An attorney for Walker County Commissioner candidate Shannon Whitfield has written incumbent Bebe Heiskell asking her to apologize for alleged statements about the family of Ms. Whitfield.
Commissioner Heiskell responded by denying making any such statements and demanding that attorney Keith Edwards resign from the Walker County Election Commission for partisan involvement in the campaign.
The letter from attorney Edwards says:
Dear Ms. Heiskell
While most of the information concerning the custody arrangement is protected by the attorney- client privilege, I can certainly explain that which is common knowledge and already public. The young boy who has been the subject of the vicious rumors is a distant relative of the Whitfields. His parents are going through some rough times and Mr. and Mrs. Whitfield have opened their home to the child in order to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment to enable the child to thrive and to give his parents the time they need to get their own house in order.
"While I appreciate that in the middle of a campaign for public office things can often get a little heated; there are lines that should be respected and never crossed. While Mr. Whitfield, by virtue of his status as a public figure, is certainly fair game for any criticism, family members and especially minor children, should never be the targets of vicious and untrue rumors. Neither Mrs. Whitfield, their children, the young boy in their care nor his parents are running for any public office, nor have they placed themselves in the public spotlight to be pilloried by Mr. Whitfield's opposition.
"Please consider this letter a demand for an apology to the Whitfield family and a demand that the untrue rumors cease to be circulated by your campaign.
"Please govern yourself accordingly."
Commissioner Heiskell replied, "I am in receipt of your letter demanding an apology to the Whitfield family about rumors that you are accusing me of starting. Sorry, I did not start the rumors and I feel no responsibility to make an apology.
"As I told Mr. Whitfield last Friday, I know very little about him or his family. I have no knowledge of any of my campaign committee or supporters spreading rumors about anyone. They are too busy buying and replacing all my signs that have been stolen, and listening to the rumors that I am incompetent, a criminal, have dementia, and live in East Ridge, Tn., among many other accusations.
"Since you are a member of the Walker County Board of Elections, I am surprised you have taken on this issue. As you have taken a partisan position on this issue which is clearly against the law, I demand your immediate resignation from the Board of Elections. Otherwise, I may be compelled to challenge the election results.
"You yourself in your letter to me have made libelous and damaging accusations against me, my staff and supporters which you may have the opportunity to defend in court. You are the one who owes me and my supporters an apology.
"Please govern yourself accordingly."
Meanwhile, Lookout Mountain, Ga., Mayor David Bennett said in an email, "I am aware that many residents on Lookout Mountain received a letter from 'City of Lookout Mountain Resident' endorsing Bebe Heiskell in the race for Walker County Commissioner. The return address is to The Lookout Mountain City Council and includes the City Hall's address.
"The City Council did not approve the letter and does not and has not endorsed any candidate for the Walker County Sole Commissioner's race or for any other political office.
"We encourage you to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The polls will be open beginning at 7 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m."