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Taxpayers To Foot Bill For Gandhi

335 views · Published 5 September 2012 · 2:31 · Indexed 8 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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One Hamilton County commissioner is giving thousands of taxpayer dollars to a peace activist who is visiting in a few weeks. Mahatma Gandhi's grandson is scheduled to speak at a few local schools while he's here. Hamilton County is footing some of the bill for his visit. It's part of NewsChannel 9's latest edition of Waste Watch.Dr. Arun Gandhi is visiting Chattanooga on September 17th. In 2009, the peace advocate stopped by Chattanooga State, where he challenged students to put an end to violence. That year, Chatt State paid for some of his visit, but this year, it's mostly taxpayers.District 8 commissioner Tim Boyd is taking 3,000 out of his discretionary fund to help Arun Gandhi afford his visit to the scenic city."Respect, and self-respect, and everybody understanding that we all have to live together, that's the message that Arun Gandhi talks about. And in association with our gang task force, I just thought it was a natural match," said Commissioner Tim Boyd.Most of the money that Gandhi raises goes to his charity, Gandhi worldwide, which helps struggling women and orphans and India. We caught up with some District 8 taxpayers in the Hamilton Place area. Many say, they aren't so fond of the donation."That's a bit steep. Gandhi would be one thing, but his grandson? Probably not," said Ron Tilley, who lives in the Hamilton Place area."Isn't there someone that is more local? That wouldn't cost as much? Because money is tight and everyone is struggling, so to me it would have been better to get someone local to come in," said Laura Goodman, who lives in the Hamilton Place area.Every year, each Hamilton County commissioner gets 00,000 in discretionary funds. That means they can use that money however they want, with city council's approval."OK, so they have a lot of money to do whatever they will without asking anyone where it goes. I think there should be some oversight on that," said Goodman."If I had to go before my constituents and review them on how I spend discretionary funds every time, it would kind of delay the whole process, that's why it's called discretionary funds," said Commissioner Boyd.The Hamilton County Bar Assocation is also paying for part of Dr. Gandhi's visit, along with Baylor High School.Doctor Gandhi's visit is all part of the 2012 Chattanooga Social Justice and Cultural Tour. It starts Monday, September 17th and lasts until the 21st.By Natalie Jenereski

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