By Janet Manson, Guest Columnist
“We, the people …”
That is how the preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins. It signifies that the power of government is derived from the citizens.
When, we, the people, vote, we are voting for who we think will represent our point of view in government decisions. Sometimes our person wins, sometimes they don’t. We have to go with the wishes of the majority. Everyone is entitled to their viewpoint.
I have some major concerns about the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. Sadly, I voted for all of them.
Several months ago at a meeting where it was standing room only, the board decided to make the sheriff the animal control officer. No additional funding or equipment to do the job was allocated by the board.
After Officer Francisco Flattes was killed, a deputy put a post on Facebook saying the department was short on equipment. Maria Hass, clerk of the board of commissioners, basically put the blame on the sheriff, saying he was given money and how he spent it was up to him. I hope the deputy still has his job.
Last month’s commissioner’s meeting was once again standing room only. When the community feels strongly, they show up.
Most of those in attendance were there about the forest land or Valley River Humane Society. During the comments, the entire board was either on their phones or laptops. Look at the tape of the meeting if you don’t believe me. Where is the respect for the voters and their opinions if you won’t even look at them when they are speaking?
The people were assured nothing was happening on either subject, and the majority left after open session. During a discussion on the land, Chair Dan Eichenbaum made a comment about who would not want a Marriott Resort here.
Commissioner Ben Adams has spent a lot of time posting negative things about Valley River. The humane society posted a well-written response to him and the other commissioners on Facebook on Aug. 12.
Adams appeared on a taped interview with Ralph Robinson on Local TV 4. It was a very interesting conversation about the land and humane society. It was very biased on both their parts. Where was the impartiality on Ralph’s side?
We have adopted four dogs from the humane society. Adams made the statement that when you adopt a dog, they give you free food. I am going to go to the shelter tomorrow and ask for my free food.
They both also felt that the shelter money should go to the schools. How many times has the school board presented proposals to them that they have voted against? How many millions of dollars for education have they returned to the state?
We, the people, have to pay attention to what our elected officials are putting out there and voting through. We, the people, are entitled to our point of view – as those who don’t agree are entitled to their point of view.
Three commissioners – Adams, Eichenbaum and Cal Stiles – are up for re-election next year. I hope they don’t get too comfortable in their chairs.
We, the people, need to support our sheriff, the school board, the humane society and those who oppose a Marriott Resort.
I will not be voting for any of the current commissioners. From what I am hearing, a lot of others will not be voting for them also.