Spreading untruths far worse than not signing a piece of paper
TO THE EDITOR:
This letter is in response to one printed in your paper on Friday from Alex Smartt. Bless her heart, but she is taking this situation over me not signing her paper way too far, most likely at the urging of her father, George Smartt.
Last Sunday at our political forum, Ms. Smartt came up to me, introduced herself, and said her father was George Smartt, the county commissioner. I told her I was pleased to meet her, and at that point she asked me to sign “a piece of paper” for her. I told her I had just arrived (literally, as the mayoral debate had just ended) and that I would have reservations about signing anything until I knew what it was for.
I then told her I needed to speak to her father as he has refused phone calls and turned down opportunities to speak to me about some very important issues between he and I. I understand Ms. Smartt’s need to defend her father, but I assure all readers there was no animosity between myself and her. Our conversation was brief and cordial.
Alex, if I offended you, I am sorry. I would have appreciated you letting me know that night how you felt, rather than telling me you understood, then writing a letter to the editor.
Let me take you to Mr. George Smartt’s remarks. While introducing my opponent one afternoon, he made the public statement that “Judd Matheny has never worked a day in his life, is a leech to the taxpayers and has no job other than living off the government in his position as state representative.”
I may come from a different political mold than Mr. Smartt because I demand accountability and responsibility for one’s actions. Mr. Smartt has refused repeatedly to talk with me and has seen me numerous times in Warren County and remained silent. Instead, he chooses to fire untruths from safe distances and work to undermine my credibility because he knows I’ve done a terrific job in the legislature.
As far as me “never working a day in my life” here is what I do: I am a qualifying agent for a private protective firm (investigations and armed guards) called Abilden Security and Investigations. I am registered with the state of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance as an active company. I own 80 acres in the edge of Coffee County which I raise fish, cattle and horses on. I still receive a monthly paycheck from a successful firm I sold over two years ago, and I give you much more than the $16,500 annual salary a state representative warrants. I have been a police officer for 10 years and have eight years military service.
For Mr. Smartt to say the things he says about me are pure untruths and I take them personally, especially when he does not have the courage to say them to me directly. George Smartt, I would appreciate you taking your partisan blinders off and helping the rest of us work to make this a better place to live and work.
Judd Matheny
State Representative