Robin SmithTo say that public trust is eroded in critical institutions is an understatement.
The agency that puts fear in the hearts and minds of all citizens, the IRS, has been used as a tool in the hands of a politicians to target conservatives, Christians and pro-Israel groups. This is criminal behavior and was once included in the articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon.
Locally, Chattanooga had an audit produce very questionable billing practices by its subsidized utility, EPB, regarding the price of energy consumed, maintenance for street lights that may or may not have been performed, and charges for expensive street light bulbs that may or may not have ever been actually placed by the utility. Faulty billing approaching $5 million is not an accounting error.
The public response has been clear: Don’t steal, don’t lie.
The response from local elected officials, with few exceptions, seems muted, however.