Several Fentress County residents expressed concerns about comments made by commissioners last month about people moving into the county.
A heated discussion began last month when some commissioners expressed their opposition to the primary election called for by the Fentress County Republican Party. Lifelong County Resident Roger Burks said he found the comments startling.
“I get it, there is some that may want to come here and change our ways, but Fentress County is strong enough, we are just not gonna allow that to happen, but we can do that with dignity,” Burks said. “And we don’t have to revert to some of the things that I heard come out of this commission.”
Resident Angela Bain said the language that was used by an elected official made her question if all residents are being treated with equal respect and representation. Bain said public confidence has been shaken by ongoing controversies and has left new residents unvalued and unheard.
“Ultimately, the community is asking for a board that will listen, respect different viewpoints, and lead with integrity,” Bain said. “When residents feel dismissed by the language that is used by the officials, and when patterns of missed conduct and related offices continue, confidence in the local government erodes.”
Burks said division is growing nationwide. Burks said recent events might be a starting point for the local government being against the people.
“We start being aware that these things are happening and we stop those things before they happen here in Fentress County,” Burks said. “I am very proud of Fentress County, and I am proud of the work that you guys do, but we can’t have this us-against-them.”
Burks said families have moved to Fentress County and have established successful businesses and been beloved in the community.
In other business, the commission approved to surplus vehicles from Fentress County Schools and equipment from the Highway Department.
The commission approved adding Lisa Harris as a daily sworn judicial commissioner for the county.