The guys in the metal shed on the hill (News-Sentinel) were at it again yesterday. They had a front page story trying to make Bill Haslam their favorite Republican Governor candidate look good, while making the county guys look bad. This time the county guys didn’t deserve it.

The criticism is over the City of Knoxville having to pay more of the bill to end homelessness. We will now review the reason that this is unfair criticism.

First, Former City of Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe surrendered the city’s contribution to indigent care. Leaving Knox County with the responsibility to carry the total expense for indigent care. Who is covered by indigent care? The working poor and the homeless.

Second, a few years ago Knox County had proposed giving Volunteer Ministry Center a community grant. City Councilman Rob Frost opposed this grant in an action that could only be explained as a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) reaction.

Third, Knox County has continually contributed to the Inner Faith Health Clinic while the City of Knoxville has NOT. Several Knox County Commissioners have also contributed to the Free Health Clinic in South Knox County.

Are the actions of McElroy and Crew in promoting the credentials and actions of the current City Mayor to make his a viable candidate for Governor in 2010? Is it because they believe he is a better candidate for Governor than Congressman Zach Wamp, former Senate Majority Leader Dr. Bill Frist, M.D. or is it because the current City Mayor’s dad buys thousands of News-Sentinels every Friday?