Saying a political mailer by District 8 County Commissioner Tim Boyd "made wild and untruthful accusations," former Commissioner Curtis Adams is asking city and county officials to form an ethics committee.
He recommended that former state Rep. Bobby Wood head the panel and that it include attorney Jerry Summers, two members from the state delegation, two members from the Election Commission and two members each from the City Council and County Commission.
Mr. Adams, who lost the primary election to his successor Boyd, said in a letter to local officials, "Liars and lack of character should not be tolerated."
He said in the letter that the Boyd mailer that was sent out four days before the election claimed he supported nine tax increases. He said he voted for three tax hikes in 22 years.
Commissioner Boyd said earlier he carefully researched all the facts in the mailer and stands behind them.
Mr. Adams denied that he "threw a tantrum and left" after six months as East Ridge city manager. Mr. Adams said he finished the budget, then moved on.
He denied that he left the post of city manager at Crossville "under a cloud." He said he resigned to have back surgery, which kept him laid up for a year.
Mr. Adams said a number of Crossville officials came to the recent funeral of his wife, Dot.
He said in the letter that Commissioner Boyd showed up at the funeral, but was asked to leave. He said that shows "that Boyd is mentally unbalanced."
Mr. Adams said, "A great friend of mine and one of Chattanooga's most prominent business men spotted Commissioner Boyd in line, walked up to him and said, "You are not welcome." He said Commissioner Boyd asked why and the business man "said with gusto, 'Just leave.' "
Mr. Adams said, "Nothing in my public career has hurt my special sweetheart Dot as much as those mailers coming to our home. Dot knew they were lies and she was crushed. I had no way to answer all those lies before the primary and she knew it."