Everybody that knows anything about Lenoir City politics knows, Tony Aikens runs nearly everything in the city. Some would say with an iron fist. The one department he hasn't been able to take control of is the city court.

In 2016, Lenoir City attorney, Robin McNabb, was elected as the Lenoir City municipal judge. Ms. McNabb has already qualified to seek re-election to the position. Lenoir City attorney, Amanda Smith, has also qualified to seek the office. Aikens hasn't been able to take control of Ms. McNabb or instruct her on how to run her court and for him, that's just unacceptable. Thus, he has his right hand man running for the office.  

Just before the deadline to qualify to run for the judge office, all three candidates received a letter from city administrator, Amber Kelso, informing them that for various reasons, the city planned to cut the judge salary from $75,000.00 down to $7,500.00, approximately a 90% cut. But, they, the city, would reserve the right to reevaluate the salary on an annual basis. Certainly, the intent here was to discourage any candidate from wanting to run for the office. Undoubtedly, if right hand man Harrison, were to be elected, I'm sure the city would reevaluate the salary for Mr. Harrison. Harrison's current salary as Lenoir City council/mayor attorney is $60,104.00. 

There's no way to see this kind of action and not realize mayor Aikens is just trying to influence the outcome of yet another election to benefit himself. Mr. Harrison is an absolute yes man for Aikens. If he were ever to be elected as the city judge, it'd be the same as if mayor Aikens were sitting behind the bench himself. 

Lots more discussion on the topic coming.