Reprinting old news defended

Dear Editor:
Before I’m accused of bashing elected officials, I’d like to state that I’m only reporting facts.
Fact 1: An article was published in The Daily Times about five bogus degrees held in our police force. The Mayor brushed off the issue by saying it was old news. Although it was “old news” to a few of us in the community, it was definitely “new news” to the vast majority. It should not have been downplayed and it certainly should receive follow-up action. These five deputies may or may not have been scammed by an Internet school. However, they knew that Columbus University was unaccredited when it was reported that Tom Hatcher’s degree was bogus.
Hatcher reimbursed the county for the taxpayer-funded tuition. These five deputies should do the same. Did these deputies receive raises for adding a degree to their resume? It is quite interesting that these bogus degrees were paid by credit card instead of through the county tuition plan. Thanks to reporters Rick Laney and Jessica Stith for publishing this article.
Fact 2: In 2004, a policy on the Procurement and Operations of County-Owned Vehicles was passed by the commission. Since we haven’t seen the new policy, promised by the mayor a year ago, I guess this is still in effect. The policy states that the purchase of anything other than a basic-equipped car needs to be brought before the Purchasing Commission with explanation as to why these items are necessary. Clearly, Tom Hatcher’s vehicle with four-wheel drive, tinted windows and tow package should not have been allowed. The policy also states that each year (May 1), an annual inventory of all county-owned vehicles must be submitted for review in the Public Services and Commission Meetings.
There are specifics regarding personal usage, surplus cars and their disposal, and a directive that no department can acquire a county vehicle for ano†her department. However, why bother having policies if the county doesn’t follow their own rules? A major problem with the policy is that an amendment was made before voting that excludes the Sheriff’s Department. There is a definite need to bring this to the full commission for another vote. The Sheriff, if included, would be guilty of violating many facets of this policy. Therefore, changing the policy to include him would allow for actual record-keeping and inventory control, giving facets and power back to “we the people” who fund all county departments.
Fact 3: The Blount Today published a report from the officer graduation at the new training facility. In a quote from one of the deputies, it was stated: “Today, we are now the elite.” I would hope that this is not the mentality being taught at our academy. Yes, we are proud of our new officers, but I would prefer to read a statement from them like, “I’m proud to serve my community.” Those who have an “elite” attitude are the same ones who will overstep the boundaries of personal freedoms and rights of citizens and, often, use physical force as a measure of superiority. All county employees need to remember who pays their salaries.
Fact 4: The Daily Times had an editorial stating that we need to increase the pay for our deputies. If you all remember, we gave the Sheriff a hefty sum of money to do just that! Some commissioners requested that the deputies on the lower scale get a 15 percent raise while those at the top, less. It seems that the Sheriff’s comment rang true: “When you give me the money, I can do what I want.” Those at the bottom of the wage scale saw eight percent while the Sheriff, himself, took 15 percent. But then, it’s only our tax money, who cares?
Sincerely,
Linda King
3311 Laws Chapel Road
Maryville, TN 37803