Letter to the Editor

Good morning!

Ever since my wife and I were captivated by the beauty of Wears Valley, we knew we wanted to be a part of such a wondrous place. Since moving here 5 years ago, I’ve been an active citizen in Sevier County.
Based on personal observation and my interaction with neighbors in Wears Valley , I have compiled a list of issues that I believe warrant changes. These represent areas of major shortcomings that I believe are overlooked, ignored or discounted by the current administration. Therefore, I have decided to run as your Commissioner from Wears Valley.

My plan will reduce costs by implementing fiscal oversight and financial management. It will promote more efficient use of current resources. It will reward good behavior and will eliminate those who condone mismanagement, waste and lack of accountability. It will build on the success of my predecessors while introducing best practices from other counties that have gone before us. It will stop us from re-inventing the wheel.
My plans will bring financial oversight and management practices to Sevier County Government. They will ensure that all citizens have access (and are actually encouraged) to participate. I want county officials to welcome ideas of citizens and want an open door policy that welcomes input and participation of all Sevier Countians.
I welcome your comments and your ideas. I look forward to serving you as a County Commissioner.
As your County Commissioner, I will never forget that I work for you!
Here is my list of objectives:

> I support term limits for all elected officials.

>Establish a Human Resources department. Create job descriptions for every county position. Set a performance review policy. Set and enforce nepotism policies. Conduct background checks for new employees and mission critical staff.

>Establish centralized accounting processes and procedures as the State Comptroller has recommended year after year in the annual audit.

>Fund and staff an alternative revenue position created to secure bids and grants and develop enhanced revenue streams.

>Establish a Purchasing Department in conjunction with centralized accounting with standardized bids, grants development, financial oversight and review.

>Ensure the county follows strict adherence to the state's False Claims Act which requires Sevier County to keep contractors "at arm's length."
>Tougher sentencing. No more expunged records after short probation periods for serious crimes (abuse, DUI, manslaughter, etc.).

>Demand 100% compliance with the states open meeting and sunshine laws.

>Insist on a county code of conduct whereby elected officials, county employees and county contractors are held to high ethical standards. No more Sheriffs avoiding assault charges, DA failure to investigate serious offenses, etc.

>Sheriff Department accreditation. Let our local law enforcement enjoy the benefit of shared knowledge and established best practices of other law enforcement agencies.

>Use benchmarked best practices similar to those found at NACo – The National Association of Counties to reduce waste and increase productivity.

>Appoint citizens and commissioners to county committees.

>Rotate committee members to promote new ideas, creative thinking and fresh solutions.

>Develop citizens program that promotes and encourages participation with Sevier County Government.

>Use a county attorney on a full time basis for sound legal representation.

>Re-implement an ethics committee with oversight of all ethical concerns.

>Have sign up sheets at all open county meetings to allow citizen participation with no more waiting/approval periods.

You can help bring about positive change to all citizens of Sevier County by voting for John A. Meyers, Sevier County Commission.
I am always available at 865-300-8055.

John A. Meyers