I worked in local/state politics about fifteen years ago when I was much younger, naive and willing to work long hours for little pay. There are a few honest folk in the business but most I wouldn’t trust to honestly tell me the time of day.

The notion of "wholesale dishonesty" really doesn't do the matter justice. "Prostituting your soul" might hit the nail better. The notion of honest party affiliations, respectable campaigning and distinguished service is becoming more of a myth than something to strive for.

Marti's recent public service transgression is so tame among the mix of evils than can happen it is no wonder that the "authorities" find little merit to prosecute. Why bother admonishing the child who lied to you when you expect all your children to lie to you? Save the discipline for the kid who kills the neighbor (or takes bribes and is caught by the feds).

Perhaps by the citizenry taking notice of these minor corruptions we can start a trend toward rectifying the wholesale corruption.

I think in general this is a good time for the city of Chattanooga. On several fronts, our elected officials are being made to account for their actions. Is Rutherford's transgression the epitome of local corruption? No, but we're seeing the citizens of her district demand answers. That is a good thing.

I foresee a large move towards transparency in our local government in the next few years. Citizens are waking up (b/c of TN Waltz) from their disillusionment, and the media is taking officials to task on legitimate questions.

There are good things happening all around, and I hope and pray that the dismissive answers by our officials are no longer acceptable.