Neal Questions KNS Double Standard
KnoxViews blogger Randy Neal wondering aloud about coverage by the Knoxville News Sentinel of Knox County's two mayors.
Neal points to today's KNS editorial, in which the newspaper defends its reporting of Chief of Staff Mike Arms attending a meeting in Oak Ridge on behalf of a private business.
Neal writes:
"...In their point-by-point response to Mayor Ragsdale's criticisms, they refer to Ragsdale and his staff as "short-timers" and speculate as to whether they are "laying the groundwork for careers after government," concluding that "[a]lthough they are exiting, they continue to serve the public until their last day in office.
Curiously, they have no such problem with "short-timer" Mayor Bill Haslam traveling across the state, knocking on doors, attending bean suppers and $1000 per plate fundraisers, and "laying the groundwork" to further his career in government as our next governor. Who's minding the store? Perhaps they view Mayor Haslam's ambitions for higher office as a continuation of his public service to Knoxville until his "last day in office" as Mayor."
Strong words, but Neal doesn't end his post there. He also challenges the Sentinel to explain what he calls "Mayor Haslam's free pass" regarding millions in federal funds flowing through his office to "connected developers" who rehab expensive housing for the chronically homeless.
"Where's the editorial on that," Neal asks?
