Steve Hunley's Focus Hates The Sheriff!

Steve Hunley's Focus this week reads like a Sandra Clark/Mary Lou Horner Shopper from days gone by. In a story discussing Liberal Madeline's endorsement by Knoxville FOP. Hunley's Focus sets a laser beam on Sheriff Jones by trying to draw him into the "Black Wednesday" fiasco with Ivan Harmon and Scott Moore. What Hunley's Focus leaves out is that his best bud and frequent dinner guest Jack Huddleston was appointed by Huddleston's vacation pal County Commissioner Phil Ballard.

Hunley's Focus calls the endorsement of Jack McEloy and the Big Metal Shed on the Hill as a jewel. What Hunley's Focus doesn't say is it is a gum ball machine jewel, not a legitimate jewel. But we are talking about Hunley. Hunley's Focus uses rumor to report the vote total but is quick to say there is no way to verify is information. That is negative tabloid journalism!

Hunley's Focus tries to spread the rumor that Sheriff Jones wants to be Knoxville Chief of Police. That would be like the President of the United States becoming Speaker of the House. The Sheriff has jurisdiction in the City, the City does not have jurisdiction in the county.

Dr. McIntyre is on the Right Track

When I was a member of the School Board (almost a decade ago) the discussion of closing 4 schools was on the radar. But 5 board members didn't have courage to close them. At the time it was Corryton, Gap Creek, South Knox and Maynard.

Here was the deal then. Corryton could be absorbed into Ritta and Gibbs. That was before Gibbs received a brand new larger school.

It would be easier to accomplish that today, with Gibbs having a new expanded facility. Gap Creek and South Knox are both in the ninth district. At the time of the discussion, the board member for that area was the Board Chairman. The same member that housed the Superintendent and his wife at is home until the could buy a house after their move here from South Carolina. It has also been rumored that the Superintendent and his wife used the Board Chairman's wife as their realtor on the purchase of their home.

However, Gap Creek can be absorbed into New Hopewell and South Knox can be absorbed into Sarah Moore Greene. Maynard Elementary can be easily absorbed into Beaumont and probably West View. West View is an interesting school, they received a visit from then President George W. Bush on the anniversary of NCLB - No Child Left Behind. It was one of several occasions where I got to see and speak with the President. I will have to review the Superintendent's information about Vine Middle. Obviously, South Doyle Middle and Carter Middle are closest with the possibility of utilizing Gresham.

I am doing this by memory. So, I may be missing one. But bottom line, in my opinion, Dr. McIntyre is on the right check and 4 elementary schools need to be closed and sold to the private sector.

Why Does Rep. Todd Have To Talk to Speaker Harwell? Man Up and Resign Your Leadership Spot!

So The Tennessean has this followup to the story from yesterday about TN House Representative and Committee Chirman Curry Todd's DUI and loaded gun charge. Todd says he will wait to talk to Speaker Harwell about the need to resign as Committee Chirman. What! Grow a set, be responsible and resign as Committee Chirman on your own!

Jeez! Really?!

West TN State Representative Curry Todd (R) arrested for driving under the influence and possessing a loaded firearm. jeez! Come on! Read the report from the Tennessean, here.

Purse Snatcher Snatched! Mug Shot is Must See

A dude decides to snatch a purse out of a car in Kingsport. The boyfriend of the purse owner runs him down to drain him. The snatcher bites him, but he is still detained by the boyfriend till the police arrive to arrest the snatcher. Read the story here, the mugshot is priceless.

Tonight's Council / Mayor Forum in South Knoxville

The attendees of the City Council / City Mayor debate hosted by South Nieghborhood and Business Association and held at the beautiful Woodlawn Christian Church.

WVLT Local 8 Anchor Alan Williams served as Moderator. Here Council Candidates for the At Large Seat A position John Stancil and George Wallace.

City Council At Large Seat B candidates Bill Owen and Marshall Stair. Stair said that a proper balance is that the citizens should elect someone beginning their professional career. A comment was made, should City Council be a position with on the job training?

City Council At Large Seat C candidates Finbarr Saunders and Sharon Welch.

Knoxville Mayoral Candidates Liberal Madeline Rogero and businessman Mark Padgett.

As Mayoral candidate and businessman Mark Padgett concludes his television interviews. Liberal Madeline  staffer Amy Hubbard is on the spot.

Knoxville's Me Too Pedestrian Bridge

There is a proposal for Knoxville to have a Me Too (like Nashville) Pedestrian Bridge. Read about it here from Mike Blackerby with the Sentinel. My friend Lewis Cosby summed up it like this,

"It is going to cost $ 17 million dollars to build. I came up with idea to make it a toll Pedestrian Bridge. The first one in the nation. We can promote it and maybe extend it to the Sunsphere where we could charge a dollar to go to the top.

Here is the math. Charge $ 5.00 a head to walk across round trip. If everyone in the city did it just once a year, It would be paid for in just 34 years. Well not counting interest or personnel cost to sell the tickets. That can be made up by building a parking lot on the south end of the bridge and charge a flat fee of $ 20.00 for parking.

Oh I forgot in 34 years the bridge has to be rebuilt at the cost of $ 50 million.  Oh what the heck take the $ 17 million dollars and build a school in Carter. That is a better use of the money and bike across the the New Henley Street Bridge a few hundred feet away that has Bike and pedestrian lane built in."

Them liberals love talking about me, but can't handle some fair & balanced

The liberals over on the local liberal bog love to infer my name, but they can't handle allowing me to interact with their idiocy. Heck, last week the local liberal blog's owner infers my name. I would have responded but he has blocked my BHornback username. I refuse to post under an assumed or anonymous names. So, if you would like to read the latest, here it is.

Dr. McIntyre Challenges West Knox County Parents

Last night the Bluegrass and Lotts Elementary School parent organizations joined together at the Westlake campus of First Baptist Church Concord for a presentation from Dr. Jim McIntyre, Knox County Schools Superintendent entitled "Change and Progress".

Each schools parent organizations held separate parent meetings. Then as those meetings ended, the children went downstairs where Tennessee Tech University students had volunteered their time to work with them on math stations. The students were also able to decorate pumpkins donated by Kroger. First Baptist Concord donated the use of their Westlake campus for the joint meetings.

Adam Parker, Lotts Elementary School discussed the new Teacher Evaluation Process.

Reggie Mosley, Bluegrass Elementary School gave some examples for how he and the administration of Bluegrass have been preparing teachers for the teacher evaluations. They have even had some mock evaluation sessions.

Dr. Jim McIntyre, Knox County School Superintendent not only presented the new process and the changes of academic standards. He also shared what progress has been made with ACT scores, Graduation rate and proficiency. He also outlined what challenges still remain.

The gentleman in the blue shirt asked a good question about the change in the teacher tenure law. The law does not allow tenure for new teachers, but teachers that have tenure (even if they are bad teachers) still retain their tenure and are protected.

Liberal Madeline Has Washington!

Yesterday morning Liberal Madeline appeared on The Ed and Bob Show on WNOX 100.3 FM. The first call was a followup from an interview she had on Sunday while a guest on The Hubert Smith Radio Show. Last Wednesday when Liberal Madeline had her press conference where she angrily attempted to slap businessman Mark Padgett for garnering every primary opponents endorsement. She had a "new" advisor that stepped up to the microphone and directed orchestrated the press conference.

On Sunday, Hubert asked Liberal Madeline who her new director was? She simply avoided answering the question. The first caller on Monday stated that they had heard the question on a previous day and realized that she did not answer the question.

On the Ed and Bob Show, Liberal Madeline said his name is "Walter" and he is with "Team Blue" and all the information is on her financial disclosures. On Liberal Madline's October 7, 2011 financial disclosure it list that she has made 6 different  payments all totalling $134,608.11 to "Team Blue". On the financial disclosure it states the address for "Team Blue" is at "1629 K Street, Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20006" an Internet search for that address shows a shared office space environment, here is the website.

A couple of interesting things also occurred on the Ed and Bob Show. She was first asked about the primary results on September 27. She said "16 more votes and we would not be talking today, I would be Mayor Elect" So, she will not be making herself available as Mayor? She will not be an open and transparent Mayor that presents themselves to the media?

She was asked about her photograph with 1980's Country Music singer Con Hunley in the Knoxville Focus (a paper owned by Hunley's brother) and had she offered him a job. She said "absolutely, Con can have any job he wants. He gets better looking every day." Why is she offering any job to someone simply because she views them as eye candy? Is there not a vetting process for employees in a potential Liberal Madeline administration?

Commission To Discuss Issue Raised by Shock And Awe

Knox County Commission Rules Committee will discuss at it's October 17 meeting implementing a rule that will set forth a standard for public notices when Commissioners meet. This came to the Commission attention after this Shock And Awe blog post concerning Commissioner Amy Broyles issuing a notice without adequate notice, without the Commission office and after hours on a weekend. Read the News Sentinel story here about the Rules Committee actions.

Breaking News: Crap!

The Chattanooga Times Free Press has the word, here. Tyler Bray out for 6 weeks with broken hand. Crap!

Weston Wamp Can Handle It!

Here is a story from today's Chattanooga Times Free Press about next generation political leaders. Weston Wamp is one that can handle it and will not embarrass the family name or the party. Check out Weston's website, here.

How long have I been doing this journalist thing?

In August, I turned 45. I have always remembered that my first campaign as a volunteer was in 1982 when I was a Sophomore in high school for Robin Beard for US Senate. Congressman Beard challenged Senator Jim Sasser.

Last weekend I opened the filing cabinet that has housed a copy of every article in which I was interviewed or authored and began placing them in a 3 ring binder (s). So, here are the dates, on March 1, 1988 I was interviewed by Knoxville's The Christian Newspaper as the campaign leader for Presidential candidate Bob Dole's campaign. It was a round table interview in which Jen Schroeder participated as the leader for the George Herbert Walker Bush campaign and Harry Grothjahn participated for the Pat Robertson campaign.

On February 1 and March 1, 1989 I was published in The Chronicle with articles concerning the proposed mass burn incinerator sited for East Knox County. on April 17, 1989 through 1992 I was published frequently in the East Knox News. An article published on October 2, 1989 entitled "The War on Drugs" generated the first letter to the editor that disagreed with my article.

Of course between 1992 - 2000 I sent periodic letters to the editor that were published in various newspaper. I received a few awards from the TN PTA that were reported in various local newspapers between 1996 - 2000.

In 2000 I was elected to serve on the Knox County School Board and served until August 31, 2004. I began this blog in August 2004. I was then elected to serve as Knox County Republican Party Chairman from March 2005 - March 2007. I did not seek re-election to a second term as Chairman.

In April 2010, I was asked to participate as a columnist for Knoxville's oldest newspaper The Knoxville Journal. I did that until mid summer 2010.

In 23 years as a part time journalist, I have seen a lot of good and a lot of bad. Of course, in the years as a school board member and party chairman I have irritated a lot of loony liberals that do not have the courage to sign their hate filled verbal vomit. But I keep doing what I am doing. Cause as Winston Churchill said, "you have had made enemies, that is good. That means you have actually stood for something"

CBT is hedging his bet!

CBT authored a letter to the editor and on knoxnews the are referring to it as a guest column. It seems CBT is hedging his bet in the event Mark Padgett is elected Mayor. Prior to the Sept. 27 primary he was observed boasting in the Deathstar (aka City County Building) that city employees would be calling Liberal Madeline "Madam Mayor" If you care to read what county resident and county trustee bureaucrat opines on a city election, you can read it here. Just remember he writes from both sides of his mouth.

The Orgin of Knox County's femi-Nazi sexism Crowd

When Betty Bean asked Mayoral Candidate Mark Padgett this week about endorsements by four white guys. Now, remember it was Ivan Harmon, Joe Hultquist and Bo Bennet all runners up in the Mayor's race. Also Sheriff Jimmy "J.J' Jones who is a man.

It took some of us back 21 years. Let me set the stage for you. May 1990, three females were on County Commission, Wanda Moody in the third district seat a, Bee Deselm in the fourth District seat a and Mary Lou Horner in the seventh district seat a.

Sandra Clark along with Betty Bean and the three female Commissioners recruited three other females to run for office. They recruited a liberal Democrat in Madeline Rogero for the second district seat a position. The incumbent was a Republican Jesse Cawood. In the fifth district seat b seat they recruited a Republican in Sandy Brown to challenge Incumbent Frank Luethold. It was a three way race as businessman Bill Slayden also was a candidate. In the eighth district seat a 23 year Republican incumbent Joe McMillian was targeted with a green farmer Connie Whitehead. Also in the race was 23 year old businessman Brian Hornback.

So what happened? In the second district, Incumbent Cawood received 847 votes in besting Challenger Bob Whetsel who received 630 votes. Liberal Madeline received 606 votes to Democrat candidate Red Williams 136. In August Liberal Madeline went on to beat the Incumbent Cawood in the General election.

In the fifth district seat b race, Republican Incumbent Frank Luethold received 1910 votes, businessman Bill Slayden received 930 votes and the female ticket candidate Sandy Brown came in a distant third with 701 votes.

In the eighth district seat a race 23 year incumbent Joe McMillian won the primary with 942 votes, 23 year old businessman Brian Hornback received 841 votes and the female ticket candidate Connie Whitehead received 708 votes. McMillian went on to win in August defeating Democrat Challenger Vince Neeley.

Interesting to note that the 1990 election also brought Sheriff Tim Hutchison to the Courthouse in defeating 8 year incumbent Democrat Joe Fowler. Mike Padgett was re-elected to the position of Knox County Clerk. Also, Mike Ragsdale was elected to the County Commission fifth district seat a seat in defeating Incumbent Hassell Evans. Making Ragsdale and Rogero rookie classmates in the 1990 class on first term Commissioners.

So Liberal Madeline is the only success the female ticket had back 20 plus years ago and they are still holding on to her. As far as Sandy Brown and Connie Whitehead as soon as they came in third in their respective races, they were discarded never to be heard from again.

Resemblance or Coincidence?

Liberal Madeline at a Caesar Chavez Reunion

Liberal Nancy

Every Boy or Man Needs A Mama That Has His Back! Love Me Some Barbara Dooley

Check out (here) what Derek Dooley's Mama (Mrs. Barbara Dooley) did this week on WAGU 1340 AM radio in Athens, GA. Knoxville's Dave Hooker and Andrew Grible, you better check your rear view mirrors.

George Korda Is Spot On!

Yesterday George Korda in his regular column on knoxnews.com authored an analysis on the attack by Liberal Madeline toward Businessman Mark Padgett. George Korda was spot on! If you haven't read it yet. Please do so, here.

Liberal Madeline Has Black Wednesday Endorsements!

Liberal Madeline has endorsements from individuals that participated in Black Wednesday. Commissioners Tank Strickland, Tony Norman, Mark Harmon and John Schmid. In addition, a Black Wednesday candidate Amy Broyles has endorsed Liberal Madeline. So, as Liberal Madeline threw a pebble at the Padgett campaign. It seems she may want to consider her own glass campaign.

Mark Padgett Scores Key Endorsements!

Knoxville Mayoral Candidate Mark Padgett holds a Press Conference with all the Mayoral Candidates that finished behind his showing from the September 27 Primary.

Former Mayoral Candidate, County Commissioner, City Council Member and School Board Member Ivan Harmon speaking to reporters about his endorsement of Mark Padgett.

Former City Councilman Joe Hultquist shaking Padgett's hand after having endorsed Mark Padgett for Mayor.



Bo Bennett, former Mayoral Candidate for Knoxville speaking of his endorsement of Mark Padgett.

In a surprising move, Knox County Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones endorsing Mark Padgett.

Fourth District County Commissioner Jeff Ownby was also at the Padgett endorsement press conference.

Community Activist Chuck Williams was also on hand today for the endorsement press conference.

Liberal Madeline's Amy Leigh Hubbard Obviously Loves Padgett

Liberal Madeline's campaign staffer Amy Leigh Hubbard must love to see Mark Padgett. You see the day after her candidate failed to sustain a 53.5% early vote percentage. The staffer came to Padgett's 11 am news conference where he detailed and released the 28 page "Padgett Plan."

Today, at 1 p.m. she appeared again at the news conference where all three of the candidates that finished 3rd, 4th and 5th endorsed Padgett. Hubbard showed up and video taped today's Padgett news conference. Rogero reportedly held a 3 pm news conference today. I asked Laura Braden, the Communications Director for the Padgett campaign if the Padgett staff planned to begin attending the news conference of their opponent. Her answer was no.



Amy Leigh Hubbard of the Liberal Madeline campaign taping the Padgett Endorsement Press Conference

If Not Now, When Will (We)? Let's Go Weston Wamp

Check out Weston Wamp's webiste here. "Don't you feel like something's missing here? Don't you dare. I've waited all my life If not now, when will I? Stand up and face the bright light Don't hide your eyes It's Time." - Lyrics from the song If Not Now, When? by Incubus.

FP @ UT Launches This Sunday! Today Paint the Rock

Faith Promise launches at UT this Sunday! The Rock at UT announces the launch. Read Dr. Chris Stephens blog about the launch, here.

Herman Cain on Fox and Friends

Padgett Will Pick Up Key Endorsements Tomorrow

Tomorrow at 1 p.m. on the steps of the old Courthouse, Knoxville Mayoral Candidate Mark Padgett will announce several endorsements. Reliable sources informed Shock And Awe that Padgett will be endorsed by Former Mayoral Candidates Ivan Harmon, Joe Hultquist and Bo Bennett. In addition Knox County Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones is rumored to be endorsing Padgett as well tomorrow.


An additional reliable source informed us that Ivan Harmon and Madeline Rogero met for breakfast this morning where he informed her that he has decided to endorse Businessman Padgett.

Commenters Beware!

If you are going to submit a comment on Shock And Awe and you post using a recognizable name like Jimmy Haslam. Please know that I ave a verification process in place. First, I will check the ip address. If your ip address does not match for say a Jimmy Haslam then it will not be published. Additionally should it become neccesary I would be happy to alert someone like say Jimmy Haslam that someone is attempting to impersonate or assume his identity.

Have the Celebrity Pumpers Intentionally Snubbed Farragut?

Back in May Shock And Awe posted about Pilot finally complying with the Town of Farragut sign law, six years late. Read it here.  The Farragut Press had an article in October last year. Read it here. Remember, this past year, Pilot increased the number of Pilot stores in Farragut when they purchased a c-store at Kingston Pike and Watt Road. Also, the Flying J on Watt Road. So, they have three truck stops / fueling centers in Farragut.


So, when the list for the Celebrity Pumpers at Pilot were released yesterday for the next three days. There is only ONE celebrity pumper at 701 Campbell Station Road. It is tomorrow October 4, 2011 from 1-2 p.m. In past years, the County Mayor, a couple of County Commissioners and State Representative Ryan Haynes have pumped at the Campbell Station Road. There are no celebrity pumpers scheduled at the new Farragut Pilot at 13061 Kingston Pike (Kingston Pike and Watt Road)


In addition there are no Town of Farragut elected official "celebrity pumpers" and this year NO Knox County School Board Members were selected. Is this an intentional snub of the Town of Farragut and Knox County Schools?

Sandra Clark Got It Wrong or She Doesn't Know Politics of the 20th Century

Sandra Clark, the E.W. Scripps writer took a shot at State Senate candidate Marilyn Roddy in Scripps free bird cage liner known as Shopper News. Now, Clark ran for elective office and was TN State of Representative a long time ago. It is possible that Sandra has not caught up with politics in the 20th century.


This week, Sandra took a dig saying that Roddy spent a major portion of her money (direct mail) out of state. Now, yes while the consultant Roddy hired was based out of Florida. All the direct mail was printed and processed in Knoxville. You see while a campaign consultant say here in Knoxville may have a candidate in Somerset, KY and while the campaign would pay the consultant. The consultant goes into the candidates district to have it produced and mailed.  


This next story is NOT from the Roddy campaign, but it is about local -v- out of state suppliers. Sometimes, local can let you down. I have a friend that ordered yard signs locally. When it was necessary to order more and finances were tight, in shopping around it was discovered that my friend could get them much cheaper from an out of state company. When my friend sent their locally produced sign. The company said you can't see that sign from a distance. They advised my friend to go with a cleaner more effective sign. So, it is important to get multiple opinions and sometimes the local can let you down. It is about what is right for a candidate.

Here it is!

Tuesday evening I was at the Deane Hill Rec Center during the City primary election voting. I was talking to Trustee Chief of Staff Josh Burnett and City Council Candidate Marshall Stair. Marilyn Roddy's husband Patrick and my friend Walt Wojnar were there. Delinquent tax attorney Chad Tindell for Knox County Trustee John Dunacn had just arrived to work the polls. I asked Josh how Twiddle Dum was doing! He said "be nice" I said I am that is the name that Sandra Clark gave him not me. I promised to send Josh the link to the post from Shock and Awe that had Sandra's picture and story. so, I share it here again for all the readers of Shock And Awe.

Amy Leigh Hubbard - You Stalker, You!

Today Mark Padgett had a press conference to announce his "Padgett Plan"! I was a few minutes late, but I got my question in after Anthony Welsch, Erica Estep and George Hamilton. But lo and behold there was Amy Leigh Hubbard sitting in Padgett headquarters watching the candidate.

Not sure if she was there to change the view from the Rogero office scenery, if maybe she wanted to grab lunch at Harold's or if she had a real reason to be there. She didn't ask a question and left rather quickly after the press conference ended. I am just wondering how long it takes for Pagett Communication Director Laura Braden to consider calling KPD about stalking charges on Amy Hubbard? Of course Cappy Padgett my take maters into it's own k9 biting mechanisms.

TN Administrator of Elections Responds to Rogero Vote

This morning I talked with Mark Goins, he is the Administrator of Elections for the State of TN. He reports to Secretary of State Tre Hargett. After reviewing this Shock And Awe blog post from 11:14 p.m. last night and after examining the Secretary of State's website page. He  determined that there was a clerical error on the website and it was fixed this morning. It should read "turn 18 on or before the election day".

Bean's Prediction Was Wrong! So Far!

We reported in two postings last night about Sandra Clark, the E.W Scripps writer in two predictions that she missed in City Council races. We do not want to miss the reporting that Betty Bean another E.W. Scripps writer missed a prediction. Bean stated that Rogero would take it in the primary. So far she hasn't, there are still 29 provisional ballots to count. But the likelihood that Rogero avoids a runoff with Mark Padgett is so unlikely. Sources were calling me Monday and Tuesday wondering if Bean had a deal to become employed with a Rogero administration. Because when Tim Burchett was elected County Mayor, Bean believed she was going to be the Communications Director for Mayor Burchett. Burchett rightly sell selected Michael "Big Sexy" Grider. Big Sexy is the name Grider has obtained in the Deathstar.

Madeline Rogero's Relative Voted and Was NOT Eligible

In Liberal Madeline's speech to voters tonight she pointed out a family member that she identified and said today was her 18th birthday and that she cast her first vote today. The liberals all cheered. But wait a minute. Check Tennessee Secretary of State website page on voter qualifications, here.

Number One reads: You must be a citizen of the United States, (18) years of age or older before the date of the next election. So that would mean that the relative of liberal Madeline would have had to have turned 18 yesterday.

Voter irregularities also seem to follow liberals like Liberal Madeline!

City Coucil At Large Seat C Saunders -v- Welch

Former County Commissioner Finbarr Saunders will now face Republican activist Sharon Welch in the November run off.

Former Compassion Knoxville Co-Chair Ron Peabody finished third with 11.8% of the vote. Terry Milligan garnered 8.33% of the vote and finished fourth.

This is another race that Sandra Clark, E.W. Scripps writer of the Free bird cage liner Shopper News missed the prediction. Clark predicted a Saunders -v- Peabody run off.

City Council At Large Seat B Owen -v- Stair

In this race Bill Owen and young lawyer Marshall Stair will square off in November.

W.L. "Buck" Cochran, Jr came in third with 782 votes. Cochran was the 100% Republican in this race. Also, Tierney Bates who dropped out of the race early on but after the withdrawal deadline garnered 712 votes.

City Council At Large Seat A Stancil -v- Wallace

No surprise here, John Stancil  and George Wallace advance to the run off in November.

Paul Berney came in third with 17.76% and Michael McBath came in fourth with 10.92%.

Sandra Clark, the E.W. Scripps writer for the free bird cage liner Shopper News predicted a Wallace and Berney run off. So, Sandra's predictions don't do well on this one.

Massey Has Her Work Cut Out For Her

As of 10:23 p.m. September 27, 2011. Victoria DeFreese garnered 1,256 votes. Marilyn Roddy garnered 4,116 votes. That is 5,372 votes. Becky Massey in her win tonight garnered 5,246 votes. So, Massey needs to reach out to her two opponents and their supporters to bring them in to the Massey camp.


Because tonight, Democrat Gloria Johnson garnered 2,745 votes of individuals that voted Democrat. In the November election voters do not declare Republican and/or Democrat. The voters will simply vote for either Massey or Johnson. In tonight's election the combined votes of DeFreese, Roddy and Johnson equal 8,117.  

It Is A Brand NEW Game Padgett -vs- Rogero!

Go Mark Padgett Go!

Visit his website, here.

Congratulations to Senator Elect Massey

Sertoma Center Director Becky Massey is the apparent winner in the GOP Primary for State Senate District Six. She bested City Councilwoman Marilyn Roddy and Conservative Activist Victoria DeFreese. The Sixth District had three excellent candidates.

Now, Massey must face Knox County Educator and Farragut raised Gloria Johnson in the November General Election.

Broyles Misses her Own Directional Training By 4 Hours

On Saturday we posted this item on Shock And Awe. Broyles notice was only sent to the 10 Commissioners, herself and the Commission Secretary. No media entities were noticed. So, it wasn't an adequate notice in informing the media or public.  

So, I decided to ask the Law Director Joe Jarrett's opinion on just the timeliness of the notice. So my message to him was, "Amy Broyles at 7 pm Friday notices a meeting at 3 pm Sunday. Is that enough notice".

His reply "Sir, as you are aware, the Tennessee Code requires local government entities to give "reasonable/adequate notice" in anticipation of public meetings, albeit, fails to define either term. Our courts have ruled that, what constitutes adequate public notice depends on the totality of the circumstances. In Memphis Publishing Company v. City of Memphis, 513 S.W.2d 511, 513 (Tenn. 1974), the Tennessee Supreme Court declared that, "[a]dequate public notice means adequate public notice under the circumstances, or such notice based on the totality of the circumstances as would fairly inform the public." See also Neece v. Paris Special School District, 813 S.W.2d 432 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1990). Other courts have ruled that less than 48 hours notice is inadequate, albeit, that is not the law of the land. If a court concludes that less than adequate notice was given at a public meeting, and a quorum was present, and action taken, then that action would be considered a nullity. I always caution the Commission and Board of Education during my periodic trainings to give at least 48 hours."

So, Law Director Jarrett cautions the Commission to give at least 48 hours. So, Broyles through her own training knew not to schedule the meeting until 7:51 pm or later on Sunday. However, I contend a notice at 7:51 pm on Friday might is still not an adequate notice, even if she had noticed any media entity.

The Jobs Mark Padget Creates Are NOT in Knoxville

As Tuesday's City of Knoxville Primary approaches the biggest issue among the candidates is making Knoxville an area that creates jobs. So, as I looked at Mark Padgett's financial disclosure imagine my surprise that the jobs he has sustained with the $400,000 plus dollars he has raised from Knoxville businessmen and women are not only out of Knoxville. They are also out of the state and what are the ideologies of these entities?

Melville, NY First Data $982.25

Waltham, MA Constant Contact $50.00

Washington, D.C. NGP Van, Inc $4,825.03

Washington, D.C. McKenna Pihlaja $15,000.00

Washington, D.C. GBA Strategies $17,200.00

Washington, D.C. Winning Connections $1,408.26

Fairfax, VA Media Strategies $136,880.00

Jeffersonville, IN MyCampaignStore $2,128.00

Miami, Fl Straight Talk $157.75

Cincinnati, OH PC Signs $3,829.29

Little Rock, AR Wright Strategies $4,125.00

Dallas Texas, Birch Communications $739.97

San Francisco, CA Google $800.00

Chattanooga, TN Mellissa Kensey $250.00

Nashville, TN Terry Quillen $500.00

Nashville, TN Girdstem Research $1,875.00

Nashville, TN Thomas Lindsey $2,000.00

Union City, TN Brad Thomas $5,250.00

The grand total of these expenditures are $198,000.55 all out of the City or County of Knox and a great majority of the State of Tennessee.

Now, let's look at one of the Washington, D.C. firms that Padgett hired. In their own material they credit "contributed to major Democratic victories in several 'third tier' races." They "directed national research and message development for the Gore-Lieberman campaign" They have worked with "DGA, DCCC, DSCC" They brag that in 2008 they "helped Democrats turn New Mexico from a delegation with a majority of Republicans to a delegation with a majority of Democrats" They credit themselves "successful ballot initiative campaigns, including the January 2010 passage of tax increases on the wealthy and corporations in Oregon" They have worked with the "Sierra Club, union leaders, National Education Association (as well as affiliates in 19 states)" For ten years one of their associates "served as the Executive Director of Democracy Corps, a non profit organization founded by Democrat strategists James Carville, Bob Shrum" The same associate "worked on the field campaign of Carol Moseley Braun" and "directed the Clinton/Gore campaign for the north side of Chicago." Another associate worked "union mobilization for President Obama in the 2008 election." Worked with "Michigan Democratic Party" as well as the "New Jersey Democrat Party".

So, when the RINO's (Republican In Name Only) say they are supporting Padgett because it is non partisan race. Obviously Mark hasn't been non partisan.

My Man, Herman Cain WON BIG in Florida

Here is the story that the Big Metal Shed on the Hill posted.

The Results of the Saturday Florida GOP Straw Poll are

Businessman Herman Cain 37.1%
Texas Governor Rick Perry 15.4%
Former Governor Mitt Romney 14%
Former Senator Rick Santorum 10.9%
Congressman Ron Paul 10.4%
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich 8.4%
Governor John Huntsman 2.3%
Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann 1.5%

Businessman Herman Cain and I at a rally in Murfreesboro, TN in July of this year.

Herman Cain President 2012 Rally Sign

Broyles Notices on Late Friday Night a Meeting With Shouse for Sunday Morning

While attending the East TN Preparedness Fair this afternoon I was told that Commissioner Broyles noticed last night about a meeting tomorrow Sunday at 3 pm at a local Panera Bread location with Commissoner Ed Shouse.

I do not believe this short notice is sufficient especially since it was issued on a weekend night and not during normal business hours. In addition, this 3 pm meeting is while the majority of God fearing citizens are finishing up lunch fom a morning of Sunday School &/or Church.

It is interesting that Broyles (an anti Carter School advocate) would schedule this meeting with Shouse. Shouse is considered a swing vote on Carter, bets are on that Broyles will work Shouse for a NO vote on Carter. I have confidence that Shouse with stand tall with Carter on Monday.

Broyles just needs to fully recover from her brain surgery and quit bullying the kids in Carter. Broyles should pick on someone her own age.

The Gaseous Rhetoric One Is Losing What She Had

The E.W. Scripps writer whose name is synonymous with a product that causes gas posted over at he liberal blog this item. It refers to some arrests of interviewees of the Henry Granju case from a year or more.

The title of the post is "Katie Gets Some Da** Jusice". Now if I concurred with the gaseous rhetoric ones argument, which I likely don't. Is it Katie that deserves justice? Or is the justice due Henry?

This arrogant throw down of a touchdown score after the game ended is the most sicking thing the gaseous rhetoric one has done and she has spewed alot of verbal vomit through the Internet and her columns over the years.

Sandy Loy Has Made EVERY Attempt, Dale Smith Cowers

Knoxville's other blogger Mike Donila over at Screams From The Porch posted this on Thursday.

I believed that Sandy Loy had asked Dale Smith to appear in joint meetings, I contacted Sandy Loy to confirm my memory (you know I got older last month)

Sandy confirmed that he has invited Smith to every appearance that he has made. Sandy contacted Dale Smith and invited him to a private sit down. Sandy has invited Dale to write an answer to the concerns that Sandy has raised. Every time Dale responded by NOT responding. Dale has responded to County Commission and did not even give Sandy the courteous jester of sending him a copy. The person ducking a debate is Dale Smith, the Director of the Knoxville/Knox County Public Building Authority (PBA).

Sandy Loy will meet Dale Smith anywhere at anytime whether it is a cage or a podium. Sandy will meet Dale wherever he shows up because the documents speak for themselves. Go right here. You will find contracts written with TBD (To Be Determined) in the amount and scope lines. You will also find change orders written 18 months AFTER completion of the project.

The last thing that needs to be accomplished is adding smoke to this issue by trying to make this as a personal deal between Loy and Smith or Smith and Loy when it is not personal at all. It is about poor management of our public tax dollars and a lack of transparency on the part of Smith and the PBA Board.

Knoxville Isn't The Only One With Lazy Voters

Memphis does too. Read it here.

A Fun Event Turns Tragic

Read it here

Liberal Madeline's TV Commercial Stretch of the Truth

In Liberal Madeline's television commercial she states that she has been working for 30 years to improve this community. She was first on the ballot in 1990. She first on the Democrat primary and then she defeated a Republican Incumbent. She became Commissioner on September 1, 1990. So, 1990-2011 that is only 21 years. Come on Liberal Madeline why do you have to stretch the truth?

Mayor Burchett is Right on Prohibting Sexual Offenders From OUR Libraries, Commissioner Scott Moore Was Right, Also!

I commend Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett on prohibiting sexual offenders from accessing OUR Knox County Libraries. I believe that in 2006, the County Commission should have approved Knox County Commission Chairman Scott Moore's Ordinance that he proposed in January 2006. It was Ordinance O-06-1-102.

An Ordinance of the Commission of Knox County, Tennessee. Prohibiting Residence By Certain Convicted Sex-Offenders Within 2500 Feet of Schools And Child Care Facilities.

The Ordinance read: Whereas, the Tennessee Legislature has by adoption of TCA 40-39-211 prohibited certain sex offenders whose victims were children from living or working within 1000 feet of a school or child care facility; and

Whereas, it is the sense of the Knox County Commission that this distance is inadequate for the protection of minors from sex offenders who prey on them; and

Whereas, it is further the sense of the Commission that the goals of the bill would be better served by increasing the distance between the residence and work addresses of such offenders and school and child care facilities from 1000 feet to 2500 feet.

Now Therefore Be it Ordained By The Commission of Knox County As Follows:

Section 1. No sexual offender, as defined by the provisions of TCA 40-39-202(16) or violent sexual offender, as defined by the provisions of TCA 40-39-202(24), whose victim was a minor and who is subject to the sexual offender registration laws set forth in Title 40, Chapter 39 of the Tennessee Code, shall knowingly establish a primary or secondary residence or any other living accommodation, or knowingly accept employment. within two thousand five hundred feet (2500') of the property line on which any public school, private or parochial school, licensed day care center or any other child acre facility is located.

Section 2. Violators of this Ordinance shall be subject to the civil penalties set forth at 1-4 of the Knox County Code, with each day's violation constituting a separate offense.

Section 3. That this Ordinance shall take effect upon passage, the public welfare requiring it.

Unfortunately, in 2006 the Commission did not have enough Commissioners to pass this Ordinance and protect Knox County's children.

U.S. Senate Candidate Zach From and For TN

Thanks to the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, it seems that the 2012 campaign in TN has begun. Constitutional Conservative Zachary Scott Poskevich is running in the Republican Primary for United States Senate. This will be a campaign that Shock And Awe will be covering as we cover all elections. We suspect that Senator Bob Corker will be running for re-election as well in challenging Zach! Check out Zach's website here.

I Met and Talked With a Tennessee Sports Expert This Morning

Nearly every Tuesday morning I meet a group of guys for breakfast. This morning, Accomplished Author, TN Sports Historian and Blogger Tom Mattingly was present. It was a good casual visit and as a group of several guys in Big Orange Country obviously TN Sports came up. Read his blog, here. Mr. Mattingly put a post up earlier today where he mentioned our breakfast meeting. Read it here.

Mr. Tom Mattingly and I after a Tuesday Morning Breakfast Meeting.

Madeline's True Agenda Revealed!

Madeline has receieved the endorsement from the Teamsters. The same organization that she has worked with since right out of college, when she picketed with Casaer Chavez.

Madeline is in the center of the photograph (kind of walking by herself)

Here is the actual letter from the Teamsters praising Madeline for her work with Caesar Chavez and for her marriage to a Union organizer.

In the letter it reminds the members that she almost beat Mayor Bill Haslam. It doesn't mention that she became a soldier in his army. Or was she just a ploy?

This is James Hoffa, Jr. last week at a Labor Day Rally. This is the type of person and organization that Madeline has brough to Knoxville with her through her campaign. She is surrounding herself that simply wants to "take people out" that disagree with her.

Let Us Never Forget 9/11/2001

Madisonville Middle School Conditions are Beyond Your Wildest Imagination!

The Madisonville Middle School PTSO made a presentation to the Monroe County School Board recently. In the presentation they hoped to bring the conditions of the school to the attention of School Board and Superintendent. They did just that. But so far, the School Board has not given any indication that they intend to address the conditions. Here is the presentation that the PTSO gave the School Board.

On August 23, 2011, the PTSO of Madisonville Middle School met and discussed the condition of our school. On September 2, 2011, the officers, principal and vice-principal were invited to meet with Mr. Lowry and Mr. Blankenship regarding these concerns before presenting them to the School Board. While we feel that genuine concern was given to our complaints, we feel it is necessary to let each member of the board know how extensive some of these problems have become. The board can only act when they have the information to do so. Our concerns are as follows:


1. EXTENSIVE rodent problem! Including snakes!

At the end of school last year, 3 snakes had been caught in the school. Already this year there have been 3 snakes found inside the school. One snake was arguably a copperhead. A student came into contact with one of these snakes in the girl's bathroom. Also, the presence of rodent dropping on the desks of students and teachers is a common occurrence. There is a MASSIVE cockroach infestation of the school. Upon our tour of the school, we witnessed roaches climbing out of trash cans, up the walls, and inside a refrigerator. We also found a nest of baby cockroaches inside the doorjamb of the door our students must enter to get their food in the cafeteria. Also, students have told us that it is common to have to swipe roaches off of the table as they eat.

One student reported that at the beginning of the year she attempted to use the toilet paper in the girls bathroom and baby roaches were inside the roll. It is our understanding that the school is sprayed on a regular basis, but it is quite obvious that no attention has been focused on the root of the problem. Many wasp nests have been found directly outside exterior entrances. Some teachers believe there are nests in the ceiling above their classrooms. It is not unusual for a student to see a wasp flying by them during class. STUDENTS HAVE BEEN STUNG. For some children or staff who may be allergic, this could be a medical emergency.

Not only are the children in an unclean environment, so are the administration and staff. Most teachers do not feel comfortable eating in the teacher's lounge.

This is under the vending machine that sits next to the cafeteria tables.

2. Lack of communication equipment in the classrooms for teachers to use in case of emergency.

There is no means of two-way communication between classrooms and the school office. Teachers are encouraged to use their cell phones in case of emergency. In the case of a TRUE emergency, time simply does not need to be wasted fumbling to get a call through on a cell phone where service is not always reliable or if the line may be busy. The system from the old Madisonville Primary School was supposed to be used at MMS, but no one was able to tell us what happened to the system. Mr. Lowry did promise us that several sets of walkie talkies would be purchased for emergency situations and also for bus duty and play time.

3. Disrepair of the building which contributes to the rodent problem. Each room has a door and/or window air conditioner with visible cracks through which rodents can enter. Not to mention this is NOT energy efficient.

The main exit doors and windows are original to the building which is now 44 years old. With very few exceptions, each classroom exterior door is not sealed substantially enough to keep rodents out. Also, this is NOT energy efficient. The money it would cost to seal these openings would pay for itself in lower utility bills over a very short time. It is the understanding of the PTSO that utility costs have risen this year and teachers and staff are being asked to be more energy efficient by the maintenance director.

Multiple ceiling tiles have water stains and are sagging. These need replacing but more importantly we need to find out WHY this has happened. BLACK MOLD WAS FOUND ON WALLS AND CEILINGS! Each classroom has an exterior door. Each door needs new weather stripping or seal and constant monitoring of these is necessary. The main entrance to the school is in desperate need of replacement! Also, each room has a window air conditioner that has been placed in the wall (not the window). No maintenance of these holes has been done in several years, even though filters are replaced regularly.

The students must walk past the dumpsters to get to computer class which is in a portable building. There are many visible wires/cords that connect the portable buildings to the main buildings. These lines hang so low that they can easily be grasped by the students. The steps to the portable building are in need of attention also.

4. Sequoyah High School students using MMS as a hub for the bus system.

There is a lack of control of these high school students on the MMS campus. These students need to be supervised as soon as they exit their bus until they

leave MMS. Incidents with these students include: fighting, bullying, smoking, hazing of younger students, and profanity EVERY DAY. These students do not respect the faculty and staff of MMS and refuse to listen to instructions. Once in the building, these students ask to go to the restroom and tend to get "lost" in the back hallways of the school. There are some of these students that are riding to MMS with no intention of catching a second bus run. They are there to "hang out" and walk home.

If the students are walking home from MMS, they need to be made to

leave campus as soon as they exit the bus. The problem, we feel, is a lack of manpower to enforce system rules. MMS faculty and staff should not be responsible for their 545 students AND 75+ students from another school. In our meeting, Mr. Lowry said this problem would be investigated ASAP.

5. MMS is the only school in the system without a paid cafeteria monitor.

After a physical altercation with a student last year, the cafeteria monitor at MMS was transferred to SQHS. Since the fall of 2010 when this took place, MMS has been without a monitor in the cafeteria. The administration and teachers

have been forced to monitor the cafeteria during lunch. This is against the duty-free lunch law and a waste of the administration's

valuable time. It is our understanding that after our meeting, plans have been put into place to take care of this situation.

The PTSO feels the school is in need of a PROFESSIONAL cleaning.

There's a Time & Place For Everything!

But you gotta love Mayor Tim for handling this one, the way he did. Politely at first and then the "I understand that, now get the hell out of here." They obviously blinked, cause they left. They probably had heard about that time Mayor Tim caught some people breaking into a storage building. Read the eyewitness account from Mike Donila of The Big Metal Shed on the Hill here.

Admrals Wins

Farragut Admirals beat McMinn County last night. The Big Metal Shed on the Hill has no details, here is the report from the Daily Post.