Today three County Commissioners that served on the Commission on January 31, 2007 (Black Wednesday) joined together. Commissioners Tony Norman and Robert Lawrence Smith still on Commission today joined with Commissioner Richard Briggs, Jeff Ownby, David Wright and Sam McKenzie to put in the Trustee office former Black Wednesday Commissioner Craig Leuthold.
Leuthold’s father Frank was an appointed Black Wednesday Commissioner by his son and a majority of the Commissioners in 2007. Today, Frank Leuthold is Richard Briggs State Senate campaign treasurer. Conflict? For sure as Briggs nominated and voted for the son of his campaign treasurer.
In 2007 following Black Wednesday, Leuthold was promoted by Former Trustee Fred Sisk and given a 50% raise. Was this revealed during Leuthold’s 3 minute interview last week? NO! Would it be revealed had the financial background checks that Commissioner Brad Anders and Knox County Finance Director Chris Caldwell suggested today? YES!
Black Wednesday pales in comparison to Purple Monday 2013.
I am actually shocked by this blatant taxpayer slap in the face by the county commission. I grew up in a political family and spent 14 years in the City County Building so I am not naive as to how things work around here but I truly did not think that the commissioners would do a repeat of Black Wednesday, with some of the same cast of characters no less. Dr. Briggs is my commissioner, not very pleased with him in general because he is too wishy washy on raising taxes but I had, until today, thought his personal integrity was above reproach. I have changed that opinion now, his connections with the Leuthold family should have forced him to abstain from voting. He chose to vote for Leuthold and I believe, and certainly hope, that this ends his political ambitions for the State Senate. I’m no fan of Senator Campfield, but at least what you see is what you get. With Dr. Briggs, I see a man who is willing to do the wrong thing too easily.
In my opinion, the Leuthold approach seems to be quite Duncan-esque. Are they entitled to a payroll check from local government, bells, whistles, cards, bonuses, health insurance, a car, and other benefits?
Who is going to run for this job next year, in my opinion, the whole Leuthold line seems to be just like the guy the TBI took out of there.