Knox County-One Question released its final report today in the News Sentinel. The report recommends sweeping changes in the structure of Knox County government. The unanswered question is this: “Is anybody really going to do anything or will this just be another good-government report”? The recommendations that involve Charter changes must go before the voters for approval. The challenge is getting the proposed changes on the ballot. There are three ways for that to happen. Two of those ways have to go through County Commission. The County Mayor can initiate a Charter Review Commission that would present amendments to County Commission who then vote to place them on the ballot. County Commission can draft or adopt their own Charter amendments and vote to place them on the ballot. County Commission will have the opportunity to consider placing these proposed Charter changes on the ballot.

The third way is for citizens to mount a petition drive to place charter amendments on the ballot. This is a daunting proposition, but it may be the only way for citizens to have their say on the issues. You must have the signatures of 15% of the voter turnout in the last general election to place issues on the ballot. That means at least 18,373 registered voters must sign the petition. To be safe the goal will be more in the range of 20,000-25,000 signatures. Many volunteers will be needed for this effort to be successful. I have set up a simple website, (link...) with the KCOQ report and the proposed Knox County Charter amendments. The purpose of the website is to help recruit volunteers and to give those interested in implementing the changes to coordinate their activities. There are a number of people who have openly expressed an interest in changing County government. No single individual or group will be able to do this project – lots of leaders will be needed and this is one way for them to come together. I am asking anyone interested in working on this effort to visit the website and fill in the volunteer form. There is no firm timetable at this time, but plans are being finalized. The changes proposed by the KCOQ report (if implemented) will take effect for the 2010 election. Whether or not the petition drive is completed in time for the February primary or August general election will depend on the number of volunteers involved.