Merry Christmas and 2004 take aways

As we observe the holidays, let us not forget the reason for the season. Jesus came to be our Savior.

2004 has been a year of reflection and two major takeaways. Two friends went home this year.

Larry Bell went home December 26, 2003. Larry was guy that had some health issues and multiple surgeries over the years, however you would have never known it, he never complained about his situation. He was a devoted husband and father to his daughter and son. He was very active in the drama and music department of our church, First Baptist Church, Concord. He was active in the Jest Glory Clown Ministry. What a fun personality Larry possessed while on earth. Larry was 46 years old.

Chris Johnson went home on October 26, 2004. I first met Chris on the youth football field. Chris was an assitant coach and the offensive coach for my sons football team, three years. Chris was committed to his wife and two sons. He was very active in his church First Baptist Lenior City. Chris never said anything negative about any person or any situation. He was a totally well rounded man. Chris was 39.

As I prepare for 2005, I look back on 2004. I realize that everyday should be lived to the fullest. Keep perspective on what is important. Family, Faith, Work and Passion.

When Passion is in your life then your life is full.

I will return with postings to the blog, shortly after the first of January 2005. I am spending time with my wife and children and pursuing Passion.

Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison

Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison has been the focus of the Knoxville News-Sentinel anti-bias toward him personally. Will the Knoxville News-Sentinel ever acknowledge and report the progressive contributions that the Sheriff has brought to the Knox County Sheriffs Department since his first election in 1990?

I have witnessed the operations of the sheriffs department first hand. I served four years on the Knox County Jail Inspection Committee, three as Chairman. I served on the Knox County Sheriffs Department Merit System Council for three years.

A few successes that come to mind include, but are not limited to: the detention facility in East Knox County. The helicopters that were obtained from a federal government surplus program at no cost and minimal operational cost. The horse patrol for the areas of Knox County where a patrol car will not go. The training "boot camp" program for new officers. The state of the art firing range and training facility. The citizens sheriffs academy.

For all the perceived scandal (like the vacation home, where the sheriffs family will never feel safe again) that can be written about there are 10 stories of successful administration of progressive law enforcement. The sad part of this saga is that the perceived scandals sell newspapers but never materialize into reality.

Knox County Commission & School Board Meet

On Thursday December 16, 2004 the Knox County Commission invited the Knox County School Board and Administration to a joint meeting for the purpose of discussing the school systems 5 year capital plan. The plan was to be presented in October 2004 and was delayed until November 2004. The plan was not prepared for presentation in November and was delayed again and a presentation was set for December 16, 2004. It was presented with very little fanfare. Few questions and minimal objections surrounded the plan. It was presented with 7 board members and several Knox County School Staff present.

The Superintendent of Schools was absent from the joint meeting. Commissioner Larry Clark did ask why New Hopewell Elementary School, that was scheduled to begin in FY 2006, has been delayed until FY 2010? No real reason was given.

At the Knox County School Board Special Called meeting on December 8, 2004, South Knoxville School Board Member Robert Bratton did propose an alternative capital plan that would have funded all projects in the capital plan including New Hopewell. The alternative plan failed 1-7 with North Knoxville Board Member Diane Dozier absent from the voting session.

Commissioner Mike Hammond should be commended for providing the pizza. It was interesting that the pizza was withheld from the Commisisoners and School Board Members until the joint meeting adjourned.

For those of you that enjoy the television program The Apprentice, when Andy was fired in one of the final episodes a few weeks ago, one of the reasons was that when Andy was the Project Manager he made the decision to withhold the pizza dinner from the Pepsi-cola staff and his team until their task was completed.

Theodore Roosevelt Quote

For unflagging interest and enjoyment, a household of children, if things go reasonably well, certainly all other forms of success and achievement lose their importance by comparison.

Knox County GOP Chair

Recently, the KNS reported that Chad Tindell has made the decision not to run for re-election as Knox County Republican Party Chairman. This past week, I called a few friends to solicit their advice on my potential candidacy. In no way, have I contacted everyone that I would need or like to in order to make a final decision.

The late State Representative Loy Smith is the gentleman that took a young 16 year old kid under his wing, because I had an interest in political campaigns and governance. I have been active in many campaigns at the grass-roots and management level, since that time. We have won more than we have lost. For 22 years, I have worked hard and have loved our party. I will continue to do so for many years to come. We have great days ahead of us as the majority party in Knox County and East Tennessee.

My family is the most important part of any decision. My business interest is the second most important part of any decision. I will continue to consider the possibility and continue to consult with friends and associates. When the decision is made, it will be announced here and in other venues as well.

If you have thoughts on this decision, please email me at brian@brianhornback.com