John Coffelt, Editor

Following an executive session during the May 13 County Commission meeting, the legislative body voted to task the county attorney to begin the investigative process for the ouster of Commissioner Joseph Hodge.

Hodge declined to comment on the matter at this time, and other commissioners cited attorney-client confidentiality issues.

Commissioner Terry Hershman made the motion to begin the ouster proceedings.

County Attorney Mark Williams advised the board that the body could not oust Hodge but would need to take him with investigating the matter further to see if there is evidence of alleged misconduct.

The motion pasted with a show of hands with 13 yes votes. A motion to remove Hodge from all committees pending the conclusion of the investigation failed.

This is Hodge’s first term on the County Commission.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.