Interesting Report From The News Sentinel

Surprising that Jack McElroy didn't tone this down for the school system. Or did he?

Different Presidents, A Different Corps

Hey, Jackie What's That On Your Front Page?

Really now little Jack McElroy? Is this really a top of the fold front page headline story? The headline doesn't match the story. The first line of the story says "dealership that once had ties". Jack, you have missed all the other bankruptcies of 2009 (the year of Obama, your parties President) and all the debtors that are listed on the bankruptcies.

This is only news when the person that occupies the Editor's office has an agenda of hated bias for a person or a group of persons. If you're name is Hutchison, Moore, Hornback or a friend of them then little Jack McElroy will take his ink of vile nastiness and throw it at them. But, he refuse to face these individuals face to face with the same vile nastiness.

Interesting Story from this week's News Sentinel

From this past Wednesday's News Sentinel we find this story. Here's a question, Isn't this the same developer that had a townhome development off Middlebrook Pike where a mud spill took out several homes and permantly disabled a doctor?

KCC PTA Education Forum

This morning the Knox County Council PTA held an Education Forum. The topic was Diversity. Dr. McIntyre first addressed those in attendance. His primary focus and the focus of the Strategic Plan is on racial diversity. That the schools administration and workforce will mirror the student racial make-up. So, the same percentage of minorities in Assistant Principal, Principal positions and the same percentage of teachers and staff to mirror the racial make-up of students.

While I would not disagree with that position. Here is the second question that was asked from the audience and by way of disclosure, I asked the question. What about gender diversity among administrators and the workforce, especially in the middle and high schools where young male students need positive male role models? Mellissa Massey of Central Office answered that the school system is currently identifying male faculty members that can be placed in the "principal pipeline". She also indicated that they are working with the Universities to identify the right graduates coming out of the School of Education.

About 20 minutes later, Rebecca Ervin, Principal of Vine Middle said that she wanted to address my question and talked about trying to locate business partners and several organizations that would come in and mentor the students. I did not challenge, Principal Ervin at the time. But she totally missed the point. My question had to do with GENDER DIVERSITY among Faculty of Knox County Schools. Principals, Assistant Principals and Teachers.

Out of 13 middle schools, 10 schools have a female Principal and 3 have a male Principal. Of the total Administrators that includes the 13 Principals, 26 are females and 16 are males.

Of the 13 high schools, 11 are led by a male Principal and 2 are led by a female Principal. Of total Administrators which includes the 13 Principals, 23 are females and 31 are males.

Of the 8 Other Educational Facilities 4 are led by a female Principal and 4 are led by a male Principal. There are 5 male Administrators in the 8 facilities and 4 females.

We will recap the Elementary Schools at a later date.

The Education Forum event was a typical Knox County Council PTA event. The attendees appeared concerned, interested and engaged. When actually it is a social network of stay at home moms that like to be engaged in everybody else's business.

I desire a full open Education Forum, where any and all issues are discussed. I have an interest in the school systems gutting of Career and Technical Education this past year. Also, the 9 elected School Board Members inability to engage in Special Education issues. Also, I would like to see a discussion about the issues raised on this website. The Future of Knox County Schools deserve a real forum.

Is This What We Have To Look Forward To Statewide?

The other Saturday morning, I was driving west on Kingston Pike near Walker Springs Road. I get stopped by City of Knoxville crew painting one stripe. How many City of Knoxville employees does it take to paint one stripe? FIVE. With the Knoxville Mayor as Governor can you imagine how many more employees and the cost for weekend work on our highways and byways. With this type of service department our state and our wallets as taxpayers can't afford Bill Haslam as Governor.

Why Will No One Prosecute Smith?

District Attorney General Randy Nichols, Knox County Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones, Knoxville Police Chief Sterling IV Owens are all conflicted. They do not want to file reports or prosecute an elected official, no matter how sorry the official is. So, if the Ethics Committee finds that Smith has perjured himself, then Nichols can appoint an outside Prosecutor to handle the Smith perjury case.

Sources close to law enforcement inform us that this is not the only case that Mr. Nichols has had to deal with from Commissioner Smith this year.

Steve Hunley Refuses To Appear at Ethics Commitee Meeting

Joe Jarret, Chief Deputy of "troubled" Knox County Law Director Bill Lockett had contacted five witnesses to appear at today's Ethics Committee hearing on the perjury charge of Commissioner Smith.

Local weekly newspaper Publisher and former Knox County School Board Member Steve Hunley through his Attorney informed the Committee that he refused to appear. Appointed Seventh District Commissioner Michele Carringer, Former Commissioner John Mills and Attorney Herb Moncier were NO shows to Jarret's notice.

It was noted that Steve Hunley Crony and Former Black Wednesday Appointed County Commissioner Jack Huddleston was present at the meeting until the committee voted to continue with the hearing. At which point, he left.

Smith's Defense Based on "Troubled" Law Director Bill Lockett's Opinon.

Commissioner Smith's defense on his perjury charges before the Knox County Ethics Committee is based solely on the opinion of Knox County Law Director Bill Lockett. The same Bill Lockett that Smith voted NOT to have sit at and opine on business before County Commission. Evidently, Smith is o.k. with Lockett when Lockett is covering for him. They appear to be two peas in a pod. However, this afternoon Lockett is telling a different tale to individuals than what Smith represented to the committee today. Lockett is set to face the Board of Professional Responsibility in May 2010 due to a contractual breach with his former law firm. Lockett is accused and has in court papers admitted to withholding legal fees from his former law firm and an inappropriate loan from a firm client. There was a move to NOT hear his case. The motion NOT to hear failed 2-5.

Here is Smith waiting for the Ethics Committee to begin it's hearing.

Here is Smith's Attorney Ralph Harwell and Harwell's Assistant, Jonathon Harwell waiting for the Ethics Committee to begin.

Sunshine Law Violation

This morning at 10:20 a.m. a violation of the Sunshine law occurred between Commissioners Smith and Broyles. This meeting occurred during a break in the Knox County Ethics Committee meeting.

Monday night at the Knox County Commission meeting Commissioner Tony Norman and Amy Broyles attempted to end the practice of evidentiary hearings of the Ethics Committee. This morning when the Ethics Committee meeting began, Commissioner Richard Briggs attempted to shut down this hearing before it started. The motion to not conduct the hearing failed 2-5, with Briggs being joined by Chris Etters. Briggs is recusing himself from this hearing.

Here is the photographic evidence of the Sunshine law violation.

Knox County Memorializes Parkey Strader

Last week, My friend and Former Knox County Property Assessor and State Representative Parkey Strader passed away. The funeral service was held on Friday and the interment was Saturday. At 3:30 p.m. today, Knox County memorialized Park M. "Parkey" Strader by naming the walking trail loop off Northshore Drive at Concord Park the "Parkey Strader Loop". The walking trail is very popular and is 2/10 of a mile in length. A crowd numbering more than 125 primarily all family and friends of Parkey were in attendance.

Here are photographs from today's ceremony.

Mayor Ragsdale with introductions of current and former elected officials and dignitaries.

Mayor Ragsdale sharing a personal story about Parkey.

Mayor Ragsdale presenting a Proclamation to Glenda Strader, Paula Strader Rudder and Johnny Strader and all "Poppy's" babies.

Sign marking the "Parkey Strader Loop"

A close up view of the "Parkey Strader Loop" sign.

Commissioner Hammond Joins Commissioner Smith as Liars In Common

Fifth District County Commissioner Mike Hammond has officially joined his counterpart Commissioner Smith as Liars In Common. Hammond is planning to run for election as County Commissioner at Large. While he has physically gotten larger while serving as a County Commissioner. That is not what Commissioner at Large is. He will have to run for election countywide. How a guy like Hammond will play in Tuckahoe, Gap Creek, Ft. Sumter and Heiskell is yet to be determined.

Here is the deal, Hammond has sent a fundraising letter to developers, Attorneys and well connected people that have business before County Commission and is seeking campaign contributions from them of no less than $100 and up to the maximum contribution of $1,000.

In this letter, you need to go no further than the first 12 words to see the liar connection. The letter states "When I was elected to serve on County Commission in 2006." 2006? Hammond was first elected in 2004. He won a close election, barely defeating John Schoonmaker to fulfill the remaining portion of Mike Arms term. Hammond desires for the public to ignore this fact. That is why he is lying and shielding the facts from the public. Why? Because the Charter that governs Knox County clearly makes him ineligible to be a candidate for a third term. Here is what the Charter states. The bold type is the most critical and is in bold type for emphasis.

This Section of our Charter was approved by an overwhelming margin, more than 75% of the voters approved it in 1994. Current Circuit Court Judge Dale Workman was Knox County Law Director when the Home Rule Charter was written and approved by the voters. So, he can be considered an expert in the definition of this law. Our sources indicate that he has opined that any portion of two terms is the legislative intent.

So, Hammond appears to be a liar and a professional politician, doing whatever it takes to remain in power.

Sec. 9.17. Term limits.

A. Effective January 1, 1995, no person shall be eligible to serve in any elected office of Knox County if during the previous two terms of that office the person in question has served more than a single term. Service prior to the passage of this measure shall not count in determining length of service. Judges are exempt from this provision.

B. In January prior to each state legislative session until such a time that it can be certified that the legislative term limits described in this clause have been enacted, the clerk shall write all state legislators whose districts include any part of Knox County stating that the people of Knox County desire an opportunity to vote on legislative term limits. The people of Knox County respectfully request that a proposed constitutional amendment limit each Representative to six years (three terms) in the Tennessee House of Representatives and eight years (two terms) in the Tennessee Senate. The people of Knox County also instruct all state legislators representing any part of Knox County to pass this proposed constitutional amendment and place it on the general election ballot.

C. In January of each year until such a time that it can be certified that the term limits described in this clause have been enacted, the clerk of Knox County shall write all U.S. Representatives whose districts include any part of Knox County's limits and both federal Senators stating that the people of this municipality support term limits for the U.S. Congress. The people of Knox County respectfully request that a proposed federal constitutional amendment limit each Representative to six years (three terms) in the United States House of Representatives and twelve years (two terms) in the United States Senate. The people of this municipality also instruct their federal delegation to pass a constitutional amendment imposing these limits and submit it to the states for ratification.

D. If any provision of this petition shall be held unconstitutional, invalid or inapplicable to any persons or circumstances, then it is intended and declared by the people of the County that all other provisions of this petition and their application to all other persons and circumstances shall be severable and shall not be affected by such decision.

(Ref. of 11-8-94)

Will Jack McElroy, Bruce Hartmann buy into this cover up? Unconfirmed reports are that a group is being formed to "educate" the public about Mr. Hammond. It is reported that the group is likely to be named after a country music song, "Paint Me A Birmingham"

We NEED A Republican County Commission Chairman

At Brian's Blog we like Tank Strickland. He is a good guy, we prayed for him during his time of illness and we are grateful that he is well today. But, Tank is a Democrat.

Knox County is overwhelmingly Republican. The voters speak every election cycle and a vast majority of citizens cast their ballots believing that Knox county is governed best when governed by Republicans.

Now the following Republican Commissioners having served two consecutive terms as Commissioner and have a responsibility to cast a vote for a Republican as Chairman.

Commissioner Ivan Harmon
Commissioner Craig Leuthold
Commissioner Mike Hammond
Commissioner Paul Pinkston

The following Republican Commissioners are expected to run for Commission next year and have a responsibility to cast a vote for a Republican as Chairman.

Commissioner Tony Norman

Commissioner Ed Shouse

Commissioner Richard Briggs

Commissioner Brad Anders

Commissioner Greg Lambert

Commissioner Larry Smith

Commissioner Michelle Carringer
Commissioner Dave Wright

Commissioner Bud Armstrong
Commissioner Mike Brown

That is 14 votes for a Republican Commission Chairman. Our view is that the consensus candidate for Commission Chairman is Commissioner Craig Leuthold.

If these 14 individuals are going to rely on the Republican Party during the election period then they should support the party in selecting the Commission Chairman. If they do not support a Republican for Commission Chairman then they should resign immediately from Commission and then run for election to Commission as a Democrat or as an Independent.

Should any Republican Commissioner NOT support a Republican then they SHOULD NOT be surprised at the next election cycle that the party runs someone else against them and at the NEXT Countywide Republican gathering that a resolution is passed to give any non compliant Republican Commissioner the BOOT.

The 5 Democrats that are left to vote for a Democrat Commission Chairman are. Commissioner Thomas "Tank" Strickland, Commissioner Sam McKenzie, Commissioner Mark Harmon, Commissioner Amy Broyles and Commissioner Finbarr Saunders.

Wamp Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is...Haslam Keeps His Money In His Own Pocket

Last night was the TN Republican Caucus meeting. A meeting of Republican Legislative members in Tennessee. The Knoxville Mayor got up and spoke about his commitment to the Republican Caucus and sat down. Congressman Zach Wamp got up and spoke about his commitment to the Republican Caucus. He then pulled out and gave a $10,000.00 contribution. So, Wamp puts his money where his mouth is. While the heir to a gas price gouging gas retailer keeps his money in his pocket, how many millions is necessary for one candidate for Governor to compete in the Republican primary?

Come On, Jack. The SEC Learned It From YOU!

Here is the column of Jack McElroy that appeared in the product from the Big Metal Shed on the Hill. McElroy is whining about the SEC (South Eastern Conference) edging out "independent media". McElroy also whines about his own failure to pay a decent living salary to an employee, while UT hired the reporter away.

Now what just a minute, little man. What UT and the SEC has done they learned from you. You spent the money that you were supposed to be paying to the city and county as Payment In Lieu Of Taxes on purchasing the two "independent" weekly products (Shopper News and Metro Pulse) that were kicking your butt. Now they have been marginalized by your influence.

So, you eliminated a percentage of independent media. In addition, you continually hire "independent" writers and bloggers so that you are not responsible for benefits and can have a wall of separation.

So, Come on Jack, the SEC Learned It From YOU!

There Was a Traitor Amongst Us Last Night..

Last night at Bill Clabo Field the Farragut Admirals beat the Indians of Kingsport Dobyns Bennett, 26-8. Brian Hornback of Brian's Blog was present and at halftime received a text from a source near the pass gate that indicated that a Knox County School Board member and their companion came through the pass gate using their Knox County pass. The source said the board member was wearing colors of Dobyns Bennett.

The Knox County School Board member was then observed to walk to the Dobyns Bennett sideline and observe the remainder of the halftime from the western 40 yard line on the Dobyns Bennett side. As the game resumed in the second half, the board member moved to the eastern 20 yard line and observed the remainder of the game.

Which Knox County School Board member was the traitor amongst us last night? Karen Carson.

Our source near the pass gate indicates that Farragut High School Principal Mike Reynolds was alerted and he seemed perturbed as he looked across the field at the 40 yard line.

A True Patriot

Parkey Strader Remembrance Service

The Obituary from Click Funeral Home in Farragut.

Park M. (Parkey) Strader, age 64, of Knoxville was taken to his eternal home by the Lord on Wednesday morning, August 19, 2009 to join his parents, Park Hughes Sr. and Bobbie Hughes; step father, Jack Strader; niece, Lisa Lockwood; mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Ella Smith. Parkey was a member of First Baptist Church Concord. He was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1963. Parkey attended UT and ETSU. He was a veteran of the Air National Guard and the U S Air Force. Parkey served as an intern under Congressman John Duncan Sr. He served his community as Knox County Property Assessor for 28 years. Afterwards, he served his state in the 14th District as a State Representative for two terms. He was a loving husband, father and poppy. Parkey leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Glenda Smith Strader; children, Paula Strader Rudder, husband Tom and their children, Parker Wright, Rylee and Sammie Rudder of Knoxville, John Strader, wife Pamela, and their children, Alek, Megan and Christian Strader of Morristown; sister, Ida Day and husband, Carson of Knoxville; brothers, Jack Strader and wife, Kathy, Bud Strader, Chuck Strader and wife, Letrise all of Knoxville; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Friday followed by a Celebration of Life at 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church Concord with Dr. Doug Sager officiating. Family and friends will gather at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lynnhurst Cemetery for graveside services. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike is serving the Strader family.

R.I.P. My Friend Parkey Strader

This morning, I received a text message that my friend Park M. "Parkey" Strader had died around 7:00 a.m. this morning. I became active in Knox County Republican Party politics in 1982. Parkey was one of the first people that I met. I volunteered to work for him in his next election at the Sunnyview precinct. I put out yard signs and on election day, I wore a sun visor and handed out matches, emery boards and the like.

I worked with and for Parkey in every election while he was the Property Assessor. Parkey did not stand for election in 2000 and I thought he had retired. I remember getting the phone call from Parkey in 2004 that he would run as a candidate for State Representative in our district. This was an exciting election win in the Republican primary. The hate that came from his primary and general election opponents made it difficult because Parkey refused to respond to hate with hate.

Several things that I learned from Parkey early on, when running as an incumbent do not use the term re-elect. Because you are running and asking for their vote. So, he used Vote for and Elect, he said it gives an action for the candidates request.

Parkey was never critical of anyone at anytime. Although I and others felt that certain individuals were deserving of criticism, he NEVER would do it. During his illness he served in the legislature and while he could have been angry about it he never complained. All the times that I would call him and ask how he was, he never said he was hurting and never complained of his illness.

Parkey Strader is a man that I am pleased to have called my friend, my Property Assessor and my Legislator. Parkey Strader was a man of actions that I have never been able to copy. He was always positive, never negative. Parkey Strader was that rare exception that comes along once in a lifetime. I am pleased to have spent as much time with him as I did. While his family and all of us friends are left here sad that Parkey is not with us anymore.

This morning, when I got the word, I believe that I caught a glimpse today of what I believe happened in Heaven this morning around 7:00 a.m. this morning. He went through those pearly gates today, with a smile on his face, his hand stuck out shaking the hands of all the saints that went on before him that were waiting to greet him. After he had some time inside the gates of Heaven, he realized that his body doesn't hurt anymore, that he has his new body. He glances back toward the gate thinking about us but he knows that we will be o.k. So, he turns and did exactly what Pastor Adrian Rogers once said he would do when that time comes. “when my time comes, don’t be sorry for me; I’ll be kicking up gold dust on the streets of glory.”

So, Pray for Parkey's family and friends over the next several weeks and months.

The Confession by James McGreevey

I was at McKay's one day and ran across the book of Dina Matos McGreevey and the book of Jim McGreevey. I purchased both. I read Dina Matos McGreevey first and posted about it here in mid July. It took me alot longer than normal to read Jim McGreevey's book.

You remember Jim McGreevey was the Democrat Governor of New Jersey that resigned because he had an extra marital affair with a male employee. He resigned from the Governorship primarily because of a pending extortion.

His book is a slow read. It details everything from his childhood, his raising, his rise to political power. He served as Mayor of Woodbridge and a member of the State Senate. He ran for Governor and lost and four years later ran and was swept into the Office of Governor by a large margin.

There are major differences in his tale and Dina's story of the coming out and of their life together. But, I wasn't surprised at that. I have been under the weather this weekend and so I finished the book so that I could move on to a book that I could enjoy.