DUANE SHERRILLEditor

What’s in the box? That is the question that has resonated for weeks and has led to one commissioner to be asked to resign from his position and an investigation into that commissioner, one person losing her job, led to a lawsuit by the commissioner, led to cries of blackmail, led to a request by the Manchester Times for public records and a preliminary rejection of that request. However, after much ado, the box has been opened to underwhelming review just shy of the disappointment felt when Geraldo opened Al Capone’s vault on live TV. In this case, at least, there was something to be found.

The issue concerning “the box” first became public when there was a move to impeach County Commissioner Joseph Mike Hodge. It was later learned after a couple of weeks of cloak and dagger secrecy that the move was because he and Administrative Assistant Connie Goethe had allegedly conspired to remove a box of documents that were from the office of the late County Mayor Judd Matheny. It was first believed the box was protected evidence in an ongoing investigation; however District Attorney General Craig Northcott said the box was not evidence; thereby making it fair game under the state’s open records law.

The Manchester Times, sister paper of the Tullahoma News, immediately filed an open records request to learn the contents but were denied with the excuse from the county being they were evidence.

“They are not part of a criminal investigation and are available for public review now” Northcott said in an email when contacted about the status of the box

In the meantime what was alleged to be “conspiracy files” were released on audio by the county mayor’s office. Those were audio recordings garnered during an investigation of Hodge’s attempt to get the box.

On the tape, Hodge is heard saying on the audio, “How does the public trust government if government doesn’t want to follow procedure?” Hodge said. “We are not good people basically. We need to be held accountable and show everything we’re doing.”   

“That’s what procedures are for, this is an agreed to procedure that we’re going to (use) to make decisions,” Hodge said. “Truth is simple, when things get complicated that’s when somebody is trying to hide something.”

Northcott then sent a statement to the county commission concerning the investigation into the alleged actions by Hodge.

“I believe it is important for you to hear the results of my investigation done at the request of Sheriff Partin, Mayor Hunt and County Attorney Mark Williams directly from me,” the DA wrote. “It is of equal importance for you to understand the timeline of events to properly evaluate the motives and conduct of all involved.”

The box was eventually released this past week and its contents revealed. The box contained records related to Matheny’s attempt to oust members of the county planning commission early into his administration. Most of the contents were previously made public, aside from several pages of hand written notes and a letter added by Hunt addressed to Hodge to “smile you’re on camera.”

As for the aftermath of the accusations, lawsuit and political posturing, that will likely be determined in the coming weeks since the answer to the riddle of “what’s in the box” has been answered.

John Coffelt contributed to this story.