By County resolution and Home Rule Charter (what governs Knox County), an elected official can ONLY hire an attorney to represent him by majority vote of Commission.
The Attorney that filed lots and lots of unsuccessful suits against our previous Sheriff, Herb Monsewer sued several times for the Sheriff hiring Mike Ruble and Carelton “Butch” Bryant. They were not hired as Attorneys to represent the Sheriff, but as employees so the Attorney was never successful.
It would appear that Arnett in violating the County Charter and/or State Law is grounds for ouster. It also appears that he also does not have standing as an individual to sue. The fact that Knox County owns the Old Court House so they will have to be brought in by PBA as a third party in the Law Suit. The PBA does not, nor do they have the authority to assign any space for Elected Officials. By State Statue, the County Mayor alone has the authority to assign space.
Arnett really should have researched all this first since he does not know the law or the County Charter, as it appears he does not. He asked the Court to give him authority to spend tax dollars on a potentially illegal law suit, only the Knox County Commission has that authority.
Additionally, Arnett is the boss, he can and could move his office anywhere he wants in the assigned areas and locations under his authority. Why did he not move to Cedar Bluff or Halls where he can nurture himself back to health.
Of course, since Arnett is still the President of News Sentinel Charities, Inc. (here) the Sentinel will not reveal the connection (although they are all about that transparency, they say) It is not likely that they will challenge him for breaking the law. They will likely side with him. Cause that has been their history. They like you, they don’t file litigation and challenge you.
A courthouse source has also told me (I will have to wait until Monday to verify) but apparently 2-3 years ago, Knox County began paying the rent for the Old Courthouse and City County Building out of the general fund. If that is the case his lawsuit is in error that as Clerk, he pays the rent.
Well, NS won’t do anything, County Commission won’t do anything because the Commission Chairman is best buds with Foster. I know since you are friends with Anders you won’t publish this comment.
But, I see where Herbie was mentioned in the post, isn’t it interesting that Arnett’s close relative Ruthie Stone Kuhlman used Herbie to sue you in 2013. Is that case still going on, or is Arnett’s cousin making you be the next one drug through the legal system with her frivolous claims. I hope she sells her house, so that maybe you will get your attorney fees back.
It’s not shocking that Arnett and Stone Kuhlman share the same DNA, that’s probably how she got the 2 year chair position.
I guess all those TV ads by Dr. Ty Prince works for folks like Arnett. He use to be a patient of Dr. Pedigo