Do the right thing in filling vacancy
Watching the process to fill the vacancy left by County Mayor Claude Ramsey, I’m reminded of the opportunity a few years ago to make a positive change in filling “elected” positions.
Two years ago, the Tennessee General Assembly, led by the new Republican majority, took the traditional process to elect the three constitutional officers — secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller — to an open process of interview. The Tennessee Constitution was still the “supreme law of our land” in having the Tennessee General Assembly fill these posts through election.
In years past, this was a vote controlled by the majority party with absolutely no process for application or interview. Really, it was a political appointment more than a process of election. In late 2008, however, rather than viewing the Tennessee Constitution as the “ceiling” of all that had to be done, the Constitution was used as the “foundation” on which to build a process based on competence. Applications were accepted, publicly conducted interviews were held, then the Assembly voted on the nominee selected based on an open process. Regardless of partisan stripes, this was viewed as the “right thing to do.”
Voters have just loudly spoken for their government to do “the right things.”
ROBIN SMITH
Hixson
Literal readings can hold us back
“Does the Constitution say …?”
While this Dec. 15 editorial is sure to elicit support from the conservative readership who agrees with this side of our newspaper, it’s both needlessly emotional and misleading.
A few examples: Where in the Constitution does it specifically say the United States should be made up of 50 states, not all on the continent of North America?
Where does it specifically say the United States should explore space?
Where does it specifically say the United States should engage in international activities such as the United Nations?
All these decisions concerned and impacted all Americans.
Clearly, none of these were thought of at the time of the founding of our country, but all were considered necessary for future success of our country.
As Americans, we have consistently been called upon to create the best future for ourselves and our country. Not to be held back by a literal interpretation from a different time.
Let us remember the absolute economic success of Chattanooga and our region is owed to an act of government which was strongly constitutionality challenged; the creation and subsequent benefits of TVA.
Consider where we’d be if that challenge had been successful. Remember TVA was not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.
FRED OBERKIRCHER
Dunlap, Tenn.