Bare Majority On County Commission Approves Support For Abortion Amendment

  • Wednesday, October 1, 2014

A bare majority of the County Commission on Wednesday morning voted to support an upcoming ballot amendment curbing abortion in Tennessee.

Several commissioners said the issue was out of the commission's purview, and the vote should not have taken place.

In favor were Sabrena Smedley, Randy Fairbanks, Jim Fields, Marty Haynes and Chester Bankston.

Greg Beck and Warren Mackey voted no.

Tim Boyd abstained and Joe Graham passed.

Commissioner Smedley said she had received hundreds of calls from constituents asking her to support the measure. She said pregnant women needed counseling and knowledge of their options.

Commissioners Haynes and Bankston cited their Christian beliefs. Commissioner Beck said the issue should not be before the commission, but he said, "I am pro-life and I'm proud of it."

Commissioner Haynes said he did not believe the commission stance would change one vote in November.

Commissioner Beck said, "I really trust women in my district to make decisions for themselves."

Commissioner Boyd said, "This resolution is not related to the business of the County Commission."
Breaking News
Senator Colton Moore Challenger Hits "An Incumbent Bent On Self-Promotion Instead Of Humble Leadership"
  • 3/18/2024

Angela Pence, a Chickamauga resident who is making a race against 53rd District Senator Colton Moore, said she aims to bring principled, effective leadership "to a district that has gone unheard ... more

Wamp Pushing For Tighter Local Lobbying Rules, Tax Abatement Policies; Bigger Share Of Sales Tax
  • 3/18/2024

County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke to the Pachyderm Club on Monday about the significance of a state basketball title, the need for local lobbying regulations and tightening up on tax abatement policies. ... more

Student Arrested For Threat Against Tyner Middle School Faculty Member
  • 3/18/2024

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office personnel arrested a juvenile suspect on Monday, in connection to a social media threat made against a school faculty member at Tyner Middle School earlier this ... more