I don't really know how to categorize this one. Below is a letter sent to county mayor, Buddy Bradshaw. The letter writer is the same person that posted on social media about my ten minute sidewalk parking infarction. Apparently, she just couldn't believe I was actually doing some work and how dare I do it for free. I thought the mayor answered her pretty well. I really think Ms. Price thought she was going to catch me in a lie. Not going to happen.

Ms. Price used to work for the Loudon County Economic Development Agency, EDA.

I believe if any elected official brings any talent to the table, they should use it to benefit their constituents.

I'll not say anymore. You can be the judge of motive here.

Mayor Bradshaw,

I have a few questions regarding the work being done on the former BB&T bank building that the county purchased for records storage.  If I need to do a formal records request, then please send me the form to complete.

1. Why does a county commissioner have a key to county buildings?  Do other commissioners also have keys to buildings?  What other keys are provided to all county commission?
    
2. How was the work that Commissioner Shaver is claiming he is doing on the interior of the BB&T building procured?  Why is county maintenance not doing the work?  If they do not have the skills, then was the proper procurement processes followed to procure Commissioner Shaver. Even if he is volunteering his time there should have been a process in case another handyman or licensed contractor wanted to volunteer their services.

As a county taxpayer this is very concerning to me.  The above concerns and that a county commissioner, and even later, a county maintenance truck illegally parking on a sidewalk and blocking ADA accessibility, especially given there are 3 other access points to the building. 

If I could also make another suggestion, please make sure e-mail addresses for all county elected officials and department heads are easily found on the county website.  I had a difficult time finding your e-mail address and got it of the CTAS site. 

I appreciate your attention to my questions, in writing.  I may have other questions later about the protection of public records and the availability for the public to view them.

Sincerely,

Kathy Price CEcD

Kathy Price Consulting

Kathy@KPriceConsult.com

865.271.8228

____________________________________________________________

Hey Kathy,

     
All Loudon County Elected Officials have the right to access County Buildings as needed to perform their duties and/or perform service to Loudon County. Some keys are kept in a safe in the Loudon County Office Building but some are kept in my office.

Independent elected officials have exclusivity in who has access to their offices when not open to the public. Keep in mind that access isn’t County wide nor is it open access. Several Commissioners have been to the storage building but independent office records are still secure. Commissioners or other elected official or their appointee can enter the building but can not simply go through certain records or files such as court cases just as an example. Loudon County operates under the 1957 Act and the Loudon County Commission appoints space for all office holders under our operating bylaws. 

   
The “work” Commissioner Shaver was drilling a small whole to see if the floors could hold the rolling shelves we have purchased to maximize our storage space as well make pulling and placing of files much easier on our employees. The company that we purchased the shelving from wanted upwards of $30,000 to perform the test. As far as letting someone volunteer to do the work, anyone wishing to do free work for the County can leave their name, trade, and contact information with my office. However, this would not have qualified because this building is not open to the public. 

     
I will instruct my maintenance crews to not park on the sidewalk again and pass along your concerns to Commissioner Shaver as well.

     
If you have any follow ups, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Mayor Buddy Bradshaw.