Thursday, February 19, 2009
Kotz / Legislature / Politics Steve Godsey: Best Defense of Blowing Taxpayer Money Award
Posted by Pete Kotz on Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 5:20 AM
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In January, Sullivan County Mayor Steve Godsey traveled to Nashville on the county's dime, supposedly to meet with state legislators over cuts in solid waste funding. Commissioner John McKamey wasn't buying. He notes that Godsey's adventure conveniently corresponded with what was supposed to be a triumphant day for Republicans. Jason Mumpower would be elected House speaker, and all would be right with the world. 
That didn't turn out so good, and neither did Godsey's trip. McKamey seems to be implying that the Nashville visit was for political purposes, so he pushed a resolution calling for a ban on unnecessary travel. And that's when Godsey cranked his righteousness amp to 11. He wasn't blowing the county's money, he claimed. He was "fighting for Sullivan County," which is way different.
"I don't waste trips to Nashville," Godsey said. "I served down there for 10 years. I don't need to waste trips. If I need to talk to those folks, I pick up the phone and call them. If I deem it necessary to look at them eyeball to eyeball and tell them why I'm fighting for Sullivan County, that's what the people elected me to do. And I'll go.
"If this County Commission doesn't want me charging it to the county when it's deemed necessary, I'll pay it out of my own pocket. But I'm looking out for where I reside and looking out for my family, as well as every family in Sullivan County. That's my explanation."
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