Dear Editor:

The citizens of Cocke County want to know if the CLB did its job in reviewing the feasibility of filing a claim against Falcon in the bankruptcy proceeding? That is, did the CLB review the prospects of collection of the $173,000 in unpaid taxes and measure these against the costs of proceeding? If so, what were their findings?

It would appear that there is very little cost involved in filing a claim with the Bankruptcy Court. There can be no dispute - the tax is owed, period. Did the CLB place a lien on Falcon's property? There may have been a legal preference for unpaid property taxes, which might have made the County superior to other creditors.

It appears that Falcon emerged from the bankruptcy proceeding (as the C-F Group) and that while some debts may have been forgiven, creditors may have received some compensation. What are the facts of the case? Would the County have received some assets if it had filed a claim?

What are the facts in each of the other cases of unpaid taxes?

The taxpayers of Cocke County have a right to know the facts. 

Stephen C. Eldridge

Cosby