Charter Amendments (Knox County One Question)

On Feb 25, County Commission passed first reading on putting 7 of the 9 Charter Commission proposals on the ballot for August. Many people have asked where I am on this issue.

You can read the specific proposals here. Currently, Commission has voted down putting the "Restructuring of Executive Branch" and the "Consistency Amendment" on the ballot.

My stance on the Chater Amendment proposals is as follows:

Commission/Employment Amendment- Unnecessary with a correctly structure Conflict of Interest provision. We can prevent Commissioners from voting contracts or raises to family members and friends without disenfranchising 10,000 citizens. It CAN be done.

Referendum Amendment- I support this 100%, unamended. It restores a citizen right the State took away.

Nepotism Amendment- I support 100% as part of a general conflict of interest overhaul

Inspector General- Adding this office is a good step, although there are concerns about the level of independence of an officer appointed by the County Mayor. I would prefer to see this an elected office, giving true independence and making the office accountable to the voters only.

Restructuring of Executive Branch- Even if this is "good practices" the voters don't want it. Period.

Restructuring of County Commission- I do NOT buy the argument that this gives people "three commissioners." The work of the at-large would be spread across nine districts, so you really go from 2 commissioners to 1.22 commissioners by my math. Also, this makes the seat harder for a 'citizen commissioner' to win, and we need MORE variety of backgrounds on our commission, not more career politicians. I oppose.

Conflict of Interest, Legislative- Support, but needs to be strengthened. A "conflict" must be clearly defined, the current proposal would default to the State (weak) definition, leaving lots of loopholes.

Conflict of Interest, Administrative- ditto.

Read blog entries about the Charter Amendment proposals.