Smith: Elected folks needed to speak

R. Larry Smith

I already know this one is gonna rile a few folks. Sooooo, Knox County Commission Vice Chairman “Arrrrgghh” Larry Smith was talking today about the budget and the potential surplus coin the county could get in September.

I commented to him about how smooth the process went, how it had pretty much zero debate. Then he says:

“You know what really upset me? I was pretty disturbed that the office holders – other than (Property Assessor Phil) Ballard and (Law Director) Bud Armstrong – didn't come up and speak,” he said. “This is the first time that's happened. Every other time they've come before us for the budget, they've gotten up and spoke.”

I asked him why he didn't say anything at the time.

“I didn't bring it up because I didn't think we were going to vote,” he said.

(It was actually listed on the agenda.)

“That's not going to happen next year,” he added.

I guess that means he's gunning for the commission chairman spot, because that's who sets the guidelines for how the meetings will be conducted. Yes, typically, the board sets aside time for department heads and the other elected officials (fee offices, sheriff, etc.) to address them, but, really, no one seemed to care this year. Or least has spoken out about it. (Other than the vice chairman.)