Kirkham Refuses To Participate in Smooth Transition

Submitted by WhitesCreek on August 23, 2012 - 9:18am.

Property Assessor Elect, David Morgan, tells me that he has repeatedly asked outgoing Assessor Teresa Kirkham for information that is required to make a smooth transition from one administration to the next. She has also refused to allow Morgan to meet with current employees during office hours. Kirkham has told Morgan to stay out of the office until September 1 when his term begins.

All over this state, outgoing office holders are working well with the incoming administration, as required by law actually. The one month period between the election and the day when the incoming officials take over is there so that the people can be served. By refusing to cooperate one has to wonder if Kirkham's intent is to do as much damage to Morgan as possible, take the time to "hide the bodies", or if she's just a bad loser? Perhaps it's all three.

This is disappointing for Roane County.

Class Act
Submitted by Mike on August 23, 2012 - 1:35pm.

It's hard to believe because she has always been such a class act.

WhitesCreek's picture
Until recently, I thought so
Submitted by WhitesCreek on August 23, 2012 - 1:46pm.

Until recently, I thought so too. Sad and disappointing.

One-sided
Submitted by Roane-Voter on August 25, 2012 - 12:16pm.

Are we simply taking Morgan's word for this? I'm not saying it's not true but I'd be reluctant to simply accept Morgan's word alone without some independent verification.

WhitesCreek's picture
David Morgan has been accurate in everything he's told me.
Submitted by WhitesCreek on August 25, 2012 - 1:50pm.

But, since they are public records, I have emails...

From: Teresa Kirkham
Subject: RE: Property Assessor Transitional Meetings
To: "'David Morgan'"
Cc: "'Ron Woody'"
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 1:49 PM

David,

It is my suggestion to meet with the staff once I have vacated the office. At this time, I am busy cleaning out and getting things in order for you to take office. I will notify them of anytime you wish to meet with them after Sept. 1.

Teresa

This whole
Submitted by chelsea on August 25, 2012 - 2:12pm.

This whole situation is inexcusable. In the past I would have taken such a story about Ms. Kirkham with a grain of salt, but the e-mail is pretty damning. It is unfair to the staff in her office to leave them in limbo when the incoming Assessor is willing to work toward a smooth transition.
I am so disappointed in Ms. Kirkham's handling of this entire transition. Mr. Morgan has a task ahead of him.

Class act??
Submitted by randmart on August 25, 2012 - 9:04pm.

A good old boy in girls clothes! She single handedly screwed most taxpayers in the county!

Since school years....
Submitted by GiveMeABreak on August 31, 2012 - 10:52am.

a wolf in sheep clothing.

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