Lame Duck Property Assessor Teresa Kirkham...

“They’re my employees through the end of the month and he should respect that,” she said.

Well, no, actually. They are OUR employees...The people of Roane County pay their salaries. Outgoing candidates served and continue to serve and draw a paycheck at Roane County's expense and they owe it to us to support the office they've been asked to leave and ensure that it can serve the people of Roane County. I doubt that laying off main staff people so they can draw unemployment at the county's expense would pass legal muster should anyone really delve into it.

Government offices at all levels have transitions and most other counties in this state have Assessors who see that they should serve their constituents whether they like their replacement or not. Ms Kirkham had the chance to exit gracefully, especially since she's still drawing a paycheck and benefits from the taxpayers of Roane County. She apparently still thinks the office is supposed to serve her instead of serving all of us. By her refusal to assist with a smooth management transition, Teresa Kirkham has made David Morgan's job that much tougher in the coming weeks and months.

the RCN story, unfortunately behind the pay wall