Public commenter asks about American Water documents; defends wounded veteran from social-media attacks

During public comment Dr. Larry Smith asked county staff for an update on outstanding documents from American Water; staff replied that they are still waiting on the documents and that if the documents are not received after the holiday the board will discuss alternatives at the next meeting. Smith opened with a brief question and said he appreciated staff work on the issue.

Smith then delivered an extended statement criticizing political attacks on a wounded veteran connected to a commissioner's family, calling for restraint and respect in public conversation. He said, "Just to be clear, no commissioner's son received a property tax benefit because his father is a county commissioner. He earned it because he served his country," and urged that certain personal sacrifices be respected rather than used in political attacks. The president thanked Dr. Smith for his remarks.