Special Called Meeting Of The County Legislative Body

This morning's called Legislative Meeting was very revealing in the way business continues to be done under the leadership or more accurately the misleading by the county executive.

The meeting was scheduled to start at 9 AM. It actually started sixteen minutes late. The reason it was not started on time was that a commissioner who was supporting Mrs Greene was running late. The County Executive announced that Commissioner Beech would be late because he could not find a parking place. I was one of the last people who arrived at the courthouse and walked in with two minutes to spare and there were a large number of parking spaces around and just off the square. The County Executive as is her custom was once again a little loose with the truth. Finally Commissioner Beech arrived at sixteen after nine, the meeting was called to order and immediately after the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance the vote was taken on filling the vacant commission position.

A second inconsistency that took place was in combining a public hearing with the special called meeting. Some may remember that only a few months ago I had requested to speak on a subject that had been published as the reason for a called meeting. I was denied the opportunity by the county executive who used a totally perverted  interpretation of the rules to say that nothing could be discussed at a special called meeting. This morning not only was that fictitious rule ignored but she combined an unannounced public hearing about allowing a retail alcohol package store to be set up in the county with a special called meeting. Nothing had been previously announced about a public hearing, but that didn't keep the boss from having her way, regardless of state requirements. Retail Alcohol Stores are strictly prohibited outside city limits by state law but apparently in Giles County if you call a duck a horse you can ride it.

TennSouth was authorized a Certificate of Compliance for the retail sale of alcohol. This was and could have been done by the County executive without approval of the commission but  apparently the County Executive wanted some political cover for her decision to expand the sale of alcohol.

The Commission also approved the economic Impact Plan for "BRE's PLACE" at Giles Center.

New Commissioner Appointed And Sworn In

Congratulations to Mrs. Melissa Greene who was appointed to fill the vacant commission seat in the 5th District. Most will remember that the seat became vacant after long time Commissioner Bill Holt moved out of the district.
Today's vote resulted in ten commissioner votes for Mrs Greene and ten for Mr Doggett the other highly qualified candidate. The tie was broken by Mrs Vanzant who cast the deciding vote in favor of Mrs. Greene.

Mrs. Greene, after being sworn in, was placed on four committees by her 5th district colleagues. She replaced Commissioner Pollard on the Highway Committee, and Commissioner Howell  on the Environmental, Insurance and Public Service Committees.