Shelton Releases Statement Thursday

Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton released a full statement Thursday in the wake of the Wednesday’s completed investigation into his hiring at Cookeville Regional.

The investigation found no violations of the city charter or state law.

“The Kramer Rayson report fully vindicates what I’ve said for months: Our hospital and I fully complied with all applicable laws in a completely transparent manner. We didn’t violate the City Charter or any State Statutes. This report told us the same thing our city attorneys told us two months and thousands of dollars ago.

I’m never opposed to transparency, and believe it is crucial to have it in any position. Words matter, they have meaning. I had no issue with a review. However, launching an investigation inferred wrongdoing with an attempt to diminish my character, integrity and service. That was mean spirited politics.

At the end of the day, nobody comes out on top in a situation like this because really nobody won anything. In fact, the citizens lost – lost over $5000 in taxpayer money that could have been spent on city services.

Now that the independent attorney has finished his report, I would hope the entire Council would join me, and commit to working together to continue to move our community forward and continue to fully support and help Cookeville Regional Medical Center serve the healthcare needs of our City, County, and Region.

I will continue to work hard for the citizens of Cookeville as Mayor, as I have since 2014, as well as work diligently beside an incredible group of people as a member of the CRMC team.

Shannon and I, as well as, our entire Family, are grateful for the hundreds of prayers, calls, and texts of support and encouragement. Our faith in God and your encouragement sustained us through this process. We are humbled and honored to continue to serve my hometown.”