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Contributed commentary by CMCSS parent Suzanne Butler, an open letter to the Tennessee Ethics Commission:

Dear Tennessee Ethics Commission, I am writing to express my profound disappointment and outrage regarding your recent decision to dismiss the complaint filed against Aron Maberry. Your committee’s comments justifying this dismissal are not only troubling but also dismissive of the very real concerns raised by parents, educators and citizens within our community.

It is utterly unacceptable for the TEC to label a legitimate complaint—one presented by concerned members of our community—as a “colossal waste of time.” This not only undermines the voices of those who took the time and effort to hold a public official accountable, but it also reflects a disconcerting disregard for the principles of transparency and ethics that your commission is supposed to represent.

The claim that this issue should only be resolved “at the ballot box” is a gross simplification of the matter at hand. When constituents feel that an elected official is acting unethically, they have every right to seek redress through proper channels, including ethics complaints. Your attempt to minimize these responsibilities is alarming.

MORE: Ethics complaints against Rep. Maberry dismissed, commission warns complainants of legal action

Furthermore, suggesting that the concerned parties could face a $10,000 fine for voicing their concerns is not just ludicrous; it is an affront to the First Amendment. In a democratic society, the ability to express dissent and seek accountability from elected officials should be protected and encouraged, not threatened. Your comments betray a troubling stance that appears to prioritize bureaucratic convenience over the rights and voices of Tennessee citizens.

I urge you to reconsider not only the handling of this complaint but also the tone and implications of your statements regarding the rights of constituents to demand accountability from their elected officials. The people of Tennessee deserve better than to have their concerns dismissed and their rights threatened.

Suzanne Butler

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