If you don't clean your house periodically, it just gets filthier, and filthier, and filthier.

On August 14, 2008 I sent an open letter via email and U.S. postal services for those without email addresses to every county commissioner. That open letter can be read at: http://talk-back.net/index.php...

I demanded that the county commissioners consider relieving Mr. Arp pending completion of an investigation to determine his role in "developer discounting" while serving as assessor; and I warned that failure to do so might make them culpable in any further harm to the people as a result of Mr. Arp's ethical unsuitability for public service.

The letter was courteous albeit probably more direct than they're accustomed to receiving. I asked specifically for a reply. Tomorrow that will be 30 days ago and I have yet to receive even the courtesy of a single reply. Not a "sorry, I disagree with you", or a "I have no duty to consider your requests", or a "kiss my ass" (which I could have respected). Nothing.

If the people are counting on this emasculated, impotent - complicit at worst, or nauseatingly gutless at best - bunch to protect their interests from Arp or anyone else, they're sadly mistaken.

My guess is that > 50% of them are aware of Arp's efforts on behalf of his developer friends. Some may even be benefiting directly. Those that are not directly involved are too cowardly to put a stop to it.

However you slice it or whatever your opinion to the contrary, my experience with the Loudon County Commission is that they would send you, your kids, and everyone you ever met straight to hell to serve the interests of their cronies.

So ... that's a long preface to my answer to your question:

Yes! Absolutely! They should move to oust Arp if for no other reason than squandering the people's confidence. My sense though is that they won't. Make no mistake about who is important in this county - and who it not. Personally, I can't wait to hang their failure to take action to protect the people, or even to reply to one of those people around their necks if they ever try to run again.

How about admitting that Van Shaver is so stuspid?

Let he who is without STUPIDITY cast the first stone. I think you need to return to the rock pile fella.