I read with interest the article on the WATE News website that the Knox County Board of Health was going to ask Governor Lee to pass an executive order to grant them authority to "initiate public health orders for the surrounding public health region". I have no idea what the BOH considers "the surrounding public health region" but if you feel this would give you any authority in Loudon County, you're sadly mistaken.

It's unfathomable that the governor would even consider such a ridiculous request but even more unfathomable that an unelected, board of bureaucrats from Knox County would even have the audacity to think they should be granted jurisdiction over any other county, specifically, Loudon County. 

Loudon County is a diverse, independent county with five, individual government entitles of  Lenoir City, Loudon, Greenback, Philadelphia and Loudon County, each with their own elected officials, well capable of managing our own affairs. I can only speak for myself, but I suspect all our elected officials would take a dim view of any neighboring county attempting to inject their dictatorial rules and regulations into our county.  

I have followed the news in Knox County about the actions of the Knox County Board of Health and their ongoing efforts to cripple the economy, decimate small businesses and stifle the citizens. I can not comprehend how the elected officials of Knox County have allowed the unelected boards actions to continue.

This I can assure you, if your board thinks it will come to Loudon County to reek the same havoc here, you've reached a bridge too far.

Your actions clearly demonstrate that your motives have little to do with public safety and more to do with personal power and control. Hopefully, the Knox County commission is about to put your board back in it's place.

My message to the Knox County Board of Health, keep your noses out of Loudon County.

Van Shaver
5th District
Loudon County Commissioner