HOHENWALD, Tenn. - Lewis County Commissioner David Rentschler spearheaded an effort that led to the commission denying approval of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

"The civil rights issue really had nothing to do with this. It's about control and our freedom," said Rentschler.

Rentschler added county officials and employees already treat people fairly and do not need to sign off on a resolution to prove it.

"If you have to sign that paper to change how you treat people then we have a problem," said Rentschler.

Rentschler also disagrees with Title VI provisions that mandate interpreters for non-English speaking residents.

Some Lewis County officials worry the issue will result in the county losing millions of dollars in federal funding. Rentschler is not sure that would happen.

The Lewis County Commission will take up Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 at their next meeting on January 19.

The commissioner expects those commissioners that supported his effort will reverse their decisions because of the backlash.

email: ewhite@newschannel5.com