Hidden Public Records? Why the No For Newcomb Campaign Is Calling for Transparency Before Tennessee's Next District Attorney General Is Appointed
The appointment of Tennessee's next District Attorney General will have a lasting impact on the Fourth Judicial District, serving Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, and Sevier Counties. Before Governor Bill Lee makes that appointment, the No For Newcomb Campaign is urging citizens to review publicly available information regarding Ron Newcomb and Jimmy Dunn, including an ongoing public records dispute involving grand jury documents.
According to the campaign, transparency and accountability should be essential qualifications for anyone seeking one of Tennessee's most powerful public offices.
The Public Records Dispute
The No For Newcomb Campaign states that Ron Newcomb and Jimmy Dunn have argued that documents used during grand jury proceedings for nearly two decades are not subject to disclosure under Tennessee's Public Records Act.
According to the campaign, The Gatlinburg Free Press and Erik Cooper have spent the last three years pursuing access to those records through litigation.
The campaign contends that these documents may provide important information regarding grand jury procedures and whether citizens' rights were affected.
Jimmy Dunn's Affidavit
The campaign also points to an affidavit filed by Jimmy Dunn during the public records litigation.
According to the affidavit, Dunn stated that he "did not create nor direct the creation" of the documents at issue and did not have a "policy or procedure" requiring the documents to be maintained.
The campaign argues that these statements raise additional questions about the creation, use, and retention of the records.
You can review the affidavit referenced by the campaign here:
The Campaign's Questions
The No For Newcomb Campaign asks:
"Where are the records?"
According to the campaign, if documents were used during grand jury proceedings for many years, the public deserves to know whether they still exist, how they were used, and why they have become the subject of years of litigation.
The campaign believes transparency is essential for maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
Why the Appointment Matters
Governor Bill Lee is currently reviewing applications to appoint the next District Attorney General for Tennessee's Fourth Judicial District.
Because Jimmy Dunn announced his retirement after the election filing deadline, the Governor will appoint the next District Attorney General rather than voters choosing one through the election process until 2028.
The No For Newcomb Campaign encourages citizens to review publicly available court records, legal filings, judicial opinions, and official documents before the appointment is made.
Make Your Voice Heard
If you would like to share your opinion regarding the appointment of Tennessee's next District Attorney General, contact Governor Bill Lee before a final decision is announced.
Governor Bill Lee
Phone: (615) 741-2001
Share Your Opinion Online:
Stay Informed
Visit https://nofornewcomb.com for campaign updates, publicly available court records, legal filings, timelines, judicial opinions, and additional information related to the appointment process.
Follow No For Newcomb for continuing updates as Governor Bill Lee considers applicants for Tennessee's next District Attorney General.
Paid for and approved by the No For Newcomb Campaign.
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