Respectfully, I am dismayed and frustrated with the recent decision to appoint Kyle Hedrick as the new Administrative Hearing Officer. While I am sure that he is a fine man, I question how he could possible have the experience, compassion and understanding of this job. I also question the time allotment since he is working for three other municipalities.
Judge Williams was promised this job with huge support of the community. We, as taxpayers did not even get a say in this new appointment/decision. What was the recent decision based on? Judge Williams has been working very hard to make sure that he could fulfill this roll. He has been traveling to Memphis to make sure that his credential were correct and exact for the position. He has been working in a voluntary basis in this position.
I visited with Judge Williams last Thursday. I have never seen a more articulate, witty and knowledgeable man. He brings to this position many years experience as well as a determined need to do what is right with a compassionate heart. If you choose to replace him, you are doing a disservice not only to the judge but also to the citizens of Chattanooga.
I would ask that the City Council rethink their position and give the man a chance. After all, you did originally offer him the position and now you yank it away without even any discussion or input from those who pay his salary and yours, our representatives.
If his health is an issue, I suggest that you sit down with him and have a conversation. I think that this would change your mind. At the very least, you owe a great man a heartfelt apology for this travesty and the manner in which it was handled. John F Kennedy had a debilitating back injury and adrenal gland problems. Woodrow Wilson suffered and was in a wheel chair as was Franklin D Roosevelt. Ronald Reagan, it is now revealed, suffered the early stages of Alzheimer's. My point is, rethink your decision before you have lost what would have been an excellent and fitting choice.
I urge all concerned citizens of Chattanooga to attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday and voice you opinion. We cannot just let things keep sliding by without any concern or input into our future.
Angie Williams