CONTRACT WITH TIPTON COUNTY

As a candidate for County Executive, I propose to build a strong foundation for our future through responsible leadership, but even more importantly, to restore the bonds of trust between the citizens of Tipton County and county government.

In this era of official evasion and posturing, I offer, instead, a detailed agenda and a written commitment with no fine print.

1. LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT AGREEMENT:  As your County Executive, I will be available to all citizens of Tipton County and an active representative for the good of our community.  Being aware and responsive to issues inside and outside the county that affect the citizens of Tipton County is job # 1.

2. MORATORIUM ON EMINENT DOMAIN:   Immediately pass a moratorium on eminent domain with the only exception being for roads and infrastructure as limited by the US Constitution, pending passage of a State law of equal or greater protection for property owners.

      A ruling by the US Supreme Court allowing private property to be condemned and transferred to a developer puts every property owner at risk.

The recent taking of farmers’ land in east Tennessee for Wal-Mart and residential property in Memphis for developers to construct Up-Town, by their County Commissions, for the stated purpose of economic advantages, reflects the injustice and greed that puts every property owner’s security of ownership as risk. 

The current Tipton County Executive and County Commission have done nothing to secure our rights as property owners against developers and special interest groups who could gain favor with these officials for a price and ultimately take our land against our will.  

Our founding fathers who understood the necessity of private property ownership protection from government, never intended for the unjust taking of private property to transfer ownership to another private entity by any municipality for the purpose of economic and or tax advantages.

3. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS IN GOVERNMENT:  Establish a high level of professionalism for all county employees.

Unacceptable conduct by any county employee toward any citizen, fellow employee or visitor to the community would not be tolerated.  We as county employees have a duty to be professional and honest in every aspect of our position.  Nothing less is acceptable.  Our citizens deserve no less and as your County Executive I will accept no less. 

4. IMPROVED ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND SERVICES:  Provide for major improvements to the County web site to allow citizens to communicate with all areas of Tipton County government online.

Online web streaming will allow citizens to listening in live on the internet to all County Commission meetings.  This service will allow citizens greater awareness to the issues being discussed without having to be there in person or wait to read a transcript or hear a delayed broadcast.

Interactive online polling on legislative issues before and during all legislative meetings will allow the legislative body to see the views of citizens to issues on the agenda.  An “Online Legislative Report Card,” will reveal the polling results and compare them to the voting records of all commission members.

An “Online Government Services” option would allow for citizens to take care of renewing vehicle registration, property tax payments and web access to the Property Assessors records, Register of Deeds information and many other services.

This convenient service has the potential of saving the citizens of Tipton County tens of thousands of lost hours standing in line and an equal amount of dollars saved in fuel and transportation cost.  It will also reduce the numbers of employees needed in these departments as the numbers of population grow in the county.  It will also improve the quality of life for many members of the community who have disabilities that make traditional interactions with government services difficult.

5. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE:  Recruit more restaurants, retail centers, professional services and light commercial business to the areas in the county that are predominantly residential and sensitive to the impact. 

The population density in the south end of the county will support many of these new businesses.  This will create new jobs in the community and allow sales taxes the stay in the county.  This will benefit many citizens who wish to work closer to home and consumers who wish to drive less and support the local economy.  

With a growing and properly trained workforce we can attract large industrial companies in the areas that already have these types of businesses.

6. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:  A complete review of every department and their budget to eliminate the abuse and mismanagement of the current administration.  A balanced budget/tax limitation amendment and a legislative line-item veto to assure financial responsibility and control unnecessary pet projects.

      State audits indicate, numerous and persistent accounting irregularities in the Tipton County Executives office and many government agencies in Tipton County. Including misappropriation of funds, unreported theft of county property, embezzlement of Property Taxs and the illegal use of County Credit cards to purchase personal items by the Director of Public Works.  Source:  Comptroller of the Treasury, State of Tennessee reports, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005.  The 2006 report is not available at this time.  See for yourself at www.comptroller.state.tn.us 

7. NEIGHBORHOOD INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM:    A public initiative to encourage neighborhood involvement to help neighbors in need and to develop strong community relationships.

      Neighborhood Watch groups have long been a source of identifying and preventing crime. And, with a better understanding of our neighbors, we can build a more friendly community.  Strengthening relationships with our neighbors and restoring confidence in County Government will help us all build a greater sense of community and a foundation for our children to build on.

8. AMERICAN DREAM PRESERVATION:  A complete review of the local building codes to assure structural integrity and protection from potential high wind and earthquake damage for all new homes built in the county.

      Currently, all new construction in Tipton County only has to meet the 1997 building code.  And, there are no requirements for high wind or earthquake conditions to meet the potential seismic zone rating we live in nor the straight line winds or tornados we have experienced in the past.  Recent tornado damage in Dyer County revealed many home with proper wind straps held up while those without strapping failed. 

9. TERM LIMITS:   Provide for a first-ever vote on term limits to replace career politicians with citizen legislators.

A referendum was recently passed in Shelby County and the Appeals Court ruled that the citizens have a right to limit terms of elected officials.  If approved locally, this will effectively eliminate the political dynasties of the past and the special interest groups that control them.

Unlike some who run for elective office as a career path, it is my goal to build a strong foundation for our future by providing safeguards and direction at a time when personal responsibility and restraint in government are foreign concepts.

As citizens, our responses to daily circumstances, whether good or bad, have a direct impact on our community's life.  Should our legacy be a foundation built on responsibility, decency and common sense or one of indifference and neglect?  Either way, our children will reap the benefits - or pay the tab.

Respecting the judgment of my fellow citizens, I seek your mandate for these reforms.  I hereby pledge my name to this Contract with Tipton County.

Respectfully Submitted;

Mike Parsons

Candidate for County Executive