First of all, Jason Hunnicutt is a fine young man. He is an exceptional prosecutor in the District Attorney Generals office. However, a couple of recent developments have caused me concern in his quick jump into the Knox County Criminal Court Clerks race.
First, on WBIR’s Inside Tennessee a few weeks ago, all three candidates were asked if they would hire Joy McCroskey if elected. Steve Williams and Mike Hammond answered affirmatively NO. Hunnicutt said his understanding is she is retiring and has no intent to resume. Imagine my surprise when I looked at the financial disclosures and Hunnicutt reveals a $1,000 contribution from Joy McCroskey’s campaign.
Secondly, it appears that Hunnicutt has copied Ed Brantley’s campaign sign design. I have heard immitation is the greatest form of flattery. But, if I were Brantley I would be ticked that people would think I were tied to McCroskey.
Folks you have two other choices, Mike Hammond or Steve Williams.
Brantley’s sign
Hunnicutt’s sign which was printed after Brantley’s appeared in the ground
Well I had to think a bit on this one, as I didn’t want to offend neither of the candidates. First of all Steve your a great man and well respected attorney which has earned the respect of the court to fill in for a Judge, as Old Elmer watched the news program today. The issue with taxes I completely understand, as healthcare issues with that precious Mrs. Williams is well respected. God and your family come first. Jason, you have done an exceptional great job as a prosecutor with the D A’s office. That is one job that requires skills to put these pill head’s away. I listened to your reasoning why running for office and there is an issue that disturbs Old Elmer. You admitted you knew legal issues that were covered up in Joys office regarding Bumgardner but as a member of the bar failed to report. I believe after talking to a retired Judge yesterday that also makes you an accessory. Silence is a submission to guilt, and there is no response that would change the minds of myself and others. Joy knew the issues regarding Bumgardner, and often joked about it. The DA’s office covered up the pill issues and if you knew the Criminal Courts office as well as you say you do then you covered up what you knew as well. Dodging the direct question of whether or not you were going to keep Joy on if you were elected is too convincing that yes you would keep her on in some capacity. This county has no use for Joy and as long as there is life in Old Elmer I am NOT going to let this issue down. Secondly, accepting a contribution from her dead campaign tied you directly to her. The private meeting she had which my source advised, you were chosen step in and run for the clerks office and she would mismanage the office while you took orders from her. The mere coincidental KNS being present to snap a photo of you at the exact time you turned in your petition shows me the deal was sealed and the KNS was once again told to endorse you. Old Elmer is no fool. The employees are being threatened by Joy as follows “either you support Jason for clerk or I will replace you, I am still your Boss until August 31”. If your aware of this being practiced you would know this is grounds for a lawsuit and the County would have to shell out big money to pay for the actions of Joy. Ask Karen for her input on this matter she could enlighten you.
There comes a time Jason that the public lost all trust in this office. There are too many direct ties to Joy and your campaign. Your a bright young man that does not deserve the deck of cards you have been given. I actually feel remorse for you as you are far better than a puppet on a string.
Joy you are are a worthless piece of Lonsdale trash, that should be ran out of town. You couldn’t take the blame for your mistakes and blamed everyone else but yourself. JJ, you know all too well you were accused of the mistakes at first and quickly plugged up the lies that she was spouting off. I would hope you do not want to be tied to this campaign in any form or fashion.
Joy you told Michelle the day that the TBI came into your office that you were going to say you knew nothing about the child pornography images found on the previous criminal court clerks computer. You knew he was caught smoking a left handed cigarette down in the parking garage just before his shift. You couldn’t do anything about it as you were not coming to the office yourself. A select few employees get one of those parking cards to park in the city county building, I call them the chosen political few. The peon employees have to park two blocks away unless they are financially strapped for cash, those people park for free a half a mile away. You are such a disappointment, Martha would roll over in her grave if she knew how much you dishonored her office. Not only did you destroy the publics trust you failed to honor your oath you took when you took office.
Hammond you have my vote and the Courthouse respects my opinion. You were right its takes common sense and management experience for this office. Don’t let Old Elmer down.