The Society of Professional Journalists is hosting an open town hall meeting on Knox County Government ethics, Tuesday, May 1st at 7 PM at the East Tennessee History Center Auditorium on Gay Street (across from the Tennessee Theater. WBIR News Anchor John Becker will moderate. Participants include Rev. Ron Stewart and Commissioner Mike Hammond from the Knox Co. Ethics Commission, David Moon from the Public Trust PAC, and John Schmid and Tom Salter from Reforming Knox Co. Government. The SPJ promises a lively discussion regarding the fallout from the term limits decision and where to go next, and invites the public and potential candidates to attend and participate in the forum. More details after the jump... Knox County Government and Ethics: an oxymoron? Months ago, headlines proclaimed that a dozen Knox County commissioners and heads of county departments were term-limited and could no longer hold their seats. Their positions were filled -- but not without controversy, name-calling and a lawsuit. What happened and where do we go from here? Join a discussion sponsored by the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists on how to move from conflict to consensus. Five officials and community activists will present their ideas on how to get from the dysfunction of the last few months, prompted by the election of County Commission members and other officials, to an orderly, people-centered process of government. We promise a panel you won't want to miss. The public is invited and very welcome at our open meeting, so invite your friends and potential candidates for the discussion. We hope that audience members will become primary discussants!! Moderator - John Becker, WBIR-TV News Anchor From the Ethics Commission: Rev. Ron Stewart, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, and Mike Hammond, county commissioner and vice president of Citadel Radio From Public Trust PAC: David Moon, secretary-treasurer, head of Moon Capital Management and financial columnist with the News Sentinel From Reforming Knox County Government: John Schmid, former Knox County Commissioner and Tom Salter, former county commission candidate and executive director of Keep Knoxville Beautiful May 1, 2007 7:00 p.m. East Tennessee History Center Auditorium 610 S. Gay St. across from the Tennessee Theatre Free parking available at the Locust St. and State St. Garages For more information, email eleedwards@aol.com or phone 457-5459