This is an open letter to public officials in Sevier County.

Recently, The Knox County Ethics Committee recommended a policy that would ban city, county, state and federal employees, including school system employees, from serving in elected county offices.

I respectfully request that the Sevier County Ethics Committee pursue a similar policy to address nepotism and cronyism in Sevier County government.

I believe the citizens of Sevier County will be better served by a local government that operates completely above board with officials - elected and appointed - who have no conflicts of interests.

I further believe that all efforts should be made to ensure that there is not even the appearance of any impropriety or conflict of interests in regard to the operation of Sevier County government.

John A. Meyers

Sevierville