Three of the youths captured by State Senator Tim Burchett have now been charged with burglary in connection with a break-in at a warehouse where Burchett stores old motorcycles and parts.
Burchett staked out the warehouse and caught the youths on Wednesday, Nov. 15. See previous post.
Read the follow-up story in the Knoxville News-Sentinel here.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
November 17, 2006 Tennessee Trivia Quiz
Time again for Tennessee Trivia!
Today's question has a decidedly local (Hamblen County) flavor.
When was Hamblen County established and for whom is it named?
E-mail answers to noe4accountability@yahoo.com
Have a great weekend!
Today's question has a decidedly local (Hamblen County) flavor.
When was Hamblen County established and for whom is it named?
E-mail answers to noe4accountability@yahoo.com
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
November 16, 2006 State Sen. Tim Burchett Nabs Suspects
It looks like Knox County Commissioner Greg "Lumpy" Lambert is not the only elected official who has decided that "enough's enough" in the crime arena. Click here for the story on Lumpy.
Yesterday, State Senator Tim Burchett nabbed four youths in connection with a break-in at a warehouse where Burchett keeps old motorcycles and parts.
Three motorcycles and a camera had been stolen previously, so Burchett had been staking out the warehouse on his own.
Saying he is sick and tired of crime and of being a victim of crime, Burchett was armed yesterday and nabbed four young people at his warehouse on Amherst after they had allegedly broken into his warehouse.
Burchett held the four at bay---and fed them chocolate chip cookies---until officers arrived. Burchett said he would press charges because he figures the parents only punishment might be to take away the kids' "Gameboy" for an afternoon.
Click here for the full story in today's Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Yesterday, State Senator Tim Burchett nabbed four youths in connection with a break-in at a warehouse where Burchett keeps old motorcycles and parts.
Three motorcycles and a camera had been stolen previously, so Burchett had been staking out the warehouse on his own.
Saying he is sick and tired of crime and of being a victim of crime, Burchett was armed yesterday and nabbed four young people at his warehouse on Amherst after they had allegedly broken into his warehouse.
Burchett held the four at bay---and fed them chocolate chip cookies---until officers arrived. Burchett said he would press charges because he figures the parents only punishment might be to take away the kids' "Gameboy" for an afternoon.
Click here for the full story in today's Knoxville News-Sentinel.
November 16, 2006 Dep. Gov. Cooley: Report from Knox Hearing
A federal judge will have to decide whether to open the TBI investigative file on Tennessee Dep. Governor Dave Cooley to an attorney for a THP officer who was fired. The file is said to contain 300+ pages.
One official who has looked at the file---and read every word---says that it contains nothing connected to the suit filed by Sgt. Farmer.
The attorney for Farmer maintains that the file still might be important because it may show a pattern of corruption and political retribution connected to Cooley and the THP.
Whether Cooley's file does or doesn't have a direct connection to the Farmer case, just the fact that the THP and Cooley are in the news again is not good for Gov. Bredesen. All this may lead to Cooley's resignation---at last.
Click here to read the N-S article. Click here, here, here, and here for my previous posts on Cooley and family.
One official who has looked at the file---and read every word---says that it contains nothing connected to the suit filed by Sgt. Farmer.
The attorney for Farmer maintains that the file still might be important because it may show a pattern of corruption and political retribution connected to Cooley and the THP.
Whether Cooley's file does or doesn't have a direct connection to the Farmer case, just the fact that the THP and Cooley are in the news again is not good for Gov. Bredesen. All this may lead to Cooley's resignation---at last.
Click here to read the N-S article. Click here, here, here, and here for my previous posts on Cooley and family.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
November 15, 2006 Dep. Gov. Dave Cooley on the Way Out (Part I)
The latest saga on Tennessee Deputy Governor Dave Cooley is complicated and will take two posts. This is Part I. Scroll down to Part II.
I blogged on this story back on February 26, 2006 in State Conflicts of Interest: Money and Influence
COOLEY (PART I)
In the politically correct way of starting the ball rolling to get rid of someone tainted with scandal, Gov. Bredesen is quoted in a November 9th article in the Nashville Tennessean as saying that Dep. Gov. Dave Cooley is considering returning to private life though the governor would love to keep him.
The Tennessean article notes that Cooley has been a "controversial" figure during Bredesen's first term but Bredesen has stood by Cooley for four years.
Cooley has been a controversial figure during Bredesen's first term. He had a speeding ticket fixed with help from a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer, and he was involved in the politically charged promotions process at the patrol. Throughout the controversies Bredesen stood by Cooley, but there has been speculation for months that Cooley would leave after the election.
Cooley said Wednesday that he has not made a decision on his future but hopes to make one after getting some rest and talking to his family and the governor.
After less than a week of "rest" and "talking," another Tennessean article pops up. Guess what? Scroll down to Part II!
I blogged on this story back on February 26, 2006 in State Conflicts of Interest: Money and Influence
COOLEY (PART I)
In the politically correct way of starting the ball rolling to get rid of someone tainted with scandal, Gov. Bredesen is quoted in a November 9th article in the Nashville Tennessean as saying that Dep. Gov. Dave Cooley is considering returning to private life though the governor would love to keep him.
The Tennessean article notes that Cooley has been a "controversial" figure during Bredesen's first term but Bredesen has stood by Cooley for four years.
Cooley has been a controversial figure during Bredesen's first term. He had a speeding ticket fixed with help from a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer, and he was involved in the politically charged promotions process at the patrol. Throughout the controversies Bredesen stood by Cooley, but there has been speculation for months that Cooley would leave after the election.
Cooley said Wednesday that he has not made a decision on his future but hopes to make one after getting some rest and talking to his family and the governor.
After less than a week of "rest" and "talking," another Tennessean article pops up. Guess what? Scroll down to Part II!
November 15, 2006 Dep. Gov. Dave Cooley on the Way Out (Part II)
Today's Tennessean has an article that may have a clue about the real reason that Tennessee Dep. Gov. Dave Cooley is now thinking about resigning his office and returning to private life. See Part I (above) and click on the link to the Tennessean's November 9th article about Cooley.
It looks like Cooley's real reason for thinking about resigning may be related to a federal hearing in Knoxville this morning concerning his infamous ticket-fixing episode.
Cooley is probably not "resting" and "talking" today because the ticket-fixing deal was only one of many instances where Cooley used and abused his office for personal and family gain. Click here for my February 11 post about Dave and Melanie and their actions. And here for another post on February 26.
What prompts all this?
Well, it seems that the TBI case file of Deputy Gov. Dave Cooley's fixed ticket investigation will be the topic of a federal hearing in Knoxville today.
A former Tennessee Highway Patrol officer, who is suing Cooley, the department and several of its former top leaders, wants access to the file. Bryan Farmer, a former lieutenant, claims in a federal lawsuit that he was harassed and forced from the department by the Democratic administration because he supported the Republican party. His attorney, Arthur F. Knight, wants to review the file to search for evidence that may bolster Farmer's case.
The state is withholding the file, claiming it is not a public record. State law says TBI investigative files are closed and not subject to inspection, except in a few narrow exceptions. One of those is in the face of a subpoena or court order. Cooley said last week he is considering leaving his position as Gov. Phil Bredesen's top deputy to return to the private sector.
Connect the dots....
Read the full text of today's November 15 article for more background on how Cooley's first act under Bredesen was to push to get his wife hired by the Department of Safety. And then she pushed to get her brother hired on. And then the ticket-fixing. And campaign donations for promotions. And then...
Conflicts of interest and personal and family gain are the driving forces behind far too many elected officials. In fact, they have become such a staple of government that the public---and elected officials--- just nod and go on.
It looks like Cooley's real reason for thinking about resigning may be related to a federal hearing in Knoxville this morning concerning his infamous ticket-fixing episode.
Cooley is probably not "resting" and "talking" today because the ticket-fixing deal was only one of many instances where Cooley used and abused his office for personal and family gain. Click here for my February 11 post about Dave and Melanie and their actions. And here for another post on February 26.
What prompts all this?
Well, it seems that the TBI case file of Deputy Gov. Dave Cooley's fixed ticket investigation will be the topic of a federal hearing in Knoxville today.
A former Tennessee Highway Patrol officer, who is suing Cooley, the department and several of its former top leaders, wants access to the file. Bryan Farmer, a former lieutenant, claims in a federal lawsuit that he was harassed and forced from the department by the Democratic administration because he supported the Republican party. His attorney, Arthur F. Knight, wants to review the file to search for evidence that may bolster Farmer's case.
The state is withholding the file, claiming it is not a public record. State law says TBI investigative files are closed and not subject to inspection, except in a few narrow exceptions. One of those is in the face of a subpoena or court order. Cooley said last week he is considering leaving his position as Gov. Phil Bredesen's top deputy to return to the private sector.
Connect the dots....
Read the full text of today's November 15 article for more background on how Cooley's first act under Bredesen was to push to get his wife hired by the Department of Safety. And then she pushed to get her brother hired on. And then the ticket-fixing. And campaign donations for promotions. And then...
Conflicts of interest and personal and family gain are the driving forces behind far too many elected officials. In fact, they have become such a staple of government that the public---and elected officials--- just nod and go on.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
November 14, 2006 Sunrise and Red Trees in Hamblen County
Yes, I'm still on a nature/photography kick.
I took the red trees all in a row picture in the parking lot next to Taco John's about a week ago.
I took the sunrise shot on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11th.
November 14, 2006 Quick Draw McLumpy
Click here to check out blogging State Rep. Stacey Campfield's second post for November 12.
Knox County Commissioner Greg "Lumpy" Lambert made news as a result of his "quick" handling of a potential robber at his car lot.
Knox County Commissioner Greg "Lumpy" Lambert made news as a result of his "quick" handling of a potential robber at his car lot.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
November 11, 2006 Veterans Day
Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima.In four days of fighting, Easy Company had 40% casualties.
American soldiers raise the Flag on February 23, 1945.
November 11 is Veterans Day.
Let us never forget.
The American Soldier
It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
November 9, 2006 What do we do now?
Yesterday, I mentioned the Republican Party's 1994 Contract with America and how the Republican Party, of which I am a member, has gradually moved away from the beliefs and goals of this statement.
So often we see people running for office, and they have strong convictions, and we vote for them, and we hope against hope that these are people who will actually do what they say and remain true to their campaign statements.
And time after time, we are disappointed. Once in office, candidates too often forget and abandon the principles and promises that got them elected because it is so much easier to go along than to stand up and remain faithful to the people who elected them.
Sadly, elected officials often know what is going on around them, but they prefer to look the other way---perfect examples on the national level are the Mark Foley (Republican) scandal and the Sandy Berger (Democrat) scandal.
And there are plenty of examples on the local level [see my posts (I-IV) of June 25] where officials know what is going on, but they will not authorize an investigation or even ask a question.
I will have much more on the local situation in future posts--because Hamblen County is rapidly moving toward a huge tax increase due to fiscal mismanagement, cover-ups, and waste.
But I digress. Back to the Contract with America. To me, the framework of the Contract with America is a stated plan--and a good one-- for an open and accountable government. And these conservative principles are good general guidelines on the state and local level as well.
FIRST, require all laws that apply to the rest of the country also apply equally to the Congress;
SECOND, select a major, independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of Congress for waste, fraud or abuse;
THIRD, cut the number of House committees, and cut committee staff by one-third;
FOURTH, limit the terms of all committee chairs;
FIFTH, ban the casting of proxy votes in committee;
SIXTH, require committee meetings to be open to the public;
SEVENTH, require a three-fifths majority vote to pass a tax increase;
EIGHTH, guarantee an honest accounting of our Federal Budget by implementing zero base-
line budgeting.
In looking back at the 2006 election, the Republican problem was one of forgetting conservative principles and wandering in a political wilderness, worrying about the next election instead of worrying about the country.
Republicans were punished not for their conservative principles, but because they abandoned their conservative principles and instead became tied to pork-barrel spending, personal scandals, no-bid contracts, political lobbying scandals, huge budget deficits, and an overall lack of accountability.
Basic conservative principles, the eight guiding principles of the Contract with America, were forgotten.
But with every cloud, there is a silver lining.
Republicans can return to the values, commitment, and passion that are embodied in the conservative cause or they can continue to wander aimlessly and wonder what happened.
And, no, the conservative cause is not the sole possession of Republicans. Democrats and Independents who believe that open, honest, and accountable government is best can, and do, advance conservatism.
Republicans don't "own" conservatism by any means, but over the years more Republicans than Democrats (especially at the leadership level) have been identified as conservatives.
In the final analysis, probably no one belongs totally and completely in a conservative or liberal box.
Many of the Democrats who won on November 7 tended to be more moderate and far less "liberal" than the Democrat leadership as exemplified by Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, Howard Dean, and others.
The 2006 election, on the national level, may be signaling a shift in the parties and in people. Liberals are becoming more moderate, and some of these moderates even show certain conservative tendencies at times, such as when they come out in favor of 2nd amendment rights and fiscal restraint.
Time will tell whether the newly-elected moderate Democrats are able to effect change in the liberal Democrat leadership or whether the Democrat leadership whips the new Representatives and Senators into the liberal mold.
Time will also tell whether the Republicans, after somber reflection, decide to return to their conservative roots and once again stand as a party of principle or whether the Contract with America was just so much fluff.
My prediction and my hope is that all Republicans will again stand on principle. And I salute those who never abandoned their principles.
I want to know where the parties really stand. And I want to see actions that match the words.
So often we see people running for office, and they have strong convictions, and we vote for them, and we hope against hope that these are people who will actually do what they say and remain true to their campaign statements.
And time after time, we are disappointed. Once in office, candidates too often forget and abandon the principles and promises that got them elected because it is so much easier to go along than to stand up and remain faithful to the people who elected them.
Sadly, elected officials often know what is going on around them, but they prefer to look the other way---perfect examples on the national level are the Mark Foley (Republican) scandal and the Sandy Berger (Democrat) scandal.
And there are plenty of examples on the local level [see my posts (I-IV) of June 25] where officials know what is going on, but they will not authorize an investigation or even ask a question.
I will have much more on the local situation in future posts--because Hamblen County is rapidly moving toward a huge tax increase due to fiscal mismanagement, cover-ups, and waste.
But I digress. Back to the Contract with America. To me, the framework of the Contract with America is a stated plan--and a good one-- for an open and accountable government. And these conservative principles are good general guidelines on the state and local level as well.
FIRST, require all laws that apply to the rest of the country also apply equally to the Congress;
SECOND, select a major, independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of Congress for waste, fraud or abuse;
THIRD, cut the number of House committees, and cut committee staff by one-third;
FOURTH, limit the terms of all committee chairs;
FIFTH, ban the casting of proxy votes in committee;
SIXTH, require committee meetings to be open to the public;
SEVENTH, require a three-fifths majority vote to pass a tax increase;
EIGHTH, guarantee an honest accounting of our Federal Budget by implementing zero base-
line budgeting.
In looking back at the 2006 election, the Republican problem was one of forgetting conservative principles and wandering in a political wilderness, worrying about the next election instead of worrying about the country.
Republicans were punished not for their conservative principles, but because they abandoned their conservative principles and instead became tied to pork-barrel spending, personal scandals, no-bid contracts, political lobbying scandals, huge budget deficits, and an overall lack of accountability.
Basic conservative principles, the eight guiding principles of the Contract with America, were forgotten.
But with every cloud, there is a silver lining.
Republicans can return to the values, commitment, and passion that are embodied in the conservative cause or they can continue to wander aimlessly and wonder what happened.
And, no, the conservative cause is not the sole possession of Republicans. Democrats and Independents who believe that open, honest, and accountable government is best can, and do, advance conservatism.
Republicans don't "own" conservatism by any means, but over the years more Republicans than Democrats (especially at the leadership level) have been identified as conservatives.
In the final analysis, probably no one belongs totally and completely in a conservative or liberal box.
Many of the Democrats who won on November 7 tended to be more moderate and far less "liberal" than the Democrat leadership as exemplified by Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, Howard Dean, and others.
The 2006 election, on the national level, may be signaling a shift in the parties and in people. Liberals are becoming more moderate, and some of these moderates even show certain conservative tendencies at times, such as when they come out in favor of 2nd amendment rights and fiscal restraint.
Time will tell whether the newly-elected moderate Democrats are able to effect change in the liberal Democrat leadership or whether the Democrat leadership whips the new Representatives and Senators into the liberal mold.
Time will also tell whether the Republicans, after somber reflection, decide to return to their conservative roots and once again stand as a party of principle or whether the Contract with America was just so much fluff.
My prediction and my hope is that all Republicans will again stand on principle. And I salute those who never abandoned their principles.
I want to know where the parties really stand. And I want to see actions that match the words.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
November 8, 2006 What does it all mean?
The Election is over. Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives and made inroads into the U. S. Senate. [UPDATE: After the final count in two previously undecided races, the Democrats also have a majority (51-49) in the Senate].
A message was sent and it was heard-- by the President, by Republican leaders, and by Republicans everywhere who were listening.
Irap was certainly part of the message.
In response, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld resigned today and will be replaced by former CIA Director Robert Gates.
The other part of the message, in my opinion, lies in a general failure of the Republican Party and many of those who call themselves "Republicans" to stand on principles.
The Republican revolution of 1994 with its well-thought out and clearly expressed ideals of fiscal responsibility and less government slowly went by the wayside during the past 12 years as the power of office became intoxicating.
Some of the leaders of the Republican revolution became less concerned with government service and more concerned with self-service.
Unfortunately, the 1994 Republican Contract With America became little more than meaningless words.
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
This is true in all times and of all political groups.
It applies to Republicans, Democrats, Socialists, Communists, Tories, Laborites, whatever. This is not a slam on Republicans. It is simply a statement of fact about anyone or any party having absolute power, and it applies to the politics of all countries.
The best thing that can happen now is that the wake-up call will result in self-examination and serious reflection on the part of the political parties in America. Hopefully, true statesmen will come forward to replace the politicians---of which we have far too many.
I heard a friend today describe the difference between politicians and statesmen.
The politician is always thinking of the next election. The statesman is always thinking of the next generation.
A message was sent and it was heard-- by the President, by Republican leaders, and by Republicans everywhere who were listening.
Irap was certainly part of the message.
In response, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld resigned today and will be replaced by former CIA Director Robert Gates.
The other part of the message, in my opinion, lies in a general failure of the Republican Party and many of those who call themselves "Republicans" to stand on principles.
The Republican revolution of 1994 with its well-thought out and clearly expressed ideals of fiscal responsibility and less government slowly went by the wayside during the past 12 years as the power of office became intoxicating.
Some of the leaders of the Republican revolution became less concerned with government service and more concerned with self-service.
Unfortunately, the 1994 Republican Contract With America became little more than meaningless words.
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
This is true in all times and of all political groups.
It applies to Republicans, Democrats, Socialists, Communists, Tories, Laborites, whatever. This is not a slam on Republicans. It is simply a statement of fact about anyone or any party having absolute power, and it applies to the politics of all countries.
The best thing that can happen now is that the wake-up call will result in self-examination and serious reflection on the part of the political parties in America. Hopefully, true statesmen will come forward to replace the politicians---of which we have far too many.
I heard a friend today describe the difference between politicians and statesmen.
The politician is always thinking of the next election. The statesman is always thinking of the next generation.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
November 7, 2006 Election Day
If the people fail to vote, a government will be developed which is not their government... The whole system of American Government rests on the ballot box. Unless citizens perform their duties there, such a system of government is doomed to failure.
-President Calvin Coolidge
He was nicknamed "Silent Cal," but his words here speak eloquently to the importance and to the duty of exercising our precious right to vote and to be heard.
"Early voting" has been heavy.
If you didn't vote early and decided to wait until Election Day, this is it.
Please vote--rain or shine!
-President Calvin Coolidge
He was nicknamed "Silent Cal," but his words here speak eloquently to the importance and to the duty of exercising our precious right to vote and to be heard.
"Early voting" has been heavy.
If you didn't vote early and decided to wait until Election Day, this is it.
Please vote--rain or shine!
Friday, November 03, 2006
November 3, 2006 The Picture Seen Around the World
John Kerry's remarks about the U.S. military have sparked a firestorm of comments and a belated apology from Kerry himself.
The Nashville Tennessean ran into a firestorm of comments itself after it ran an editorial supporting Kerry on Nov. 2. The Tennessean, like Kerry, followed up with an apology on Nov. 3.
A lot of people have seen the picture shown above of U.S. soldiers holding a banner, mockingly asking "Jon Carry" to "halp" get them out of "Irak."
If you click on the links shown below, you will not only see the picture again, but you will also be able to read some background about the soldiers who created the banner that has become the picture seen around the world.
More about the Minnesota soldiers and banner holders can be found here and here.
November 3, 2006 The Tennessean Defends Kerry's Comments
The Nashville Tennessean ran an editorial yesterday in support of John Kerry and Kerry's recent statement/joke (pick one) about the U.S. Military in Iraq.
The response from Tennessean readers was "swift" (no pun intended) and critical of both Kerry and of the paper.
Click here on Truth in Kerry's Remark to read the Nov. 2 editorial and the numerous online comments (8+ pages of reader comments) that appear at the end of the original editorial.
Today the Tennessean is explaining its poor choice of words in a follow-up editorial.
Click on Sometimes Words Can Fail Us to read the Tennessean's Nov. 3 editorial apology--an apology/explanation that is followed by letters to the editor that were sent in response to the original Nov. 2 editorial. There are also more online comments at the end of the letters.
The response from Tennessean readers was "swift" (no pun intended) and critical of both Kerry and of the paper.
Click here on Truth in Kerry's Remark to read the Nov. 2 editorial and the numerous online comments (8+ pages of reader comments) that appear at the end of the original editorial.
Today the Tennessean is explaining its poor choice of words in a follow-up editorial.
Click on Sometimes Words Can Fail Us to read the Tennessean's Nov. 3 editorial apology--an apology/explanation that is followed by letters to the editor that were sent in response to the original Nov. 2 editorial. There are also more online comments at the end of the letters.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
November 2, 2006 Let's Say Thanks
Xerox has a site that lets you select a "thank you" card and a message to send to an American serviceman in Iraq.
I picked a card that had been designed by a young Tennessee student. Then I picked a message, signed it, and sent it. I encourage others to do the same.
Just go to http://www.letssaythanks.com/ and follow the directions. Over 3.7 million messages have already gone out!
I picked a card that had been designed by a young Tennessee student. Then I picked a message, signed it, and sent it. I encourage others to do the same.
Just go to http://www.letssaythanks.com/ and follow the directions. Over 3.7 million messages have already gone out!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
November 1, 2006 Reinhardt Asks for Clarification of Election Law
In several posts at the end of September (26th, 27th, and 29th), I reported on the "Election Contest" filed by former Commissioners Edwin Osborne and Bobby Reinhardt after the August 3 Election.
In official and unofficial Election Reports handed out on Election Night, there were numerous mathematical oddities and conincidences as described at the Election Contest trial in September.
Ultimately, a Special Master (former Criminal Court Judge Eddie Beckner) was appointed. Beckner examined the machines and also reviewed the absentee and paper ballots cast in the District 1 race (Osborne-Lebel) and the District 4 race (Reinhardt-Sexton).
Subsequently, the vote count and the winners in both races (Lebel and Sexton) were left as originally reported.
Now an appeal has been filed by Bobby Reinhardt with the Trial Court and with the Tennessee Court of Appeals.
In addition, a direct appeal has been made to the Tennessee Supreme Court, seeking an immediate, quick, and final ruling on interpretation of state law regarding the conduct of early voting.
Reinhardt states that T.C.A. 2-6-104 is "plain and unambiguous."
2-6-104. Voting machines for early voting.
(a) A county election commission may use voting machines for early voting. The county election commission shall choose one (1) of the following options for its method of early voting.
(1) Place all races on a machine ballot;
(2) Place some of the races on a machine ballot and part of the races on a paper ballot; or
(3) Place all races on a paper ballot.
In early voting, votes in the District 4 race were cast partly by machine ballots and partly by paper ballots (with two paper ballots being cast).
Chancellor Corlew noted the problematic wording of the statute and said that he "recognized that the interpretation of T.C.A. 2-6-104 is a matter on which reasonable minds can differ...."
The Chancellor chose not to throw out the two paper ballots cast during early voting in the Reinhardt-Sexton race, saying that the voters who cast the paper ballots during early voting would have proceeded to vote by machine (had they not been given the paper ballots) and thus the results of the race would have been the same.
Reinhardt maintains that the statute is "plain and unambiguous" and that only one interpretation of the statute---as currently written--- can be reached. As a result, Reinhardt wants the two paper ballots cast in early voting in District 4 to be discarded as "having been illegally cast" and the District 4 election declared either void or a mathematical tie.
In official and unofficial Election Reports handed out on Election Night, there were numerous mathematical oddities and conincidences as described at the Election Contest trial in September.
Ultimately, a Special Master (former Criminal Court Judge Eddie Beckner) was appointed. Beckner examined the machines and also reviewed the absentee and paper ballots cast in the District 1 race (Osborne-Lebel) and the District 4 race (Reinhardt-Sexton).
Subsequently, the vote count and the winners in both races (Lebel and Sexton) were left as originally reported.
Now an appeal has been filed by Bobby Reinhardt with the Trial Court and with the Tennessee Court of Appeals.
In addition, a direct appeal has been made to the Tennessee Supreme Court, seeking an immediate, quick, and final ruling on interpretation of state law regarding the conduct of early voting.
Reinhardt states that T.C.A. 2-6-104 is "plain and unambiguous."
2-6-104. Voting machines for early voting.
(a) A county election commission may use voting machines for early voting. The county election commission shall choose one (1) of the following options for its method of early voting.
(1) Place all races on a machine ballot;
(2) Place some of the races on a machine ballot and part of the races on a paper ballot; or
(3) Place all races on a paper ballot.
In early voting, votes in the District 4 race were cast partly by machine ballots and partly by paper ballots (with two paper ballots being cast).
Chancellor Corlew noted the problematic wording of the statute and said that he "recognized that the interpretation of T.C.A. 2-6-104 is a matter on which reasonable minds can differ...."
The Chancellor chose not to throw out the two paper ballots cast during early voting in the Reinhardt-Sexton race, saying that the voters who cast the paper ballots during early voting would have proceeded to vote by machine (had they not been given the paper ballots) and thus the results of the race would have been the same.
Reinhardt maintains that the statute is "plain and unambiguous" and that only one interpretation of the statute---as currently written--- can be reached. As a result, Reinhardt wants the two paper ballots cast in early voting in District 4 to be discarded as "having been illegally cast" and the District 4 election declared either void or a mathematical tie.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
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October 29, 2006 Fall Back!
Fall is a beautiful time of year.Leaves on the trees are brilliant colors of red, orange, yellow, gold, brown, and every shade in-between.
East Tennessee is special. The beauty of Nature is all around.
While you enjoy the colorful fall leaves, remember to turn all your clocks back one hour ("fall back") as we change from Daylight Savings Time to Eastern Standard Time.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
October 28, 2006 County Building Projects and Accountability
Accountability is being able to say how much you spent, what you spent it on, and where the money came from.
I asked the county Finance Department in early August for accountability for taxpayer money---millions of dollars---spent on the jail annex, courthouse addition, children's library, dental clinic, justice center HVAC, justice center roof, justice center generator, etc.
Weeks passed with no response. So I asked then-Chairman of the Commission (Joe Spoone) to inquire about the requested information. Joe responded publicly at the August meeting of the Commission that he had been told by Finance Director Nicole Epps that a report would be provided to the commission by August 31, 2006.
Well, no report was provided on August 31, 2006.
And now-- over 10 weeks after the request for accountability was first made-- still no report has been provided.
Obviously, if the County Mayor and his Finance Department know what has been spent and where all the money came from, they need to provide that information.
If the County Mayor and his Finance Department don't know what was spent on each project and where the money came from, then they need to be upfront and admit that instead of saying they will provide a report and then stonewalling.
Hopefully, Commission Chair Stancil Ford and other commissioners (Baker, Bruce, Collins, Fullington, Harville, Parker, Phillips, Spoone) who were on the commission when the 5-year plans were adopted or when millions in capital expenditures were made will be able to get a report and accountability for these dollars.
Five of the new commissioners (Lebel, Massey, Sexton, Swann, and Wampler) did not vote for the original plans or subsequent expenditures, but these new commissioners are businessmen and one of them is an accountant (Swann).
Business people and accountants know how important it is to know how much has been spent on a building project and where the money came from.
With the last capital project coming up ---the painting of the courthouse--- there should be accountability for all capital spending to date.
I checked again with Joe Spoone on October 19 about accountability for these funds. He said he that he didn't know why a report on the capital spending hadn't already been provided.
It's now October 28 and there is still no accountability and no report for the total spent on each building project and where the total spent came from (bond money or other sources).
Before new requests for capital spending are voted on and before spending on the last of the "old" capital projects is approved (the courthouse painting), it sure would be nice to know that the County Mayor and his Finance Department are able to account for the millions spent on county buildings and improvements.
There are two posts today...scroll down to read the first October 28 post.
I asked the county Finance Department in early August for accountability for taxpayer money---millions of dollars---spent on the jail annex, courthouse addition, children's library, dental clinic, justice center HVAC, justice center roof, justice center generator, etc.
Weeks passed with no response. So I asked then-Chairman of the Commission (Joe Spoone) to inquire about the requested information. Joe responded publicly at the August meeting of the Commission that he had been told by Finance Director Nicole Epps that a report would be provided to the commission by August 31, 2006.
Well, no report was provided on August 31, 2006.
And now-- over 10 weeks after the request for accountability was first made-- still no report has been provided.
Obviously, if the County Mayor and his Finance Department know what has been spent and where all the money came from, they need to provide that information.
If the County Mayor and his Finance Department don't know what was spent on each project and where the money came from, then they need to be upfront and admit that instead of saying they will provide a report and then stonewalling.
Hopefully, Commission Chair Stancil Ford and other commissioners (Baker, Bruce, Collins, Fullington, Harville, Parker, Phillips, Spoone) who were on the commission when the 5-year plans were adopted or when millions in capital expenditures were made will be able to get a report and accountability for these dollars.
Five of the new commissioners (Lebel, Massey, Sexton, Swann, and Wampler) did not vote for the original plans or subsequent expenditures, but these new commissioners are businessmen and one of them is an accountant (Swann).
Business people and accountants know how important it is to know how much has been spent on a building project and where the money came from.
With the last capital project coming up ---the painting of the courthouse--- there should be accountability for all capital spending to date.
I checked again with Joe Spoone on October 19 about accountability for these funds. He said he that he didn't know why a report on the capital spending hadn't already been provided.
It's now October 28 and there is still no accountability and no report for the total spent on each building project and where the total spent came from (bond money or other sources).
Before new requests for capital spending are voted on and before spending on the last of the "old" capital projects is approved (the courthouse painting), it sure would be nice to know that the County Mayor and his Finance Department are able to account for the millions spent on county buildings and improvements.
There are two posts today...scroll down to read the first October 28 post.
October 28, 2006 Why haven't there been posts for a month?
The answer to the title of this post is simple.
I decided to sit back for a while and watch Hamblen County government and officials in action without any blog comments.
Now, after watching for a month, I will be posting and offering comments and information about what's going on.
It is obvious that multi-million dollar expenditures are being pushed rapidly to the forefront and, I suspect, are headed for quick public votes.
Quick decisions are intended to make it all a "done deal" as soon as possible with little (public) discussion and few (public) questions.
Of course, public questions about where public money is going don't get answered anyway (see my other October 28 post), so it is easy to understand why few questions are asked.
Still...this blog will provide information and let Hamblen Countians know why their local taxes (property, sales, wheel, etc.) and fees are headed for the roof.
Hang on! It's going to be an expensive ride over the next four years.
I decided to sit back for a while and watch Hamblen County government and officials in action without any blog comments.
Now, after watching for a month, I will be posting and offering comments and information about what's going on.
It is obvious that multi-million dollar expenditures are being pushed rapidly to the forefront and, I suspect, are headed for quick public votes.
Quick decisions are intended to make it all a "done deal" as soon as possible with little (public) discussion and few (public) questions.
Of course, public questions about where public money is going don't get answered anyway (see my other October 28 post), so it is easy to understand why few questions are asked.
Still...this blog will provide information and let Hamblen Countians know why their local taxes (property, sales, wheel, etc.) and fees are headed for the roof.
Hang on! It's going to be an expensive ride over the next four years.
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