There were 54 comments at press time (we usually run the paper around 2PM Wed).
Mostly commenting on how difficult it is to get a hold of county commissioners. Of course they’ll tell you where they are and how easy it is to get a hold of them.
All I can say is, try it when you have a serious issue and not just a simple conversation about the weather.
There were comments that said; Judy Godfrey is one of the sweetest women I have ever met.
Then there were those that turned it into me being a sore looser. That’s the farthest thing from the truth. I was very thankful for the process. It taught me many things. One of which that people here seem to vote towards blood.
I have to admit, it’s no fun losing, but that’s life. That was not the only thing I ever lost, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
On the subject of voting, there were several comments that went like the; 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.
Another commented; 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.
A direct response by Godfrey was commented this way; "But we also have to allow them time..."
Translation: we don't plan on doing anything about it until someone forces us.
I found this comment interesting and support it; 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.
I think we should have more serious people run for office.
Someone also asked what was I doing, stalking Godfrey. I was shopping with my daughter and saw Godfrey so I took the opportunity to talk.
It’s no secret what I think. Why should the commissioners seem to act in secret.
Many question why Godfrey wants to have private meetings with the Mayor and Sheriff?
It’s an interesting county. I believe it’s going to get more interesting with the events that have taken place all around us. Knox County, Cocke County, Monroe County have all had their share of political problems.
Many think it’s time in Sevier County.
Keep the comments coming – I hear you and feel your pain.
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User Comments
As I said in one of my comments I do think the Sevier county government needs to be changed. I even think that you, Joe Karl, had a good podium when you ran for the 9th district commissioner. But I have to say I would not have voted for you because of the things I have heard about your character.
I'm a firm believer that more people need to question government officials. I also think they need to be questioned publicly. Unfortunately, when the King and the Lords hold court, they do not want the citizenry to question them. They cite "Roberts Rules of Order" hoping that the general public has never read that book. (For that matter, why is Roberts Rules of Order not a section of public education?) However, nothing in Roberts Rules keeps the "chairman" from opening the floor to the public and giving the citizenry 1-minute or even 5-minute dialogs. This is just a bullyish rule put in place by elected officials who never want to debate in public. These elected officials have busy lives and don't want the public interfering with that. It is PURE LAZINESS on elected officials' parts not to allocate the necessary time for public meetings.
Someday Knoxville will annex the business sector of Seymour along Chapman Hwy. I'm sure the business community is tired of back room politics and would enjoy the rules of Knoxville.
Joe did you have Judy's permission to tape the conversation and put it in the paper?
Did Judy have Larrys permission to talk to the press without clearing it with him first??
Did anyone need permission to record a conversation in public, or report to the press what someone said? Are you saying that Judy would lie about what was said had the recording not been made?
Most of our commssioners lie at every county meeting and most of them are recorded. It doesn't seem to make much difference.
If our commissioners would return calls, letters, and hold public meeting with advanced notice in their district. There wouldn't be a need to bother them in the grocery store.
It is time for more citizens to take a stand. All most all of the employee's of the jail and court house got there because of who they know or who they are related to. Does that make them good at their job? Not hardly. Don't blast citizens who are trying to make a difference. Unless you have tried to talk to any of OUR elected officials you have NO IDEAL what you are up against. Just try to get to meet with any of them and you will see how available they are (not). Remember them at election time. Just because someone is sweet does not make them a good candidate. They might start out trying to help sevier county, but in the end they all stick together if they don't go along with Larry WAWA then they won't last long. Get him out and things will turn around.
Just remember who voted these idiots into office. God Ole Sevier County Stupidity! You reap what you sow!
Any Questions?
If you don't like it why not leave! The residents of Sevier County did not ask you to come here and try to change the world !
Maybe we shouldn't ever have any ball fields in Seymour besides the "Community Park" yeah right if thats what you want to call that a park. You Knob Creek Ass. should be ashamed!
I hate hearing this "Good ole Sevier County Stupidity" statement. In Seymour the population in 1960 was 600 people. Those 600 folks are now a small pecentage of the voters as well as their off-spring. You folks who moved here are Sevier Countians now so why is it that you see the place you chose to live as such a bad place? Name calling is not the answer to any problem. This mind set of us against them is really what is dumb. Grow up, we are all Sevier Countians now.
Then why not be happy to live in a wonderful place like this. Instead you choose to use this paper as a trash pile for the county's gossip most of which is created by the owner!
Then, here like other forums, there is the fellow with 'split personalities, or multiple personalities I should say', there is always one thing in common and that is the critical eye he has for spelling, he might try a little humility, consideration and a slight attempt to hide his own faults rather than focus on others. I don't know from where he cometh, but one guess easily where he goeth!
He has popped up here now and is obvious, take one close look!
Your efforts to focus on the truth by the fairness that I see in your coverage of matters of concern for your community and for this county is appreciated.
Where, naturally, there are some that take a different view, the opportunity to make this expression without Bias or Censure as compared with other publications in this county is valued by this reader.
This opportunity afforded citizens through your efforts is very much appreciated, thank you - Joe!
I agree, it is nice to read something besides the stale old party line and the same old tired support for the status quo that Stan puts out. Keep up the good work, Joe.
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