Editor:
At a recent County Board meeting the agenda called for the appointment of a new County Treasurer, due to the retirement of the previous County Treasurer. After all committee reports were read and acted upon, the prepared agenda called for the appointment of Ms. Marlow’s successor.
The Chairman of the Board called for the agendized item and moved to accept the recommendation of the local Republican Committee.
A second was made by another Board member and I at that time asked if I could ask questions of this nominee. The Chairman denied the opportunity of any questions at which time Mr. Jim Laird asked if Mr. Knox, the individual nominated could be introduced to the Board as he, Mr. Jim Laird, had never met Mr. Knox, as I am sure other Board members had not met Mr. Knox as well.
The Chairman at that time explained Mr. Knox was a resident of Jefferson County, was at the present time a schoolteacher, and had run for the Jefferson County Clerk’s position against Ms. Connie Simmons in the last election. At that time a Board member asked for the question and a vote was taken with Mr. Laird and I voting “No.”
This is the first time this Board has been denied the opportunity of debate and it is very disturbing to see this happen, as this is just one of the “Freedoms” that one and a half million military men and women have died for throughout our history.
Questions lead to information.
Information leads to knowledge.
Knowledge leads to intelligence.
Intelligence leads to Common sense voting.
Common sense voting leads to a better care of the Taxpayers and voters concerns.
Two media outlets within our county were present and this was not reported. I wonder why, as Freedom of Speech and Press are the bread and butter of the media.
Was there a fear of the truth?
No Mr. Chairman this is not “victimization” as you so frequently claim, this is reality. The troubles we have experienced during these last few years, dictates we be extremely careful as we choose someone to be responsible for the $30 million we handle annually. I am sure with proper questions and answers to those questions, Mr. Knox would probably have received a unanimous vote as Mr. John Scott did just a few years ago in a very similar situation.
Ted Buck
County Board
Jefferson County
Editor’s note: The article in the Register-News from the June 27 County Board meeting, which was published in the Tuesday, June 28, newspaper, reported the following:
“Board member Jim Laird questioned whether Knox was qualified to be appointed to the position, but White countered that Knox is well-known as he ran in the last county election and added that he could personally attest to his intelligence.
“Board member Ted Buck asked if the board could ask questions of Knox before voting, but White said he didn’t think it was appropriate.
“The vote to appoint Knox passed 13-2, with board members Buck and Laird voting against the measure.”
Opinion
July 8, 2011
Reader: Questioning county board's refusal to discuss issue
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