posted November 19, 2008
Does anyone other than me wonder why all of a sudden our illustrious County Commission got such an all fired bee in their bonnet to know all about WWTA attorney John Anderson's billings. Does anyone think that there may be something else going on here?
Let's see, John Anderson is also the city attorney for the city of East Ridge. Commissioner Curtis Adams was the city manager, but he resigned that job. Most of our local city managers think that the city attorneys work for them. This, however, is not the case. They work for the City Commission.
Commissioner Adams would maybe have cause to dislike John Anderson, especially if he felt he was betrayed or done wrong in some way.
Second point to ponder. County Mayor Claude Ramsey is going to retire at some point, and may not run again after completing this term in office. Could Commissioner Larry Henry be jockeying for that position? Throw in there that the head of the WWTA, Henry Hoss, is the only qualified county leader, to perhaps fill Claude's large shoes, and maybe one could see a pattern here. I barely know Mr. Hoss, but I do know he has a reputation for honesty, integrity and hard work. He gets the job done at the WWTA, and all for no pay. In fact, when I drive by the WWTA guys out doing a job, there are not 10 of them doing the job two could do. The operation is well run.
I have heard Mr. Hoss has no interest in running for the county mayor's job, which is a shame. But that would probably not stop properly motivated potential candidates from wishing to knock him down a few pegs. I have also heard that Commissioner Henry will be running for the job. Does something smell or what?
This whole thing stinks to me. It stinks of politics. Commissioners Henry and Adams are throwing worthless slander, all about, and then when it lands on someone, they run about pointing and screaming to the heavens: "Something stinks." Well, commissioners, I believe it is you.
The shame is that they have decided to go after one of the few well-run organizations in this town, the WWTA, and one of the few honest men in local government, Henry Hoss.
David Barto
* * *
Mr. Barto (I assume you are not related to the Barto that is in business with Mr. Hoss at Barto, Hoss and Company). I too smell something. It smells like sewage and it is coming from the direction of the WWTA.
Our County Commission has every right and obligation to follow up on this and I am proud of them for doing it.
If Mr. Hoss had been forthcoming with 'all' the information in the beginning this would probably have been over with by now.
When information is withheld or altered all that does is raise more questions.
This is the exactly the type of situation that has made Open Records Act and the opening of an Open Records Office in Tennessee necessary.
This "is not' Mr. Hoss's private business, nor is it a private client of Mr. Anderson.
As for politics, all I see is our County Commission doing their job. The job of looking out for the welfare of the citizens of Hamilton County. Thank you. commissioners, don't give up.
To address your issue about East Ridge. (Before I address this, let me say that I am not one of the East Ridge citizens that has asked for Mr. Anderson's fees charged to our city. However, I do appreciate those who are asking and will stand for their right to know.)
I feel, as an active citizen in East Ridge, that Mr. Adams has 'never' appeared to have an issue with Mr. Anderson. You are correct in the fact that a city attorney works at the will of the mayor and council. The mayor and council work at the will of the citizens. Could it be said that a city attorney works for the citizens?
A city attorney's role is to advise and guide the elected officials and staff in the legality of their actions. Those actions directly affect the citizens of that area, again working for the citizens.
Many issues that are raised do have political roots - this one does not. All any of us want, Hamilton County and East Ridge, is to know that those who have been given the responsibility of being stewards of our money and our welfare are doing their jobs in the best interest of the citizens. Consider these questions as being job performance evaluations. We in East Ridge will continue to ask questions and expect truthful, complete answers and I hope that the Hamilton County Commission will also.
Frances Pope
* * *
Mr. Barto, the Hamilton County Commissioners are required to monitor public funds, and the WWTA is spending public dollars. The Commissioners absolutely have a right to see where the money is going, and for what purpose. If asking where the public money is going is "picking on WWTA," then so be it. When the public is asked to pay an additional $8 per month, transparency in spending is required. Thank you elected representatives, your diligence is appreciated.
It is very curious why a simple request to view billing records is met with stone wall resistance, and troublesome to read that WWTA board members cannot provide the commissioners with the itemized bills. Who decides to pay bills without knowing what the bills are for?
For most of us regular folks, the WWTA board member paying his own firm for administrative fees raises bright red flags there is something wrong here. The WWTA is not a private company, it is owned by the public, so open all of the records and let the people we elected to oversight look at how our money is being spent.
Allen Edmonds
all1959@comcast.net
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Concerning whether David Barto is related to Henry Hoss's business partner, it sure does "stink of politics" and Mr.Anderson is in the thick of it with Mr.Hoss.
Let's put some facts in order: the city of East Ridge constitutes 54% of WWTA's customer base. WWTA under Mr.Hoss and lawyer Anderson have taxed us for millions and millions of dollars and refuse to give the taxpayers an accounting of money spent. We have a right to know.
That really stinks when we are informed that "you will not get any information."
The state of Tennessee passed a law that says Mr. Hoss and Mr. Anderson must give the taxpayers records requested. Parttime lawyer Anderson continues his arrogant, presumptuous attitude toward WWTA customers and the taxpayers of East Ridge who pay this guy very big bucks for a parttime job.
Mr.Hoss and lawyer Anderson are convinced that they are superior and are important - more so than the county commissioners who were elected, not appointed as Henry Hoss and John Anderson are. The county commissioners answer to their constituents, and yet Henry Hoss and John Anderson continue to defy the requests of the commission.
That, Mr. Barto, is bold and belligerent on their parts as they parcel out small pieces of requested information.
It's the law Mr. Barto, not some idle request. It's the law, and both of these individuals defy it. My suggestion to the county commissioners - terminate both of these arrogant, contemptuous people.
Chuck Mehan
East Ridge
cbm2006@comcast.net
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