ELECTRIC NEWS
November 2, 2007
May I say that many subscribe to the notion that when one takes care of the small things in life the big things fall into line. Attention to details always provides the best opportunity to achieve financial responsibility.
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October 18, 2007
The Benton County Electric System has a top position titled Superintendent. A contract between the System and the Superintendent should have been in place from the very start of this government agency. The fact that this position serves at the will and pleasure of the board also supports the need for a contract.
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October 8, 2007
Public Meeting
This public hearing is being held because most of our county commissioners chose to ignore their responsibility regarding oversight of the Electric system Pursuant to T.C.A. 7-52-112 and the preferment of formal charges by resolution.
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Meeting to be held Oct 8, 2007
Folks, by now you have probably heard that the County Mayor and Commission are supporting a cover-up about what is going on at the Benton County Electric System. At a time like this all the axes will come out because people like to grind them. I want you to know this issue is not about party politics, rather it is about telling the truth, obeying the law and accountability in government. Each of us have a hard enough time paying our Electric bill and we have a right to know how the money is spent. Also, when the officials at our Electric System act in an irresponsible manner and add cost to our bill someone needs to be held accountable.
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October 2, 2007
How long will we remain a CIVIL society if we fail to make examples of lawbreakers?
In 1938 the county legislative body, today known as the County Commission, authorized by a referendum of the voters, issued bonds in the amount of $50,000.00. The first TVA power was distributed on April 22, 1940. This was made possible because the General Assembly in Nashville, Tennessee passed what we know today as the MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC PLANT LAW OF 1935. This provision cleared the way for counties to own and operate electric systems. To this day the CITIZENS of Benton County continue to own and operate the Benton County Electric System.
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September 27, 2007
If there is nothing wrong then they have nothing to worry about.
This week the Camden Chronicle has quoted County Mayor Jimmy Wiseman as saying, “to the best of my knowledge there has been no wrongdoing at the Benton County Electric System.” Well, it is my word against his and I’m telling you he shared with me that he knew what was going on at the System.
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September 18, 2007
COUNTY ATTORNEY IMPLICATED IN COVER-UP
Last Night the Benton County Commission held its regular schedule monthly meeting. I ask County Attorney John Whitworth if he had advised the Mayor on the issue concerning the Benton County Electric System. He said yes. I ask if he thought this was a conflict of interest considering he is also the attorney of record for the Electric Board. No reply.
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September 12, 2007
It is another sad day for Benton County Government. Today’s paper is out and the County Mayor did not place the notice of a public hearing on the Benton County Electric System.
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September 5, 2007
Last night at the monthly meeting of the Benton County Commission a decision was made to revisit the budget. So, I want to encourage everyone to be at the meeting next Monday night.
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August 21, 2007
Last night at the monthly meeting of the Benton County Commission a decision was made to revisit the budget. So, I want to encourage everyone to be at the meeting next Monday night.
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August 10, 2007
To All Who Pay An Electric Bill To Benton County Electric System
Before we begin the journey ahead of us and in the interest of clarity, may I say once again that my beef is with the MANAGEMENT of the Electric System.
Let us start at the beginning.
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July 26, 2007
Hiring Policy
In the “Policies Rules and Regulations of the Benton County Electric System,” page 10, one finds the policy on employment.
“The Benton County Board of Public Utilities is an equal Opportunity Employer” It states: “No person shall be denied employment or promotion on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, religion or handicap.” This was adopted at the June 28, 1994 Board Meeting.
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July 24, 2007
Today, the Benton County Electric Board will hold its monthly meeting at the Electric Office at 4:00 pm. The subject of replacing the current General Manager will surely be discussed. State law allows the five members of the Electric Board to hire and fire, without cause, the General Manger. In fact they do not have to go thru the motions and charade of interviewing the heir apparent.
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July 21, 2007
Today, I want to share some additional food for thought.
It has come to my attention that Mr. Sam Long serves on the Industrial Board, the Civil Services Board, the Benton-Decatur Counties Special Sewer District Board and the Benton County Electric Board.
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OPEN LETTER TO THE CITIZENS OF BENTON COUNTY TN
July 14, 2007
I have received, from an anonymous source, several pounds of documents concerning the allocation of funds by the Benton County Electric System. The first thing that must be said is that the rank and file employees are victims just like the rest of the county. Let me be clear, my complaint is only with the management of the System.
I can only surmise that this desperate call for help reached my door because I was a candidate for County Mayor or because I worked for the Memphis Light Gas & Water Division for twenty-six (26) years. Either way, I stand ready to help those who help themselves.
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