At yesterday's August meeting of the Hamblen County Commission, I shared my thoughts and feelings about my decision not to run for re-election and my hopes for the future.
I want to share with my blog readers the statement that I read aloud and that I asked to be included in the official minutes:
Linda Noe Statement of August 24, 2006
I would like to express my gratitude to the voters of the 14th district for their support in electing me in 2002.
I have remained true to every campaign promise I made.
While I chose not to run again for personal reasons, I am still concerned about the handling of public money.
Accountability was my focus then and accountability is my focus today.
We have made some positive strides, but there is a long way to go.
Our system of government provides for a system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power by any of the three branches of government—executive, judicial, legislative.
The Hamblen County Commission should be a vital part in promoting accountability and ensuring that our system of checks and balances works to protect our tax dollars.
I encourage the incoming commission to reject the title of “rubber stamp commission.”
Work with the Mayor but expect the Mayor to work with you as well.
Co-operation is a two-way street. Ask questions and expect and demand answers.
You can’t do your job if you don’t know what’s going on with county finances. Listen to the answers and let common sense be your guide.
If the answer doesn’t pass the smell test, don’t hold your nose and go on. Ask more questions and get rid of the smell.
It is your duty to be a part of the system of checks and balances, not an elected spectator or puppet for power mongers.
I am proud that with the support of other commissioners, many of my goals were achieved over the past four years such as:
Hiring state auditors to handle the county audit and saving the county $72,000.
Airing commission meetings on local cable TV.
Opening up the bidding process in many areas to save the county money.
Using an open and fair process for hiring architects and engineers.
During part of the time that I served on commission, I attended law school, graduated, and passed the bar exam. The law license has my name on it, but it was achieved with the support of a loving family.
I thank my husband Ron, my son Will and his wife Katie Kanipe-Noe, and my twin daughters Jenny and Katie for their patience and encouragement over the past years.
I thank my mother Helen Catron for her support as well, and I gratefully honor my late father Bill Catron for his encouragement through the years.
Now with the support of a loving family, it is time for me to use that degree.
I will always be proud of having served on the Hamblen County Legislative Body.
As a citizen and taxpayer, I will remain concerned and involved in the public’s business.
To the new commissioners: the people have elected you. You owe them your loyalty and faithful service.
I hope that above all else that you believe in and will support open government.
Support Tennessee’s Open Meetings and Open Records Laws.
Keep the TV camera running at your commission meetings.
Tape and show your committee meetings---you know that that is where the most discussion of issues and deliberation occurs.
There are some goals that weren’t fully achieved in the past four years. I hope you will consider making more use of the county website. Put commission agendas, minutes of committee and commission meetings, and financial records on the web.
Consider having meetings at times that are most convenient for the largest number of working people.
Open the government up to the people you were elected to serve.
Encourage other elected officials--the Morristown City Council and the Hamblen County School Board—to put their meetings on TV.
You have been given a great honor by being elected to the Hamblen County Commission.
Serve openly, listen carefully, avoid conflicts of interest, and control spending and taxes.
I wish you well.
Linda Noe
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