Greeson: Speedy conclusion on Tim Boyd case should be an elementary truth

Tim Boyd
Tim Boyd

I sat in the back left corner of the Hamilton County Commission meeting Wednesday.

On the floor, because all the seats were filled.

photo Hamilton County Commissioner Tim Boyd's mugshot.

No, it had nothing to do with the fact that one of the nine commissioners started his day by turning himself in and being booked by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

The overflow crowd was because a slew of third- graders from North Hamilton Elementary School took in Wednesday's meeting.

And I wondered, as the announcement portion that ends each commission meeting began, why do we hold adults to a lower standard than we do our children?

Think of it this way. As parents, we demand honesty. We strive to have our children be forthright and upfront. We want to know what's going on and when it's going on, because we know the world can be a tricky place to navigate.

Honesty is the best policy, we say. It's easier to tell the truth because it's impossible to keep up with all the lies, we plead. The truth will set you free, we sing.

But in politics, "truth" is far too often about spin, and spin is about perspective. And purpose.

Tim Boyd, the District 8 Hamilton County commissioner who is running for re-election against East Ridge Mayor Brent Lambert in the upcoming primary election, spent Wednesday morning turning himself in after a grand jury indicted him on an extortion charge earlier this week. Released on a $2,500 bond, Boyd was relatively silent during the meeting.

Afterward, he met with the media and answered a slew of questions.

He said this: Everyone should go through the experience of being booked to gain perspective. Yes, that seems nonsensical, not unlike saying standing in an unemployment line will make your work ethic better. (And let's be clear, the time we went through the booking process was our least favorite experience at Auburn University. War Legal Eagle.)

Boyd also said he feels like a victim (an insult to victims everywhere?), adding that he feels as if there is a "guilty until proven innocent" sentiment in today's society. He asserted that "power players" around town and in the county are out to get him.

If Boyd were a third- grader, his parents most likely would say, "Quit making excuses.

photo Jay Greeson

But he's not making excuses in his mind.

He says this is politics at its worst. Well, OK, but we have to remember that Boyd also said he thinks this indictment will actually help his campaign. His spin or 'splaining, depending on your view of Boyd, gets more merit with Trumpian phrases such as "power players don't like sunshine" and "ridiculous use of the justice system."

I have not heard the specific evidence that prompted the TBI and the Hamilton County grand jury and district attorney to get to this point, but we have a hard time believing "politics" would clear that many hurdles without some merit.

Hopefully all our questions will be answered soon.

What I do believe should happen here is that the legal powers that be must start turning the wheels of justice and expedite this matter.

Whether you think Boyd is a Hamilton County Nixon or the target of a Huey Long, old-school political power play, this matter should be adjudicated as quickly as possible.

Moving expeditiously will ensure voters of District 8 have the best information available to them to make the best decision possible. Early voting started Wednesday and ends April 26; the primary is May 1.

And as all the parties involved move around the pieces on this political game board - the "Hat" and the "Thimble" and the "BassPro Shop" and the "CVB aftermath" - a quick resolution is the most important thing.

Even a third-grader could see that.

Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343.

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