WAB: Vanzant Violates Ethical Principles

Ethical Principles: The ethical county official should: Properly administer the affairs of the county.

1. Promote decisions which only benefit the public interest

2. Actively promote public confidence in county government

3. Maintain a positive image to pass constant public scrutiny

4. Evaluate all decisions so that the best service or product is obtained at a minimal cost without sacrificing quality and fiscal responsibility

5. Inject the prestige of the office into everyday dealings with the public employees and associates

6. Maintain a respectful attitude toward employees, other public officials, colleagues and associates

7. Faithfully comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the county and impartially apply them to everyone

The ethical county official should not:

Improperly influence or attempt to influence other officials to act in his or her own benefit

The ethical county official accepts the responsibility that his or her mission is that of servant and steward to the public.

WAB: More Ambulance Service Turmoil

A few months ago the County Commission gave the ambulance service $250,000 to open a station in the north end of the county. This was not discussed and approved in the budget committee as procedures require. Later they came back after realizing there was more coin in the trough and were given another $35,000 to cover benefits. So for this one station citizens are committed to $285,000 per year. Is the same amount allocated for the Elkton station? With a budget now well over a million dollars why is the ambulance service in such turmoil? Why is there such a large amount of un-collected fees? What could possibly be the justification in asking for a 40% pay increase for one employee while acknowledging others who work in the same department are being paid so little? Allen Barrett

WAB: The Magic Show

Come see amazing feats of trickery, illusion and deception. This is not an ad for David Copperfield or some other incredible magician -- no, it's an invitation to the Giles County School Board Meetings. [click on "comments," below, to continue reading]