Ethics Complaint - The Truth About the Matter Is....
An ethics complaint has been filed against Rhea Little, centering on the expression of Rhea Little's opinion in a public email dated October 26, 2024. Freedom of speech is a protected right under the First Amendment as a constitutional right for all citizens.
Rhea says, "the email I sent was in response to a question from a Brentwood citizen expressing his opposition to a taxpayer-funded racquetball facility. Instead of replying only to the citizen, I hit “reply all,” and that reply inadvertently included other commissioners. When I realized what had occurred, I immediately asked that the email be recalled to avoid confusion about whom it was directed." The City of Brentwood Technology Director previously instructed city leaders at a public meeting that all city commissioners can use the ‘recall a message’ option. Rhea did not seek an exemption or privilege unavailable to all commissioners and did not violate any rules. "If I was clumsy in initially replying to all recipients, that is a human error and not an ethical violation," Rhea adds.
Over five months later and ironically less than one month until the May 6 Brentwood Election date, a Brentwood citizen, Rebecca Martinez, submitted an ethics complaint to the City of Brentwood, which appears to be an attempt to suppress legitimate political discourse. For context, in 2023, Martinez was selected from more than 40 Brentwood residents who applied to serve on a Racquet Facility Ad Hoc Committee to conduct research and provide information for a potential indoor racquet (tennis and pickleball) complex at Crockett Park. The indoor racquet facility project in Brentwood, TN has been a topic of ongoing discussion and development. The Brentwood City Commission hosted a work session on January 18, 2024, to review preliminary plans, budget, and traffic analysis for a proposed facility. Some commissioners, including Rhea Little, wanted the issue to go before a vote for citizens. The majority of commissioners were not supportive. Recently, a bill was introduced to allow city governments with high bond ratings to partner with private entities for such facilities.
Ethics Policy for Municipal Leaders
The ethics complaint states that I have been accused of violating Brentwood’s Municipal Code Section 2.233—Use of position or authority, about (b), which states that an official or employee may not use or attempt to use his position to secure any privilege or exemption for himself or others that is not authorized in this article or by the Charter, general law, ordinance, or policy of the city. The allegation does not state how Rhea Little used his position to secure a privilege or exemption.
Under T.C.A. § 8-17-103, local governments must adopt ethical standards, which Rhea Little is aware of and has upheld since he first took public office in 2009. “I have always conducted myself with integrity and within moral and legal standards,” Rhea said.
This is the first time an ethics complaint has been filed against Rhea Little since serving Brentwood for the past sixteen years.
While some opponents in the May 6 Brentwood Election are trying to create distractions with political tactics that undermine democratic processes, this campaign and Rhea Little are confident the complaint is without merit.
Please feel free to contact Rhea Little directly with questions or comments at rhea@rhealittle.com
Statement from Rhea Little
"I strongly believe in the importance of open and honest discussions in the democratic process. The basis of this complaint is that I stated my opinion in a public email, which is fundamental to fair elections and a constitutional right protected for everyone under the First Amendment.
The ethics complaint against me is an attempt to silence legitimate political discourse. Under T.C.A. § 8-17-103, local governments must adopt ethical standards, which I am aware of and have upheld since taking public office in 2009. I have always conducted myself with integrity and within moral and legal standards. This is the first time an ethics complaint has been filed against me since serving Brentwood for the past sixteen years.
Voters deserve transparency and candid conversations about the choices before them. I remain focused on the issues that matter most to the people I seek to represent. My commitment is to serve with honesty, accountability, and a vision for a better future. I will not be distracted by political tactics that undermine that mission. I am confident the complaint is without merit."
–Rhea Little