Hi Everyone,

Last week, something very bad and sad could’ve happened right here in our county. On Thursday evening, December 21, 2017, the Hamblen County Commission decided to take up an issue completely out of its jurisdiction, marriage equality. When I heard about it, I was completely and utterly blindsided. And then I found out that an OUTSIDE group had brought this issue to the county commission. A group from Greene county, TN.

For those of you who don’t know, same sex marriage rights were affirmed by the Supreme Court of the United States back in June 2015. Yes, that’s right, well over 2 years ago. This outside group argues that the Supreme Court MADE a law that day. They did NOT make a law. They simply stated that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution affirms the rights of all to get married. Period. So, that issue is done and not debatable, but there we were listening to the County Commission debate it. Not only did this waste time, it injected a lot of negativity into our close-knit community. And I’m still angry about that. If you are going to hold public office, you have to serve ALL of your constituents. And you also have to remember the separation of church and state. Believe whatever you want, but do not try to inject that onto others.

I decided to request to speak and I did so at the county commission meeting last Thursday. It was nerve-wracking, but I’m so glad I did it. There were other speakers there who did an absolutely wonderful job of discussing the issue and pleading with the commission to vote NO on the resolution. I was so thoroughly impressed with all the speakers, but I was truly impressed with the young people who came to talk. They were respectful, prepared, and brilliant. If they are the future of Hamblen county, then none of us should have any worries about the future.

I am a proud member of this community and I want everyone to feel welcome here. Just look at the logo above, Service, Community, Industry. Let’s remember that as we approach 2018.

Happy New Year, y’all!

TETH