We have another update on the sexual harassment allegations against the Rutherford County property assessor. Incumbent Bill Boner (R) told WGNS that all charges have been dismissed. Evidently, the charges were dismissed on a technicality because the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission did not have authority over the complaints because Boner is an elected official.

Boner stated to WGNS. . .

If Janie Zumbro and Kathy Dumm want to further pursue the allegations of sexual harassment against Boner, they will have to do so in a state or federal court. Reports indicate the two will move forward with a case.

Boner’s opponent, Rob Mitchell (D) responded with a press release that was e-mailed to WGNS – This is the text of that email: The EEOC determined they had no jurisdiction over this complaint since elected officials are exempt by statute from this law. This does not mean he is innocent. New charges are being filed. 

Six additional women have come forward other than the two filing the original charges.

Any competent elected official holding the title of Certified Public Administrator, which he claims he earned but which appears unlikely, would have known of this exemption to Title VII.

He assumed incorrectly he was in the clear. The facts will prove otherwise. His habit of going off half-cocked as he has in this case and his over inflating of property assesments is yet another example of why we need a professional in the assessors office.

Incumbent Bill Boner (R) is seeking re-election to the position of Rutherford County Assessor of Property. Rob Mitchell (D) is running against him. Early voting begins this Friday and continues through the end of the month. Election day is August 2nd.