Kallenberg Fires Back - Answers Will Be Forthcoming

Kim Kallenberg through her Attorney Greg Issacs today fired back. Here is the lawsuit.

August 31, 2006 is the last day for two members of the Knox County School Board. Diane Dozier, the Representative of the Powell (Kallenberg's) community and Chuck James the Representative of the Farragut, Hardin Valley communities. The last official day in their position, they are sued along with the 7 other board members for being unconcerned and not forthcoming in the investigation into what did Russ know, when did he know and why?

Interesting tidbits are 1) The Superintendent replaced them with males and one that is reported to be a close confidant of the Superintendent. 2) Inappropriate comments are alleged (with statements to prove the allegations) to have been made about Kallenberg and her personal appearance.

Had the School Board been forthcoming in pursuing an investigation. Knox County would not be faced with litigation that stands to jeopardize the entire Federal funding of the Knox County School System.

Knox County Schools / Russ Oaks Resolution

Brian's Blog has returned from a business trip to find the following Resolution in the Brian's Blog email inbox. This Resolution was added to and passed by the Knox County Commission on Monday night 8/28/2006 around 10:30 pm. Commissioner John Griess, Mark Cawood and Larry Stephens were the sponsors according to the Brian's Blog source. Brian's Blog will obtain the audio recording of the debate on this Resolution and will have further reports in the near future.

A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF KNOX COUNTY, TENNESSEE, REQUESTING THE KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH REVIEW OF WHETHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WERE IN PLACE, WERE FOLLOWED, AND WHETHER ADDITIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE NECESSARY TO GUIDE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF IN INVESTIGATING, REPORTING AND COMMENTING ABOUT SENSITIVE AND POTENTIALLY CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS TO THE MEDIA IN LIGHT OF THEIR RECENT INVESTIGATION, AND REPORTING THEREOF, INTO ISSUES AT POWELL HIGH SCHOOL.


WHEREAS, on July 25, 2006, Knox County Schools spokesman Russ Oaks was reported in the Knoxville News Sentinel as stating that Knox County School officials, specifically supervisors in Knox County Schools Human Resources Department, had "informally" "for about a month" been looking into allegations concerning Powell Assistant Principal Kim Kallenberg and a student at Powell High School for having an inappropriate relationship and for improprieties relating to students’ grades; and

WHEREAS, on July 25, 2006, Oaks reported that Powell Assistant Principal Kim Kallenberg and Powell High School Principal Diane Psihogios had been placed on administrative leave, with pay, on July 14, 2006; and

WHEREAS, on July 25, 2006, Oaks is further quoted and reported in the Knoxville News Sentinel as saying that "We are investigating allegations of grade changing or inappropriate access to grades as well as an administrator having an inappropriate relationship with a student at Powell High School, and that (administrator is) Kim Kallenberg, an assistant principal"; and

WHEREAS, on July 25, 2006, Oaks is further quoted and reported in the Knoxville News Sentinel as saying, among other things, that: "The grade allegations involve a number of people"; that whatever the outcome of the investigation, Kallenberg will not return to Powell High School; that the sexual allegations were forwarded to the Department of Children’s Services; and that Knox County Schools is looking into whether "students (were) getting inappropriate course credit – taking one history course and getting credit for another, for example"; and

WHEREAS, on August 1, 2006, in an article printed on August 2, 2006, which addressed Kallenberg’s filing a complaint with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission and the filing of a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Oaks is further quoted and reported in the Knoxville News Sentinel as saying, among other things, that: "We’ve taken what we need to take to follow up on the grade tampering (claims)" when he was asked about the removal of computers from Kallenberg’s office; that the probe into an alleged liaison and accusations of grade tampering began after supervisors in the school system’s human resources division received tips from "two or three different sources"; and that "the superintendent felt it was necessary" to reassign a secretary who worked under Psihogios and Kallenberg to Fulton High School; and

WHEREAS, on August 5, 2006, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported that "the school system has declined comment on Kallenberg’s claims" following the filing of her second complaint with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission; and

WHEREAS, on August 12, 2006, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported Oaks as saying, in response to an allegation that Superintendent Lindsey had given a false impression to the public when he spoke about the issue of sexual misconduct on a Knoxville radio program on August 10 when Kallenberg was cleared of the allegations by the school system on Friday, August 11, that Lindsey "made the decision today based on the information that was available today (Friday, August 11)" and that "I don’t think it was really a decision he could have made much earlier than today"; and

WHEREAS, on August 12, 2006, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported Oaks as saying, in response to the question of whether the school system had wrongly handled the investigation, that "No, not to my knowledge"; and

WHEREAS, on August 16, 2006, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported in an article about Kallenberg’s lawyer requesting records relating to the Knox County School System’s investigation into the allegations and any information relating to the system’s recent decision to clear her of sexual misconduct, that Oaks said, "Any response we make to this will be made by our attorneys"; and

WHEREAS, the above reports and oft quoted statements by Knox County Schools spokesman Russ Oaks call for an investigation into the manner and method that Knox County Schools investigated this matter, and, through Russ Oaks, reported and commented about the investigation and the parties involved to the media; and

WHEREAS, it is the sense of the Commission of Knox County that the Knox County Board of Education should conduct a thorough review of the investigation Knox County Schools conducted in this matter to determine whether policies and procedures were in place, were followed, and whether additional policies and procedures are necessary to guide the School System administration and staff to investigate, report and ultimately comment about sensitive and potentially confidential matters to the media.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF KNOX COUNTY AS FOLLOWS:

That the reports and oft quoted statements by Knox County Schools spokesman Russ Oaks to the Knoxville News Sentinel call for an investigation into the manner and method that Knox County Schools investigated this matter, and, through Russ Oaks, reported and commented about the investigation and the parties involved to the media.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is the sense of the Commission of Knox County that the Knox County Board of Education should conduct a thorough review of the investigation Knox County Schools conducted in this matter to determine whether policies and procedures were in place, were followed and whether additional policies and procedures are necessary to guide the School System administration and staff to investigate, report and ultimately comment about sensitive and potentially confidential matters to the media.

Knox County Commission - Good Day

Yesterday was a good day at the Knox County Commission. Unfortunately, I was in Nashville on business but Brian's Blog has sources and correspondents on the ground at County Commission.

The first item of interest was the Hardin Valley High School after much discussion. The Commission did the right thing with the proposal of Commissioner John Griess in requesting that the schools come up with a priority list for future projects.

Commissioner John Mills in typical protect my district attitude is concerned with a proposed replacement of Carter Elementary. Some one needs to remind Mills, his district is receiving a replaced Gibbs and he has the fewest number of students of any district in the county. After the cconstruction of the Midway Indusstrial Park that will create 4,600 new jobs, Carter may grow. But, not until there is a magnet to draw families to the area.

The second item of interest was the Midway Industrial Park. I received the call about 7:15 pm from the cell phone of my source at the meeting . The source said 16-3. I said Thank You. This is great news with 4,600 new jobs and nearly $12.million dollars in property tax revenue. The community is expected to make attempts to stop it through legal action. It would be better to work with teh Development Corporation to ensure a quality neighbor than waste time, resources and sweat equity fighthing the project.

The community made a critical mistake in wearing T-Shirts that alleged that this was a fat cats project. The community is essence was calling the Commissioners Fat Cats. It doesn't help your cause to go to the people that your asking for their help to resort to calling names.

The final item of interest is the $9.0 million in TIF. Brian's Blog in go indepth with the issue of TIF and the use of TIF's in future post. This is a Great decision and a neccesary one. The ROI (Return on Investment) for this development will produce sales tax and property tax revenue to the schools and community that will produce great benefits. The use of TIF's in the South Knox County area has produced great rewards. Anyone that is opposed to the use of TIF's is not knowledgeable of the benefits and return on the use of TIF's.

Brian's Blog Featured Quotes of the Day

"The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been." - Henry A. Kissinger

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." - Dale Carnegie

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." - Lou Holtz


"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." - Arthur Ashe

Harris Issues Statement of Clarification

TAMPA--In a recent article published in the Florida Baptist Witness, Congresswoman Katherine Harris was asked to comment on the interplay of faith and politics in the public square. In the interview, Harris was speaking to a Christian audience, addressing a common misperception that people of faith should not be actively involved in government. Addressing this Christian publication, Harris provided a statement that explains her deep grounding in Judeo-Christian values.

Bryan Rudnick, Harris for Senate Campaign Manager stated, "I joined this campaign because Congresswoman Harris is a passionate supporter of Israel, the Jewish people and always has the best interests of all Floridians at heart. As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, I know that she encourages people of all faiths to engage in government so that our country can continue to thrive on the principles set forth by our Founding Fathers, without malice towards anyone."

In Congress, Katherine Harris has consistently supported pro-Israel legislation. Representative Harris co-sponsored numerous resolutions including: H. Con. Res. 248, to honor the life and work of Simon Wiesenthal and to reaffirm Congress' commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of intolerance; H.Con.Res. 392, to recognize the 58th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel; H.Con.Res. 101, to push for the European Union to add Hezbollah to its list of terrorist organizations; and H.Res. 575, to stress that Hamas and other terrorist organizations should not take part in elections held by the Palestinian Authority.

As a Florida State Senator, Katherine Harris co-sponsored S. 3062, the Holocaust and Yom Hashoah Victims Resolution, encouraging observation of the day to remember the horrific tragedy of the Holocaust. While serving as Secretary of State, Congresswoman Harris advocated for funding for the Florida - Israel Linkage Institute to promote business/ cultural/educational/technological exchanges, and she traveled to Israel for personal and professional purposes. As Harris frequently reminds voters in her campaign speeches for the U.S. Senate, she is committed to standing by Israel.

School Board Input Meeting Tonight

UPDATE: Lola Alapo of the Knoxville News-Sentinel has the following story in todays paper. So much for cooperation among School Board and the funding body. When a headline to a story appears in the paper and refers to a School Board Member and their meeting as critical. A critic of the County Mayor and County Commission that fully funded the past 4 years of Capital Plan budget request, this years General Puropse Budget and gave $40 million dollars for a new high school that the School Board never requested. Yet, the critic can not make any budget balance. Instead of the $40 million that is over and above the Capital Plan request, they build a $50 million dollar school. The Mayor and Commission have not criticized the School Board, because it serves no purpose to point fingers at one another and become critic's.

This evening, Fifth District School Board Member held a Community Meeting at Bearden High School. The Brian's Blog staff was attending the City Council Workshop on the Sunsphere re development, Parent Night at a Fifth District School and a Brian's Blog kids soccer practice. Never fear, there was a Correspondent on the ground and in the meeting at Bearden High School that filed the following notes. (By the way, West Valley Middle School had Parent Night, Lotts had Girl Scout sign-up and Bluegrass had a parent type meeting as well. This was a terrible night to get Parental Input from the Fifth District, if that is what they wanted.)

School Board Member Cindy Buttry along with School Board Member-Elect Thomas Deakins attended as well as about 20 other people. The statement was made that the School Board was convinced that if they build the new school for a capacity of 1300 the goal of relieving overcrowding would not be achieved. The school board will be making a formal request that the Knox County Commission appropriate an additional $6.0 million dollars to finish the high school for 2000 students. The School Board has reviewed the project and is asking for what they think they need for the new high school.

Current funding for the school is :

Knox County $40,000,000
Knox County Schools HVAC $4,000,000
Totaling $44,000,000

The cost for the current scope of work for 2100 student capacity school is as follows:

Land $2,650,000
Design $2,500,000
Construction $38,500,000
FF&E $4,500,000
Administration $1,300,000
Contingency $550,000

Total $50,000,000

The Knox County Commission meeting is on Monday August 28, 2006 at 2:00 pm.

The Fifth District School Board Member stated that in October and November she will begin to discuss and talk about potential zoning changes for the new high school and that it was her opinion that 600 students may need to come out of Farragut to accomplish a solution to the overcrowding issue.

Brian's Blog editorial opinion here. So, this school has been said to be $6.0 million dollars "under funded", Brian's Blog has reported a $6.0 million dollar budget cost over run. Until our Correspondent reported back this evening and in the report reminded Brian's Blog of the $4.0 million dollar Geo-thermal HVAC system that the school system is paying for, it is now a $10.0 million dollar budget cost overrun.

Brian's Blog will continue in the words of Fox News to "We Report, You Decide." "Fair and Balanced"

Stay Tuned.

Hardin Valley Community to Rally

You first read about it here at Brian's Blog on August 6, 2006. Yesterday there was this story on WBIR. This morning there is this story in the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

There was an abbreviated discussion at the School Board workshop this past Monday. The School System contends they do not want to spend county tax dollars to repair the septic system for the Market and the barber shop, they will maintain it for the Volunteer Fire Department. The School System is missing the point. It is not their responsibility to fix the error, it is the contractors responsibility.

The contractor was performing site prep for the new high school and got into the septic system of these businesses. The contractor should repair the damage not the school system and not the taxpayers.

These businesses have been here for years. The School System bought the property less than 15 years ago. There was some minimal finger pointing at the workshop, saying that the septic system was never permitted. The septic system was put in prior to the school district purchasing the property. If the school district didn't research the property in the process of titling and deed, then they purchased it as is.

This Saturday August 26, 2006 the Hardin Valley Community will Rally to support the Market and the barber shop at the Market. Here is the contact information for the School Board Members including the 2 new members that will be at the September 6, 2006 School Board Meeting. Hardin Valley is in the 6th School Board District.

District 1 Sam Anderson 4735 Plymouth Drive, Knoxville, 37914 865-525-1681(h) or 865-215-2090(o)or email: sanderson@ci.knoxville.tn.us

District 2 Indya Kincannon 941 Eleanor St., Knoxville, 37917 865-546-7098(h) or email: indyak@hotmail.com

District 3 Cindy Buttry 5812 San Cristebal Ln., Knoxville, 37921 865-584-6155(h) or 865-215-2360(o)or email: cbuttry8@hotmail.com

District 4 Dan Murphy 4141 Forest Glen Dr.,Knoxville, 37919 865-523-0511(h) or 865-974-1752(o)or email: dmurphy@utk.edu

District 5 Karen Carson 10953 Twin Harbour Dr.,Knoxville, 37922 865-675-0236(h) or 865-300-6443(o)or email: carsonk@tds.net

District 6 Thomas Deakins 920 Blackstone Dr,Knoxville, 37934 865-966-1537 (h) or email: electthomasdeakins@yahoo.com

District 7 Rex Stooksbury (h) or email:

District 8 Jim Williams 9320 Ruggles Ferry Dr.,Strawberry Plains, 37871 865-933-5860(h) or email: c97jew@aol.com

District 9 Robert Bratton 2005 Switchyard Lane,Knoxville, 37920 865-579-9999(h) or 865-595-0220(o) or email: rbratton@etptv.org

Knox County's Midway Industrial Park

UPDATE: I attended a community meeting in June at the Thorngrove Community Center. I attended the MPC meeting. I have visited the property in question at least three times since it was proposed as an Industrial Park. I am well aware of this property as I spent nearly all of my life in this area of East Knox County until 1992. This is an informed decision.

UPDATE: I have received a couple of emails from one family and have talked this morning on the phone with this same gentleman concerned about why would I endorse this plan. Here are some of my reasons.

1) West Knoxville is FULL: Many people travel from East Knox County, North Knox County and South Knox County to work in West Knoxville and West Knox County. We have run out of land in West Knoxville to be the employment station for all of Knox County. Everyone can come work in West Knoxville, have a lunch at a nice dining establishment. Go home and complain about all those people in West Knoxville.

2) Location, Location, Location: I told this gentleman find 360 acres with immediate interstate access and if it is in my backyard I will support it.

3) Economic Development: The issues are the same as when Scott Davis ran for County Executive in 1998. The local kids can not find adequate jobs here after graduating from U.T. or Pellissippi or anywhere. Things have gotten better in the past 4 years with new industries like HGTV and Jewelry Television. The jobs that will locate in the Midway Industrial will not be manufacturing, sweat shops. They will be 21st century, World is Flat type of employment. High Tech, Modern jobs.

4) A rising tide lifts all boats: As Knox County has found success with the its business parks (except Eastbridge) and new recruitment efforts. This Rising Tide (a new business park) will lift all the boats (businesses in Knox County)

5) The Time is NOW: If the County doesn't seize the opportunity now, it will be gone. The argument is made that had the School Board secured land several years ago, the Hardin Valley High School would not be in the shape it is today. I agree. There was adequate property in 2002 on George Williams Road that the Superintendent proposed that should have been purchased it wasn't and now that is a small reason the School Board can not balance the books. Let's not make the same mistake with this industrial park. Buy it Now, before options expire and the cost rises. Be prudent with the citizens tax dollars.

There will be more forthcoming.


A week from today the Knox County Commission will be requested to approve the MPC recommendation of a property rezoning for The Development Corporation of Knox County to begin Knox County's next Industrial Park. The County Commission should approve this rezoning on Monday August 28, 2006 and should not postpone their action for 30 days.

Here are a few Facts concerning the proposed Industrial Park.

There are 363 acres under contract to The Development Corporation of Knox County.

The property is located North of I-40 near the Midway Road interchange.

Knox County has limited inventory of available Business Park property available for a few reasons.

1) Successful recruitment of corporations like Jewelry Television, Brinks Home Security, National Partitions and Tennessee Steel Center. The donation of 160 acres to Knox County for the Tommy Schumpert Park and New Harvest Park.

2) The shortsighted development of Eastbridge Industrial Park in the late 1980's, with limited transportation access to and from the Park.

Knox County and Knoxville is experiencing unprecedented, positive, national recognition as a great place to live, work and do business.

The MPC (metropolitan Planning Commission) staff compiled a report identifying 15 sites with Knox County at the request of The Development Corporation. The Development Corporation is continuing to look at and analyze these 15 sites.

This Midway location is the only site of its size with direct access to the interstate and appeal to prospective companies.

The Development Corporation has been working for over 10 months with residents to determine their interest or non-interest in selling their property.

The Development Corporation NEVER considered asking County Commission to use eminent domain to acquire any piece of property. It took seven months of negotiation with eight different property owners on ten parcels of property before the Development Corporation had enough property under contract to make it viable to proceed.

ALL PROPERTY OWNERS ARE WILLING SELLERS.

Ten months of negotiation on some properties have resulted in some contracts becoming close to expiring.

The initial rezoning of Industrial was initiated as the process of rezoning takes nearly ten weeks.

The Development Corporation conducted a public hearing on June 29, 2006 at Thorngrove Baptist Church, residents rightly so, objected to the Industrial zone, due to some noxious uses permitted in the Industrial zone. The residents also at the public hearing desire more input into the plan.

Thus resulting in the Development Corporation agreeing to support the MPC staff's recommendation to rezone the property to Planned Commercial. The Development Corporation also agreed to limit the uses on all this property to those found in the county's Employment Center zone plus the Shopping Center zone uses on 21 acres adjacent to Midway Road at I-40.

With Planned commercial zoning the Development corporation must obtain site plan and design standards, thus assuring that the local community will have the opportunity for input on how the business park is developed.

With the limited uses of Employment Center zone, the Development Corporation has eliminated the possibility of the more noxious uses found in the Industrial zone.

On July 13, 2006 the MPC approved to rezone this property to planned Commercial by a 12-1 vote. Brian's Blog was present at the MPC meeting and filed a report. The report is located here. As Brian's Blog reported 120 people from the community attended this MPC meeting. Brian's Blog personally counted those community members in attendance.


Brian's Blog believes that a postponement by the County Commission is irresponsible and any Commissioner that votes to postpone are taking the risk that as one or more purchase contracts expire, it will result in higher land prices to the taxpayers of Knox County taxpayers.

Hopefully our County Commissioners do not want to burden the citizens of Knox County with high land cost, resulting in higher taxes and thus establishing themselves as tax raising Commissioners.

Brian's Blog will watch the outcome of this action and report back to you, our avid readers.

School Board "Cupcakes, Not Allowed - Zucchini Bread"

Brian's Blog will go in depth with this new Knox County School Board Policy on the control of food, in future post. Parents are no longer able to bring cupcakes or cookies on their child's birthday for the entire class. Classes are no longer able to have special parties where they order and have delivered pizzas from an outside restaurant.

In response to this issue that has parents complaining at the schools, ball fields, Walmart and just about anywhere parents gather. Indya Kincannon Second District School Board Member, on Monday during the School Board workshop said we need to communicate the message correctly. I am getting calls that we have banned birthdays, that is not true. You can still have a birthday and celebrate it, but, "instead of having a high sugary treat like cupcakes it should be Zucchini bread"

Well, that is just dandy. The Second District School Board Member believes that the Southern tradition of cupcakes, cookies and birthday cake should now be replaced by Zucchini bread. A review of a recipe for Zucchini bread now reveal that even the Second District choice for birthday Zucchini bread will not be allowed under the new policy as it contains Sugar and Brown Sugar.

Zucchini Bread

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 cups of flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 cups finely grated zucchini

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; Combine sugars, oil, and eggs and mix. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add wet to dry and mix until moisten. Divide mixture into 2 lightly greased loaf pans.

Bake for about 60 mins or until done.

And you wonder, why the Knox County School Board can not manage a budget and have a $40 million dollar high school on budget, without cost over runs of $6.0 million dollars. But, that too is another issue for future post. Have a great morning, but, wait in Knox County Schools teachers can not even purchase a cup of REGULAR coffee, it must be Decaf. The Southern tradition of Sweet Tea is gone from Knox County Schools. The Tea must now be Decaf as well. Robert Bratton, the Ninth District School Board Member got it right Monday night. Have you ever had Decaf Tea? Have you ever had Decaf Tea without Sugar, Sweet & Lo? What's the point? So, it won't be a very good morning. Brian's Blog is advocating a coffee smuggling ring among teachers. You must get your coffee from the outside and then take it underground.

Surely, the Central Office Building at the Andrew Johnson Building are following the guidelines that are imposed on the faculty at each school. No REGULAR coffee is being brewed at the Central Office. Right? Time will tell.

Brian's Blog Featured Quotes of the Day

"Always remember, others may hate you- but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself." -- Richard Nixon

"I always try to plant a flower wherever I feel a flower will grow."--Abraham Lincoln

"In the use of words, quality is more important than quantity."

"The worst boss anyone can have is a bad habit. The best boss is a well trained conscience."

"Thankfulness could well be the finest sentiment of man-and also the rarest."

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."-- Mother Teresa

Knox County School Board doesn't want your input

In this past Thursday's edition of the Farragut Press, the Fifth District School Board member is requesting public support for a 2100 student capacity Hardin Valley High School and the public assistance in convincing the County Commission to fund the $6.0 million dollar cost over runs. The letter is located here.

The interesting part of the letter is the last bullet point.

Attend the community meeting. On Thursday, August 24th at 7:00 PM we will be holding a Community Meeting at Bearden High School to discuss the enrollment analysis for the Farragut, Bearden, Karns and Hardin Valley areas.

The problem with this community meeting arranged by the Fifth District School Board Member is that West Valley Middle School will be having their Parent Night at the same time. West Valley Middle School is fed by Elementary Schools; Bluegrass, Lotts, Rocky Hill and Cedar Bluff Intermediate. Many of the families that have students at West Valley have an interest in the overcrowded conditions of all the schools in West Knox County and would like to attend the meeting, but have in essence been locked out of the process.

The message received by the citizens, particularly those of West Valley Middle students is that the School Board does not desire the input of the parents of West Valley Middle School or they desire that the parents do not attend the West Valley Middle School Parent Night meeting.

On this issue the School Boards message on Parental Involvement? We don't want you or need you.

Bredesen and TN Demos lack any Class

This from today's News-Sentinel. The TN Demos and the Democrat candidate for Governor Phil Bredesen have a group that are following the BIG Bryson bus. State Senator Jim Bryson is the Republican candidate for Governor. Brian's Blog has had many post about our next Governor, Jim Bryson.

The individuals that Bredesen and his wife Andrea Conte have following Bryson have been pushing people and creating disturbances at the events of the 30 day 95 county BIG bus tour. The Bredesen staffers have been videotaping and causing disturbances, including shoving a Republican County Chairman in Southeast Tennessee. Individuals that are supporting our next Republican Governor Bryson have in a couple of incidents pointed a laser pointer, not in the eyes of the Bredesen staffers but at their video cameras to cause the video to be out of focus.

Brian's Blog believes it is best to leave the classless Bredesen staffers alone until they start shoving, which the Bredesen staffers acknowledge they have done. When they shove or in their words "rub elbows" they should be arrested and prosecuted for assault. They have vandalized the BIG bus by placing Bredesen stickers on the bumper, the fact is this is the only way the Bredesen staffers can get Bredesen stickers on vehicles is to place them there without the vehicle owners knowledge. The Bredesen staffers should be arrested and prosecuted for vandalism. Newspaper articles like this one demonstrate how desperate Bredesen and the Demos are in an attempt to retain power. The Bredesen people have said that Jim Bryson is not a credible candidate and their guy is going to win. Obviously this is not the case when Bredesen has his brightest and best tailing a BIG bus.

Bredesen is utilizing Ford family tactics to intimidate and bully his way for another 4 year term. This is yet another example of his classless leadership, like inflating high school graduation numbers, shredding sexual harassment documents on members of his administration, corruption throughout the Tennessee Highway Patrol, his mis-management of the TNCare program, increasing unemployment numbers ......................................................................

What these Bredesen staffers should have been doing this week is holding prayer at the bedside of Bredesen, he was hospitalized for the entire week and canceled all campaign and work activities due to a "reported" tick bite. Bredesen needs to rest as he has health concerns.

The question arises is Bredesen's health capable of serving Tennessee for four years?

Brian's Blog sends Get Well Wishes to Bredesen and hopes his health improves. Rest on Bredesen's part and thoughts and prayers are needed for his recovery.

Brian's Blog Anniversary and Celebration

Update: In yesterdays Farragut Press there is an ad announcing my 40th birthday. Thanks to Cathy Moore for this ad. It was fairly easy to determine where this ad came from. All of my young pictures are controlled by either my mother or myself. Cathy is getting be back for a flock of pink flamingo that adorned her yard the year that she turned 40. I asked Cathy yesterday instead of using a 2003 hairless face picture of me, she should have used a 2004 or earlier with the goatee. She also should have printed my website and blog address. I do appreciate he thoughtfulness and am reminded of the old saying that paybacks are ____.

This weekend marks the two year anniversary of the creation of Brian's Blog. It has and continues to be a great ride. Thank you to the many avid readers. Yesterday morning, I stopped at the local bagel shop and Julie informed me that she is always checking Brian's Blog. Thank You. Thank You.

On Sunday I will become 40 years old. As I look at August 20th, (Sara, remember the plan that McKenzie is to be born between 12:01 am and 11:59:59 pm on Sunday) I realize that I am a blessed man. For 18 years I have been married to a wonderful wife, almost 16 years ago I was blessed with our oldest son, we have been blessed with a 12 year old daughter and a 10 year old son. I have been blessed with three jobs in my life that I have always enjoyed and never tired of going to work each morning. The past 14 years I have been employed by the largest food company in the world, the job is as fresh and new as it was on March 1, 1992. It continues to be a great ride.

I have been blessed to live in Southwest Knox County since December 1992. I have been blessed with some great friends. I was blessed to serve Southwest Knox County on the School Board and my service still carries on today. Memorial Day observation and the televised school board workshops are the two proudest achievements that I have had in my 4 year term. One day, I will list them all.

The past year and a half, I have blessed to have the honor of serving as the Chairman of the Knox County Republican Party (KnoxGOP). The year 2006 was the big ballot (the Judges, District Attorney General and Public Defender) were on the ballot. The Knox GOP had 37 candidates on the ballot and I have been reminded that we won 33, unfortunately, we lost a Great County Commissioner in David Collins and the three Democrat incumbents on County Commission that we challenged were re-elected. However, we swept the Countywide races and maintain our Majority status in Knox County. In 1998, the party got swept in all four races. I am a blessed man.

The past 40 years have been a wonderful ride and I look forward to the remaining time that I have and I know that I have a blessed life and just hope and prayer that I give back enough, more than enough for what I have been given and that I continue to honor the one that has blessed my life. Thanks.

Now, I will get back to posting on real issues, this afternoon.

Herding Cats - A Life in Politics

On Monday July 31, 2006, I was driving down I-40W and got off the interstate at Papermill Rd. as I approached Weisgarber Rd. my cell phone rang. I answered it and one of the loyal Republican workers and Knox County Vice-Chairmen had called to ask if I had seen one of our "Republicans" was supporting a Democrat. I said, Yes.

Through the conversation, my friend said, "The job you have (as Republican Party Chairman) is like Herding Cats" I laughed and said, I believe that is true. I told her that I was going into Mackays Books and CD's and that she had given me the idea to look for Senator Trent Lott's book Herding Cats. I found it and have just completed it.

It was a great post election book for me to read. I have always admired Senator Lott.

In my office since the early 90's I have a Trent Lott yard sign hanging on my office wall.

This book really details how a young Lott was first introduced to Washington on the staff of a Democrat Congressman. He recognized that he was a Republican, he ran for the Congress and during his service, moved through the ranks of leadership and really perfected the Republican Whip operation. The opportunity to be elected to the U.S. Senate presented itself and Lott used his grassroots techniques to become elected. He rose through the Senate as a "results maker". He has some interesting stories about the many Presidents that he served with and for. The trial of William Jefferson Clinton consumes two chapters and are behind the scenes documentary of the drama that was the impeachment trial.

The 40 words that forever changed Lott were not intentional and were off the prepared text, due to Senator Bob Dole using all of Lott's prepared text for Strom Thurmond's 100 birthday.

This story of his departure from the position of Majority Leader demonstrates the power of the blog and how the power of the blog moved the story and ultimately kept it in the publics and mainstream medias eye and allowed a few Senator's, primarily Don Nichols to keep the fire burning and to get Lott to remove himself from the Majority leader ballot, ultimately allowing Senator Bill Frist to be elected and serving as Majority Leader. Lott could have given up entirely but he has stayed for the greater good and Mississippi and America are better for it.

Check this one out. It is a quick read and an excellent book, if politics interest you.

BREAKING NEWS: Kallenberg has been cleared

UPDATE: Blogger craigam left the following comment on Brian's Blog and instead of just posting it as a comment which Brian's Blog has done, it needs to be highlighted in an UPDATE to the post. Karen Craig, I do not know her but the story craigam shares is disheartening. Individuals spend their whole career for this.

There was at least one other person hurt by Knox County School’s mishandling of these unfounded allegations. Karen Craig was a secretary at Powell High School for almost 20 years. She was reassigned to Fulton High School. Russ Oaks was quoted as saying Dr. Lindsey “thought it was necessary”. During a meeting with Dr. Sims in the H.R. department she was told she had done nothing wrong and given no valid reason for the move.

No evidence of a sexual relationship between Kallenburg and Smith was found because it never occurred. It was always just rumors forwarded by a few disgruntled individuals. I also doubt that any evidence of grade changing will be found. Or, if it is, no proof linking Kallenburg or Psihogios will be found. Knox County Schools will just revert to charges of lost control or inappropriate conduct since these charges can be defined any way they desire.

In the end, a dedicated principal will seek retirement, a good assistance principal will have her reputation forever in question, and a loyal secretary will have lost all trust for the school system leadership. Dr. Lindsey will be bought out, take his money and leave the Knox County School system in a mess.

Greg Issacs is right, the School Board must investigate the investigation. What did they know and when did they know it.

UPDATE: Saturday August 12, 2006 5:45 am - The Knoxville News Sentinel has a fairly extensive story in today's edition. Here is the whole story. Here are the interesting snipits from the story.

Isaacs said his client would be completely cleared when the investigation is concluded.
He also said that he intended to contact the Knox County school board Monday and ask it "to investigate this investigation."

Isaacs said he wanted to know when school officials, including Superintendent Charles Lindsey, knew there was no evidence of sexual misconduct.

What did they know and when did they know it.

He also wanted to know if they had left that allegation hanging over Kallenberg's head after they knew no evidence supported it.

"Unfortunately people have chosen to taint a person of great integrity with a cloud of suspicion and innuendo that had no basis in fact. So now what we are doing is conducting an investigation about the investigation," he added.

He contends that if Kallenberg had been a male educator the case would have been handled differently.

Isaacs said Lindsey spoke about the issue of sexual misconduct involving teachers and students on a Knoxville radio program Thursday but did not mention that Kallenberg was being cleared.

"But yet he chose to give a false impression, in our opinion, about Kim," Isaacs said.

The school system referred the allegation to the Department of Children's Services, but DCS is not investigating it.

"The Kallenberg case involved adults, and DCS only investigates cases involving children," said Rob Johnson, director of communications at DCS.

On the radio on Thursday, the Hallerin Hilton Hill Show broadcast on NewsTalk 100.3, the Superintendent said that they were required to "hand it over to DS." there was a pause, like someone was providing him information and he said DCS. Those individuals handling the investigation for the School system should have known with all their work with DCS they do not handle adult compliants.

In the aftermath of the investigation, Kallenberg also filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, contending the Knox County Board of Education violated the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

She later filed a second claim with the Human Rights Commission claiming that the school system was harassing her husband as a result of her filings.

This is where this incident could get interesting. A ruling against the school district from the U.S. DOE on a violation of FERPA could jeopardize the entire portion of federal funding coming to the school district.

UPDATE: Whitney Daniel filed this report on Volunteer TV WVLT at 6:00 pm following the 5:30 pm News Conference with Mrs. Kallenberg and her Attorney Greg Issacs. Here are some interesting quotes from today's news coverage.

Issacs says the Knox County Board of Education knew from the start allegations were false and did not acknowledge that immediately. "Why didn't you save this person, this mother, and this wife, the humiliation and embarrassment in this community, statewide and on the internet" asks Greg Issacs, Kallenberg's Attorney.

"My family and I have been devastated by the falsehood of these allegations and I do want my family and my friends and my students to know that the remaining allegations are also false," says Kallenberg.

This from KnoxNews. Powell High School Assistant Principal Kim Kallenberg has been cleared of any inappropriate sexual conduct with Joseph Lee Smith or any student.

Brian's Blog has refrained from any comment on this story, until NOW.

Russ Oaks, County School Superintendent Spokesperson went out on this story early and made the case. He later backed off after this story lived in the media for three or four days and then Kallenberg entered the public arena with an aggressive defense of NOT GUILTY.

Now, the County School System acknowledges through their attorney Marty McCampbell that Kallenberg is NOT GUILTY. Many persons and families have been damaged by this "investigation" based on rumors. First Kim and Jason Kallenberg as they have been subjected to separate investigations. Joseph Lee Smith, who would have probably never consumed alcohol on that night which resulted in him getting pulled over for DUI had this public investigation never been launched. Lee Smith's father was exposed by Scripps weekly alternative publication the Halls Shopper, so Darryl Smith has been harmed by this investigation and Diane Psihogios , the principal at Powell has been harmed in her removal from the Principal position at Powell.

The Powell community has been damaged. The School System has some explaning to do. The School System should be forced to bring forward the accusers to expose them for their slanderous, malicious actions.

Sports Talk Radio for many days declared these innocent people, guilty. This is proof that you can not believe what you see and hear about people. You can not believe what you hear on talk radio. In the words of the late Alex Hailey, you "need to find the good and praise it".

Kim and Jason, Lee, Darryl, Diane and the Powell community deserve better than this.

Scripps Halls Paper

This from tomorrow's editorial column of the Halls Shopper News, now referred to by Brian's Blog as Scripps Halls paper. The editor, Sandra Clark in her column about the proposed Midway industrial park says:

Frankly, the fix is in on this rezoning. The 100 or so residents who gathered Saturday at the farm of Bob and Bo Stultz will need help from a cross-section of Knox County residents to win their battle against The Development Corporation, the Chamber Partnership, The Other Paper, both mayors and assorted other movers and shakers.

An attack on "The Other Paper"? That rhetoric worked about a year and a few months ago before she sold the entire operation to "The Other Paper". She now attempts to seperate herself from the media conglomerate that she is now employed by.

In East Knox County (where I spent my life until 1992) there is an old saying, That dog won't hunt.

The citizens of Thorngrove must understand if "The Other Paper" is against them than the employee would be as well. The editorial talk doesn't match the walk.

Bryson Prayer Force

Today's News-Sentinel has this story, from Tom Humphrey. The headline of the story and the story never come close to one another. There is nothing in the story about a bumper sticker on the "BIG" bus. It would appear that Scripps is attempting to make fun of or portray the Bryson campaign in a mockery fashion.

In the opinion of Brian's Blog this is a good story. People of faith ralling around a public servant, is a good thing. Brian's Blog has been fortunate over the years to have a group of Prayer Warriors constantly lifting Brian and his family to the Father.

The Bott Radio Network has the following email posted on their website.

Bryson Prayer Force“Tennessee in Prayer for Good Government”

“Keep on asking and it will be given to you;Keep on seeking, and you will find;Keep on knocking reverently, and the door will be opened to you.”Matthew 7:7 [Amp.]

Dear Praying Friend,
We are sending this E-Mail to you on a “one time only” basis, because we want you to have the opportunity to know about and, if you wish, to participate in the Bryson Prayer Force and to let others in your circle know about it.

When State Senator Jim Bryson announced that he was running for Governor in the Republican Primary, we realized that we had the opportunity to support this fine Man of God in prayer, in his desire to bring conservative values to the Capitol. We have a rare opportunity to participate in the “change of culture” of our State’s government, not only with our votes in the August 3 Primary and the November 7 General Election, but even more importantly, through our prayers.

The Vision of the Bryson Prayer Force:

An Advisory Board is coming together for the purpose of lifting a Shield of Prayer over Jim, his wife Carol, their children Maria, Nadia, Nicholas and Alex, and their Campaign, the Campaign’s Chairman -- former Governor Winfield Dunn, Campaign Manager Gregory Gleaves, and the Campaign’s Staff and Volunteers, so that Jim’s efforts will advance smoothly and in excellence, and will glorify God at every turn. We will “stand in the gap” for Jim and his family, and all of his Team, in appreciation for his service to our State, and in the privilege of participating in unified prayer with him for our State.

Prayer Coordinators in the Three Grand Divisions of the State, WestTennessee, Middle Tennessee and East Tennessee, will work to recruit dedicated Intercessors for the Bryson Prayer Force.

A Youth Prayer Coordinator will be deployed to recruit and marshal the prayers of our wonderful praying Tennessee Teens and Children to intercede with energy for the Brysons and the Campaign.

Weekly Prayer Alerts from brysonprayerforce@comcast.net are planned to be broadcast over the Internet every Monday, to call, unify and equip the Bryson Prayer Force for its important intercessory prayer work for the week. If an urgent prayer need arises, a special alert may issue for this purpose at any time. Those receiving the Prayer Alerts will be in a list of undisclosed recipients, so that those who desire anonymity for participating are respected. A short list of specific prayer points and Scriptures will be identified for the week and/or for the special need, and we anticipate that the devotional quality of these Prayer Alerts will be a blessing, not only for those being prayed for … but also for those who are doing the praying! (That is our desire!)
Monthly Prayer Events are envisioned, for each of the Three Grand Divisions of the State, to allow Bryson Prayer Force members to gather, face to face in unity and fellowship, to lift up the Bryson Campaign in prayer and thanksgiving and blessing.

We invite you to join us and to help us bring the Bryson Prayer Force together! To participate as a member of the Bryson Prayer Force, please just do the following:

1)Send us an E-Mail at: brysonprayerforce@comcast.net and in the subject line, type “Subscribe”. If at any time you no longer desire to participate, just send an E-mail to the same, and indicate “Unsubscribe”.

2)Tell us in what County in Tennessee you reside. We will use this information to assign you to your Regional Prayer Coordinator so you can be contacted by E-Mail about any Prayer Events in your area. Participation in this is always optional.

3)Also, please feel free to “Forward” this “one time only” E-mail to any of your praying friends, family, Church friends and Intercessors, community friends and your “network” who will have a heart to pray for Jim and his Team and invite them to become a member of the Bryson Prayer Force.

We hope to hear from you, and to have you join us in supporting Jim Bryson and all that he stands for, and all who stand with him, in prayer.

In Grace ---

Bryson Prayer Force“Tennessee in Prayer for Good Government”

Blair Morgan, State Coordinator Sarah Lowe, Senior Intercessory Advisorbrysonprayerforce@comcast.net

To become a member of the Bryson Prayer Force, and receive periodic Prayer Alerts, please send an E-Mail to: brysonprayerforce@comcast.net, and request to “Subscribe”. To be taken off of the Prayer Alert, send an E-Mail to the same, and request “Unsubscribe”.

*** Please Note: The Bryson Prayer Force is not affiliated with the Bryson for Governor Campaign. For official information on the Bryson for Governor Campaign, you may go to the following website: www.brysonforgovernor.com.***

Commissioner-Elect Lambert Contacts Brian's Blog

This morning, Brian's Blog received a phone call from County Commissioner - Elect Greg Lambert. It was a pleasant conversation talking about the precedence of the school board in handling cost over runs. In the conversation, Brian's Blog remembered that Brian's Blog posted on this subject the evening of the school board vote. Several individuals have called and sent emails asking Brian's Blog, why are you talking about precedence? In reviewing the post of 11/2/2005 it was Cindy Buttry that acknowledged that this vote would set a precedent, I agreed with Buttry then and I agree with Buttry today.

On the evening of the Countywide Republican sweep, I saw Cindy Buttry in the crowd and introduced her as the most conscientious and dedicated member of the school board. She is the hardest working and most dedicated member.

Commisisoner - Elect Lambert and I discussed the points that I believe are important. 1) Should each community be treated fairly? 2) Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale has fully funded the past 4 Capital plans for the school system 3) In addition to fully funding the 4 years of Capital plans, he gave a $40.0 million dollar high school to the citizens of Knox County. The School Board NEVER requested a high school in its capital plan request. 4) Mayor Ragsdale has fully funded the General Purpose School Budget for this school year.

The school system has two budgets a Capital Plan (for buildings and building improvements) and a General Purpose Budget (for salaries and textbooks, etc)

Brian's Blog believes that when the County Commission meets that the Commission should have a special meeting to examine why, where and how the cost over-runs were created. Then the Commission should take whatever actions are necessary to fix the issue.

Brian's Blog believes that at the time the County Commission should consider managing the entire Capital Plan for the school system. This is an idea that has been floated out before. In some of the discussion, when the Mayor proposed the High School, the Superintendent of Schools proposed this concept as an option for the School Board to consider.

The School Board does not have exclusive right to manage the Capital Plan. The express purpose of the school board is to set policy, employ a Superintendent of Schools and concentrate on improving student test scores and compliance with the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind.

Brian's Blog still believes before $6.0 million is moved to cover the cost over runs at Hardin Valley, if that is a solution that County Commission approves. That the money needs to be restored to the Cedar Bluff Intermediate project.

Brian's Blog believes this school should be built for 2100 and built for $40.0 million dollars. Brian's Blog believes that the result of this controversy, is the school boards inability to work with a design and construction plan to stay within the $40.0 million dollar budget.

More detail to follow.

Hardin Valley High School Part III

Here is Brian's Blog HVHS Part I and II. We now join our ongoing saga (Part III) already in progress

In the latest Farragut Press (it hits the street, tomorrow, Thursday August 10, 2006) read it here. County Commissioner Mike Hammond makes an excellent point that has not been discussed publically.

“If we build the school for twenty-one hundred, we’re looking at having a part of the building empty for a couple of years,” he said. “I have a real concern about building a school for twenty-one hundred students and have it used only by five hundred for the first couple of years. As any builder will tell you, having a portion of a building open is not a good thing. It becomes a warranty issue.”

Hammond said the [Knox County] School Board needs to be more forthcoming about whether the school will be an academy. If so, what will the operational costs be? What would the operational costs be for a school for 2,100 and used by only 500?

The residents of the Fifth County Commission district are fortunate that the informed fifth district voters (us) re-elected the Experienced and and qualified Mike Hammond, John Griess and Craig Leuthold.

The current plans that the school board has revealed is it will open the Hardin Valley High School in 2008-2009 with the freshmen class. With 2100 total students, that means in the 1st year it will open with 525 students. In the 2009-2010 year, it will open with Freshmen and Sophmores that will be 1050 students. In the 2010-2011 school year, it will open with Freshmen, Sophmores and Juniors with 1,575 students. Finally, in the 2011-2012 year, it will open with Freshmen, Sophmores, Juniors and Seniors with 2100 students.

With this as the plan, what will happen to all the square footage in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years that will be unused? How much insurance will have to be maintained to keep it safe and secure? How will the warranty cover this usused square footage in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year?

Is it a proper use of the taxpayers resources to build unused and unneccesary square footage?

Hardin Valley High School Part II

This from WATE this evening. The facts are the school board was informed they could build a 2000 student school for $40.0 million dollars. There are no more dollars for cost overruns.

A majority of the school board set precedent when the cost overruns for Cedar Bluff Primary were take from funds that were allocated for Cedar Bluff Intermediate. This high school must be built for 2000 and the $6.0 million in cost overruns must come from the next project behind it. Powell Middle. This was first proposed here on Brian's Blog on Friday August 4, 2006 at 1:21 pm

School Board Member-Elect Thomas Deakins was quick to leave comments on the Friday post. Brian's Blog responded immediately and clarified Mr. Deakins comment. Brian's Blog put a shout out to Deakins on this additional post on Sunday August 6, 2006 at 5:47 pm regarding a School System decision involving his district.

Deakins has not responded, Brian's Blog was contacted today by multiple media sources concerning the School system's decision to rid the Hardin Valley community of its landmarks.

When you see a story on the TV news, newspaper or other source. Remember the story was broken here.

Fountain City Focus - August 8, 2006

Check out today's edition of the Fountain City Focus, I saw the print version last night. Seventh District County Commisisoner - Elect R. Larry Smith had a copy at the Fountain City Republican Club meeting that he and I attended. Commissioner Smith was on a tight schedule. He appeared at the club and Thanked everyone and then had to go speak to a Boy Scout Troop meeting. The online version should be up sometime this morning. It will be located here.

It has a comprehensive story of the Thursday election. Of course, when I saw it last night, I loved the headline REPUBLICANS WIN BIG.

The Fountain City Focus is owned by my good friend Steve Hunley. Steve is a former School Board Member, a successful businessman and the brother of Country Music Star Con Hunley.

Steve and Jack Huddleston of Corryton were instrumental in the BIG Republican win in that they planned, organized and saw the Republican Rally through. Also, they planned and distributed the bright Big Orang T-Shirts that our volunteers wore on election day that said VOTE REPUBLICAN.

Here is a photo of my good friend Steve Hunley and I at the Republican Rally.

Tomorrow's Halls Shopper News

This from the August 7, 2006 edition of the Halls Shopper News:

Brian Hornback, county GOP chair, is thrilled that his ticket won a 5-of-5 sweep of countywide races. Contrast that with 1998 when the GOP lost Scott Davis (to Tommy Schumpert) for county executive, Wayne Houser (to Daryl Fansler) for chancellor and Jimmy Kyle Davis (to Randy Nichols) for district attorney general.

Next question for the GOP is why no challenge to Democrats Nichols and Mike Padgett?

Sandra Clark is correct in 1998 the Republican ticket was managed by local politico Ray Hill, actually the GOP in addition to losing the three races, also lost Gayle Stone Harris Jarvis (to Richard Baumgartner for Criminal Court Judge. So, in 1998 the local GOP went 0-4.

I can not remember a recent incident where the Party Chairman ran the countywide campaign. I was honored to serve along with Nick McBride as the Treasurer who also served with me as an equal in the coordination of the KnoxGOP campaign.

I attempted to recruit candidates for D.A and Court Clerk. The perception was that Nichols has a huge war chest and ability to raise money within the Bar Association, which makes it difficult to persuade lawyers to put their law practice on hold and for established successful lawyers to take a pay cut to be D.A. for eight years.

It is the same situation with the Court Clerk, there is a perception that he has a warchest or the ability to raise money quickly, especially with friends in Nashville. It is difficult to convince someone to be an underdog or to convince a successful businessman to take a pay cut to run the Clerk's office.

During the write-in process, Mr. Kelvin Moxley offered himself to the Republican party unfortunately the 5% threshold is very difficult to reach in Knox County with the Republican Party holding a majority status.

Hardin Valley Landmarks to be Gone in 60 days

The Sixth district School Board Member will be changing on September 1, 2006 as Chuck James leaves the board and Thomas Deakins joins the board to replace James. Also, Rex Stooksbury will join the board representing the Seventh district. The Seventh district has needed a community leader like Stooksbury for at least eight years. I digress for the news item at hand.

Shortly after the election ended on Thursday, the Knox County School System notified the owners of three Hardin Valley landmarks that their time has ended. The three buildings that house Sims Market, Karns Volunteer Fire Department and the barber shop have been notified that they must close in 60 days.

What has caused the school system to close these three Hardin Vally landmarks? According to the School System. During site prep for the new High School the contractor got into the septic system that serves the three buildings, and discovered that the septic tank was full and the drain field was over flowing. Supposedly the school system has pumped the tank, but it requires pumping several times a month it keep it operational.

According to the School System the only way to keep the current system operational is to connect to sanitary sewer system. They estimate the cost to be $25,000.00 The Executive Committee (Superintendent and Board Chair) have determined to terminate the leases with 60 days notice to the tenants. Sims Market and the barber shop received notice on Saturday. The School system is working with Karns Volunteer Fire Department, so that lease has not been terminated as KVFD supposedly is looking for a new location.

The administration's views are that county taxpayer dollars should not directly benefit a private entity or entities that are not directly related to serving children.

Here are a couple of questions that Brian's Blog has. If the county or the county school system did not authorize or instruct the site preparation contractor to get into the septic system then the obligation to fix the septic system is not Knox County or the Knox County School System's it is the offending companies responsibility to compensate for the connection to sewer.

If the school system just wants to close these three landmarks than just say so. The School District did not want to have Sims re-opened a few years ago. The original owners had retired and the new owners wanted to re-open and there was some feet dragging on re-opening of Sims .

Sims is an excellent restaurant, but most importantly it is the only place in the community of Hardin Valley that people can gather and talk. I have enjoyed many a meal at Sims Market, myself. Hardin Valley is still a very rural, peaceful community. They don't need the orange route coming through and they don't need a Hardees, they have Sims.

The timing on this is interesting.

Brian's Blog is hoping that School Board Member-Elect Thomas Deakins will fight for the people of Hardin Valley. This decision happened the day after his election and the businesses will be closed during his service on the school board in early October.

The Brian's Blog position is to make the site preparation company pay the $25,000.00 to repair the damage they created and keep the Hardin Valley landmarks. It is the right thing to do.

I will discover who the site preparation company was/is and where they are located and will post that information, soon.

The Lewis Group is the Architect. Merit Construction is the Construction Manager and the Public Building Authority is the checks and balances oversight for the owner, Knox County Schools.

Congratulations to State Representative Stacey Campfield

This is my friend and blogger State Representative Stacey Campfield taken at the Republican Rally, prior to the Primary. The Primary is over and now the family (the Republican party) must fight the trial lawyers and liberal special interest that intend to insert their mouthpiece and vote in the legislature.

Jim Bryson and Bob Corker

This morning, I will be in Nashville for a Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee and County Chair's luncheon with the next Republican Governor of Tennessee Jim Bryson and the next United States Senator from Tennessee Bob Corker.

This evening, you can drive to Chattanooga and see these two gentlemen at the first public appearance as TN's GOP ticket.

The event is from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the Bob Corker for Senate headquarters located at 518 Georgia Avenue in Chattanooga, TN. Former Governor Winfield Dunn will be in attendance.

The event is free and refreshments will be served. This will be the first East Tennessee stop on State Senator Bryson's Big 95-County Tennessee Tour.

Check Bryson on the web, here and Corker on the web, here.

Next KnoxDem Chairman

Local Democrat sources indicate to Brian's Blog today that the perceived front runner to replace the computer lab employee of Democrat Mike Padgett's as the KnoxDem Chairman is a man that has experience as running for public office, twice. A man that has experience in organizing bi-partisan voter education campaigns that elected one person in the initiative. A man that has been an administrative law judge for 12 years.

Who is the next KnoxDem Chairman?

JIM ANDREWS

Brian's Blog Featured Quote of the Day

"A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals." - Larry Bird

Hardin Valley High School

I have been a little busy this week with the KnoxGOP sweep that occurred yesterday. KnoxGOP won all but the Second District County Commission seat.

I am now prepared to comment on the Hardin Valley High School issue.

1) I was involved in the beginning discussions on Hardin Valley High. I am in receipt of many of the programming standards and plans for this Hardin Valley High. Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale said during the wheel tax vote that it would fund a $40 million dollar high school.

2) The Knox County School Board then proposed a $53 million dollar high school and ultimately cut it to about $47 million. So, they are attempting to buy a Cadillac Esclade on a Suburban budget.

3) The Knox County School Board when cost overruns were eating up the Cedar Bluff Primary school, the board shifted the funds from another project, Cedar Bluff Intermediate to the Primary.

So, with the precedent set. The Brian's Blog solution is for the County Commission to take the $5.0 - $7.0 million from the next project which is Powell Middle located in the same Sixth district and allocate those funds to the Hardin Valley High School to accommodate for the cost overruns. The School Board has washed its hands of it instead asking the Commission to fix it and this seems a resonable solution.

Tennessee Governor Jim Bryson

Congratulations to State Senator Jim Bryson. This will be a Great campaign to take back the Governor's office from Democrat Phil Bredesen, "the manager".

United States Senator Bob Corker

Congratulations to Bob Corker of Chattanooga.

Former Congressmen Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary ran excellent campaigns, both men are excellent people and all three candidates have been very kind and supportive of the Knox County Republican Party and in particular to me as Chairman.

This campaign has helped to make Bob Corker a stronger candidate. The GOP will join hands and take it directly to the Ford political machine of Memphis.

Post Election Reaction

I am very pleased with the decision of the voters to return or replace all GOP candidates to the positions held by the GOP. Except for the one County Commission seat, second district. I will continue over the next few days to post my thoughts and reaction to this election.

In 1998, I served as the Campaign Manager for a Republican Chancellor candidate. The GOP had 4 countywide contested races and lost all four. The chancellor race that I managed was the closest race of the evening. It was unfortunate that we had a bad year in 1998. In 2006, during this election cycle the GOP was AWESOME.

To face the many different issues of this election cycle; the March Supreme Court case of Bailey -v- Shelby County, the other party abandoning the Democrat label and running as "The Challengers", the issue of a sham of a bi-partisan Voter Education campaign.

The Knox County Republican Party and our hundreds of volunteers this win is sweet. We now join hands with our partner counties and the TNGOP to win the U.S. Senate race, the Governor's race, solidify the TN Senate majority and take the TN House for the GOP. We will make TN a red state for a very long time.

Great Republican Night - A Clean Sweep

The KnoxGOP campaign was successful. This ticket was managed by myself and Treasurer Nick McBride along with the assistance of hundreds of volunteers.

The KnoxGOP campaign made a clean sweep of the 5 countywide contested races.

Sheriff Tim Hutchison

Register of Deeds Steve Hall

Chancellor Mike Moyers

General Sessions Court Judge Div. IV Andy Jackson, VI

Criminal Court Judge Ray Lee Jenkins

The following races were retained or captured by GOP candidates

3A Tony Norman

3B Ivan Harmon

4B Phil Guthe

5A Michael Hammond

5B Craig Leuthold

5C John Griess

6B Greg "Lumpy" Lambert

7A Scott Moore

7B R. Larry Smith

8A Phil Ballard

8B John R. Mills

9A Larry Clark

9B Paul Pinkston

We only lost 1 County Commission seat in the 2nd District Seat A.

Thank you Knox County Voters for casting an informed vote. A vote for Experience. A Vote for the Republicans.

Knox County General and Tennessee Primary Election Today

Be sure to Vote at your precinct location today. Be sure that when you vote that you vote for Experience. The only ballot that has experience and is not a one issue group are the REPUBLICAN candidates.

When you go to your precinct there will be individuals wearing Vote Republican t-shirts. As Republican volunteers these people will be encouraging you to vote the Experienced ballot. Their shirts are Orange because as Knox Countians and Republicans, we Love our Vols.

Brian's Blog Featured Quote of the Day

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain

Political Mailer

As a blogger that post about local, state and national campaigns. I am receiving alot of political mail. I have received a mailer that does not have a paid for or authorized by on the mailer. There is no address on the mailer. I believe that it is not authorized by Mark Cawood's opponent. I do not know who designed, printed and mailed it, however, it is what it says.

End the
Cawood
"Family Vacations"

For 20 years, Mark Cawood has attended conferences at taxpayers' expense

While he never goes to conference meetings, he always brings along a family member or two

"Family Vacations" include Philadelphia, Nashville, Phoenix, Memphis, Washington, D.C., Chattanooga.............

In the past 5 years alone, Mark Cawood was re-imbursed with YOUR money for 11,474 vacation miles traveled

TWO DECADES of travel are enough.......it's time to "NIP IT"