I was proud to see so many people turn out yesterday for the special meeting requested by the MEMBERSHIP of the Morristown-Hamblen Humane Society! I have said for a while now that out of the tragedy of the recent decline of the shelter and its services the good is that we have had a revival of sorts. People who care about animals have banded together to be the voice for these animals in need. To give a brief recap of what happened, here we go. As far as I know, since the MHHS inception in 1971, yesterday may have been the first time that MEMBERS had a voice in the names placed on the ballot for board of directors. Previously, following protocol established in the by-laws, the board nominated individuals for inclusion on the ballot. Therefore, members could only vote on candidates selected BY THE BOARD, and for much of this time the board has been the same people. In response to demands by the county government, the board was faced with changing the board. We asked for an opportunity to include candidates on the ballot who represented THE PEOPLE. Yesterday we got our chance. At yesterday’s meeting, Diane Fox, current MHHS recording secretary, nominated on behalf of the current board the following individuals as nominees: for three year terms, Larry Baker, Eddie Davis, and Frank McGuffin. For two year terms they nominated Diane Fox, Charlotte Long, and Wally Long, and for one year terms their nominees were Ruth Fredericks and Christine Coley. It is significant to note that only Eddie Davis and Frank McGuffin are new candidates. EVERYONE else is a current director on this board. I had the honor of presenting candidates we felt would represent our community. I count these individuals as friends, but most importantly I have no doubt in their love of animals. I know they will always make decisions in the best interest of animals we are committed to serving. The candidates offered for inclusion on the ballot representing the MEMBERSHIP are for three year terms, JUDY STOCKARD of Judy’s Poodle Parlor, SUSAN WIDENER of Noah’s Arc, and ROBYN ROBINSON. Two year candidates are DR. MICHAEL BRATTON, BETTE CRAWFORD, and DIANE LOVEJOY. Our one year candidates are SUSAN ALLEN, BREN BLAKE, and DR. DANIEL PARKS. I ask that all MHHS members be thoughtful and prayerful as they consider these nominees. I believe the current board needs to be replaced. Under their watch, money has been stolen from the society yet justice has never been sought, serious errors resulted in a loss of vital 501 (c) 3 status which again was a costly mistake, and a failure to keep worker’s compensation insurance active resulted in a substantial financial outlay following a claim by an employee. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, staffing decisions have been made that I believe have been detrimental to the animals our shelter is supposed to serve and care for. Our community, volunteers, and rescue partners have lost faith in the shelter, and I hold the board responsible for this. All members of the board should be replaced. Members should receive a ballot in the mail by Tuesday, July 22. If you do not receive a ballot and believe you are a member, contact MHHS Board Attorney Scott Reams’ office at 423.586.9302. Consider you choices carefully because what you do matters.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 17:35:41 +0000
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