Heart Surgery Patient Knight Joins Final Commission Session Remotely

Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight joined the final meeting of his four-year term from home on Monday, appearing via Zoom while recovering from heart surgery. Four other commissioners were present in the chamber as voters prepare for Tuesday's election.

Knight is two weeks post-operation and reported that his strength is returning. He thanked the room for their thoughts and prayers. The District 4 commissioner noted that his wife is managing his care at home.

"My sweet wife has been amazing," Knight said. "I lovingly refer to her as my Nurse Ratchet. She's been my Florence Nightingale."

The only contested seat on the five-member commission belongs to Knight's colleague, President Jimmie Stephens. Stephens is the sole incumbent facing a challenger, Democratic nominee Camara Blue, in Tuesday's race. Knight wished Stephens good luck in the upcoming vote.

Knight scheduled a follow-up appointment with his surgeon for Thursday. He told his colleagues he would see them next Wednesday after the commission's organizational meeting. State law requires that meeting to take place on Veterans Day, November 11, to swear in new members and assign committees.

The downtown courthouse will open only for the 9 a.m. session on that federal holiday. On Monday, the commission approved one item of new business. Commissioner Sheila Tyson directed a $25,000 community grant from her discretionary account to Exposure Community Development Corporation. The funds will support musical programs honoring military veterans in Jefferson County.