Hamilton County Commissioner Geter is correct in her statement, raising the thought or issue of a county nepotism audit?

The focus on our Hamilton County district attorney’s marriage has wasted more ink than the Times Free Press could apparently afford.  It seems that members of the county commission now may be opening a nepotism Pandora’s box.  I anticipate that a nepotism examination of the county general government, and their constitutional officer, would certainly deliver public interest.  

The TFP continues ink attacks on one constitutional office when the issue raised is systemic throughout all county offices.  The TFP has conducted half-baked reporting, and in the process overlooking the scope and depth of the nepotism issue they have raised in print, after reprint, another print, one to grow on print, nothing else to print so print it, and finally reorder words to have a new print.  The saga of reprints on the same subject matter is exhausting. Yet, the TFP never once took a look at the other constitutional offices.

I would also like to know how political names get jobs created for them or their family members, such as the unadvertised attorney position for Zach Wamp’s daughter in the sheriff’s department.  How special is that? 

How many regular county residents think that the county government or constitutional offices would create a job just for their family member with low experience attainment, and bypass an entire field of seasoned criminal attorneys?

Do you think the county general or constitutional offices would create a job for your child?

Nepotism abounds, possible second to the area of hiring the political or powerful, described above.  Why wasn’t the attorney job in the sheriff’s office advertised so other young attorneys could compete for the position.  Why?  It was a rigged deal.

During this Wednesday’s county commission meeting, it was suggested that the commission vote to reduce public funding of one constitutional office as a punitive measure for alleged nepotism.  Punish the district attorney, cry the few, is what is being suggested.  It is alleged that the district attorney’s office should lose some degree of funding as punishment for General Neal Pinkston for daring to fall in love at work, like that has never happened before.

The wisest in the room, a Democrat, Commissioner Geter stated the following according to the Timed Free Press.

“Commissioner Katherlyn Geter, D-Chattanooga, said it would be a good time for the commission to consider looking for similar instances of employees paid by relatives in the county. Taylor said it was possible to do something similar in other constitutional offices, but would not be as easy in county general government.”

What a brilliant idea, Commission Geter, by all means perform a detailed audit of nepotism in all the county constitutional offices, and please include general government.  County Attorney Taylor’s, suggestion that a nepotism audit would not be “as easy” in general government, makes me absolutely certain that the audit should begin in general government.  Yeah, let the nepotism audit start at the point of most resistance, county government.

Oh yes, let the count commence. 

Commission Geter, you are brilliant. Please pass a resolution to conduct the nepotism audit. This will ensure that the punitive nepotism is applied justly, not as a political target. 

As my elders use to say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However, if the leaders want to count, let them count.

I believe the constitutional offices are run in a professional manner, and this is not necessary, but targeting one constitutional office and omitting the others will not fly. 

Thank you for your wisdom, Commissioner Geter, and I wish you great success in future pursuits. 

Best wishes to all, please stay safe from COVID exposure.

April Eidson