Letter: Let’s return to civility, good government; vote for Hackworth

To the Editor:

To elect Jim Hackworth to the office of mayor of Anderson County would be a good and necessary thing. Jim is experienced in both state and local government, having served as county commissioner and state representative from the 33rd District.

He has a master’s degree in organizational management and has had leadership roles and recognition in consumer and employees affairs, utilities, and environmental protection.

By nature and from experience, Jim is calm and thoughtful in his deliberations.I know this because he and I served in county offices at the same time: he as county commissioner and I as circuit court clerk. When he became a state legislator, I kept up with his work for us in Nashville, and was pleased to see that he had positions of leadership.

Jim Hackworth is opposing Terry Frank, who, in her first term as county mayor seems to have misinterpreted her duties or role in that office, particularly in matters of procedure and authority—making much trouble. Lawsuits have proliferated. Her attitude and actions do not play well with others, including the county’s legislative body, other county officials, and many of us regular Anderson County citizens.

Let’s return to civility and good government. Please vote for Jim Hackworth for mayor of Anderson County.

Helen Jernigan

Oak Ridge