Commission Talks Much, But Does Little?
By Allen Barrett
Giles County Commissioners met this morning, 16 January 2006, with an agenda of several mundane housekeeping items. The only item on the agenda that brought any real discussion was concerning the Hunter Smith building. At issue was once again, "What to do with this building" that has left many commissioners scratching their heads and rolling their eyes as county residents continue having to feed this White Elephant, through insurance and utilities costs. Just when the thought was forming that the building would finally be turned over to a local arts group, an amendment was offered and agreed upon to postpone doing anything until after a suitable annex location is decided upon. Once again the commissioners showed a great ability to prolong the agony of past mistakes.
Perhaps the most exciting activity in the meeting took place when this reporter took a seat reserved for "Press Only". The sheriff approached and told me in a very discrete and respectable manner that the section was reserved for the press and I had to move. I explained that I was a member of the press, showed my press pass and Sheriff Helton said OK and walked away. Immediately The County Executive began violently flaying the air with exaggerated hand gestures that when accompanying her extremely red face and breath holding caused some to think she was choking. No one rushed to deliver medical aid via the Heimlich Maneuver. The Sheriff returned and said
she wanted him to move me. I told him I appreciated the difficult spot he was in. I asked him if he was willing to remove me as a legitimate member of the press with every right to be where I was and doing what I was doing. The Sheriff being a reasonable man with a healthy understanding of the law returned to his position by the door.
This "press area" is the jury area facing the commissioners. Previously this section was open for the unlimited use of the public during commission meetings. The County Executive became displeased with certain citizens sitting in this area and immediately after the election closed it to all but those speaking before the commission and the press. I sat in the area at that time because I was on the agenda to speak. After the last commission meeting the restriction was changed and today a sign stating "Press Only" was posted at the entrance of this section. Having anticipated this abusive move I became employed as a reporter for the Giles Free Speech Zone blog and thus a legitimate member of the fourth estate. After the meeting, I was not offered any congratulations for my new job by the County Executive.
I look forward with enthusiasm to presenting future reports on governmental and community activities.
