PULASKI, TN (WSMV) -
For the first time in Tennessee history, an individual county has come up with its own constitution, and it was written by ordinary citizens.
The historic attempt at home rule is getting attention all over the state as part of a huge anti-tax backlash.
The new Giles County constitution would tighten the leash on local government. If it passes, county leaders who want a new wheel tax or a big property tax bump must first take those decisions to a vote of the people.
No county has gone this far in rewriting its constitution, but in Giles County it goes to a vote on Thursday.
Seven men and women from the county's seven districts put the proposed constitution together.
Among the elements, public officials would need to have at least have a GED, and they would be subject to term limits, background checks and transparency.
And, of course, there would be no more tax increases without explanation and proof of need.
While this is the first citizen-written county constitution in the history of Tennessee, it likely won't be the last. Fentress, Montgomery, Gibson, Blount and Robertson counties are all looking at similar home-rule governments and new constitutions.
But will it even pass in Giles County?
The signs around Pulaski show a clear split in opinion between people who see a need for reform and those who like it the way it is, such as County Mayor Janet Vanzant.
"The people of Giles County have run this county business over 200 years with this form of government, and I have my faith in our heritage that it will continue to be that way," she said.
It's a small county with a big vote on a big issue that could have an influence in many communities all over the state.
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