Issues from demand for open meetings, conflict of interest, nepotism & cronyism, personal gain or use of public funds, even over-zealous use of authority deserve consideration as to merit, opposed to questioning motive or character assassination of those coming forward. Contrary to the approach taken, sworn officials account to citizens - not citizens to officials, sworn to uphold the law, perform duties of office, administer oaths justly & preserve records – a view not appreciated by the media and those charged so to deal. Honesty is least one should expect, if not more certainly not less!
From the public records I am shown business is done in Sevier County by failure to reasonably and timely collect delinquent taxes while recent tax base increases; assets as tax sale parcels held since 1982 still off tax roles, failing to follow Statutes with recordation of ill-prepared, improperly executed and notarized conveyances to the detriment of county; disposition of land assets in five industrial parks since 1965, part in secret – part open record, selling $M’s of assets, records flawed - authenticity questionable.
Attending Commissioner meeting, you might question committee appointments, by whom and more obvious the ‘control’ if not with the Board directly - indirectly with substitute, how is accountability transferable? Assess commissioners, they for themselves, in standing for their views and as ‘own person’ rather than with herd mentality, while harnessed toward outcome for politically favorable positions of one in charge! Can moral and legal accountability be relinquished to another? Where is the complicity when voting your district’s interest while employed by the School Department, Transportation & Highway or Sheriff’s Department, and in this state how can citizenry come forward without intimidation and have their chance of success in voicing their view, position, request or application? Folk, who’s looking after your business?
A change in laws, broader views, independent action with confidence and fairness without conflict or personal gain will benefit our citizenry and the government you maintain as commissioners, perhaps a re-organization would be in order so as to avoid complicity and claim lack of knowledge, how long can this go on? Take a look around – review audits, Resolutions (actual content, not a shell), demand reports, verify rather than accept verbal statistics, follow up on outcome of responsibilities delegated in many instances – this is your job, not the citizenry of this County!
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Marshall,
Pigeon Forge