To be clear, Bill Knowles continues to run a superior program. My parents recently had a complicated issue with getting car titled. The County Clerk’s office gave the personal numbers and had conference calls to work out a situations that was caused by crazy red tape. He clearly is fantastic at his job, and Chattanooga is lucky to have his service.

However, the reaction of some GOP insiders disturbs me. I found out that a mailer was sent out against Heathington. That seems like overkill.

We still have a democratic system in this country. Just because a politician is beloved and does a good job, doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be challenged. The reaction appears to be an attempt to cut off anybody who goes outside the Good Ol’ Boy system. Having worked in Chattanooga, I’m not surprised by this but disappointed. The folks that signed that letter are all good Chattanoogans who do a lot for the county. However, they need to lose the pretentious attitude that dominates some of the movers and shakers in the city.