It’s probably the most consequential political issue in Shelby County this year, and yet most people aren’t aware it’s going on. Our county charter is about to be amended because five of our executive offices were never properly established: Trustee, Sheriff, Register, Assessor and Clerk. In order to fix the problem and avoid a legal challenge like the one in Knox county, the county commission has created an ad hoc committee (which includes every member of the commission) to study possible amendments to the charter, and is holding a series of (poorly-attended) public forums throughout the county.

The alarming thing is that the commission is looking into a whole host of related and unrelated issues that could potentially be placed on the August ballot, along with any charter amendment dealing with these five offices (such as the Lunt petition, provided enough signatures are collected). There’s no telling what we could end up with.

To peak your interest, I’ve placed a humorous little video snippet below the fold.

I love the ironic grace note shouted out from the audience. If anyone’s out of order, wouldn’t it be him?

I also like that last line from Commissioner Flinn, “I’m afraid to talk.”