Richard Bud Armstrong to Run for Law Director?

Word traveling through political circles is that former Eighth District County Commissioner Richard "Bud" Armstrong is testing the waters for a possible candidacy for Knox County Law Director next year. Armstrong was a candidate for County Commission at Large in 2010, so he has the experience of running countywide. With the economy, raising campaign contributions will be his biggest obstacle. With an Armstrong -vs- Jarrett match-up, who will the Knoxville Bar Association and the local Republican party establishment support. As for the Ray Jenkins/Phyllis Severance they are busy recruiting Republicans to challenge Republicans.

Call Ivan the Energizer!

City of Knoxville Mayoral candidate Ivan Harmon was hospitalized recently for a blood clot in his leg. While the other candidates have been attending to events that generate press and groups of people. Harmon has been knocking on doors and leading his campaign through a walking listening tour. Since his hospitalization, Harmon is utilizing crutches until the swelling subsides, resulting in his friends calling him the hopping candidate. So just call him the Energizer candidate, he may have crutches to slow him down, however he just keeps going and going and going.

Need a Summer Camp for Your Kids

You need to send them to the RMI Basketball Camp held at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church. The camp is June 13-17, 2011 from 9 am - Noon. The camp is for rising First through Sixth graders. The camp counselors are Raleigh McCammon, Coach at Berean Christian High; Clay Tucker Varisty Starter at Webb; Matt Crabtree, Student Assistant with the Vols; Brad Sewell, Starter at Berean Christian and Alex Kennedy, NBA Analyst - Hoopsworld.com and ESPN Radio. The cost of the camp is $125 but the skills that will improve your child as a student athlete and model kid is Priceless.

Hubert Smith May Enter City Council At Large Race

Word traveling in political circles is that local public affairs talk show host Hubert Smith may enter the City Council at Large race. Smith host a Friday evening Community Television Show "One on One with Hubert Smith". He also host a Sunday morning radio talk show as well. Smith has actively attended and followed the actions of all governing bodies for more than a decade.

Cathy Ackermann Does Not Deserve This........

This story in today's News Sentinel is sad. Sad for Cathy Ackermann, who is a great businesswoman in Knoxville. She has built a PR firm with her name on the line and then to be used like this is just not right. I would like to say I am surprised, but I am not. The clients he has taken with him will likely return. It is sad that few people look out for the team but instead for themselves.

Mayor Burchett: Profile In Courage

This past Monday our Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett on The Ed and Bob Show on WNOX Newstalk 100 pledged that "IF" County Commission approves a budget with a tax increase or a budget that raids the "rainy day" fund, he will VETO it. That takes guts and a backbone and for that we commend the Mayor.

One of the criticisms leveled at Mayor Burchett is that he "is still spewing campaign rhetoric". So, in other words he is walking the talk from his campaign. Wow, that is a rare occasion for an elected servant of the people.

Knox County Property Tax Increase? Is Wrong Headed

Sources indicate that when Commissioner Broyles and McKenzie recently met at the Time Warp Room they were joined by a group of Knox County employees that were begging for a property tax increase so that they may get a pay raise. Here are three reasons why that is wrong headed.

1) After Phil Ballard took the oath of office as Knox County Property Assessor. He and his staff began raising the values during the reappraisal process. Thus accumulating more taxes, so we had a tax increase in 2009.

2) With this economy and so many people losing their homes due to foreclosure. A property tax increase with so many people on the verge of losing their homes. The last thing Knox County Commission should do is force more people into foreclosure and/or bankruptcy.

3)Regarding our tax money being spent on non profit groups like the Beck Cultural Center. They should implement an admission charge and raise their funds from the private sector. Our government tax dollars should not fund Beck or any other non profit/501-C-3.

Pilot Finally Complying With the Law....Six Plus Years Later

The Town of Farragut contends Pilot lost the "old draw the interstate traffic" grandfathered sign when they remodeled the store in 2004. Their sign has been a non conforming sign since they reopened the store, over six years ago. Well it appears they are going to comply with the rules, regulations (i.e. law) of the Town of Farragut. It wouldn't surprise some in Farragut if they try and leave both signs up for six years. Here is the link to a November article in the Farragut newspaper about the dispute.

Commission Playing Poltics? Say It Ain't So!

Yesterday morning, sources close to the Beck Cultural Center were informing me that Commission Chairman Mike Hammond was telling them to all come sign up and speak to the Commission on Monday at 6:30 p.m. I said there is no public forum at 6:30 p.m., there is a County Commission meeting on Monday. But the budget is not at issue, Monday and sometimes zonings go past 6:30 p.m. and then late yesterday afternoon I received a notice that the Chairman is calling an additional budget hearing for Monday at 6:30 p.m. or immediately after zonings. The Commission and Commission Chairman is playing politics with our county budget? Surely not! I will post my views on these Community grants later today. Stay tuned.

You Must Ignore The Hothead Antics!

I am a Herman Cain cainiac. I am and will still support Cain for POTUS. However Gingrich should not cower from such hothead publicist hounds. When you stand for something, deign to think for yourself and ask questions. You subject yourself to the reactions of hotheads. I know from personal experience. It happened to me last year as reported by the Sentinel, here.

Dale Smith Lied and Slandered a Private Citizen

Things are getting out of hand. Sandy Loy, Certified Construction Manager and Owner of Construction Plus has written 36 weeks of articles in a weekly newspaper publication concerning the questionable business practices of the Public Building Authority. Several weeks after Loy concluded his 36 week expose, Dale Smith, head of the Public Building Authority took to the podium at a County Commission and began rebuking the articles.

I was shocked as I watched the meeting, because Smith kept stating that "Sandy Loy this, Sandy Loy that". I text messaged Mr. Loy and said are you aware that you are being talked about? Apparently, I was one of about twelve or more people that contacted Mr. Loy.

Members of the PBA (Public Building Authority) began asking questions of the approach of Dale Smith in slamming, defaming Mr. Loy. You see, if you have ever been a candidate on the ballot or an elected official you must prove that the slander directed to you is with malicious intent. Mr. Loy is a private citizen, has never sought public office and so he is protected from slander and defamation by Mr. Smith or anyone else.

Apparently, the PBA Attorney has asked where Mr. Smith slandered and defamed Mr. Loy. So a transcript has been provided. This one is going to get interesting. Bruce Pearl was fired for lying. Mr. Smith not only lied, he slandered and defamed Mr. Loy. So, here we go. I suspect the Big Metal Shed on the Hill will have a story on this. After that I will link to it and go deeper if the Editor shortens the story.

Kudos to a Majority of the Knox County School Board

I am a little late in this, but I wish to give a high five to a majority of the Knox Co School Board. Last month, Karen Carson and Indya Kincannon proposed to limit public forum from 5 minutes to 3 minutes per person in addressing the school board. Thankfully, the other 7 board members voted NO. Leaving Carson and Kincannon as the sole votes for limiting public discourse. Carson who talks about parent engagement and rides PTA coattails as usual failed in walking the walk with her talk. Even Pam Trainor a local PTA leader and school board member would not support Carson's motion to silence the public. Good job, Pam and the other 6 school board members.

Herman Cain 2012

Huckabee is out. Trump announced today he is out. So, that strengthens my man Herman Cain. A successful businessman that hasn't been in Washington screwing up our country the last 4, 8 or 12 years.

Congrats Lady Vols Softball

On the 2011 SEC Championship against Georgia at Ole Miss. You freakin' ROCK!

Today on The Ed and Bob Show

Today the Ed and Bob Show had their second blogger show. They had Doug McCaughan of RealityMe and myself on air. It was as GREAT experience the second time as the first. Of course the ever ready blogger DJuggler was working and stylin' and profilin' during the show prep time.

Mayor Burchett Draws Big Crowd at West Knox Republican Club Last Night

A typical large West Knox Republican Club crowd arrived at the Red Lobster last night to hear Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett talk about the Mayor's proposed county budget for next year.

Former Fourth District Knox County Commission Candidate Ruthie Kulhman makes a point at the West Knox Republican Club meeting.

Trump is FIRED as GOP POTUS Candidate! It is all Herman Cain

How Long Before The Smear Begins on Mayor Burchett?

Friday's Knox News Sentinel published this story on it's website here. The question that must be asked is, How long before the powers that be (the ones Scott Davis in 1998 referred to as "the lucky sperm club") at the Chamber and Innovation Valley give KNS Editor Jack McElroy his marching orders to begin an intentional smear campaign on Mayor Tim Burchett for daring to cut citizen tax dollars to the "economic development fiefdom".

National Day of Prayer in Farragut

Yesterday marked the 60th Anniversary of the National Day of Prayer. Concord Christian School along with the Ministry Staff of First Baptist Concord led the Farragut community in a 30 minute observance. Here is a photograph of those gathering at the statue of Admiral David Farragut.

Here the 3rd grade classes of Concord Christian School led those in attendance with singing of appropriate National Day of Prayer worship music.

Town of Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill giving a brief speech on the U.S. Constitution and that on the 60th Anniversary of the National Day of Prayer, we were simply exercising "the free expression."

Pastor of Missions at First Baptist Concord Joey Garner leading in a pray for our state and local leaders.

Senior Pastor Dr. Doug Sager of First Baptist Concord leading in a prayer for our nation.

Political Leverage Is Closing!

Political Leverage has announced that based on health issues and commitments to his other job his is closing up the blog. I will certainly miss his presence in the blogosphere, but completely understand and I am praying for his health concerns. While I agree with his assessment of Mike Donila's blog, here. Where does Brian's Blog rank? Just Kidding, Dano!

Mayor Burchett Takes The County Budget to The People

Mayor Burchett's first stop Tuesday morning was at the Frank Strang Senior Center. The large gathering wanted to ensure that the Mayor is committed to Senior activities. Also, there was much discussion about the limited parking and the current overflow parking. Commissioner Briggs was attending and he spoke to the overflow parking situation. Here Commissioner Briggs is explaining what he understands about the situation.

The second spot was the South Knox Senior Center, Commission Chairman Mike Hammond, South Knox Commissioner Mike Brown and David Wright all attended. Here is a view of the packed crowd for Mayor Burchett.

Here is yet another view of the South Knox crowd, Former Commissioner Craig Leuthold attended as well.

Here is a photograph of Mayor Burchett explaining his budget and sharing a couple of personal stories about himself and a few comedic jokes.

Knox County Highway Maintenance - What Were You Thinking?

UPDATE: May 3, 2011 11:03 p.m. The tree was evidently removed today, Good work

Knox County. Wednesday evenings storms were the worst I have ever experienced. Mourfield Rd in Southwest Knox County was closed until mid day on Friday. Trees galore had fallen and Knox County Highway Maintenance spent nearly two full days cutting them up and yesterday (Monday) they were hauling the wood away. But, drivers have been able to drive on Mourfield since Friday afternoon. However, they left this tree still standing. (This photograph was taken on Sunday.) What were they thinking?  

Knox County School Board Could Lose 20% Pay and Commission Should Surrender The Political Patronage With OUR Tax Money

When Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett gave up his travel allowance and went to mileage reimbursement. The County Commission did not. Mayor Burchett in today's budget presentation is requesting that the County Commissioners give up their travel allowance for mileage reimbursement. This action should Commission approve it, will also reduce the School Board members pay as well. The Knox County Charter stipulates that the School Board Members be compensated at the same level of County Commission. So the travel allowance will affect them as well. Why Knox County pays a travel allowance for elected officials to drive around and attend ribbon cuttings to get their pictures in the paper that prop up their re-election efforts is wrong. And the practice of paying these folks for doing the job that they are being handsomely compensated for anyway needs to end. No travel allowance for Commission or School Board. After all it's OUR tax money.

Also, Mayor Burchett has given up his discretionary money. I have blogged about this money before. I call it political patronage money. Some people call it slush fund money. Basically every Commissioner is given so much of our tax money to spend as he or she will. Mayor Burchett was right today when discussing the political patronage money said, "it is $30,000. But what employee are we going to lay off so they can buy a table at a softball banquet?" This political patronage with our tax dollars needs to end as well.

Knox Co School Board Desires To Silence the Public

On Wednesday's Board Agenda the Knox County School Board desires to reduce from 5 minutes to 3 minutes for citizens to address the School Board during public forum. School Board Chair Indya Kincannon states this is to mirror other school board's like Nashville. There is speculation that this is in retaliation for all the citizens that signed up for public forum during the Planned Parenthood controversy a few months ago. I wonder if the board has reviewed the County Charter to determine if it addresses the operation of county legislative meetings. The Charter spells out that School Board members will be compensated the same as Commissioners. So, it would seem that the board would have to adhere to the operation of government  meetings as well.

Mayor Burchett Bringing the Budget to the County in an Open and Transparent Forum

This morning at 9 a.m. Mayor Burchett is presenting his budget to County Commission in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. This week he will take his budget out into the county, here is the schedule.

Monday (Today)

11 a.m. Carter Senior Center 9040 Asheville Highway

12:15 p.m. Halls Senior Center 4410 Crippen Road

1:15 p.m. Corryton Senior Center 9331 Davis Lane

Tuesday

8:00 a.m. Strang Senior Center 109 Lovell Heights Rd

9:15 a.m. South Knox Senior Center 6729 Martel Lane

1:45 p.m. Karns Volunteer Fire Department 6616 Beaver Ridge Road

Wednesday

8:30 a.m. Homebuilders Association of Greater Knoxville 221 Clark Street

Thursday

8:30 a.m. Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 102 1216 N. Broadway

5:00 p.m. Cedar Bluff Branch Knox County Public Library 9045 Cross Park Drive

Friday

2:30 p.m. Bearden Branch Knox County Public Library 100 Golf Club Road near Papermill Rd and Kingston Pike interchange.

Go out and see the Mayor and thank him for bringing the spending of "our" tax money out into an open and transparent forum.