Knox County - One Question

Former Commissioner John Schmid says Knox County citizens have - for the first time in its 215 year history - an opportunity to create whatever type of government we want.

That opportunity is the result of the January 12, 2007 decision by the State Supreme Court.

Schmid points out that the court held that as a charter form of government, approved by the voters of Knox County, that the "county (could) go so far as to replace its existing (form of) government in favor of an alternate (form of) government, provided the people approve."

On April 18, Schmid and Laurens Tullock, executive director of the Cornerstone Foundation, will announce the formation of a steering committee that will provide guidance to a process called - Knox County - One Question.

The question: What changes, if any, do the citizens want to make to the form or structure of government in Knox County?

Schmid says a series of public meetings will be held. The ideas gathered will then be combined with "best practices" research conducted by the Howard Baker Center and ultimately wind in a "report to the public" for reaction.

The steering committee will then develop conclusions from the process and offer recommendations based on the conclusions.

Schmid says the process offers the public an opportunity for input, an opportunity, he says, that wasn't provided on January 31...the day Knox County Commissioners replaced 12 term limited county officials.

For more on Schmid's idea, tune in Sunday to Tennessee This Week.