Commissioners’ questions praised

Dear Editor:

There is a lot of confusion in the community right now in regard to the allegations of “conflict of interest” with county commissioners. Wendy Pitts Reeves, psychologist, and Dr. Bob Proffitt have been crucified for accepting patients who happen to be county employees. However, their contract is with the actual patients who use their own prerogative in choosing medical care, not with Blount County. Their fees are paid by Health Solutions; the county government does not write the check.

Neither commissioner is on the committee which chooses the health provider used by the county. So, why were they harassed by Commissioners Scott Helton and Tonya Burchfield during a recent commission meeting? It is quite evident that the retaliation effort is due to Commissioner Reeves questioning the mayor’s appointment of Mike Lewis to the Budget/Purchasing Committee the previous month.

Wendy asked legitimate, pertinent questions because, according to TCA code, a person who has an interest in a financial institution that has any control of county funds (directly or indirectly) should not serve on the Purchasing Committee, as it can be a Class D felony. We now see that Wendy was totally correct in her investigation of facts.

Commissioner Lewis recently transferred his stocks in the Green Bank (American Fidelity) to his wife. Does that negate the conflict of interest? Not according to most Blount County citizens, when polled. In any case, Mike Lewis and Mayor Cunningham should have thanked Commissioner Reeves for keeping the county out of trouble. Instead, we see the start of an all-out war.

Is it strictly because we have a commissioner (Wendy Pitts Reeves) who is willing to ask important questions and who expects answers from our elected officials, or is it because of party affiliation? Wendy and Dr. Bob are both Democrats. The reason this question arises is because we also saw Commissioner David Ballard (also a Democrat) removed by the Mayor from the Budget/Purchasing Committee. David has a financial background and was an asset to the county in that position. However, Commissioner Ballard was also very vocal, asking questions and demanding accountability. So, again, too many questions in support of the citizens’ interest, or party politics?

I only hope that the attacks on commissioners who truly represent the taxpayers in Blount County will stop immediately. I have been a Republican all my life, but I am at a point where I feel we need to support the commissioners who are working on our behalf, whether they are Democrat or Republican. When Commissioners like Monika Murrell-R, Joe McCulley-R, and David Graham-R, as well as the three who are the subject of this letter, are willing to fight for our rights, freedoms, and responsible government and spending, we can’t let them be harassed or intimidated.

They are doing their part, what we elected them to do, now we need to do our part. Forget party lines, take down the barriers, and get behind those who are taking a stand. Show your support and get involved!

God bless,
Linda King
3311 Laws Chapel Road
Maryville, TN 37803