Tennessee Republican Party 30th Annual statesman's Dinner - A Family Tradition

As I reported yesterday, I had the good fortune to attend the Tennessee Republican party's 30th Annual Statesman's Dinner. A new friend of mine Jonathan and I drove over to Nashville yesterday afternoon and drove back after the festivities.

The drive over was delayed between 1.5 - 2 hours, getting stuck in 2 stopped incidents on I-40W. We arrived about 45 minutes before the start of the dinner, in spite of the democrat Governor's delaying I-40 traffic in an attempt to keep the attendance down.

Upon entry to the Opryland. The first person I saw and talked to was Tennessee House Republican Minority Leader Bill Dunn. I then talked with the Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Bob Davis, Jr and State Senator and Gubernatorial candidate Jim Bryson. Senator Bryson expressed what a great rally we had in Knox County Thursday night and how he was pleased with the warm reception he had received.

The pre-dinner area was occupied with the Senate candidates and their wives campaigning throughout the Registration area. Bob Corker was over heard to say that he was not going to attend the dignitary reception, because he wanted to talk with the voters down here. I had great conversations with Congressman Ed and Cindy Bryant, Chattanooga Mayor Bob and Elizabeth Corker, Congressman Van and Meredith Hilleary.

I witnessed a table with the number 119 on it. There may have been more. That is the largest number that I saw. There were 10 chairs and place settings at each table and there was not an empty seat in the house. I was blessed to be at the table closest to stage. An excellent view, (no table between our table and the stage) less than 25 feet from the the stage and podium.

Robyn Smith, our Tennessee Republican Party Vice-Chairman had the invocation and was awesome. State Senator Don McLeary was introduced and got a re-sounding welcome as he walked to podium to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Prior to the Pledge, he said "It took me awhile to get here, but I am here and feel welcomed" State Senator McLeary was a member of the opposition and in February changed parties. I said it February and I will say it again. Welcome Senator McLeary. His former party left him and their loss is our gain. John Moravec led the National Anthem and he was Great.

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Congressmen Zach Wamp, our own Jimmy Duncan and Bill Jenkins were introduced. Congresswoman Blackburn was first with a speech about sending a message to the San Francisco Chronicle and New York Times that we Tennesseans will determine the political outcome of our state. She also encouraged everyone to get out and prove to everyone that Al Gore and Hillary Clinton do not control the election outcomes in our state. Congressman Wamp was next with a speech about the war on terror and the need to have Republican control at the conclusion of his remarks, he pulled out a check for $10,000.00 to give to the state's Victory campaign and remarked about going 100 days to Victory. Our own Congressman Jimmy Duncan talked about Retirement Security and the need for Republican control of the House and Senate. He remarked about the 10 year service of Congressman Bill Jenkins, he introduced and presented the highest honor of the TN Republican Party to Congressman Jenkins. Congressman Jenkins accepted the award and spoke about his service and the need to continue with Republican leadership. He vowed to continue being active, tough he is retiring from the U.S. Congress.

Tennessee's next Lt. Governor, State Senate Majority Leader Ron Ramsey then introduced the Tennessee Statesmen of the Year winners. In our 2nd district Dean Rice was awarded the Statesmen of the Year. I first met Dean in 1994 during Fred Thompson's successful run for the U.S. Senate. Dean has worked for Senator Thompson, Congressman Duncan and many others. Dean is very deserving of this award and if you know Dean be sure and Congratulate him. In the 5th district Tootie Haskins, former assistant to State Senator Ben Atchley was awarded Statesman of the year. Two districts had two Statesmen of the Year, So a total of 11 statesmen were awarded last evening.

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Bob Davis, Jr. talked about the family and how Bryant, Corker and Hilleary have looked him in the eye and pledged to campaign for the winner of the primary. Chairman Davis introduced State Senator Jim Bryson, he listed many of his accomplishments in Nashville and announced that Bryson is running for Governor. At which point Bryson received a hearty applause including a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.

U.S. Senator Fred Thompson was then introduced and talked about Howard Baker, Jr and Bill Frist. He gave a heart warming speech. U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander was then introduced and talked about filling Fred Thompson's shoes and working with Bill Frist. Senator Alexander then remarked "Senator Frist has treated me as an equal and I have treated him as the Majority Leader."

Former U.S. Senator and U.S. Senate Majority Leader and former Chief of Staff to President Ronald Reagan Howard H. Baker, Jr. was unable to attend.

A video message from President George W. Bush was then presented. The president talked of his work with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. It was a heart stirring message.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Dr. Bill Frist, M.D. was then introduced. He first talked about his first statesman's Dinner 12 years ago when he was a candidate for U.S. Senate. He talked about Howard Baker, Jr. He talked about asking for help 12 years ago, he asked the party for help 6 years ago and he said he was asking again and his request is to vote for the Republican candidate against Harold Ford, Jr. out. Make Harold Ford, Jr. find a real job, elect a new Governor, majorities in the state house and senate and forever secure Tennessee as a RED state.

Terri Lynn Weaver, a candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives sang "God Bless America" It was moving.

Congressman Hilleary had an after dinner reception with Krispy Kreme Glazed doughnuts. State Senator Jim Bryson had an after dinner reception. I went to speak to Senator Bryson, drank a cup of coffee as I left the Bryson reception, the crowd was packed on the balcony to get in to see Senator Bryson.

In addition to all the others I have already mentioned it was great to see Randall Parker, Republican candidate for Knox County's TN House district 13, Susan Richardson Williams and Halley, Tammy White Miller, Jo Catlett and Suzanne Dewar. I met alot of new friends as well.

This was an excellent kick-off to the Republican campaign to take back Tennessee. We then drove back to Knoxville, I-40E was clear from Briley Parkway all the way to Knox County. We stopped in Crossville to grab a cup of coffee around the time Sunday morning started.

UPDATE: Several people have emailed asking if Mark Albertini was present. Mr. Albertini was not seen at the dinner.

Great Republican Saturday

This morning started at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant behind the Knoxville Center Walmart with the Halls Republican Club's pancake breakfast. Where my Republican State Senator Jamie Woodson, County Commission Chairman Scott Moore, Republican House Minority Leader Bill Dunn and Halls Republican Club member Billy Heck served pancakes, sausage and drinks to our table.

The Halls Republican Club awards two scholarships to a male and female graduating Senior at Halls High School each year in honor of Republican Dwight Kessel. The proceeds from this breakfast benefit the Scholarship fund. Mr. Kessel was the first Knox County Executive to serve Knox County. He is an excellent man and a great leader for our Republican Party today.

I then traveled over to my friend David Wright's Cafeteria where he hosted a Biscuit and Bluegrass event for State Representative candidate Gary Drinnen. A Country Ham biscuit prepared by David Wright is as perfect a start to your day as anything on this earth. There was a good crowd and the music was sounding great as I had to hit Middlebrook Pike and head west

to

The Karns Community Fair, I visited with my friend County Commission candidate Chuck James, his wife Donna, daughters Laura and Abbey. I visited with Sheriff Hutchison and Sheriffs Department employees Marianne Thompson, Chief Tom Spangler and J.J. Jones. I had an excellent conversation with Thomas Deakins, candidate for School Board in the sixth district (Chuck James current seat) I spoke to Ken Irvine, Democrat candidate for Criminal Court Judge, Margaret Massey-Cox candidate for County Commission. Volunteers for Republicans Mike Lowe, Steve Hall Register of Deeds, Mike Moyers, State Republican Minority Leader Bill Dunn, County Commission candidate Greg "Lumpy" Lambert, Criminal Court Clerk Martha Phillips and the Karns Republican Club were preparing to begin a long day working at the Karns Community Fair. The event was beginning to get crowded as I left.

The interesting tidbit to share with you is, I witnessed the Democrat purple printed Chancellor candidate apply about 10 or 12 bumper stickers to the Karns royal blue metal above the commons to create a sign. Other candidates had suspended their campaign signs behind their booths. The problem is no one applied a sticky adhesive to the metal and now when Andrews pulls the stickers off the blue paint will come off as well. The Knox County School System will have to repair the damage when he leaves. Obviously he believes the rules do not apply to him, as he ignored the Town of Farragut's rules about throwing objects for their fourth of July parade as reported by my blogging friend Rob Huddleston, here. Just what the citizens of Knox County need a Democrat Chancellor that doesn't follow the rules himself but expects you to.

With these three events behind me, I am home to rest and prepare for a round trip to Nashville for the Tennessee Republican Party's Statesmen Dinner. I am looking forward to this event and will report back tomorrow about all that happens tonight.

Have a Great Saturday.

9th District County Commissioner Larry Clark

I called to check on one of my Republican County Commissioners, Larry Clark. Larry as many of you may have heard was reported to have had a heart attack on Monday. So, I called to check on him at home today, we missed one another and when I finally reached him this evening he and his beautiful wife Barbara had gone out to have dinner.

Larry is doing well. He spent several hours at the hospital, primarily resting. He had the symptoms of a heart attack, they performed a few tests and have determined that he did NOT have a heart attack. His blood pressure is near textbook, he hasn't taken medications on a regular basis.

After some rest he is back to campaigning nearly every hour of the day. He attended the South Knox Republican Club cook-out, which my blogging friend Rob Huddleston reported here. Rob has also endorsed his Republican County Commissioner for re-election here.

I have arrived the same conclusion as Rob. Larry Clark is an asset to the County and deserves the opportunity to serve another 4 years. Larry loves South Knoxville and works hard to keep South Knox moving.

Former KnoxDem Chairman and Independent Write-In Candidate Close Early Voting Site

Brian's Blog is in receipt of a copy of a letter dated July 20, 2006 and sent to the Knox County Clerk. It is now a public document.

Dear Mr. Padgett:

Knox County has allowed the Election Commission to install a polling place at the Knox County Clerk's office in Knoxville Center. Reference is made to that certain lease ("Lease") dated March 22, 2004 by and between Knoxville Center LLC ("Landlord") and Knox County Clerk ("Tenant"), and specifically to section 1.1(n) entitled "Permitted Use" which reads in pertinent part as follows:

The Premises shall be occupied and used by Tenant solely for the purpose of conducting therein the business of the operation of county governmental offices and uses as allowed by law, including a wedding chapel and credit union office, and Tenant shall not use or permit or suffer the use of the Premises for any other business or purpose.

The installation of a polling place is outside the scope of the permitted use of the Premises. Therefore, Landlord demands that Tenant immediately remove the polling place from Knoxville Center. As you know, Knoxville Center is private property and as the private property owner, Knoxville Center LLC does not allow campaigning on its private property. Therefore, pursuant to Knox County Election rules, copy attached, the polling place must be removed immediately. Failure to comply with this demand will result in Landlord availing itself of all remedies under the Lease, at law or in equity. Please govern yourself accordingly.

Sincerely,



James C. Owen

Staff Attorney

According to Brian's Blog sources. The former KnoxDem Chairman, and employee of the County Clerk went to the Mall Manager and inquired prior to early voting if individuals could pass out information explaining how the voting process would operate. Remember, Knox County began using new voting machines and the Mall Management was use to seeing the former Chairman as an employee of the Tenant. Believing he was representing his boss, they shrugged it off.

As early voting started this former Democrat write-in candidate, current Independent write-in candidate along with the purple Chancellor candidate and the former KnoxDem Chairman took their Democrat slate of candidates and deemed them The Challengers. They began campaigning under the false pretense of voter education, the Mall Management intervened do to mall walkers and patrons complaining. (not Commissioner Tindell) The crew stopped for one day and returned, when mall Security came to stop them, they ran into the former Chairman's office playing the first grade game of hide and seek, giggling and have a merry little time. Keep in mind this is a Knox County office, where Knox County business is supposed to be conducted on behalf of the taxpayers of Knox County. Mr. Padgett intervened to stop their little game. Mr. Padgett, though he is a Democrat showed real leadership on this and stopped them from attempting to shield themselves from the security and the law by locking the former Chairman's office. The Knox County Election Commission then requested Knox County Sheriffs Department position a deputy or two in order that the election process is operated fair and legal.

So, now Mall Management has no other option but to issue a cease and desist order. The closing of Knoxville Center at this stage in early voting will not allow an alternative location. The closest location will be the Clerk's office on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue.

The reason for the second largest early voting location will be shut down is the result of the actions of the former KnoxDem Chairman, the Independent Write-In candidate for County Commission Second District Seat B and the Democrat Chancellor candidate that has printed himself purple.

Childish actions produce real penalties.

Randy Tyree on the Sheriffs race

This morning, Triple H (Hallerin Hilton Hill) hosted Sheriff Tim Hutchison and Randy Tyree for a debate. Two interesting notes.

1) Tyree noted that being Sheriff isn't brain surgery. In other words any body can do it. That demonstrates how out of touch Randy is . Solving the Jonia Berry case is easy and not brain surgery then prove it to us Randy, Go solve it.

2) Tyree said that if two candidates applied for the same job and both were equally qualified, and one supported him and the other didn't that he would hire or promote the one that supported him. And Randy will run the department professionally. Right.

Jim Andrews overheard on Main Avenue

I was on Main Avenue today and encountered Jim Andrews talking with a former downtown business owner and fellow Democrat. As, I passed Andrews in a near threatening tone of voice said, "***, I am simply having a conversation with you. I asked are you supporting Billy Tindell."

Why would a guy running for a countywide judicial post, be concerned with a county commissioner race in which his Democrat nominee is being challenged by a write-in Independent?

Randy is at it again.

From last Thursday's newscast of Gene Patterson's station. Tyree told 6 News after the debate that he doesn't think a debate between with the sheriff will actually happen.

On the Newstalk 100.3 website in addition to the announcement this morning on the Hallerin Hilton Hill show. Sheriff Hutchison and his opponent are scheduled to debate on Thursday July 20, 2006 from 7:00 am - 8:30 am on the triple H show. So, the Sheriff's opponent is wrong again.

Finally, Triple will be hosting a debate between the two candidates for Knox County Sheriff, Sheriff Tim Hutchison and Former Mayor Randy Tyree.

Monday July 24, 2006

Monday July 24, 2006 William Boyd Bingham of Binghamtown Baptist Church in Middlesboro, Kentucky will speak at Black Oak Heights Baptist Church. Hope's Call will also be in concert. The services begin at 7:00 pm

Downtown Re-Development Setback?

UPDATE: I have met this evening with several downtown business leaders and the view is opposite from the leaders that I met with last evening. Their view is that downtown re-development may now fast forward. Only time will reveal who is right or wrong.

With the news stories about Scott West and the allegations and charges of possible illegal activity involving the West's downtown businesses. I specfically was in downtown tonight and talked with indivdiual business owners to determine the impact of the Scott West allegations. Remember, accused -vs- guilty.

The greatest fear is the impact this will have in downtown re-development, Scott West was instrumental in promoting downtown re-development and Sundown in the City and working with Ashley Capps to continue bringing crowds into downtown.

If he is found guilty, he should be sentenced to the maximum sentence allowed. Is downtown re-development in jeopardy?

Stay Tuned.

WATE Channel 6 - Gene, Can you all get anything right?

The one thing we all can know is WVLT Volunteer TV Channel 8 and WBIR Channel 10 will get the story right. WATE never will get it right, if it conflicts with how they want the story to end.

You have heard that WATE Channel 6 said that Sheriff Hutchison is hiding and afraid of a perennial candidate that has lost many elections. One reason is that Channel 6 can not find its way around Knoxville. I saw the Sheriff on Friday, talked to the Sheriff on Sunday, saw the Sheriff at the Halls Republican Club meeting on Monday. This morning I went to the Sheriffs website, which is located here. There is a photo (that I have included in this post) of Sheriff Hutchison talking with Dewey Roberts, NAACP President at the event, while Channel 6 was circling and running around Austin East High School, the Sheriff was standing less than 3 miles on the same road over at Vine Middle Magnet.

What reason did the Sheriff have for being at Vine Middle? The Sheriff for a number of years, on the last day of youth football practice for the baby Road Runners has hosted an event, where he provides hotdogs, chips, drinks and provides the kids with their football pants. This event has been on the Sheriffs calendar since the event last year. It is great that our Sheriff is providing back to the community and is being a role model for our youth.

Thanks, Sheriff.

MSM Daily Paper Best Two out of Three

The endorsement for the three contested judge positions are in the MSM Daily paper this morning. They only missed one. Judge Ray Lee Jenkins is deserving of the vote of the people. Judge Jenkins has concluded over 27,000 cases in his career. Judge Jenkins experience is unmatched in the race for Criminal Court Judge.

Mike Moyers is the only qualified candidate worthy of your vote. The MSM Daily paper got it right. The other candidate was disciplined with the removal of his law license only two years ago by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility.

Andy Jackson, VI is the only candidate with the experience to serve as General Sessions Judge Div. IV. The candidate on the other side maybe a good person, but it comes down to experience and Andy Jackson has handled over 100,000 cases in the General Sessions court.

Vote, Jenkins, Moyers and Jackson.

MSM Daily Paper Got The Right Endorsement, Today

This morning, the MSM (Main Stream Media) Daily paper got the right endorsement. They selected State Senator Jim Bryson for Governor of Tennessee.

School Board Chairman Calls it Quits

From the School Board Meeting last night School Board Chairman Dan Murphy announced that he would not seek the position of Chairman in September when the board re-organizes.

Early speculation is that Sam Anderson will return as Chairman with a partnership that will make Jim Williams the Vice-Chair.

Updates will be posted as any new developments transpire .

MSM Daily Paper Endorsement Grades

How well did the MSM (Main Stream Media) Daily Paper accomplish their job of County Commission endorsement?

1st District Seat A - Pass - Nick Della Volpe

1st District Seat B - Failed - Ann Dingus deserves the vote of the people.

2nd District Seat A - Pass - David Collins

2nd District Seat B - Failed - No Republican on the ballot, Deborah Porter was an excellent write-in Republican

3rd District Seat A - Pass - Tony Norman

3rd District Seat B - Pass - Ivan Harmon

4th District Seat A - John Schmid -

4th District Seat B - Failed - Phil Guthe is worthy of the vote of the people.

5th District Seat A - Pass - Michael Hammond

5th District Seat B - Should have endorsed Craig Leuthold - who has no opposition.

5th District Seat C - Failed - John Griess has the experience and deserves the vote of the people.

6th District Seat A - Pass - Chuck James

6th District Seat B - Failed - Greg Lumpy Lambert deserves the vote of the people.

7th District Seat A - Pass - R. Larry Smith

7th District Seat B - Failed - Scott Moore deserved the endorsement - who has opposition

8th District Seat A - Pass - Phil Ballard

8th District Seat B - Pass - John R. Mills

9th District Seat A - Pass - Larry Clark

9th District Seat B - Failed - Paul Pinkston deserves the vote of the people.

In 11 races they were correct and received a passing grade.

In 6 races the were wrong and received a failing grade.

In 2 races they were not graded, due to lack of an endorsement.

6th District School Board - H. Lee Martin received the endorsement in this no-partisian race.

Brian's Votes Are In

This morning the Brian's Blog wife and the youngest Brian's Blog son and I arrived at the Downtown West Early Voting site. The youngest Brian's Blog son and I cast my votes in the TN Republican Primary and the County General election. I was greeted outside the 100 feet line by a few Democrat candidates. I spoke to each and shook their hands, introducing them to the only elected political Party Chairman in Knox County.

I saw the Voter Information booth being operated by the local Democrat Dean Dongs (Howard Dean wing of the Democrat party). I will post about this sham of a voter information booth later. I have been in contact with all the media about it.

The individuals at the voting location had interesting looks on their face that the Republican Chairman would be wearing a jacket in this weather. This Republican Chairman will always abide by the law. The law requires that no campaign signs or material are visible within 100 feet of the polling location. I was wearing a Chuck James County Commissioner golf shirt under the jacket. I promptly removed my jacket when I arrived back at 101 feet.

When we stepped up to the table and presented my voter id card. The gentleman asked what primary will you be voting in? I replied Republican, is there any other? That was for comedic value and the good people working the early voting site took it as comedic humor. I can see where the elderly may have some problems with the new machines.

It does appear that the Democrat Dean Dongs of the Knox County Democrat Party have created a fourth party in something called The Challengers. Today, in Knox County we have Republicans, Democrats, Independents and the Challengers.

The youngest Brian's Blog son and I had an enjoyable time. He and I both agree that it was a great day casting votes to elect Republicans.

TN Supreme Court Approves The Voters Voice On Marriage

The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that the voters will decide the Constitutional definition of marriage in November 2006. According to a news report on the KnoxNews website, located here.

This evenings U.S. Senate Debate

This evening was the second and final debate between the three Republican U.S. Senate candidates. The debate held at West High School between former Republican Congressmen Ed Bryant, Van Hilleary and former Chattanooga Mayor and businessman Bob Corker.

Unfortunately, I missed the first one. This one was a good debate as I personally counted nearly 400 people in attendance. A few notables were present like Commissioner Mike Hammond, State Senator Tim Burchett, State Representative Republican leader Bill Dunn and State Representative Stacy Campfield.

I had to leave about half way through the debate, however, all of three of the candidates volunteer were professional and supported their candidates well. There were a few Dean Dongs present (anti-war pro Howard Dean liberal Democrats) They were left alone and ignored.

Republicans are professional and respectful to our protestors. Our party and candidate will be stronger through all of this and we will beat the liberal Democrat that the Demo's will put up.

MPC approves Business Park in East Knox County

Photo from the Halls Shopper News

This evening the MPC Metropolitan Planning Commission approved the initial concept and rezoning for a new business park in East Knox County at the I-40 Exit 402 interchange. (Midway Road) All MPC Commissioners present voted Yes with the exception of Mose Lobetti. I personally counted and there were nearly 120 people present in opposition to it.

As I obtain additional information on the proposed park, I will post about the planned park and future of economic development in Knox County.

The most interesting thing is that Todd Napier of The Development Corporation made the comment that Knox County has 186 acres at Eastbridge Industrial Park that is virtually unusable due to lack of interstate access. In the late 1980's or early 1990's, I authored many public interest columns in the East Knox Area News and in a few of them I made the argument that Eastbridge is a waste of time and resources. This evenings testimony is proof positive that truth is eventually vindicated.

Stay Tuned.

Joe Sullivan of the Metro Pulse

The weekly edition of the Metro Pulse is online this evening. I will have to agree that Joe Sullivan has it Right in his endorsement of Knox County Law Director Mike Moyers and his candidacy to become a Knox County Chancellor, replacing retiring Chancellor Sharon Bell.

The most distrubing thing about the Democrat opponent is what Mr. Sullivan reported about the Democrat in the endorsement of Moyers.

Andrews’ license to practice law was suspended for two months in 2004 for failure to meet continuing education requirements set by the state Board of Professional Responsibility. When asked about the suspension, Andrews initially said it resulted from tardiness in paying the state’s $400 annual privilege tax on professionals, because the notice didn’t reach him in a timely way. When advised it involved a continuing education lapse, Andrews ascribed it to a bureaucratic snafu.

Reaching Andrews, at least by telephone, is by no means easy. He has two office numbers listed in the 2006 telephone directory. One produces a recorded response that “this number has been disconnected.” The other reaches a law firm in West Knoxville which advises that Andrews hasn’t been associated with the firm for more than three years.

These lapses hardly seem like traits of someone who can be relied upon for jurisprudence.

Thursday July 13, 2006 - The Night of the debates

Thursday, July 13th 6:30 PM The Halls Crossroads Women’s League will sponsor a local races debate at the Halls Senior Center 4410 Crippen Road 6 local races will be featured Chancellor Part III: Republican Mike Moyers and Democrat Jim Andrews, Criminal Court Judge: Republican Ray Lee Jenkins and Democrat Ken Irvine; General Sessions Judge Div. IV: Republican Andy Jackson,VI and Democrat Ursula Bailey; Register of Deeds: Republican Steve Hall and Democrat Scott Emge; Knox County Sheriff: Republican Tim Hutchison, Democrat Randy Tyree and Independent write-in Greg Cox; Knox County Commissioner, Seat 7-A: Republican R. Larry Smith and Democrat write-in Faith Tapp. The debate will be moderated by: Kay Watson, WBIR-TV News Reporter & Anchor The debate is free and open to the public.

also

Thursday July 13th at 7:00 PM on the other side of the town. The second and final debate in Knoxville between the three Republican candidates for U.S. Senate former Republican Congressman Ed Bryant, former Republican Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker and former Republican Congressman Van Hilleary will be in debate format at West High School, located at 3326 Sutherland Avenue. The debate, is open to the public, is sponsored by WBIR-TV, The Knoxville News Sentinel, The League of Women Voters and WNOX NewsTalk 100. Bill Williams of WBIR will moderate the debate. Panelists will be Hallerin Hill, WNOX; Tom Humphrey, News Sentinel; and Robin Wilhoit, WBIR. Questions for the candidates may be sent to the Knoxville News-Sentinel here or by visiting the WBIR website here.

Knox County Charter Review Committee

UPDATE: The next meeting of the Charter Review Committee will be held Thursday, July 13, 2006 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City/County Building, 400 Main Street. The public is invited to attend and can address the committee during the Public Forum segment of the meeting. I will not suggest where you can park.

I have just discovered on the Knox County website, located here. The minutes of the meetings of the Knox County Charter Review Committee are being posted. Here are the minutes of the first meeting, held on June 26, 2006.

Mr. Bruce Anderson was selected as the Chairman. Ms. Nancy Young was elected as the Vice-Chair and Ms. Alice Loy was elected as the Secretary of the committee.

TN Supreme Court Is Right

The TN Supreme Court ruled that a parent must still provide child support even if the children are granted full custody to someone other than the other parent. Read the story from the Knoxnews website, here.

How can a parent make the decision to withold support from their own kids, while this case went through the court system and eventually made it to the Supreme Court?

TN Supreme Court Will Review Knox County's Case

Brian's Blog sources indicate that the TN Supreme Court will hear the Knox County case around September 3rd or 4th, 2006. Knox Countians will finally get closure and the TN Supreme Court will provide guidance to Knox County. In the Bailey -v- Shelby, Knox County was never referenced. Finally, closure and a road map for the future.

Democrat Commissioner lacks basic skills

I do not believe that the newspapers will report this, however, it should be reported.

County Commissioner Mark Cawood has served for 20 years on the Knox County Commission. In the past, he has been part owner in a sign company called Sign Enterprise & Design. He currently owns a company called Sign Up of America. It is quite interesting that a guy that has served for 20 years, owns the company that produces signs would make a mistake on his own signs.

Sources called me over the past couple of weeks to tell me about the signs and they tell me that for about the last 4 - 8 years he continues to put these signs up, evidently he stores them for four years and then puts them back out and it shows.

What is so intriguing about his signs? you ask. He has Commissioner printed as Commmissioner. It is not just one sign, it is nearly every 4 x 4 and 4 x 2. Remember, the candidate is ultimately responsible. He approved the design before being printed, but better yet, he is in the sign business. This should be Sign Business 101.

I had to see the signs to believe it and sure enough the sixth district is littered with signs that appear to have been completed by a pre-schooler or better yet by the kid sitting in the corner of the classroom with the dunce hat.

Sources indicate that candidate Cawood is a fan of the Andy Griffith Show. If that is the case even Howard Sprague when running for public office would not have created such a goof in his campaign. Cawood should be ashamed of these antics. He will not be ashamed. He will laugh it off and it will demonstrate his total disregard of respect and professionalism to the constituents, he hopes to serve another four years.

To prove the point here are two photographs taken from different locations in the sixth district.

This location is the corner of W. Emory Road and Beaver Ridge Rd.



This location is on Byington Solway Road in front of the sign business that the candidate was part owner in. The SE&D sign is Sign Enterprise & Design.

The district has a choice. "The Republican choice" of current Sixth District School Board Member Chuck James. Chuck knows how to spell Commissioner and he well represent the Sixth District with Professionalism and Respect the Citizens of the district deserve.

It is time to Nip Cawood's antics in the bud. Nip it in the bud!

Democrat Commissioner lacks basic skills Part. II

This sign is located on BallCamp- Byington Road.

This is the Republican Choice that will represent the Sixth District, Professionally and with Respect.

Congrats to Italy

Congratulations to Italy for winning the 2006 World Cup. I am a soccer fan. (a rarity in America and East Tennessee, I will admit) I believe it is a good sport that is why I coached AYSO when the Brian's Blog 15 year old was four and I currently coach Upward Soccer for a boys and a girls team. I too have coached baseball, football (the real American sport) and basketball. I guess that I am pretty well rounded. I didn't watch every game during the World Cup, but I did watch most of today's game, while working in the office.

Anytime France takes a beating is a good day. Cheers to Italy.

BREAKING School Board News

There is one school board election on the August 3, 2006 ballot. In District 6, three candidates were on the ballot in May and no one received 50% plus one. So the top two are now running to win the election and to represent the district for the next four years.

Thomas Deakins and Lee Martin are the candidates. Both reside in the Town of Farragut, the district includes Hardin Valley, Ball Camp, Solway and Lonas. The third candidate on the ballot in May was Fred Dillon. Dillon resides in the Hardin Valley and Ball Camp area of the district.

Brian's Blog has obtained the following letter.

Dear Friend of Education:

I am writing to communicate my full endorsement of Lee Martin as the 6th District Representative to the Knox County School Board. As you may know, my family has lived in Karns for generations and I have personally been involved in community and education issues my entire adult life. Our school system is very important to my extended family and to me.

Lee Martin has lived in the 6th District for 25 years...15 years in the Karns/Solway community and 10 years in Farragut. He also started his highly successful business on Oak Ridge Highway. He has raised his family here and been actively involved in numerous sports and community service organizations.

I am endorsing Lee for two very important reasons. First, he understands that our school board member must work diligently to take care of the 6th district. Second, he knows that all school representatives ultimately serve on the board of directors for a $366 million organization that affects our children's future.

Lee's strong education and business background will serve us well. We need his experience to ensure sound management in setting school system policies and considering its budget, which accounts for 60% of the entire Knox County budget.

I encourage you to vote for Lee Martin on August 3, 2006 for the Knox County School Board. He will no doubt, be an advocate for our community, our teachers, and our children.

Sincerely,

Fred Dillon

H. Lee Martin

Farewell to the KnoxDem Chairman

UPDATE: I had received word and notified some media sources on Thursday and Friday about the 2:00 p.m. meeting that was scheduled for Sunday July 9, 2006 to select Harold Wood as the next KnoxDem Chair. Georginia Vines shined the light on this meeting in today's Knoxville News-Sentinel. Betty Riddick did the right thing in calling the meeting off as numerous Democrats had been objecting to an inadequate meeting notice and the appearance of a fix being in, to select Mr. Wood.

Here is the copy of the former KnoxDem Chairman's resignation

My position as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Knox County requires that I support fully all Democrats on the ballot. This rule has placed me in the untenable position of having to support two candidates for County Commission who have repudiated their oaths of office. Since I cannot, in good conscience, support these candidates, I am resigning as Chairman.
I grew up believing in the principles embodied by the Democratic Party and intend to continue supporting any and all candidates who share those principles. Jim Gray July 1, 2006

At first glance this can be considered a principled statement. I congratulate him for stepping down and finally doing the right thing.

A few questions to consider. 1) Did the former KnoxDem Chairman understand the oath and position of the Chairman at the time of his two elections as Chairman. 2.) Did he understand his position before he excluded the party's incumbents in official party communications? 3.) Why didn't the former KnoxDem Chairman resign when he first recognized that he had a problem? 4.) Why did the former Chairman wait until two controversial party communications were made public? and finally 5.) Why did the former Chairman wait until he was contacted by the TN Democrat Party about his conflict and the state party required that he act to correct it?

Original post: As reported this morning in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, but first reported yesterday afternoon on the Hubert Smith Radio Show and last evening in the Halls Shopper News. In an unexpected turn of events the KnoxDem Chairman resigned his position on Saturday.

I look forward to continuing with my duties as Knox County's Republican Chairman and look forward to see who the Demos will replace Betty Riddick, the interim KnoxDem Chair with. Maybe they will leave her as Chair and replace her position with someone else. Early speculation by sources in the KnoxDem party indicate that former County Commissioner and former failed Knoxville mayoral candidate Madeline Rogero may replace the former KnoxDem Chairman. I would welcome her to the fray. However, I believe she suffers from the same problem that the former Chairman had and that is her lack of support for the Demos incumbents.

Most individuals do not understand the role of Chairman. As Chairman, you must be a partisan and you must support the nominees and individuals on the ballot.

It is not a problem for me, in that I have been active in the Knox County Republican Party since 1982. I believe in and support all the Republican candidates on the ballot this year and every year since my involvement began at the age of 16. (Yes. I will be 40 this year, I will post about it when the time comes. Hold off your old man comments. You will plenty of opportunity when the time comes.)

This year, I believe that Knox County is better and will be best served the next four years with the leadership of the following persons.

Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale
Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison
Trustee Mike Lowe
Register of Deeds Steve Hall
Public Defender Mark Stephens
Circuit, Civil Sessions Clerk Cathy Quist
Criminal and Fourth Circuit Court Clerk Martha Phillips
Circuit Court Judge Dale Workman
Circuit Court Judge Wheeler Rosenbalm
Circuit Court Judge Div, IV Bill Swann
Chancellor John Weaver
Chancellor candidate Mike Moyers
Criminal Court Judge Ray Lee Jenkins
General Sessions Judge Div. I Chuck Cerny
General Sessions Judge Div. II Geoff Emery
General Sessions Judge Div. III Bob R. McGee
General Sessions Judge Div. IV candidate Andrew Jackson, VI
General Sessions Judge Div. V Tony Stansberry
Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin
County Commission
1st District Seat A Nick Della Volpe
1st District Seat B Ann Dingus
2nd District Seat A Commissioner David Collins
3rd District Seat A Tony Norman
3rd District Seat B Commissioner Ivan Harmon
4th District Seat A Commissioner John Schmid
4th District Seat B Commissioner Phil Guthe
5th District Seat A Commissioner Mike Hammond
5th District Seat B Commissioner Craig Leuthold
5th District Seat C Commissioner John Griess
6th District Seat A School Board Member Chuck James
6th District Seat B Greg Lambert
7th District Seat A R. Larry Smith
7th District Seat B Commission Chairman Scott Moore
8th District Seat A Phil Ballard
8th District Seat B Commissioner John Mills
9th District Seat A Commissioner Larry Clark
9th District Seat B Commissioner Paul Pinkston

To vote for anyone other than these persons or to vote for a Democrat is a step to take Knox County back to days of less significance. We need to go forward and never retreat.

I'm

back.

I have been on a two week vacation in an undisclosed location (south of here.) There are alot of things to report and I will begin soon. I posted infrequently while on vacation as I hated to go to Fedex Kinko's everyday to post. A friend of mine called last week and when I returned his call, I said. Yes, I will work on that on the way home, saturday. To which he said. Oh. I assumed you were home as your blog has been updated. We both laughed.

I read several books that I have posted about. My vacations are always a time to grab a load of books that have piled up on my desk, that I haven't had a chance to read. I also spend alot of time renting DVD's and going to the movie theaters with the three greatest kids in the world (the three that belong to the Brian's Blog Wife and myself).

Yes, Ted, I did see Over The Hedge and Cars and will report on both of those, soon.

Night, Dawn, Day – Elie Wiesel

The mandatory summer reading for all Farragut High School students are two books. Dawn and Day written by Elie Wiesel. An optional book is Night.

I have read all three. Night is a book written in the first person of his life and survival at Auschwitz. He never again saw his mother and sisters, after their first day at Auschwitz. His father and he labored in the concentration camp and the story of Night details their life there.

My objection with this years (check out my review of last years selection in the July 2005 archive of Brian’s Blog) summer reading requirement is that Night should not have been optional, it should have been required reading.

With Dawn, it is written from a third person account of the struggle with anger, hatred, death and murder. A very intriguing book worth the short afternoon of time takes to read.

With Day, it also is written from a third person account of the struggles with the past and temptation of suicide. This also is a short read and is a book that is relevant to today.

I found these books published in one binding as a trilogy. The books themselves were written in the era 1955 – 1960.

If it’s not close they can’t Cheat – Hugh Hewitt

I have just completed this book by Hugh Hewitt. It was primarily written for the 2004 presidential election; however, throughout the book it makes statements about the 2006 and 2008 election.

If you are a Conservative Republican or as Hewitt puts it a Center Right Republican, if you classify yourself as an Independent or as an open minded Democrat, you must read this book. If you are one of the hundreds of people that I talk to every year that says “I vote for the best person”. You MUST read this book.

This book has caused me to quit using the term Deaniac’s for those left fringe that supported Howard Dean, the term now will be the one Hewitt uses, I am borrowing it. Dean Dongs.

Within the political party there are three sub parties. You need to read the book to see where you fall.

The bottom line is you must vote Republican, your life depends on it and to vote for Democrats will get you killed.

The World Is Flat

I have just concluded the book, The World is Flat. I would encourage anyone in business to read this book. I have been a successful businessman since 1986, working with local, regional and for the past 14 plus years with an international company.

This book gives an excellent history of business, it chronicles some specfic businesses and at the end really goes into indepth on the history of the terriorist that have been in Americans minds since 9/11/2001.

I was serving on the school board during 9/11 and the Knox County School Board passed a policy that did not allow any of our students to travel and forbade any travel outside the landmass. Thomas Friedman touches on this in the book, as his daughter was not allowed to travel to New Orleans for an Orchestra competition. Friedman is correct in that a knee jerk reaction was had by all and the terriorist won again in our banning trips. That would be my regret, in that I did not convince my colleagues that we were doing the wrong thing at the time, however, as a father, I was also clinging to my own children.

You live and learn.

While traveling on business (headed to St. Louis) in May, I saw an updated and expanded version of this book in a bookstore at the Charlotte, NC airport. It is well worth the effort and time.

The Local and State Democrat Party Strategy

It has appeared to many in Knoxville that the local Democrat strategy will be to ignore that they are Democrats, never mention it. Instead act like the writers of the Contract with America (Newt Gingrich and the Republicans) and embrace term limits as their own.

I personally have always endorsed and supported term limits and glad to see the KnoxDem Chairman and his band of merry men embrace it, I say to them Welcome to the Republican Party and Conservative ideals.

It is interesting that they are not talking about their party. The Democrat Party.

Then we have This, from todays KnoxNews website. Ford, Junior is calling all three of his opponents names along with the TNDem Chairman. Political strategy is to let others call the names, not the candidate (Ford, Junior or the state party chairman), those two should stay above the fray.

This action by the candidate and TNDem Chair would indicate that their own polling is showing that TN Waltz and his liberal voting record are damaging Ford, Junior and that any of the three will beat him statewide.

Thanks for the confirmation, Demos.

Shaggy Dog - The Movie

This weekend, I went with two of the Brian's Blog Kids to see Shaggy Dog, The Movie. Tim Allen did an excellent job. The scene toward the end of the movie with the rear ending of the car was very real. The story is the same. It had a lot of comical interludes. Worth the price of admission, if you can find it or wait for the DVD/Video and rent it.

Ice Age 2 The Meltdown

Went with my kids this weekend to see Ice Age 2 The Meltdown. It was an enjoyable feature and a great time with the Brian's Blog Kids.

Knox News Coverage of Teenager Death is Irresponsible

I will not link to the coverage of the breaking news on KnoxNews website due to my belief that the online version of the News-Sentinel is irresponsible in posting photographs taken by photographer Cathy Clarke.

The photographer presented pictures of students in grief of their friends death. The photographer should be ashamed of herself for submitting the photos and the online web staff should be ashamed of themselves for publishing them.

I hope they do not print them in the paper.

Sorry for the gaps in coverage

I apologize for the gaps in coverage this week. I was in Chicago, Il on business and without any computer. I will post on my Chicago trip later. For those of you that have followed Brian's Blog, there are always gaps during this time of the year, as the job that provides the money is more important this time of the year.

Stay Tuned

Audio A Concert Last Night

Two nights in a row, on Market Square Mall. Last night I attended SONFEST 2006 the Audio A concert on Market Square Mall. For those of you that do not know, Audio A is a Christian Rock Group that has traveled for 16 years. They have earned numerous awards, many #1's and on and on. They were on Market Square. Thanks to spiritual Heritage a local group that believes in spreading the message of Jesus. Bo Shafer was the spokesman for Spiritual Heritage last night, they in conjunction with Love 89 and other sponsors brought Audio A to Knoxville.

I would like to publicly acknowledge and Thank Spiritual Heritage. After this year, Audio A is no more, they will not travel and they will not sing as Audio A.

The concert was awesome. The sound was unbelievable. The sound was better than the Sundown sound the night before. The beer trucks were not there, which actually meant that the crowd was larger for Audio A then Sundown the night before, because the mall was packed and didn't have the beer trucks in the center of the mall.

It was an awesome praise and worship experience and the focus remained on JESUS. During a speaking portion, they shared something that I hadn't thought about.

Here it is. One day every knee will bow and proclaim him as Lord of Lords. Audio A said that means that Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Bill Clinton all the Bushes, Prince _____and Shiek _____ will bow down. Man, that is awesome. Think about that. What an awesome and great God we serve.

Last evening has opened my eyes and heart to an unbelievable opportunity we have, here in Knoxville and in this world.

Audio A's website is here. MidAmerica was the opening act and was Awesome. MidAmerica website is located here.

What A Way To Spend Father's Day Weekend!

This photo is from the Promise Keepers website, located here. I am assuming this photo was captured at the Raleigh, NC conference that began on Friday and concluded this afternoon. The link for PK is in the links section. My oldest son and I have attended conferences in the past. One year we traveled to Indianapolis, IN.

The Atlanta, GA conference for Unleashed 2006 is July 28-29, 2006. Register online or visit the nearest Lifeway store.

Karns H.S. Student Free Speech Censored and Destruction of Hundreds of Personal Property By The Principal

Numerous sources indicate that Karns High School Principal Clifford Davis decided to censure a students free speech and in addition instruct a faculty member and their student club to destruct personal property of hundreds of student at Karns High School.

Here's the story.

In this years Karns High School yearbook, every Senior gets to say anything they like and it is approved and printed in the annual. A Senior (according to my sources, a female) wrote something like Mr. Davis I never liked you or something to that effect. It was published in the annual because of course, students do have free speech.

The yearbook are printed and began to be distributed and Mr. Davis catches the message. He gets very upset, has the yearbook staff take up the yearbook and apply a Sharpie marker to the offensive remark. Thus resulting in destruction of personal property. If this happened and I have no reason to believe that it didn't, it should not have happened.

Now, every kid at Karns High School that purchased a yearbook has a mark in their book. Because the "adult" could not live with a difference of opinion from a student.

This is a photo of Mr. Davis and I a few years ago, when he was Principal at Cedar Bluff Middle and I served as a School Board Member. The photo can be found on my website, located, here.

Sundown In The City, last night

I haven't attended Sundown in the City in quite awhile. I attended last night at the invitation of the Brian's Blog brother and sister in law. The crowd was excellent, the music was superior.

The greatest thing about the experience last night is that I saw many people that didn't recognize me. Many of them I stopped and we talked it was great.

My good friend Grant, remarked you blend in well. That was the intent. I was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, a collared short, sunglasses (always a pre-requisite) different pair than my regular pair and a fitted baseball hat.

Jackie Greene and Marc Broussard, Great Concert, Great Experience.

Knox County Charter Review Committee

I have requested Bio's on all the nominees, I am basing the information presented here on my recollection, if there is anything that needs to be added, the nominees or their friends are welcomed to send an email to the Brian's Blog email address and I will be happy to add to or subtract from the current information.

District 1: Commissioner Diane Jordan and Doug Minter (Owner of Brooke Insurance & Financial Services)

District 2: Commissioner David Collins and Nancy Young (Former head of the Knoxville, TN Ingram Group office)

District 3: Commissioner Ivan Harmon and David Duncan (owner of Catering Company)

District 4: Commissioner Phil Guthe and Bruce Anderson (Attorney, KUB Commissioner, Treasurer for Dan Murphy's political campaign)

District 5: Commissioner Mike Hammond, Linda Ford (wife of Farragut Mayor Eddie Ford) and Ken Dunlap (Knox County teacher at Northwest Middle School)

District 6: Commissioner Larry Stephens and Laura Bailey (Realtor and Powell Community Activist)

District 7: Commissioner Mary Lou Horner and Alice Loy (former Administrative assistant to County Executive Tommy Schumpert)

District 8: Commissioner John Mills and Suzanne Sanders (Carter and Thorngrove Community Activist)

District 9: Commissioner Larry Clark and Carol Troyer

The Blame Game has Begun

Correction: June 15, 2006. I used a media source WATE TV 6 for this post. Thankfully, I credited them with it in the original post. Because they got it wrong, which made me get it wrong. Richard Beeler was NOT the Law Director at the time, Current Circuit Court Judge Dale Workman was the law director. The BIG ole bottom line of my post remains the same. It was the Democrats fault. Either the Election Commission or Mike Padgett all Democrats.

Original Post June 13, 2006 9:25 p.m. : This from WATE TV 6. The Blame game has begun, on who is at fault for not sending the certified results and the Charter of Knox County to the State of Tennessee. Here are the suspects.

Irene Lovely, former Knox County Administrator of Elections
Democrat Election Commissioner #1
Democrat Election Commissioner #2
Democrat Election Commissioner #3
Republican Election Commissioner #1
Republican Election Commissioner #2

Mike Padgett, Democrat Knox County Clerk - He blames Irene Lovely (who no longer lives in Knoxville or Tennessee)

Richard Beeler, Knox County Law Director (unlikely that he is to blame)

I will fill in the names of the Election Commissoner's, when I can research and identify them - they should share the responibility.

So, the suspect pool is 5 Democrats and 3 Republicans.

So, you question why the Republicans are the majority party? The answer is obvious.

The Charter of Knox County

UPDATE: June 15, 2006; I have received a phone call from Mike Hammond this morning. He indicated that he had been directed to my blog (by an avid reader and fan I presume) and that he did not make the comment that has been attributed to him.

Two things, we have done to make all happy. 1) I have removed the quotations "" from the original post. 2) I have apologized to him personally and indicated that it would be corrected. (That's what I am doing, now)

I had three sources that were near him at the City-County Building that attributed those remarks to him. Can I confirm that the remarks were made as stated and broadcast? No. Can I stand by my sources? Absolutely. I take Commissioner Hammond at his word. We were wrong to report a quote that wasn't a "quote" and we believe all is right with the world, now.

It is rare that we have to correct a post, but when it is pointed out that we are wrong. We are happy to do so.

Original Post June 14, 2006 6:37 a.m. : The Brian's Blog team will be doing some research to determine what if any advantage there is for Knox County having a Charter. A review of pros and cons. County Commissioner Mike Hammond of Friday remarked in an interview. I'm not sure we need a Charter.

These sentiments have been shared by public officials and citizens to Brian throughout the weekend and week. Keep in mind that before Friday only 2 out of 95 counties in the state had a Charter form of government. There has been a decline throughout the country in local governments having a Charter form of government.

A proper first step would be to have a refrendum with a simple question of Shall, Knox County have a Charter form of Government? If it passes then pursue a Charter Commission, if it fails than begin prepartion to revert to the normal structure.

It is possible that the Charter could be an instrument or fad, who's time has come and gone. Similar to the schools that were built with open style classrooms that were designed in California in the 1970's, they were then bulldozed and replaced while Knox County is still living with at least 3 of these schools, today.

You are welcomed to leave your comments and thoughts.

Governor Winfield Dunn Chairs Senator Jim Bryson's Campaign

From this mornings Knoxville News-Sentinel, it is officially announced that Governor Winfield Dunn will be the campaign Chairman of State Senator Jim Bryson's campaign to take back our state government by electing Senator Bryson as our next Governor.

Governor Dunn built the modern day Republican party in Tennessee being the first Republican elected Governor in more than 50 years. Governor Dunn was in Knoxville last week and I had an opportunity to speak with him.

I told him that when I first ran for public office in 1990, again in 200 and 2004 and throughout many of my speeches over the past several years, I have used the quote that Governor Dunn made when announcing his candidacy for Governor in 1970. "Support me if you can, Oppose me if you must, But above all participate." Governor Dunn was then elected and served as our Governor from 1971-1975. He is the Governor that produced the Kindergarten program.

It is refreshing to see Governor Dunn is out supporting Senator Bryson. I do not believe this is the only high profile Republican that will endorse or be a part of Bryson's campaign. Governor Dunn is simply the first and a great start it is.

New SBC President

Frank Page, Newly Elected President of the Southern Baptist Convention


I am a Southern Baptist. Frank Page of First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C. was elected today to lead the Southern Baptist Convention. There is an unknown future for the denomination in that in 1979 a Conservative resurgence began to elect Conservative leaders of the denomination, electing leaders that believe in the inerrancy of the Bible. Ronnie Floyd of First Baptist Church in Springdale, Ark. had the backing of Paige Patterson, a well known Conservative movement figure within the denomination. Jerry Sutton of Two Rivers Church in Nashville, TN was a contender as well.

Page, 53 years old is somewhat of an unknown commodity in that he is and was supported by some younger pastors, who, as bloggers have pointed out Page's church's commitment to Missionary support. That is a good thing. The unknown commodity is his public statements advocating more openness and inclusion.

In today's edition of the USA Today was published story about other denominations and their struggle with ordination and acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle. Keep in mind that Satan continues to seek and devour those he can destroy across the land.

To the Brian's Blog Prayer Warriors; Pray for President Page and the Southern Baptist Convention, also, thank God for the leadership of Dr. Bobby Welch and his vision and implementation of the Everyone Can campaign.

Dr. Bobby Welch of First Baptist, Daytona Beach, Florida

Brian's Blog Was The First To Report Karl Rove Cleared

256 days ago, Brian's Blog reported here that Karl Rove, Cleared. So, you read at Brian's Blog, first.

Thank you. Thank you. Brian's Blog will be here for you.

TN's Democrat Governor Acknowledges Success of Republicans

This from this mornings Knoxville News-Sentinel. The incumbent Democrat Governor of Tennessee at his first campaign stop in Johnson City was bragging about taking excess tax from you the citizens, he took more than he needed to run state government. He has taken $500 million more than he needed to run state government.

The governor later switched approaches, instead comparing the state's budgeting process with managing a checkbook or credit card.

Also in Knoxville when he later switched approaches and said he was opposed to an income tax. That is good, even tough I believe that Phil Loves Taxes. He went on to say that he favored a gas tax increase. WHAT?

He acknowledges that he says whatever it takes to get elected and then change after he wins. "I just try to borrow from those individuals who have positive ideas," he said.

He is a reluctant Democrat "I very much believe that the Democratic Party needs to modernize itself and think about what it stands for other than just not being Republican," he said. He acknowledges the success of the Republican Party "Republicans have a six- to eight-point advantage in Tennessee, and that hill keeps getting a little steeper to climb," Bredesen said.

This now explains why he wasn't welcomed as a speaker at the Knoxville Truman Day Dinner. He believes that the Democrat Party is not modern and has no core beliefs or values other than being a Republican hater club.

Knox County Charter and Term Limits Ruled Invalid

Here is the Chancery Court opinion that has the Knox County Charter and 1994 Term Limits Ammendment ruled ineffective and invalid.

Pending an appeal and any stay, Knox County will now abide by the Tennessee state law method of governace.

The state law provides for a level of compensation for County Commissioners. The Home Rule Charter provides that School Board members be compensated at the identical level of County Commissioners. The state law does not provide that School Board members be compensated. My sources indicate that it would be reasonable to assume that monthly compensation for school board members may cease.

There will be many questions that arise about any Ordiance that has been passed since the "implementation" of the Home Rule Charter.

Brian's Blog hopes for a smooth and orderly clearing of any disputable issue(s).

Great Leadership From a Young Adult

The following Letter To The Editor appeared in todays Farragut Press, located here. Eric and two of his classmates appeared at the Knox County School Board last night and spoke on public forum. They presented petitions, where they collected signatures in support of retaining their teachers. Eric and his friends, give me hope for America's future. Hang in there, Eric. You will make a difference.

Where have all the teachers gone? reader asks

I am a student at Farragut Middle School and am writing to you, hoping that you can help us get some answers. We, I and a lot of the other students at the school, would like to know why we are losing our technology teacher and the technology position that he has been teaching at the middle school for the last six years as well as another teacher (who they have not named yet) and why a growing community like Farragut is losing six teaching positions over the next 3 years in the first place. We need as many subjects as possible in order to meet the needs of our diverse community and get an adequate education. Instead of cutting classes we need to be adding classes like foreign languages. The school system seems to have decided that it is okay to cut back and crowd us into even a tighter area and give us fewer choices. Farragut had one of the highest rates of harassment in the county. Studies show that when animals are crowded they often become dull or fight. (See reports by Calhoun, Skinner, Hock, Cohen, & Audrey — Google Feedback and Crowd-ing) Is this what our community has chosen for us?

The Carl D. Perkin’s Act supports the technology position that is being destroyed. Technology is needed in this day and age to run many programs and machines in all types of positions such as teaching how to use grading programs, electronics, keyboarding, digital art, banking, automotive analysis and many more. I would like to know why we are losing teachers when we are increasing Knox County’s size. Tennessee is No. 48 in the United States in education. I fear that if we keep letting positions and teachers like this go, that we shall soon become number fifty. I am beginning to understand why I hear my older friends say that they want to move away as soon as they can and why they want to go to school in places far from here. The Carl Perkin’s Funds are still available. Why are we not trying to get these funds? Why are we not writing grant proposals and trying to make [our] schools the best that they can be?

There is a School Board Meeting June 7 at 5 p.m. and we are hoping that we can get answers at that meeting and I hope that a lot of students, teachers, parents, and business people will be there to support us.

Sincerely,

Eric Summitt

Farragut

Karns High School Football Coach John Fulkerson

This morning, the Knoxville News-Sentinel has this follow-up to the story from June 1, 2006 about football coach John Fulkerson. I have received numerous phone calls and emails asking me to weigh in on this case, to report what I know. I have refrained, as it is an ongoing case. When the case is concluded, you can expect me to post again.

Students and persons close to the case have communicated to me their version of what happened. Out of respect and protection for them. I am not reporting, what I know.

However, let's go back to to the early 1980's at Carter High School in Knox County, there was a young guy that had attended Carson Newman College and was at Carter. He assisted the track team and was on staff. He was part of the FCA program and even spoke at several churches in the community, including St. Paul East United Methodist Church. The guy is a committed Christian and an excellent coach and super teacher. His name is John Fulkerson.

Fast forward a few years ago, he left Farragut High School as a teacher and assistant football coach to be a teacher and Head football coach at Karns. I asked him why? He said, I am really excited about it. I said, well. o.k. If you remember, Karns beat A.E. (Austin East) last year and I posted my congratulations on this my blog. They had an excellent year, John Fulkerson's stamp is on the team and it's success. Athletic success is not always shared by administrator's that focus solely on "academics". Athletics is not for everybody, but for some it creates the well rounded student that they become.

Cathy Torrence, a mother of a Karns High School football player, came to the Knox County school board meeting Wednesday evening to lobby for Coach John Fulkerson's return to the field.

Cathy Torrence summed it up in her remarks to the board last night that were not reported in the article. "Before John Fulkerson, Karns had a football team so that the band could perform."

Keep Coach in your thoughts and prayers. It is difficult to know that your fate is not in your hands, but in the hands of people that do not know you.

Knox County School Board and Religious Expression

Tonight the Knox County School Board passed a Religious Expression Policy. The policy basically says that the school district will do nothing to encourage or discourage religious actions or activities and the school district will follow the law. It encourages students and parents to file complaints with the principal and ultimately with the Superintendent. The policy charges the Superintendent with the ultimate authority.

Nothing to complain about with this policy. The first two public speakers; Maya Ayesh and Arnold Cohen, I have no significant issue with what they said. Maya Ayesh indicated that only those students that are part of the religious minority are discriminated or taunted. That is not the case and I will deal with that later.

The third speaker, Carol Silver Alford of the Cedar Bluff community took the opportunity to spread some of the most vile anti-Christian rhetoric that I have heard in some time. She proceeded to tell a story about her daughter attending a Y.O.K.E meeting after school. She indicated that she (the mother) knew what Y.O.K.E was but her daughter insisted that it was an after school activity and the mother let her daughter attend. Her daughter was then upset about the after school Christian activity. Well, hello, who is running the house and the religious beliefs you or your minor child? Ms. Alford stated that NO religious organization should be able to use the schools, this is based on her anti-Christian views, I assume.

Here are the problems with her position.

1) The school buildings were built with the citizens tax dollars, they should be available for any group that is a legitimate group that can possess the insurance, provide compensation for a school employee to open and close the school and doesn't damage the structure, after hours and on weekends. They must follow the school district rules and be respectful of any othe rgroups meeting at the same time.

2) Many schools do not have adequate furniture and infrastructure, this type of arrangement assists those schools. A.L. Lotts for several years was home of Westlake Church, the church provided chairs (adult), risers and many other items that are still being used today, even tough West lake is gone. West Valley Middle School was home to Northstar Church and has chairs (adult), public address system in the gymnasium and many other items that the school district couldn't afford.

I don't have a problem if if it is a Christian Church, a Muslim community, a Jewish group. But, to adhere to Ms. Alford position is irresponsible and single minded.

Now, the position that only believers in a religious minority group suffer from taunts, discrimination etc. Is not the case. There are many times within the past 10 years that I have had young high school students (many who are ministers, today) that have come to me and said that because they wore a Christian shirt, carried their Bible, attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting, Young life meeting or a particular church that other students and faculty members have told them they were members of a cult. My advice to them is to turn the other cheek, ignore the comment (for they know not what they say), pray for the person and carry on.

At the end of the school board meeting, a lady spoke on public forum and indicated that this policy was because of actions of some at Farragut Intermediate School. It is unfortunate that the school district couldn't ensure that one school complied, so they pass one policy for all 85 + school buildings. But that's where we are as a society. Sigh.

Post Script: When I ran for re-election, I received many emails asking for my view on the Bible. I gave my view without hesitation, It Is The inerrant Word Of God. God breathed. God's message to his followers and believers. A few anti-Christian bias voters? I don't know. I stand by my position on the Word and about the Word.

A Few Years Back

A friend of mine ran across a photograph they had taken several years ago and they recently sent it to me. I remember this. When I was elected in 2000, West valley Middle School had opened in 1999 and the school district had cut all signs from the project, as part of value engineering.

I asked nicely for several months and finally had to raise immortal which included involving a local television station. West Valley then received letters for the building and two entrance signs which included one of them having a marquee message board and this was the first message, for which I was appreciative. However, I was just doing my job, for the taxpayers.

Bredesen Will Raise Taxes on Gas in Second Term. Bredesen Out of Touch with Tennessee

This from this mornings Knoxville News-Sentinel. Here are a few clips and my commentary on them.

Gov. Phil Bredesen made Knoxville one of his first official stops Tuesday in kicking off his statewide re-election campaign, pledging firmly his opposition to an income tax, but "leaving open" other tax avenues, such as levies on cigarettes and gasoline.

That is just what we need more tax on gasoline. I wonder what the poster boy, Harold Ford, Jr. thinks about raising gas prices, since Jr. is running commercials about gas prices. Bredesen is a tax and spender. This has happened before, no taxes in the first term, get re-elected and then proposing an income tax. Phil Bredesen, out of touch with Tennessee, out of touch with Tennesseans, out of touch, Phil.

He said, "We had to take painful steps with TennCare, but there is no sense kicking that can down the road." Bredesen said he has balanced four consecutive budgets with "no new taxes. Our rainy-day fund is at its highest level."

Bredesen wants to avoid the issue on TennCare, because he promised to "fix" TennCare because he was the Healthcare manager/guru and could and would fix it. His fix was to do nothing for two years and then kick off thousands of enrollees and to gut the benefits. So, of course he believes "there is no sense kicking that can" According to Bredesen we will deplete the rainy day fund, to make him look like a good manager. A rainy day fund is nothing more than the state government taking more of your money for something they didn't need,. Why does Bredesen do that? Because Bredesen can.

He said that in a second administration he wanted to "let every child whose parents want them in a pre-K to be able to go." He said pre-K gives children social skills and allows for early intervention if a child exhibits health difficulties or mental problems.

Bredesen needs to correct the inflated graduation rates, improve test scores and bring accountability to the statewide k-12 programs before creating a program that will be part of the same ole broken statewide education program.

When you look at the 95 counties in regards to public education in this state, There are islands of excellence in a sea of mediocrity.

The Voice and "The Guestbook"

Last evening, I received an invitation by email to appear on The Voice due to some comments that were being posted on the guestbook. I have been so busy all of last week and yesterday traveling out of the coverage area of The Voice.

Fortunately, the Chief of Staff of The Voice forwarded me the link to the guestbook. I checked it out. It is comical. It is obvious that the ones that are critical of me are motivated by selfish desires. They are people that have been beaten at the polls, due to my work on behalf of their opponents. It is individuals that have always wanted to be a position like Chairman, but everytime they ran the trial balloon up, it got busted.

Yes, I was unsuccessful in a re-election effort in 2004. It wasn't the end of the world. The past two years, I believe my priorities are in the right place. The past two years, I have realized how much of a contact sport politics is and campaigns that I will be focused on in the future, will be back to the former Hornback style. The style that has elected numerous people and elected me in 2000.

Everything on this website/blog that is reported about public meetings are facts, when a quote from a public meeting is sighted it is in the record. When I give my opinion, well it is an opinion, mine and if you want to give your opinion, get your own blog. You can send a comment and if I want to approve it and post it, I will. If I don't, well it's my blog and I will not approve or post it. This blog is in my name but several people are involved and from time to time several people see a comment and help decide if it should appear or not. It's a team concept that works well. Brian's Blog has over 150 people everyday from every corner of the world checking it out. It has and will continue to be a success.

When I appeared on The Voice for 1 hour, not one of the callers talked about this blog. It demonstrates that those with courage on the internet as anonymous posters, do not have a spine in a public forum.

I talked to Lloyd and Kelvin after the show, I told them that I would be happy to come back on the air and talk about my blog, but, that I hope everyone continues wearing the guestbook out, because when people see my name, others will Google it and the blog and website come up.

The Brian Hornback brand is a good thing.

Congresswoman Katherine Harris on Traditional Marriage - Bill Nelson on being like Teddy

"I believe the majority of Americans strongly support the preservation of traditional marriage. We must never undermine the uniqueness of an institution that continues to serve as an essential thread in the fabric of our society. I support the passage of the Marriage Protection amendment being debated in the Senate," Congresswoman Harris said.

Katherine Harris campaign spokesman Chris Ingram said, "It's time for Nelson to stop making bogus claims of being a moderate in Florida while voting like Ted Kennedy in Washington, D.C. Bill Nelson should stop voting like a liberal and start voting with the values of common-sense Floridians. A good first-start would be by voting in favor of the marriage amendment which simply defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman."

Let's not stop Nelson from being who he is. Nelson will wear out his welcome and then in November 2006 Senator-Elect Katherine Harris.

Top 10 Reasons Katherine Harris Will Beat Bill Nelson

Fresh from the Katherine Harris website, are the 10 reasons why Katherine Harris will beat Bill Nelson. I provide it here for you liberals and naysayers that think Harris can't and won't win. We will see you in November.

1. Katherine Harris has the interest of Floridians at heart. She isn’t afraid of taking on the “beltway boys,” the liberal media or her General Election opponent who shares the values of Washington, DC’s “liberal-elite.”

2. Katherine Harris shares the values of most Floridians, her liberal opponent does not.

3. Katherine Harris has a proven record of accomplishment fighting for taxpayer relief, immigration reform, and standing up for senior citizens.

4. Katherine Harris is tested by fire. She has a strong backbone and will not back down in the face of adversity.

5. Katherine Harris has the grassroots support of Florida voters, high name ID, and Florida is a “red state” that supports Republican candidates.

6. Katherine Harris has a “can do” attitude. Her liberal General Election opponent has a “do nothing” attitude. For example, he says a comprehensive immigration reform bill isn’t likely to pass the Senate this year. Katherine Harris has already voted in favor of an immigration reform bill and believes our U.S. Senator should fight for important legislation as opposed to shrugging it off and saying it can’t be done.

7. Katherine Harris is a strong proponent of 2nd Amendment Rights. She has an “A” rating from the N.R.A. While her liberal General Election opponent likes to call himself a sportsman when he’s talking to voters, back in D.C. liberal Bill Nelson gets an “F” rating from the N.R.A.

8. Katherine Harris has fought to reduce taxes, and cut waste, fraud, and abuse. She has signed the American’s for Tax Reform “no new taxes” pledge. Her liberal General Election opponent never met a tax he didn’t hike and refuses to sign the no new tax pledge.

9. Katherine Harris has never lost an election – ever. And she has defeated two incumbents and two statewide elections.

10. Katherine Harris has common-sense Florida values. Bill Nelson has Washington values led by Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. In fact, Bill Nelson has been rated as more liberal than Hillary Clinton by the non-partisan National Journal.

Dr. William "Bill" Wilson - Headmaster / Principal @ Concord Christian School

Less than 10 minutes ago, Dr. Doug Sager the pastor of my church First Baptist, Concord has introduced Dr. William "Bill" Wilson as the headmaster of Concord Christian School.

Dr. Wilson recently retired as the Principal of West Valley Middle School. He is head and shoulders above his peers. Concord Christian School and First Baptist Concord are fortunate to have God call this man and his wife Judy to our church and our ministry.

You can watch the live internet broadcast at 10:30 a.m. this morning or the archive after the morning services have concluded, here.

Praise God. He is Good All The Time and All The Time, He is Good.

The Hubert Smith Radio Show

Tomorrow Sunday June 4, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. on WKVL AM 850 The Hubert Smith Radio Show will have former Congressman Ed Bryant a Republican candidate for United States Senate as the guest.

Congressman Bryant is in a three way race with former Congressman Van Hilleary and former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker.

Andy Jackson VI - Kick-Off Breakfast

Andy Jackson, VI - the Republican candidate for Knox County General Sessions Court Judge Div. IV had a kick-off breakfast at Wright's Cafeteria. David Wright and his staff opened up and served Ham biscuits, Sausage biscuits, homemade sweet rolls, eggs and the most delicious apple dumpling. Complimented with Orange juice and coffee. As always David Wright is the Best.

A huge crowd was there to kick-off the campaign. Republicans, Democrats and Independents were in attendance. Elected officials like State Representative Parkey Strader, Frank Niceley, State Senator Tim Burchett, Register of Deeds Steve Hall, County Commissioners Ivan Harmon, Mary Lou Horner and Paul Pinkston, County Commission candidate 6th district Chuck James and 1st district candidate Nick Della Volpe as well as 1st district candidate Ann Dingus, State Representative candidate Gary Drinnen.

There were a lot of grassroots Republicans and Democrats. It was Great to see former KnoxGOP Chairs Mike Prince and Sue Methvin. Also, many supporters of former General Sessions Judge candidates Judge Jimmy Kyle Davis and Chad Tindell were in attendance to lend their support to our Republican nominee. A true spirit of unity was shared and expressed.

I had to leave with 1 hour remaining in the festivities, so I am sure that many more people came after I had to leave.

We are all excited to support Andrew Jackson, VI as our next Knox County General Sessions Judge Div. IV. In my opinion, he is the only qualified and experienced choice on the ballot. Early Voting is July 14 - 29, 2006 and Election day is August 3, 2006. Cast a vote for Andy Jackson, VI.

New Duet ....... New CD

There is a new Christian praise and worship music duo in Knoxville, TN and they have produced their first CD. Cara Hensley Mashburn and Byron Booker are the new duo. They are members of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church and involved with the Choir and Praise singers.

Cara and Byron have a great sound, a sound that hasn't been around in some time. They both come from a legacy of Church music. Cara's father George and Byron's father H.E. have a long history of church music and the CD is dedicated to them.

The CD title is Step by Step. The following tracks make up the CD; We Are The Reason, More Than Wonderful, What is Jesus Doing with Sometimes By Step, Hus Eye is On The Sparrow, The Prayer, God Of All Gods. When I survey teh Wonderous Cross, All We Like Sheep, Be Strong and Take Courage, with the final track, my personal favorite I've Just Seen Jesus.

This CD is a must have for any Christian Praise and Worship Music collection library.

Cara and Byron are available to lead your praise and worship for your congregation. You can contact them about purchasing the CD or to book them for your next event by emailing them at stepbystep1@bellsouth.net

Knox Dems In The First District

The report from the First District Democrat meeting is this. Around 60 First District Democrats attended, the vote totals were the following.

Lewis Logan - 28

John B. Foster, Jr - 7

Stan Johnson - 6

Helen Diane Lewis - 5

Jim Garland - 4

Charles Frazier - 3

Steve Dupree - 0

Stacey Diamond - 0

All of the candidates were write-ins on May 2 with the exception of the winner Lewis Logan. Now let's examine the write-in's and see how their support gained or lost.

John B. Foster, Jr 54 write-in votes - lost 47 voters since May 2, 2006
Stan Johnson 46 write-in votes - lost 40 voters since May 2, 2006
Helen Diane Lewis 101 write-in votes -lost 96 voters since May 2, 2006
Jim Garland 18 write-in votes - lost 14 voters since May 2, 2006
Charles Frazier 35 write-in votes - lost 32 voters since May 2, 2006
Steve Dupree 42 write-in votes - lost 42 voters or 100% since May 2, 2006
Stacey Diamond 12 write-in votes - lost 12 voters or 100% since May 2, 2006

The Democrats keep inching close to getting it right and following the law. You can not fill a vacancy until a vacancy occurs. You can not caucus until you provide a meeting notice.

I am sure Diane Jordan is feeling the love as the vultures of her own party have come swooping in to take her out.

At least the let the district voters cast their decision instead of group of liberal deaniacs that are out of touch with the district. Lewis Logan is the choice of the district. And if the Democrat Executive Committee listens to anyone, it should be the 60 people in the district that came out to vote for their choice, the districts choice and not from people that can't keep their own supporters together for less than 30 days.

State Representative Frank Niceley Makes One Giant Leap

State Representative Frank Niceley had some significant accomplishments this legislative session, however, the best accomplishment is when on the last day of session he was able to led a vote on elected school superintendents. This bill has always been locked in committee and the lobbyist on behalf of appointed superintendents always brags that this legislation will never make it to the floor.

This year Rep. Niceley attached an amendment to a bill on the floor. The vote on the amendment was to allow County Commission's with a 2/3 rd vote, place the issue on a public referendum and let the voters decide. The amendment failed with 36 in favor and 51 against. (30 Republicans and 6 Democrats) Had all 46 Republicans stuck together with the 6 Democrats it would have passed.

This is a landmark, next year it will gain steam and may pick up the 16 Republicans and a 2008 referendum could be on your ballot for the following Yes/No question

Shall the Superintendent of ____________ County in Tennessee be elected?