Corrupted Political Past; Hamilton County's History

The case against City Councilman John Duke Franklin is rattling an already weakened community that has been betrayed before by politicians.

The community hasn't forgotten the bombshell of Operation Tennessee Waltz three years ago when four Hamilton County leaders were arrested for bribery.  Now with news of John Duke Franklin's arrest, even more people are questioning those who were elected to represent the public.

First, it was State Senator Ward Crutchfield, "I'm not guilty of anything."  Then it was State Representative Chris Newton, "No Comment."  Followed by Hamilton County School Board Member Charles Love and Hamilton County Commissioner William Cotton.  Cotton said in 2005, "I will tell my constituents to pray and it think everything is going to be all right in the end."

But in the public's eye, it's not all right.  One man describes politicians as "dishonest and corrupt."  Another man says, "They say they're going to do one thing, then they get in there (office) and do another."

All four men arrested in the FBI's Operation Tennessee Waltz sting had a long history of public service.  But only Newton gave some insight as to why he got involved, calling what he did "business as usual" on Capitol Hill.

Chris Newton said in 2005, "It sickens me whenever they say, 'Oh, I'm not influenced by that, no no no.'  It's a bunch of bull."

At least one constituent says that kind of corrupt business needs to change.  "Very disappointed, very disappointed. We have enough going on in the world today. I mean look at the guy who just pleaded guilty to 27 of the 28 charges."  She's talking about another Hamilton County leader, former Sheriff Billy Long.  He was elected to uphold the law, but just last week he pleaded guilty to extortion, money laundering and drug trafficking.  He is scheduled for sentencing in August.

And now with the allegations against Councilman John Duke Franklin, voters say they've had enough.  "That's just a violation of trust right there.  They need to get rid of him, if it comes out that it's true."

Chattanooga City Councilwoman Marti Rutherford resigned in October 2007 after an investigation showed she did not live in the district she was elected to represent, as required by Tennessee law.  She was never charged.