We attended the support rally for Commissioner Wendy Pitts Reeves last night at Green Meadows CC. There was great turnout, with standing room only in the meeting room. Thanks to Linda Hageman for organizing the event for her friend and thanks for the food.

There were tributes to Commissioner Reeves and a show of appreciation for her integrity and willingness to stand up. Many praised her leadership in fighting for ethical government in Blount County. Commissioner Dr. Bob Proffitt was there, too, as he has been caught up in this witch hunt. Ms. Hageman, Linda King, Jim Folts, Joe Gallagher, Commissioner David Ballard, and Judge Mike Meares were among those who came to show their support and speak out on behalf of Commissioner Reeves and Commissioner Proffitt.

Sherri Gardner Howell and Lance Coleman from Blount Today were there, too. Ms. Howell turned it in to a press conference, and both Commissioner Proffitt and Commissioner Reeves tried their best to provide straightforward answers about the facts, which are complicated.

Anyway, two things struck me as interesting...

First, this was a bi-partisan (multi-partisan?) showing of support. There were Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, and even Ron Paul supporters (not sure where they fall in the political spectrum), all there for one reason: to support and promote good local government. As I have said many times, good government is not a partisan issue. We can disagree on policy, but everyone agrees we must have an open, transparent, aboveboard process.

Second, these were all people who recognize that Commissioner Reeves and Commissioner Proffitt are clearly community leaders of the utmost integrity. They can see this because they are themselves honest, caring, hard-working people whose only special interest is open, honest government run by competent leaders for the benefit of the community. These aren't the people making back room deals to further their own self interests at the expense of the community. The people there last night represent the bedrock of the community.

And I guess that's a third thing I've been noticing. There's something happening in Blount County. There's a movement towards open, progressive government, and people are becoming more and more willing to speak out. It's fueled by the courage of people like Joe Gallagher and Wendy Pitts Reeves and Dr. Bob Proffitt, who are leading by example. We need more of that in Blount County.