On August 4th 2022 East Ridge Citizens will be voting on Ordinance #1163. This ordinance would eliminate the election process for the East Ridge City Court Clerks position and put the control under the City Manager’s authority.
There are several political signs posted throughout the city promoting this change. The language on the sign reads “ensure accountability.” Most people don’t know the city goes through an independent audit every year to ensure this accountability. The courts have always maintained accurate records and has been accountable.
One of the problems I have with these signs is the required disclosure of who paid for them. It is in very small print at the bottom. It reads “Paid for by Concerned Citizens of East Ridge.” Is this a registered organization or civic group? It’s like an anonymous letter. If accountability is the real issue, then whoever paid for the signs should take ownership for them and disclose their name. Being anonymous just seems like poor politics.
Charles-Louis de Secondat, Wrote, “The Spirit of Laws.“ This publication helped inspire the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the Constitution of the United States. Under his model, the political authority of the state is divided into legislative, executive and judicial powers, He asserted to most effectively promote liberty, these three powers must stay separated and act independently.
I have to ponder what motivation has suddenly inspired the Mayor and City Council to put this position under the control of the City Manager? It’s not accountability. the annual audit is proof of that. Could this be out of malice or an attempt to hire a relative in the coming year?
The governing body has already changed the City Charter so that the City Manager and the City Judge no longer have to reside in East Ridge. Now they want to take away your right to vote on a Court Clerk. If this action passes the checks and balance system will be tilted and the potential is there for one person to be too powerful
Don’t vote to lose your right to choose. This is an important issue that will affect the city in year to come. Vote NO on Ordinance #1163 on August 4th.
_ John Tilley
