Term Limits Discussion at School Board Meeting – Knox County Superintendent Makes Point That Is Contrary To Bailey -vs- Shelby

The Superintendent of Knox County Schools made a point tonight in recommending the hiring of a lawyer to represent the school board in the term limit case that is facing its board member Sam Anderson. The Knox County School Board took NO action on the term limit case or on the Superintendent’s recommendation. Lame duck School Board Member Diane Dozier has been un-suited from the case due to the Seventh districts primary election of Rex Stooksbury to advance as their candidate for the General election ballot.

The Superintendent said that Federal law supersedes State Law supersedes local law, always. Had the Superintendent bothered to read and study the TN Supreme Court decision on Bailey -vs- Shelby. The TN Supreme Court said that the local Charter (Shelby County Charter) trumps State Law(thus, term limits apply to Shelby County Commission and Shelby County Mayor. The only positions in the Shelby County refrendum in 1994). That is why the only positions addressed in the Knox County Charter are County Commission, School Board, Law Director and County Mayor. They are the only positions that have their qualifications and duties written and established in the Knox County Charter.

The Fifth District School Board Member said that Board Member Anderson’s position was elected in the primary. A primary is NOT the election. The election is August 3, 2006, Board Member Anderson must win the election on August 3, 2006 in order to serve from September 1, 2006 – August 31, 2010. The Fifth District School Board Member should check the facts before making pronouncements about Board Member Anderson being elected in May. It is an assumption that someone is elected simply because they are on the ballot un opposed in the general election and will win the General election.

Assumptions are dangerous, as they create a democrat icon out of you and the other involved.

Board Member Anderson said had “he known he would be term limited, he would have gone out and selected someone to run as a write-in.” He also said that “I am not going to be used like Diane Jordan has been used on this.” He also said that he “wishes he had known this before hand and let the district chose someone to replace him.”

Board Member Anderson also said that he wasn’t forewarned and referred to the law departments representation as negligent. The facts are that Board Member Anderson knew that in 1994, the term limits passed with 80% of the voters approval. He has served 18 years on the school board. Board Member Anderson also knew that he just completed 8 years since January 1, 1995, he was forewarned or he has been sleeping under a rock since 1994.

Board Member Anderson also said he wasn’t aware that this could or would apply to the School Board until he was served on May 2, 2006. This is not correct, either.

Brian’s Blog was the first to report here on Thursday April 13, 2006 at 4:23 p.m. that this could and would apply to school board and that any vacancy would be filled with an appointment by Knox County Commission.

Brian’s Blog, First again with the facts and First in the hearts of its avid readers.

Thank You. Thank You, Very Much.