My goodness.

Now is the time for the "12 white guys" to step forward and explain to Ragsdale it is time to resign...

At this point there is nothing Ragsdale can do to save his political life... and Knox County can not keep going down this slippery slope that he has left us...

Knox County must get back to doing the "peoples work" and as long as he remains in office trying to do damage control... it only damages Knox County more...

what is this complaint going to cost us... $750,000 $1,000,000 or more to defend and settle...

if in his tiny little mind he still hopes of running for governor (which I can't believe he could even be considering) he has to fight this to the bitter end...

Ragsdale please do the citizens of Knox County a huge favor and resign...

So, if I believe Commissioner "A" doesn't like African Americans, I should then fire my long-time assistant who was guilty of only minor transgressions? Isn't the right thing to do to stand up and defend her? Do you reward such perceived beliefs? How ridiculous. How stupid. Joe Taylor is right, this is going to cost taxpayers a chunk of money.

Cost us a chunk of money...

Mr. Tindell as you are attorney... what would ball park the cost on this if you were to represent Ragsdale knowing he will want to fight to the death...

Just curious how much my property tax bill will go up next year to defend Ragsdale...

Or do you think he will pay for the defense with any of the following funds controlled by Ragsdale (in no particular order)

1 - Wheel Tax Account (those that did not pay)
2 - Hospitality Account
3 - Great Schools Partnership Funds
4 - Funds given for Blount County Industry Park
5 - Liquor Account (no wait see above)
6 - Travel Account Supplement (Check with IRS first)
7 - Charge to Mayor's P-Card and reimburse later (see original post)

The list just keeps growing!!!

I agree with Mr. Tindell and Mr. Taylor, Ragsdale needs to take a hike. We, the taxpayers, should not have to foot the bill for not only what has been done so far, but this as well. It amazes me just what we might hear next.

Rachel, you can send your questions on to Dwight Van De Vate, but I suspect for a good while all we'll get is 'we will not comment on pending litigation, except to say we strongly disagree with the allegations in the complaint and look forward to addressing these allegations in court'.

Mayor Scoobie-Do!

If Ragsdale resigns, doesn't Scoobie step in to his seat? Is that really what we want?

Isn't that like impeaching Bush and having Cheney run the country?

Leave it to some to bring political party into it. The same response would come from whoever occupied the office, R or D. It's standard fare when facing lawsuits. And, it's not 'stonewalling', it's protecting your behind.

I wonder what the wonder-duo of Arms and Ragsdale will label Margie? Harber was the troubled young man, Bone was the employee who "crossed the line with her purchases," and Werner was the finance director that "decided to move back into the private sector."

I had always heard that Ragsdale bragged about having an African-American in his senior staff.

Wow, what a week for the Mayor. Even George Korda, former consultant and advisor to Ragsdale, said in today's column that the man didn't have a chance at seeking higher office.

Realistically, these cases linger in the THRC, who does very little "investigation," then the attorney pulls it out of THRC and files it in federal court, where the defendant/employer wins. As hard as it may be to believe, these cases are extremely difficult to win, and Ragsdale telling her that the commission chair is racist, and then the commission chair denying it (which he will), is not enough to win. Sad, but true. (I know someone who was called the "n" word repeatedly by his supervisors, and the THRC found it was not actionable- incredible). The county's lawyers are salaried- it shouldn't cost a dime in attorney's fees. And the THRC charges nothing for the investigation and ruling- we pay for it with tax dollars, as we should.

What matters here (assuming what she says is true- which I understand she is a wonderful and credible lady) is the statement from the Mayor's office that she was on medical leave, and even going so far as to say that she provided documentation of her medical condition. That's easily verified (or not verified), and if it turns out to be untrue, WOW. Bet there's a county code provision on fibbing.

Let the woman have her day in court. She seems to have won the respect of a lot of people. Sometimes the "race card" is truly legitimate.

Maybe the point of the lawsuit is the lawsuit itself.

Is it just me or did anyone else notice the conflicting statement from Ms. Loyd and the press release issued by the Mayor's office...

In the press release the Mayor's office states that after providing "medical certification documenting the circumstances and conditions necessitating the leave"

Ms. Loyd states “I had not requested Family Medical Act Leave at any time prior to this meeting."

SO who is lying...? Mayor Ragsdale, who has been caught lying before, or Ms. Loyd?

If Ms. Loyd did not provide the document referenced in the press release from the Mayor's office... Ms. should have the privileged and ask the Mayor's office to producer the document...

I believe this will again show the Mayor is the one lying...

I believe this will again show the Mayor is the one lying...

My guess is Margie Loyd is simply lifting the veil on these so-called "resignations". Employees are given a choice. Get fired outright or 'resign' and we'll get you some money (retirement, medical leave, etc.). Anyone seen John Werner around the courthouse lately?

If John Werner has not showed back up to work since his "vacation resignation" how much personal time, vacation time and sick leave could he have built up to not return to work for over 60+ days since he resigned and still be collecting a county "tax payer" pay check?