Tonight the Knox County Commission changed the Ordinance that allowed development plans to be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals and instead the only course is to send them to Chancery Court. Commission Chairman Richie Beeler, Commissioner of the Eighth Commission District had many of the citizens that attended tonight in opposition to the plan at the meeting. Through the couple months long discussions Beeler appeared to be leaning against it, even last month saying he would pass it then, but not likely at final vote.

After tonight’s Public Forum, Beeler took the Commission to a recess for 5-10 minutes. After the Commission had a nearly one hour break between the general business and the zoning meeting that began at 7 p.m.

Beeler who had retired from the Register of Deeds office several years ago and has been working with a mens group based out of his home, The Porch. Earlier this year (since becoming Commission Chair) became the Chief Deputy to Knox County Clerk Sherry Witt. Witt is term limited following this term (in which she led the countywide ticket in most votes). Many people believe that Beeler has in his mind moved from the County Commission position to the County Clerk position in 2026.

All the people that have opined on the Randy Smith legacy ordinance (more on that later) change tonight will not forget the Beeler nod and wink show tonight.