In case you missed it, Knox County Commission recently approved the first reading of a charter amendment providing for recall of elected officials. If approved on a second reading, Knox County voters will get to vote on it in August.

In the news of the weird department, Commissioners Lumpy Lambert and Mark Harmon co-sponsored the amendment. Today's Knoxville News Sentinel has a good editorial on it.

At the same meeting, County Commission approved changes to the county's nepotism policy which prohibit elected officials from using their influence to get county jobs or promotions for relatives. The changes also clarify which family members are subject to the nepotism rules.

In other news, County Commission will consider a ban on county employees serving on County Commission. The proposed charter amendment, introduced by Commissioner Mike Hammond, is currently being reviewed by the Ethics Committee and is expected to come before the full commission for a vote in January. If approved, the amendment would also be on the August ballot. KNS has the details here.

It's nice to see some leadership from County Commission toward positive change in Knox County government.