Commissioner proposes charter amendment to appoint law director

During an agenda meeting on Wednesday afternoon, Knox County Commissioners proposed an ordinance to change the charter as it pertains to the law director's office.

The ordinance would amend article 3 of the Knox County Charter regarding appointment and removal of the County Law Director effective September 1, 2012.

Commissioner Finbarr Saunders from the 4th district, is proposing the amendment.

The ordinance mentions questions raised about conflict of interest between voters and legally representing elected officials.

Saunders' proposal also says the Knox County Charter does not have provisions for the discharge or termination of the County Law Director.

The amendment goes on to explain, "recent events and disclosures which have undermined the credibility of the current County Law Director have confirmed the need for elected county officials to be able to terminate and discharge the County Law Director in a prompt and timely manner if circumstances require."

Those "recent events" refer to the admission from Knox County Law Director Bill Lockett on May 26.

Lockett told the Knox County Retirement and Pension Board that he kept client money intended for Kennerly, Montgomery and Finley. He worked for the law firm until he took office in September 2008.

If at least two thirds of the commission approves the ordinance, the amendment could be placed on the ballot for the next county or state election.

The proposed amendment to Section 3.08.C would read, "The Law Director shall be appointed by the Mayor subject to the advice and approval of the Commission. The Law Director shall be subject to dismissal by the Mayor at any time with or without cause and can be removed from office by the Commission at any time for fraud, malfeasance or other actions which constitute ethical violations or which otherwise cause the Commission to lose confidence in the ability of the County Law Director to effectively carry out the duties of the office, such removal to be by affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Commission following a hearing."