Lakeshore Forum

Tonight County Commissioner Jeff Ownby hosted a forum for community members and employees regarding the closure of Lakeshore. The attendees are concerned with the decision of TN Commissioner of Mental Health Director Doug Varney in recommending to Governor Bill Haslam to stop admissions at Lakeshore in Knoxville on January 1, 2012. In addition Commissioner Varney has recommended ultimate closure of Lakeshore before July 1, 2012.

Lakeshore currently houses 115 mental health patients from 25 counties surrounding Knoxville and Knox County. Lakeshore currently employs approximately 350 mental health medical professionals and an additional 50 support staffers.

With the closure of Lakeshore, the patients will either be sent to private sector mental health facilities that may or may not house and care for them. Or the patients will be on the street joining the other mental health patients that currently make up our homeless population.

The reoccurring theme tonight was that incarcerating these patients in the jails and prisons is not the right way to treat mental health.

It will be economic devastation to the community to place 400 individuals into the unemployment line. Individuals that have given many years of service to Tennessee and to mental health. This decision was made three weeks ago, the rush to stop admissions and close needs the Governors attention. Commissioner Ownby will be presenting a resolution to County Commission asking the Governor for a two year delay in closing Lakeshore. Many state and local officials were present. Both State Senators Stacey Campfield and Becky Duncan Massey along with State Representative Steve Hall and Bill Dunn were present.

Commissioner Amy Broyles encouraged everyone to contact the Governors office and to get all their friends and family to contact the Governors office. Broyles stated that her perspective was from the Commissioner that represents the area where Knox Area Rescue Ministry, Salvation Army and other homeless agencies are located.

County Commissioner Jeff Ownby starts the Lakeshore Forum 

The attendess of the Lakeshore Forum

Oops, Sandra Clark is Wrong AGAIN!

In her weekly column (here) Sandra Clark a Scripps employee missed the little detail known as facts. You see, Sandra was "quote" making the case for re-electing Indya Kincannon to the Second District School Board position and Karen Carson to the Fifth District School Board position. In making the case for Kincannon, she accurately described the new school board district that includes Fountain City and Shannondale. However, in making the case for Carson, Clark said her district "includes Bearden High School and the area surrounding it".

In fact in the redistricting, (that was approved two weeks ago) Bearden High School moved to the Third District and the entire Town of Farragut is in the new Fifth District. If you know anything about West Knox County, The Farragut Admirals do not take kindly to being confused with the school to the east. Come on Scripps!

As a community service to the readers of Shock And Awe and to Sandra Clark, here is the redistricting map for the School Board that includes the high schools. Print this out and make it your friend, Sandra! You will probably need it the next 8-10 years.

Knox County Law Director's Race 2012

Currently there are two candidates that are actively pursuing the job of Knox County Law Director. The "incumbent" Joseph "Joe" Gregory Jarret and Richard Bernard "Bud" Armstrong, Jr.. Jarret was appointed to the job by the Knox County Commission when the elected law director stepped down from office.

Interestingly enough, Bud Armstrong was a Knox County Commissioner at the time of Jarret's appointment. Armstrong actually voted for Jarret to be the law director on three separate votes. Jarret recalls that Armstrong told him Joe, I am voting for you because your the most qualified, although they don't want me to.

So, where do these guys come from?

Jarret a military veteran spent a considerable amount of time being law director in the State of Florida. He has been licensed as an attorney in Florida since 1990. He and his wife had effectively retired here and he was hired as the Deputy Law Director and then was tapped to be the guy when the vacancy occurred. He has been licensed in Tennessee since 2007.

Armstrong a former TVA employee is a native Knox Countian. He too was appointed by the Knox County Republican Party Eighth District Delegates to be the Republican nominee for a Special Election to fill the Eighth District County Commission seat that was vacated by former Commissioner Phil Ballard. He won that election and in 2010 he failed in challenging Ed Shouse for an at large County Commission seat. Armstrong has been licensed in Tennessee since 2008.

The filing deadline for the March 6, 2012 primary election and August General Election is a little more that one week away. The deadline is December 8, 2011.

Juvenile, General Sessions and Circuit Court Clerk Catherine Ann "Cathy" Quist has received a lot of encouragement to run for Law Director. Prior to her election in 1998 as Juvenile, General Sessions and Circuit Court Clerk, she worked as Deputy Law Director in the law department. Her responsibilities included advising the Knox County School System. She has been licensed in Tennessee since 1988.

Certainly, should Quist make the decision to jump into the law directors race, it will be a game changer.  

Someone Needs To Tell Shopper News!

Someone needs to tell the Shopper News that that the Mayor's race was three weeks ago. For two weeks after the Mayor's election they are still publishing stories slamming Mark Padgett or Padgett supporters. This past week, it was Betty Bean with a story pitting Julia Tucker against Mose Lobetti. Two individuals that go back decades ago. It is totally distasteful winner. Of course, Bean probably believes (and may be right this time) that she is going to get the press job for Rogero. Remember, she thought Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett promised her a similar job in 2010. Maybe the second time is the charm, or NOT!

Mrs. Joyce Burchett Memorial Service

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday November 28 at 7 pm in the sanctuary of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 9132 Kingston Pike. Mrs. Burchett asked that no flowers be sent. However, Memorials can be sent to. Christian Academy of Knoxville to the "Charlie & Joyce Burchett Tution Assstance Fund" 529 Academy Way Knoxville, TN 37923 Knox Area Rescue Mnistries "In Memory of Joyce Burchett" P.O. Box 3310 Knoxville, TN 37927 Salvation Army "In Memory of Joyce Burchett" P.O. Box 669 Knoxville, TN 37901

Breaking News: Mayor Burchett's Mom Has Passed Away

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett's mom has passed away this afternoon. Please pray for Tim, Allison and the rest of the Burchett family. Mrs. Burchett and Dean Burchett were absolutely the most wonderful people. Of course Dean Burchett passed away a few years ago. Of course, Tim's dad was named Charlie Burchett, but his role over at the University cause many of us to simply call him Dean Burchett.

I still remember all those meetings of the West Knox Republican Club while Tim was in the State House / Senate and she would rise and simply say, "I am representing Tim" She was just an adorable lady and will be missed. While we grieve here on earth, she and Dean Burchett are reunited together again in heaven.

Photo credit: Dan Andrews

Broyles Sidebar & Atta Boy Pat!

Commissioner Amy Broyles twice this month has either had a side bar conversation during the meeting or gave an approving slap to another Commissioner indicating "good boy"

At a special called meeting earlier this month. School Board Member Cindy Buttry appeared before the Commission voted on their second and final reading of the redistricting plan. I captured Commissioner Broyles in an in depth sidebar conversation with Commissioner Sam McKenzie. What was she bending his ear about?

Then in reviewing Monday's meeting on the ctv website, here. When Commissioner Tony Norman nominated Steve Drevik to the Knox County Ethics Committee. Instantly when he nominated Drevik, Broyles pats him on the back as in "good boy" Interestingly, the two votes Drevik received were from Broyles and Norman.

Governor Haslam Mimics Burchett's Budget Meetings

In yesterday's Big Metal Shed on the Hill was this story about Governor Haslam taking the budget on the road. This past June Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett took the budget to the citizens of Knox County. Burchett held 6 or 7 of them. Shock And Awe covered two of them. Here was our report on Mayor Burchett's Budget Hearings. It seems that Governor Haslam is mimicking our Knox County Mayor.

Rex "Tony" Norman Describes Commission's Action as "Gang Rape"

In Monday's Commission meeting as the Commissioners were talking and listening to the public on the controversial Hillside/Ridgetop Plan. Commissioner Rex "Tony" Norman a proponent for the government interference into private property owner rights got rather agitated. He launched into a little temper tantrum about a comment that this was over regulation. As his blood pressure was rising, he said that the Watt Road development was a "gang rape"!

Was he discussing the Commissions action on the Watt Road development? If so, as an elected member of the "gang" why didn't he report it and stop the action? Was he talking about the development itself on the land? As a retired teacher, his descriptor is odd.

Shock And Awe Has The Power To Affect Change!

The liberals like to say that Shock And Awe doesn't make a difference. That no one reads my blog. That no one really cares. On Monday, as Commissioners were debating a rules committee change that would require a 48 hour notice for a meeting. Amy Broyles credit's this blog with the change. I appreciate the credit and recognition. Here is the original post of September 24, exposing Broyles meeting. Here is the second post September 26 that exposes where Broyles was in violation of her "directional training". Here is the October 10 post where we reported that the Commission would be discussing this issue.

Now, while Broyles says that "Commissioners have violated the 48 hour rule" she has not cited individual commissioners, dates and specific incidents. Broyles should really embrace the example of Commissioner Jeff Ownby in giving sufficient notice as detailed on Mike Donila's Screams from The Porch blog here.  
  

I am Phil Ballard, your County Comm....

Tonight, the Halls Republican Club met and heard from Knox County Property Assessor Phil Ballard and former Knox County Property Assessor John Whitehead. Ballard had several employees attend tonight's meeting. He appeared nervous. As he introduced himself, he said I am Phil Ballard, your County Commissioner. His staff quickly corrected him, saying No, you are the Property Assessor. While it was raining today in Halls. At least Ballard was able to get in out of the rain and stumble over his job title inside qq pizza.

This is Bull Crap! Federal Agency Out of Control

This story from Chattanooga Times Free Press is complete Bull Crap, not bull crap as in not factual. TVA employees receiving a typical bonus of $8,300 is nothing more than robbery. If you have ever paid your KUB bill at a KUB Payment Center and witness people who are struggling to keep their lights on and this federal agency is throwing $107 million dollars at these 12,893 employees. It is the Federal Government out of control. That Obama Hope and Change is screwing the low to middle class but rewards the lazy TVA employees. All this from the same people that dumped their Ash all over Roane County as a Christmas present.

Rogero Appoints Mannis and Lyons

Today the PR Flak team of Cynthia Moxley put out a press release announcing that Mayor-Elect Marilyn Rogero was holding a press conference at 1:30 pm on Market Square. Promptly at 1:30 pm Rogero took to the elevated stage area in the shadows of twin TVA towers and stood behind a Knox Chamber Partnership borrowed podium. She fastened a campaign sign to the podium.

Rogero announced the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy to the Mayor  will be Prestige Cleaners CEO Eddie Mannis. She also announced the Chief Policy Officer will be former Mayor Bill Haslam Department Head Bill Lyons. Mannis is a solid appointment while Lyons is a continuation of the status quo of the city administration that keeps the downtown special interest sedate.

Rogero announced that Mannis will be stepping down as CEO of Prestige Cleaners. Some people could hear former School Board Member and weekly tabloid publisher Steve Hunley, Owner of Superior Cleaners gloating that he may be able to capture some additional dry cleaning business.

Cynthia Moxley of Moxley Carmichael was on hand at stage right. Alan Carmichael the other half of Moxley Carmichael was lurking with the broadcast news. Moxley was the Rogero campaigns go to person for social media buzz on election night. Moxley's firm issued the press release yesterday announcing the transition team yesterday. Then this morning, Moxley Carmichael organized and directed this photo op. I wonder if Madeline Rogero is taking a page out of Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett's playbook. If you can find pr shop in the phone book, government ought not do it. So, is Moxley Carmichael in and Randy Keenner out? I guess we will know soon enough.

Also yesterday it was announced that Debbie Poplin of the City of Knoxville Law Department will be leaving. Poplin is going to working over on the federal government side of Main Street. Poplin is a very competent professional and will be missed. Will Rogero name Attorney supporters and former Republican Officials Billy Stokes or Chad Tindell as Law Director?

To prove I was there. you can check my twitter feed here. The pics above were twitted immediately  after they were taken. Also, my friend Jon Gustin captured the photo below. (this would be the third photograph of me pointing to the camera since June 2010) I am a trend setter. In an attempt not to cause the liberal crazies and nuts to be distracted. I slipped onto Market Square just before it began and slipped out as soon as it was over. I stood with Knox Chamber Partnership CEO Mike Edwards for the 10 minutes of Market Square activity. Edwards is always good company.

Best Salesman Ever, Funny & Effective

Mayor-Elect Madeline Rogero Transition Team Appears to be a Family Affair

So, Mayor-Elect Madeline Rogero released the names of her transition team through the PR Flak team of Cynthia Moxley. The team is made up of Former School Board Member and longtime City of Knoxville Administrator Samuel P. Anderson, Former one term School Board Member Anne Woodle and Retiring City of Knoxville Finance Director Larry Martin. Martin was appointed as the City Finance Director by then Mayor Bill Haslam on August 7, 2006. He began as Finance Director on September 18. Martin had retired in June 2006 after a distinguished career as chief operating officer for First Tennessee Financial Services.

Larry Martin is an excellent choice. I will not criticize the actual appointments of Anderson and Woodle. However, it is "cronyism come alive." First of all rumors have circulated for years that the Anderson and Woodle families are extremely close. Persistent rumors are that Woodle is the Godmother to at least one of Sam Anderson's children. Secondly, Anne Woodle's son Jason is married to City Councilman-Elect Finbarr Saunders daughter, Emily. Emily Woodle is employed in the City of Knoxville Community Development Department. Read Here where Woodle is the Group Leader of the Energy and Sustainability Task Force - Community Involvement Work Group. The Task Force that recommended the "rain tax" and

The very department that Mayor-Elect Madeline Rogero led after the termination of Renee Kesler. Kesler was appointed as Director of community development on August 4, 2005. She was tasked with "overseeing the Community Development Division which leverages funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs for local neighborhood improvements, particularly programs related to economic development, housing and job training. Read it here. She reported to Sam Anderson, senior director of the City's Department of Community and Neighborhood Services." Kesler replaced Kevin Dubose, Haslam's first Director who left to accept a  position as "director economic and community development for the city of Macon, Ga."

Then Mayor Bill Haslam on December 22, 2006 announced Madeline Rogero would become Director of Community Development. Instead of reporting to Sam Anderson as Renee Kesler did. Rogero reported to Larry Martin, Deputy to the Mayor and Finance Director. Larry Martin said then, "I appreciate Madeline's willingness to take on the challenge of leading the Community Development department at this time." "She is committed to the Mayor's agenda of strengthening our neighborhoods and making sure all funds available, whether it's city, state or federal dollars are used in the best way possible to enhance our city." Read the announcement here.  

Cynthia Moxley's PR team represents Knoxville Utilities Board and Knox Community Development Corporation among many others. With the press release being sent from Moxley Carmichael and Cynthia's social media interactions at the Rogero election night victory party. Is this an indication that Cynthia Moxley's team is poised to pick up the City of Knoxville as it's next client?

Now, if a team like this were assembled with the names of Ashe, McAdams, Keith and Stair or Hutchison, Tramel or Moore or Bean, Stokes and Tindell. The Big Metal Shed on the Hill would surely be stopping the presses to print accusations galore or maybe not.

Herman Cain - An Innocent Man

Former Mayor Ragsdale Working With Michael Brady?

Sources informed us today that Former Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale is working with Michael Brady Architects. Prior to his election as Knox County Mayor in 2002. Ragsdale had worked as Vice President of Business Development for Barber McMurry Architects, Inc. So, he has architect marketing background.

Sights From Yesterday's Knoxville Veterans Day Parade

The flag been raised on Gay Street in Knoxville before the beginning of the parade.

Williamae Brown of the DAV is cheering the students from Temple Baptist Academy of Powell, TN as they chant "USA, USA, USA"

Our Knox County Criminal Court Judge Steve Sword, a veteran and still active duty was present in Friday's Veterans Day parade.

Knox County Law Director Joe Jarrett, a Veteran of two branches and two stints of military service participated in the parade.  

Left to Right, Knox County Commissioner Jeff Ownby, Dave Wright, Knoxville City Councilman Nick Della Volpe and Knoxville Interim Mayor and City Councilman Daniel Brown



The fly over was neat.

"Killed in Action Forever Honored"

One of our heroes greeting the Temple Baptist Academy students.

Another one of our heroes high fiving the young observers.  

Another on of our Veteran Heroes.

Of course as a proud member of the AdmiralNation I must show you the Farragut High School NJROTC.  

As a proud member of the AdmiralNation, it is the Farragut High School Marching Admirals Band.

The last group in the parade is the Farragut Middle School Marching Band. The farm team aka minor leagues of the Farragut High School Marching Admirals Band..

All Gave Some, Some Gave All! Veterans Day 2011

Today is Veterans Day 2011! I am going to do something I haven't done since I began this blog in August 2004.

The Billy Ray Cyrus song, "All gave some, Some gave all". The chorus says "All gave some and some gave all And some stood through for the red, white and blue And some had to fall And if you ever think of me Think of all your liberties and recall Some gave all." The lyrics also say "Love your country and live with pride And don't forget those who died America can't you see."

First of all is my Uncle Ed, my dad's brother. Uncle Ed was actually Paul Edward Pratt he was a PFC in the US Marine Corps, he served in World War II. He was killed in action December 30, 1943. Uncle Ed was born November 15, 1921. Uncle Ed gave all at the young age of 22. I visited his resting place in the Knoxville National Cemetery (the second of four in Knoxville, that includes Old Gray) today. Obviously I never knew Uncle Ed. He gave all 23 years before I was born. I will forever be indebted to my Uncle that I haven't met.

Second is my Papaw, my dad's father. Harold H. (Jim) Hornback who was born July 17, 1901 was a PVT US Army and served in World War II. He was one of the greatest generation that gave some. He came home and raised his family and had an impact on my life. He passed away on March 27, 1988. The day after I married my wife. Miss you Papaw and am honored that you gave some.

Third is my Uncle Gene, my dad's brother. Gene Pratt. He was in the Navy and served in the Korean Conflict. Of all the War Memorials I have visited in Washington, DC the Korean Memorial is the most moving. Uncle Gene came home and contributed to the life of his family and community. He was always the guy that everybody loved being around. He has since passed away. But I appreciate my Uncle Gene who gave some.

Fourth, is my Uncle Charlie. Charles Robert Blake, he is still alive and he served in the Vietnam War. My middle name comes from my Uncle Charlie. He is my mother's youngest brother. I am grateful to my Uncle Charlie for giving more than some to serve my country and for enduring the stupidity of the Vietnam protesters. He gave more than some and if I could repay him, I would.

The next generation is my Uncle Gene's great grandson, Andrew McMahan. Andrew has been accepted to "The Citadel". I am grateful for his desire to serve and his commitment to serve. The next generation carries on. God Bless and God Speed Andrew!

Breaking News: State of TN is Closing Lakeshore

Sources close to Knoxville's Lakeshore have just informed me that the State of Tennessee has decided to close Lakeshore. Lakeshore a state run mental health facility located in the Lakeshore Park property at the intersection of Northshore Drive/Lyons Bend Drive and Westland Drive.

Lakeshore Park was once identified as a location of permanent supportive housing for the homeless through Knoxville's Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. No indication that either are related to one another or a link to the election of Mayor-Elect Madeline Rogero.

More details as they surface.

Chad Tindell as a Lawyer Smells Blood in the Water

Yesterday's front page Knoxville News Sentinel had a picture of Mayor-Elect Madeline Rogero surrounded by her family and one Chadwick B. Tindell the delinquent tax attorney for Trustee John Duncan III. Sources close to Tindell can not confirm that he is in fact a family member of Rogero. Sources indicate he is originally from East Knox County and was adopted as a Tindell when his family moved to West Knox County.

Trustee John Duncan III was asked yesterday for his reaction to Tindell's disrespect toward Duncan III in appearing on stage with Rogero. Tindell prior to the Primary election in September was taunting individuals in the Deathstar aka City County Building elevators asking individuals if they were ready to say "Madam Mayor". When she failed to win the primary out right. The day after the primary Tindell had conversations with Mark Padgett and his campaign staff about joining the Padgett team.

Duncan III said he didn't feel any disrespect from Tindell from appearing on stage with Rogero.

When asked what his thoughts were about Tindell potentially smelling blood in the water with Duncan III's upcoming divorce and the $6 million dollar discrepancy with the accountants being issues where Tindell could utilize Rogero's supporters to challenge Duncan III for Trustee in 2014. Duncan III said he had not considered that as of yet.

Oh No! He Won't Go Conservative

When posing for a picture look at your backdrop. Don't pose in front of a sign that indicates that you will not go right. Somebody could interpret that to mean that you are an extreme liberal, always going left. Congratulations City Councilman-Elect Marshall Stair

The Ground is Broke! Carter is Getting a New Building!

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County Supperintendent of Schools Dr. Jim McIntyre along with School Board Chairman Thomas Deakins and a host of other officials broke ground for a new Carter Elementary School this afternoon at the Strawberry Plains Pike site of the new school. A big crowd attended.

The view from outside the tent.

The view from the inside of the larger crowd.

Imitation Is The GREATEST Form of Flattery! The Mayor-Elect Wants To Be Like ME!

All my life I have been told that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Well, today on twitter KnoxYankee asked me if I noticed a copycat. I then realized that the picture that I have used since the Summer of 2010 has me pointing at the camera. The picture was taken while I was working with the Zach Wamp for Governor campaign. We had completed a successful event at the Blount Co GOP Headquarters. My buddy GrassrootTroopr was in the parking lot at the time. We were headed over to the Blount County Courthouse. Dan "da man" Andrews was assigned to photograph the campaign. He captured the photograph and I began using it as my twitter avatar.

My twitter avatar since July 2010.

Last night's photograph of Mayor-Elect Madeline Rogero that was published on the front page of the Knoxville News Sentinel.

I would like to critique the Mayor-Elect. First of all as in our photographs, I use the right hand and point right. You use your left hand and point left. I think this probably is just our political leanings. However, when you point to camera you do not have to point so high, the effect is better to be straight out and not up and out.

You can also do it this way as you walk away.

Dreams Do Come True!

This afternoon at 3:15 p.m. a dream of the Carter community will begin to come true. Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jim McIntyre will lead the community in breaking ground for the construction of a new Carter Elementary School.

Massey, Rogero, Wallace, Stair, Saunders and Campen All Winners TONIGHT!

With the Absentee / Early Vote Results in shortly after 8:00 p.m. the races are over! Congratulations to the Winners.

State Senator Becky Massey 64.69 % or 4,522 votes to Gloria Johnson 35.31% or 2,468 votes

Mayor-Elect Madeline Rogero with 60.89% or 5,406 votes to Businessman Mark Padgett 39.11% or 3,472 votes

Councilman-Elect George C. Wallace with 63.62% or 4,713 votes to John Stancil 36.38% or 2,695 votes

Councilman-Elect Marshall Stair with 63.62% or 5,102 votes to Bill Owen 36.38% or 2,918 votes

Councilman-Elect Finbarr Saunders with 69.97% or 5,548 votes to Sharon Welch 30.03% or 2,381 votes

Councilman-Elect Mark C. Campen with 100% or 5,984 votes

The Left Leaning Knoxville Liberals Are Uncivilized

The national liberal democrats call for civility. However, right here in the river city of Knoxville the left leaning liberals are any thing but civil. The day started out with some individuals displaying "Vote No to the Rogero rain tax" signs. Over at West Hills, Madeline Rogero, her son, another supporter and former embattled Election Administrator Greg Mackay all tried to scare away a citizen. The citizen was unbowed, unbent and maintained her first amendment right.

At about 5:30 pm, I ventured over to Sequoyah Elementary School. I had not even made it to the parking lot and had stopped to speak with Councilman Joe Bailey, his lovely wife and three children (all under 6) as I was talking to the Bailey family. A male driving his SUV drove rather fast around the Bailey car and yelled "scumbag" Councilman Bailey asked me "what did he say" I said oh, Joe, he called me a scumbag.

As I went down to talk with some friends, I recognized the male supporter and I asked someone who he was. He was identified to me. As I was talking with some other campaign volunteers, Madeline Rogero and her son walked by. I said hello, Madeline! She said "hello" I said "good luck tonight" she did not reply.

Mrs. Rogero's son was very belligerent to a voter that had asked me about the "rain tax", who had said I don't want anymore taxes. I left shortly thereafter and headed home, but it clearly had some of the left leaning liberals reaching for their blood pressure medicine.

Padgett RocksTheVote, He Does Not Rest on Status Quo

While the other (more seasoned) candidate is resting this evening, Businessman and Mayoral Candidate Mark Padgett is campaigning. I attended the 9 p.m. stop at Buffalo Wild Wings on the Cumberland Avenue strip. Pictured is Padgett with several of his staffers. A crowd of about 75 attended. Jeff Ownby talked to several registered voters that had not voted and they committed to vote for Padgett after Ownby explained why it is necessary to elect someone with some native Knoxville/Knox County values and is fiscally conservative.

So, while some may sleep and be tucked in bed enjoying the status quo. Mark Padgett will not be status quo. His children are here in Knoxville. They haven't moved away to Virginia to raise their families like the other (seasoned) candidate.

Cain's Sexual Harassment, Not Real!

Why Has Liberal Madeline Sold Herself to Organized Labor? What Will She Give Them As ROI (Return On Investment)

So on Liberal Madeline's 4/11/2011 financial disclosure she pursued and collected $14,000 from organized labor. The OBO Teamsters Local #519 gave $5,000 The Knoxville Building and Construction Trades gave $1,000 The OBO Teamsters Local #818 gave $3,000 and the OBO SEIU Local #205 out of Nashville gave $5,000 Here is the disclosure.

Three months later on the 7/7/2011 financial disclosure she pursued and collected $16,000 Knoxville Building and Construction Trades came back with another $1,000, the OBO Teamsters Local #519 came back with another $5,000, the OBO Tennessee Laborer's PAC #818 gave $3,000, the OBO SEIU Local #205 out of Nashville came in with another $5,000, the International Union of Painters/Allied Trades, AFL-CIO $437 out of Powell gave $1,000 and the Iron Workers Local #484 gave $1,000. Here is the disclosure.

The next month on 8/8/2011 Liberal Madeline got another $6,250 from organized labor. The Communication Workers of America Local #3805 gave $250, the Asbestos Workers PAC Local #46 gave $1,000, the International Union of Painters/Allied Trades AFL-CIO #437 out of Powell gave $3,000 and the OBO Tennessee Laborer's PAC #818 out of Nashville ponied up another $2,000. Here is the disclosure.

Seven days before the primary, when Liberal Madeline and her band of supporters were telling everyone that she would get the Mayor spot on primary election night. Liberal Madeline pocketed $4,600. The Mid-South Carpenters Regional Council PAC out of Nashville sent a $100, the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #102 gave $1,000, the Laborers Intl Union of North America Local #108 gave $1,400 and the OBO SEIU Local #205 ponied up another $2,100. Here is the disclosure.

When she didn't keep her word of winning the race out right on September 27 in the Primary. They had to pony up again. With the campaign disclosure of two days ago she reports $23,200 in organized labor money. Knoxville Building and Construction Trades with another $1,400, the OBO Tennessee Laborer's PAC #818 out of Nashville with another $2,100, the Mid-South Carpenters Regional Council PAC (Nashville) gave $2,500, the Sheet Metal Workers Local #5 gave $1,400, the Laborer's Intl Union of North America Local #108 gave $1,400, the Cement Masons Local #78 gave $1,400, the Knoxville Building and Construction Trades gave another $1,400, the OBO Tennessee Laborer's PAC #818 of Nashville gave another $2,100, the Fraternal Order of Police PAC gave $500, the Mid-South Carpenters Regional Council PAC (Nashville) gave another $2,500, the Sheet Metal Workers Local #5 gave a second $1,400 this period, the Laborers Intl Union of North America Local #108 gave another $1,400, the Laborers Intl Union of North America Local #386 (Madison) gave $1,400, the Amalgamated Transit Union Special Committee on Education (DC) gave $1,300 and the Asbestos Workers PAC Local #46 gave $1,000. Here is the disclosure.  

A total of $64,050 in organized labor money for a Knoxville Mayor Candidate. What promises has Liberal Madeline made so that the organized labor entities can justify their contribution? What Return on Investment have they been promised?

Below are the totals per organized labor entities during this 2011 campaign to Liberal Madeline.

OBO Teamsters Local #519 (DC)  $10,000

Knoxville Building and Construction Trades $4,800

OBO Teamsters Local #818 $ 12,200

OBO SEIU Local #205 (Nashville) $12,100

Intl Union of Painters/Allied Trades, AFL-CIO #437 (Powell) $4,000

Iron Workers Local $384 $1,000

Communication Workers of America Local #3805 $250

Asbestos Workers PAC Local #46 $2,000

Mid-South Carpenters Regional Council PAC (Nashville) $5,100

Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #102 $1,000

Laborers Intl Union of North America Local #108 $4,200

Sheet Metal Workers Local #5 $2,800

Cement Masons Local #78 $1,400

Fraternal Order of Police PAC $500

Laborers Intl Union of North America Local #386 $1,400

Amalgamated Transit Union Special Committee on Education (DC) $1,300

"High Tech Lynching"

Archie Bunker on Obamaman

Businessman and Mayoral Candidate Mark Padgett Opposes Stormwater User Fee or a "rain tax"

Businessman Mark Padgett for Knoxville City Mayor campaign today issued a policy position on the city’s proposal for a stormwater user fee.

The city’s Energy and Sustainability Work Plan includes a proposal to adopt fees to “finance upgrades to the existing system… A stormwater user fee establishes a direct link between the demand for stormwater services based on home size, driveway, and business and parking area square footage” (see page 51-52 here

“After receiving many phone calls and e-mails from concerned Knoxvillians, I wanted to voice my opposition to the city’s Stormwater Utility proposal,” said Mark Padgett. “From Charlotte to Chattanooga, similar approaches have proved to be little more than a monthly ‘rain tax’ that appears on your utility bill. During these tough economic times, I’m concerned this approach will push businesses out of the city while unnecessarily burdening families, churches and non-profit organizations. Someone can always come up with a good reason to create fees and raise taxes. Instead, my administration will focus on growing the local economy, cutting wasteful spending in city government and finding innovative financing methods to invest in neighborhoods and improve city services. I urge my opponent to clarify her position on this issue.”

In several radio interviews, Madeline Rogero stated that she has not proposed a rain tax and that she does not want one, like this one. However. according to her Metro Pulse questionnaire, “As mayor, I will implement the Energy and Sustainability Plan produced this past year by Mayor Haslam’s Energy and Sustainability Task Force, which I co chaired” Read it here.

Wow! Knox County Custodians Found They Are Wanted!

In a totally unpredicted move, the Knox County Custodians found that they have a home and have a family in the Knox County School System. Five School Board Members rejected Superintendent Dr. James McIntyre's recommendation to outsource the custodians to SSC / Premiere.

School Board Members Indya Kincannon, Cindy Buttry, Kim Sepesi, Mike McMillan and Pam Trainor casting votes in favor of keeping the custodians in house. School Board Members Gloria Deathridge, Lynn Fugate, Karen Carson and Chairman Thomas Deakins voting for the Superintendent recommendation were left on the non prevailing side. It was not predicted to end this way. But tonight, the little guy found a home.

Good News for Hump Day

This from Josh Flory at the Big Metal Shed on the Hill. Bob Mohney formerly of Saddlebrook Homes is on the way back. Congrats Bob!

Halls Republican Club Silences The People

Sources in the Property Assessor's office reported that Phil Ballard was celebrating yesterday. The call went out that when the Halls Republican Club meets on 11/14 there will be NO debate or questions asked of the property assessor candidates. The candidates will be allowed to speak and if there are questions they can be asked one on one at the end of the meeting of each candidate.

Ballard had even twisted the arm of the mother of one of the property assessors employee to lobby the Halls Republican Club Officers for a no debate, no question format. The employees mother is an employee of another fee office employee.

Liberal Madeline Will NOT Say No "rain tax"

Sunday, Liberal Madeline was asked about her plans to implement a "rain tax" or a "storm water utility tax". She would not answer definitively that she would not propose and she skirted the issue of whether she talked to employees in the city about the implementation of a "rain tax" or "storm water utility tax"

On Thursday October 27, 2011 Liberal Madeline first addressed this issue in the past tense, never ruling out a new revenue stream.

And when WBIR's Inside TN taped on Thursday October 20, 2011 for an hour long debate that aired on Sunday October 23, 2011. What was the two candidates views on raising taxes. Liberal Madeline "would not hesitate" and Businessman Mark Padgett, "there is no need for one"