Not Again?
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Lenoir City Again
Proposes to Appoint Recorder Position
Stephanie Myers-News Herald Again proposing an initiative brought before Lenoir City voters two years ago, Lenoir City Council on Monday approved on first reading to change the city recorder/treasurer position to an appointed seat. If approved by the voters during the November election, the position will make the switch after November 2016, when current City Recorder/Treasurer Jim Wilburn, who has also since taken on the added role of city administrator after the retirement of Dale Hurst, will finish his four-year term. Wilburn won the seat in the 2012 election. Before the first reading was passed with all in favor, Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens told council that he believed the position could be filled from within, pointing out he believed Maggie Hunt, assistant recorder/treasurer with Lenoir City, who has filled the position as pro tempore in the past, could fill the seat. "Of course, I wouldn't have a problem at all -- matter of fact would recommend her if it passes that she be appointed to that position as long as she wants it," Aikens said. Agreeing with Aikens, council expressed approval with the change, saying they believed the position more accountable and more qualified. Aikens said Lenoir City is one of five Tennessee municipalities that elects the position. A public hearing on the matter will be held at 6:50 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11 at Lenoir City Hall. A second and final reading will be held at that next council meeting, and the matter will then go to the Loudon County Election Commission office. (End Of NH Story) This will be the Lenoir City council's third attempt in six years to eliminate the elected Treasurer/Recorder position. The first time was under the Matt Brookshire administration in 2008. That attempt was defeated 80% margin, 727 Against to 178 For. The measure was again put on the ballot in 2012 by the council under the current Tony Aikens administration. Again the measure was defeated by the voters, all be it by a closer margin, 54% to 46% or 347 Against to 297 For. How many times do the voters have to say NO means NO. I guess they figure if they run it up the flag poll enough times, sooner or later it'll fly. We'll see. |
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7/31/14