Subject: Ethics Commission Hearing Rescheduled – Your Voice Matters
Dear Friends of Old Hickory Lake,
We want to inform you of an important update regarding the ethics complaint filed by Gallatin resident Pam Farino. The Tennessee Ethics Commission was originally scheduled to review this matter on December 2, 2025, but the hearing has now been rescheduled for February 3, 2026.
This hearing will include review of Case No. C2025‑009, which addresses Ms. Farino’s sworn complaint regarding the Statements of Interest submitted by Councilmen Paul Jones, Craig Hayes, Steven Carter, and Steve Fann. The complaint alleges that these filings failed to meet state requirements for disclosing sources of income and investment interests—information intended to protect the public from undisclosed conflicts of interest.
📅 New Hearing Date & Location
• February 3, 2026 at 9:30 AM (CST)
• Nashville Room, Tennessee Tower Conference Center
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243
Why This Matters
The citizens of Gallatin deserve elected officials who follow the law and are transparent in their dealings. The Ethics Commission has the authority to levy fines on those who violate these requirements. It is critical that the Commission take appropriate action to uphold accountability.
We strongly encourage you to contact the Ethics Commission’s Executive Director, Bill Young, regarding this complaint before the February 3 meeting and urge him to ensure the Commission enforces the law in this matter:
Why Your Attendance Matters
Our lake communities have shown time and again that when we show up—calmly, respectfully, and in numbers—decision‑makers take notice. Transparency in public service is essential to maintaining trust, especially as Gallatin faces significant development pressures.
By attending this hearing, and contacting the Ethics Commission you send a powerful message: the people of Old Hickory Lake are paying attention and expect integrity from their elected officials.
FAQ: Who Must File a Statement of Interest in Tennessee?
• General Assembly members, the Governor, cabinet-level staff, constitutional officers – by April 15 each year. [T.C.A. § 2-10-128]
• Local elected officials and members of local planning commissions – by January 31 each year. [T.C.A. § 8-50-504]
• A Statement of Interests must be filed by anyone in an elected office or appointed to an office that is normally elected, regardless of whether the position is part-time or full-time.
You can read more about this issue in The Gallatin News.
Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting our community and our shared values. Together, we can ensure that Gallatin’s leaders uphold the standards of transparency and accountability that our citizens deserve.
Sincerely,
Friends of Old Hickory Lake