County Commissioners, Stop Pandering And Lead - And Response

  • Thursday, November 15, 2018

There is no shortage of public need in Hamilton County, and only a limited amount of revenue and capital bond issues.

 

I cannot admire or appreciate an elected Hamilton County Commission that leads by warm and fuzzy kitty emotions over real and tangible needs.  As Commissioner Tim Boyd correctly stated, there is immediate and emergent need for police and fire training facilities.

There is major need for public emergency response facilities countywide. 

 

I understand the plight of a reproducing animal population that exists due to human negligence. It is shameful the way people treat and abandon animals. 

 

Now, back to reality and the subject of public health and safety first.

 

The most underfunded agency in Hamilton County is the Sheriff’s Department and the volunteer fire departments.  There are public safety needs beyond comprehension to save life and structures.

 

Sorry, Humane Society, your needs are not as emergent as public safety in fire and police protection and training.  Partner with the city of Chattanooga’s animal facility as a cost saving measure. It makes no sense to have two major animal facilities.

 

County Commission, let’s be reminded that our government is operating its own public version of the Hamilton County Hanoi Hilton of a jail, and letting the Corrections Corporation of America (now with a changed name) run the workhouse.   Any person incarcerated with a health condition is in the most dangerous situation possible in the Hamilton County Hanoi Hilton.  

 

Bottom line, the County Commission needs to stop being public panderers and address real and tangible needs.  

 

Fund the Sheriff’s Department capital needs, build fire halls, and build a jail that does not include the private corporation CCA, then talk about a new $10 million facility for the Humane Society.

 

Leadership is examining where the greatest need exists. I am certain the County Commission missed the mark on this one.

 

April Eidson

 

* * *

 

Thank you, Mayor Coppinger and all other supporters of the funds requested by HES.  As others have mentioned, I too, have three fuzzy angels living in our home and all were rescued via different facilities in Chattanooga.  Have been to  the current location of HES and  wondered how the staff's health cannot be affected by the conditions.  Not to mention the poor animals. 

 

Maybe Mr. Boyd and Ms. Edison should drop by or better yet, volunteer for a day.

Sally Cook

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