Commissioners combine three reappointments and postpone votes until after new term

The commission voted to combine three upcoming reappointment items and postpone final action until after the new term begins on Sept. 1.

Clerk (S2) read the submission from the industrial development board of Blount County and the health and educational facilities board, which ranked Matt Murray (listed as the reappointment candidate and identified in the submission as a former University of Tennessee economics professor) first, with alternates Tracy Queen and David Shanks. Commissioner Michaels (S3) moved to combine items a, b and c and to postpone consideration until after Sept. 1, arguing that the board should allow newly elected commissioners and the incoming mayor time to review long six-year appointments. "A new mayor coming into this county that promised the people that they would change some things," Michaels said.

Mayor (S6), addressed by the chair and asked whether postponement would create problems, said he did not foresee an issue with carrying the items to Sept. 1 and that he had discussed appointees with Jared and wanted to ensure any appointees are acceptable to his office. At the podium, Mr. Daniels (S7), speaking for the tourism authority, said boards can continue to function and members can serve until replacements are appointed: "They can continue to serve until they're reappointed or replaced."

The motion to combine and postpone passed 11 yes and 5 no. Commissioners recorded concern about delaying long-term appointments but the majority supported letting the incoming term review nominees.

What happens next: The three appointment items will return to the commission agenda after Sept. 1 for consideration by the new term.