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Knox County hears applicants for ethics committee; vote set for next week
Summary
Six candidates spoke to commissioners about confidentiality, impartiality and their reasons for serving; Chair scheduled the formal vote on appointments for the next meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Knox County commissioners heard presentations from applicants for openings on the county ethics committee during an informational meeting on Dec. 8.
Applicants who spoke were Mr. Anders (a rescue-squad volunteer and medical-field worker), Jimmy Carter (attorney and community volunteer), Tommy Lakins (retired, IT/management background), Greg Mangan (driving-school owner and former club manager), Joey Ruffalo (financial coach and radio host), and Daniel Vasquez (recent Knoxville resident and attorney). Several other prospective candidates were listed as not present.
Each candidate addressed how they would balance confidentiality and transparency if selected. Mr. Anders said he would "keep everything above board" and keep committee matters within the committee. Jimmy Carter and Daniel Vasquez cited attorney-client-style confidentiality and analogies (HIPAA) to explain how confidentiality and transparency can coexist. Greg Mangan and Tommy Lakins emphasized focusing on facts and being impartial; Joey Ruffalo said disclosing potential conflicts and seeking guidance would ensure fairness.
Chair reminded applicants that commissioners will take the formal appointment vote at the next meeting; "Next week at 5:00, we'll be in here to take the vote," the chair said. No appointments were made at the Dec. 8 information session.
