[Terry Hill]

Thank you Shane for your comments. As the sponsor of this I would like to reply:

This proposed change for consideration of our Chairperson in no way limits their personal freedom of speech.
It only requires the Chair to clarify that their opinion or feelings do NOT represent the majority of the commissions as indicated by vote of the commission when speaking publicly.
The Chair is still absolutely free to speak their personal view of anything they choose in any venue they are addressing publicly.
The Chairperson, by virtue of their position represents 10 other Commissioners and the Knox County Commission collectively. As Chairperson they are often asked to speak at events BECAUSE of their leadership position. The perception of many people attending these gatherings is that they speak as Chairperson for the Commission.
This rule simply states that they clarify the position of the Commission (if voted issue). They can still continue to speak anything they want about THEIR opinions or personal vote on subject matter.
I hope you will take these points into consideration as you deliberate on this issue. I do not believe any one of use wants to feel we have been misrepresented by our Chair when chair represents us in our County.