News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
An Upper Cumberland lawmaker wants to stop county employees from serving on future county legislative bodies.
State Representative Kelly Keisling introduced the bill which would disqualify anyone not currently serving as a county commissioner, for example. Those members would be grandfathered in under the law.
“You can’t be a school employee and serve on a school board,” Keisling said. “You can’t be a state employee and serve in the legislature. Let’s do some uniformity here.”
At it’s heart, Keisling said the bill focuses on conflicts of interest. Keisling said he saw it first hand during the 90s when he chaired a board of commissioners.
“I did incur some problems,” Keisling said. “It was at times a hindrance especially when we were doing the budget.”
Legislators at all levels are expected to note conflicts of interest when issues arise. During the four years Keisling served as County Mayor, he said he did not see commissioners take to heart that statement of conflict.
“I never did incur a departmental employee excusing himself,” Keisling said.
Keisling said he estimates 30 to 40 percent of sitting commissioners statewide work for the counties they help govern. Keisling has asked CTAS, the County Technical Advisory Service, to compile exact numbers.
Counties could opt out of the law, but the issue would have to be put to a citizens referendum. Keisling said similar bills have been considered by the legislature in the past.
The local government subcommittee in both the house and senate will consider the bill over the next week. Keisling said he does not know what chance it has to become law.
Keisling serves district 38 including Clay, Macon, Pickett, Scott, and a part of Fentress Counties.
