Sheriff Strikes Back
I'm been away for the past couple of days because of a death in the family. I returned to work today to find that we're once again in a controversy with the sheriff.
It turns out the sheriff didn't make it to a debate Thursday sponsored by the Halls Crossroad Women's League. Despite comitting to being there, at the last minute he sent Chief Administrator, Mike Ruble - who explained that the sheriff had another commitment and apologized for his absence.
The sheriff was at Vine Middle School attending an event for the Baby Roadrunners organization. The organizers say he committed to them more than a year ago. There are plenty of pictures showing him there and certainly from what we're told his commitment to the program is commendable.
But we were still puzzled as to why he would double book himself to two events at the same time. In two other debates prior to Thursday, he didn't commit himself, but he did commit a representative.
The Thursday debate, we're told, was different. If you believe the Women's League, and we have no reason not to, they say the sheriff said "he," not a proxy, would be there.
We set out Friday to find out what happened. Certainly, the Halls group was led to believe he would be there. Those in the audience thought so and so did his opponent Randy Tyree. So we felt it was a legitimate question. Debating, afterall, is an American political tradition and while incumbents don't like them, most participate because of that tradition.
But instead of a simple response, we got no response. We called and called and called again. Our reporter even went to the sheriff's office at mid-afternoon to see if he was there. The answer was no.
It wasn't until after our story aired that the sheriff decided to respond through the taxpayer funded Sheriff's Office website. But his response didn't answer our question.
He instead chose to attack the story. Challenging our facts (provided to our reporter by his representative Mike Ruble). And our motives, claiming our reporter implied, because she was wearing a microphone, that something "sinister" was afoot.
Sinister? All we wanted was an answer to our basic question: Why did you say you'd be there and then not show up?
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Comments
I'm tired of watching the
I'm tired of watching the news,WATE, and hearing about why the Sheriff went to a community event for kids and not an event where a man, whom is not even close to being a police officer, wants to argue. WATE, please move on to something more news worthy. It sounds so childish of the feud.
This is highly typical of
This is highly typical of the Sheriff's Office. I had an extreme headache ever trying to get a hold of anyone there when I was the Police Editor at The Daily Beacon (UT) in 2003. I always considered getting information from them like trying to squeeze water out of a rock. Your story comes as no surprise to me whatsoever based on my past experiences with them.
How Tim Hutchinson continues to get re-elected is truly baffling, he is truly the product of what Knoxville's conservative base can buy.
The lack of wanting to cooperate with America's Most Wanted to solve the Johnia Berry case also has me scratching my head.
But nonetheless, excellent reporting, I found the entire situation as amusing actually. Keep up the good work and maybe some day the Sheriff's Office will cooperate with not only the media, but the people it serves. We can only hope.
[...] The final note is this
[...] The final note is this is this entry from Gene Patterson on his blog at WATE. [...]
It really is simple. The
It really is simple. The sheriff is a LIAR. This was proved in Judge Fansler's court room when he was found GUILTY OF CONTEMPT and fined. (By the way taxpayers are still footing the legal bill of $300,000+)
www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_news/article/0,1406,KNS_347_4719332,00.html
(Or you can just type in "Sheriff Hutchison Guilty Contempt" on Google)
He lied again on the schedule of the debate. As soon as Randy Tyree challenged him to release his tax records, the sheriff started to sweat. I would think twice about showing up too with his shady dealings as “silent partner†in construction companies and wrecker crews. These things have made him a millionaire and you have to wonder how much time he dedicates to being sheriff instead of running his other businesses that make him more money. If this “kids cookout†was an annual event like he says and the debate was scheduled for months he should have done something about it earlier than 15 minuets before the debate. This is a crock and it does not take a deputy to see the deception.
Not being a member of the
Not being a member of the Halls Crossroads Women's League, I don't know the particulars of Thursday night's debate. When were invitations issued; who committed and who didn't? But I do know Sheriff Tim Hutchison is not shy about visiting Halls. He's been here as frequently as any other official, even ones who live here.
WATE-TV's credibility takes a hit when you jump all over the Sheriff's lack of participation without mentioning that one or the other candidate from all six races chose not to attend. No Mike Moyers; no R. Larry Smith; no Judge Ray Jenkins; no Andy Jackson; no Scott Emge.
I think it IS irresponsible
I think it IS irresponsible reporting. It is obvious that your station has a problem with the Sheriff based on this and other stories you have presented. Fair and balanced reporting, I don't think so. Just report the news and stop trying to "out-do" the other stations. In my opinion, you hurt your own reputation by the way you are covering this story.
Gene Patterson, Just
Gene Patterson,
Just admit it Gene-you are a cronie of Vistor Ashe(your old boss),who hates the sheriff. Little Victor along with his kin folk Wanda Moody have a rift with the sheriff and will not quit until he is gone. I just wonder how the top management of WATE lets you get away with this bullcrap. You are making wate the same as the National Equirer. Why do you not just move to Poland with Victor.
in response to ipaytaxes'
in response to ipaytaxes' blog, Randy Tyree, was not only a Knoxville mayor but also was a Knoxville Police Officer. Yes, this is news. Coming from a news background, it's about time stations in this market start investigating what goes on in this region. WBIR wants to protray everything is just great when it's not while WVLT wants to broadcast a minor car accident. I commend WATE, Gene, Lori, and especally Adam Longo and Catherine Campbell that will put their necks on the line and make Martha Dooley and Tim Hutchison accountable for their actions. And for these signs I see, like one in Crestwood Hills, that the sheriff is "keeping our neighborhoods safe" maybe these people need to drive about 2 miles and drive by the apartment of Johnia Berry.
Somebody tell me this then.
Somebody tell me this then. Why has there been 3 scheduled debates where Randy Tyree was at all of them and Tim was at none? The sheriff wants to throw a bunch of signs around town and hide without giving the public a reason to vote for him. Randy will openly challenge him anywhere and anytime, but I have a feeling if Tim will not show up in his stomping ground of Halls he just won't show period.WATE and thier reporters are bringing you people news that you won't find on the other cookie cutters.
I truly believe that WATE
I truly believe that WATE does a better job at reporting the news and facts accurately. WBIR and the News Sentinel are connected and there's no reason to read or listen. I thought Wandy Moody was "off" when she started litigatilon, but I am beginning to see her points. The sheriff should have shown up for the debate or any debate, but instead he is abstaining from a proactive stance. I won't vote for him and I'm tired of hearing(out of the news' link)about the off duty antics of officers working for him and running their cars upo and down the roads of this community. Maybe he remembers where he lives.