given it a thought.
If I were Karl, I'd be pleased as I am sure he is with the number of comments and the tone in which they are made. yeah..............
Karl.
It just couldn't be real comments from real people!! - you just have to believe that it is some kind of hoax by Mr. Karl. Guess you have been around and listened to our commissioners for far too long. Keep hammerin Joe.
Sorry but I don't believe any of these comments are from Mr. Karl. Judy Godfrey only serves her friends and the the whole community.
Mr. Karl is a newspaper man and does a fairly good job, but should never be elected to office. He has the only news outlet that reports on wrong doings of politics. I just don't believe he would report any wrong doings if he was in office.
Judy needs to go and Joe needs to stay where he is!
Mr. Karl reported seeing Mrs. Godfrey at the grocery store, I am wondering if Mr Karl even had a grocery buggy or had he been stalking the grocery store thinking she has to go to the grocery store sometime?
Why don't you ask Buster Norton some of these same questions? We have two commissioners in district nine but it sems only one is getting all these comments and how bad everything is going.
Mrs. Godfrey did not dismiss the commissioners meeting it was didmissed by Mr. King. Mrs Godfrey had nothing to do with that.
There are so so so many things that need to be changed with the Sevier County government but commenting on this website is not going to get it done. Things need to be done in a fair way and downing somebody over and over again is not going to do. If you want something addressed at a county commiossioners meeting go about it in the right way and don't cause such a scene in front of 8 and 9 year old boy scouts.
To believe that Mr. Karl is doing most of the posts on here, you would have to believe that the only other poster on here is Judy Godfrey.
I know I'm not Judy or Joe, but I see too many idiots that will not believe me. It's also the same idiots who don't vote or can't vote because of their criminal past.
Just remember that they are YOUR Good Ole Boys that YOU put in office sticking it up YOUR behinds. WE will gladly supply the laughter.
What in the world are you people thinking?? Sevier County is up to their elbows in keeping in all in the family. I was very shocked when I discovered why we lost our bus driver right here in Seymour. It was one of the worst things that could have happened to this person. Jackie Parton should be ashamed of himself for taking her job she had for 19yrs. I do say shame on all who were involved that includes the New Hired Transportation Coordinator also a County Commissioner. I know we have a Transportation Supervisior for the County why did he not stand up for this bus driver 19 years and it was taken away. No one not even the the District Board Member stood up for what was right, I have talked to several people their kids road that bus and had found not one complaint on this driver. So you all who thinks Sevier County is full of Saints then think again. I think this would be an excellent report for the Seymour Herald to do.
Thank You
comment to "only two"
I do vote in every election even the primaries and I have not even a speck of a criminal record.
Also this is neith Joe Karl or Judy Godfrey. Joe Karl is probably commenting his own stories and I don't think Judy would read THIS newspaper. I wish I didn't read it either sometimes, but it is a train wreck.
Some people say that those that have a complaint should take it to the proper authorities. They should realize that lots of citizens have tried to do exactly that and have been met with dumb, blank stares from our commissioners. They will not answer questions and they stall with nonsensical reasons about why things are not happening. They pass the buck and none of the serious issues raised by a concerned public get addressed. It is the total lack of action or concern by our commissioners that is so disheartening. They make silly and arbitrary rules that limit free speech. They work for all of us and I think they are doing a terrible job of running this county in a fair manner. There is way too much nepotism and widespread public corruption too.
You have to be kidding me I am not surprised at what some of our so called "Superiors" are doing these days. I don't know the person who lost the Bus Driving job but I do say something is fishy there. I hope this driver will take a stand and bring in the ones who didn't have enough guts to stand up to the new hires that have taken more than 19yrs away. The Supervisior of Transportation should have backed this driver 100% he was the one who hired the driver in the first place. It should have been him to stand beside the driver and kept the others out. Shame on you all in Sevier County that had a part in doing what you all have done. How would you feel if one of you were ousted out after 19yrs of service. Well I believe in what goes around will come back and bite your butt I never wish harm on no one but you all were WRONG!!!!
I'm not sure who the bus driver was that lost their job, but a few more need to slow down or be fired!
Stuff like the bus driver incident is exactly why we should have civil service standards and accreditation. You hear a few, usually weak arguments against setting up employment standards that apply to all. If we had a clear written personnel policy in Sevier County instead of relying on Larry Waters to make it all up on the spot we would not have things like this happen. Even the mayor and the sheriff should obey the laws and regulations, though they usually don't.
to #60
I can assure you this driver did not loose the job over speeding. It was very very uncalled for what they did to this driver. I can't wait for this driver to tell the story on what happened and it is going to be told soon. Its called let the water's settle and the storm will hit I will be the first to say this driver will deserve all that is due. I do agree some of the driver's do not even run their lights and some I have seen run a yellow/red light but one must remember you can't stop on a dime with a bus load of kid's. But also one must remember safety come's first with the kid's.
#63
Where are your morals?? You should be ashamed of yourself you have so self respect or else you would never put anyone's child on here. You are very disrespectful and you are the one who needs a reality check. Who knows maybe you are GAY??????? Stick that were the sun isn't suspose
to shine and sit on it. BIG BOY
Blogs are fun aren't they? Sometimes that is all it is meant to be, but some times they are and should be used for relaying and sharing accurate information, not just opinions or concerns. Sometimes they are nothing more than a toy for people who just enjoy "stirring the pot" either with personal attacks, rumors, or a way to waste the day away. Everyone is entitled to use the comment section anyway they choose. I try to check it weekly and keep up to date on the pertinent issues or comments and use the information to educate myself. I am a concerned citizen of the seymour area who initially became involved in local politics with the news on an impending ballpark in the n. knob creek area, and became overwhelmed at the lack of professionalism, concern, apathetic attitude, and generally the overall impression that our comissioners were not very well educated on laws, procedures, or ethical behavior, so I got involved. Be warned, involvement leads to only more frustration and exasperation over the state of our commision. Regardless if they are "sweet", church going or a good person, regardless if they agree or diagree with your issue, at the very least, they should be ethical and educated on the legalities of their actions, and the laws of our county. This is not the case. I believe their heart may have been in the right place at one time, and that they were able to serve Seymour well at one point when their" network" extended to most of the people in the area. Now, we are far too big, have far too many resources, and have far too many opportunities to grow fiscally, and make important decisions concerning our children's educational system to continue to let these people make local decisions that affect the outcome of our lives!!!!!!
Joe, What is going on with the "quote" symbols on this web site?? Something is "wrong."
The system is full of corruption and Joe is trying to stop it. I say when this bus driver tells her story to "some newspaper" it is going to blow your mind. Lucky for the paper whom gets this published.
I am constantly sucking wind
I am
Garry Cate
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