Ben Cunningham has an excellent post and a link to a media article about Florida Governor Charlie Crist's actions to spread SUNSHINE in the Sunshine state with an "Open Government Bill of Rights."
Shelby County is also spreading some sunshine with several proposals--one of which is to make the business packets that commissioners receive available online to the public.
Hamblen County should follow suit in making its business packets accessible online.
Commissioners in Hamblen County receive monthly committee and commission packets with information about finances, contracts, checks issued, appointments, civil service changes, budget status, school quarterly reports, budget amendments, trustee's reports, and on and on.
These packets could easily be made available online before the meetings. The technology to scan documents onto the Hamblen County website is available. The Hamblen County Court Clerk has recently scanned several years of county commission minutes onto the county website.
[Although the minutes are not in chronological order, some of the pages have been scanned upside down, and minutes of a few months have been left off, County Clerk Linda Wilder is to be congratulated for starting the process. The kinks need to be worked out, but the first steps have been taken.]
While serving as a commissioner, I pushed first for creation of the Hamblen County Government website and then for expanded use of the website to provide online access to public information.
The website needs to add a link now to provide easy public access to Hamblen Commission packets so that citizens can see and review the same information that commissioners receive before monthly committee and commission meetings.
Putting Hamblen Commission packets online would be another step in putting more "sunshine" in local government.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
November 18, 2007 Sen. Cooper Fined $120,000
Sen. Jerry Cooper (D-Morrison) dodged a bullet in his federal fraud trial; however, evidence presented in that trial was used to load another gun.
The other gun was "fired" by Drew Johnson, director of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. The bullet included the numerous campaign checks written by Cooper moving $95,000 from his re-election campaign account to his personal bank accounts.
Phil Williams of Channel 5 in Nashville does extensive investigative reporting and did another great job on this.
Early on, the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance knew about the testimony and the campaign finance violations, but the Registry refused to take any action against Cooper unless a private individual filed a formal complaint.
That's where the Director of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research stepped in. If you click on the TCRP link, above, there are several excellent articles about the November 14th fine and events leading up to it.
The evidence was solid---so solid that Cooper didn't even show up at the Registry hearing for the decision.
The other gun was "fired" by Drew Johnson, director of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. The bullet included the numerous campaign checks written by Cooper moving $95,000 from his re-election campaign account to his personal bank accounts.
Phil Williams of Channel 5 in Nashville does extensive investigative reporting and did another great job on this.
Early on, the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance knew about the testimony and the campaign finance violations, but the Registry refused to take any action against Cooper unless a private individual filed a formal complaint.
That's where the Director of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research stepped in. If you click on the TCRP link, above, there are several excellent articles about the November 14th fine and events leading up to it.
The evidence was solid---so solid that Cooper didn't even show up at the Registry hearing for the decision.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
November 7, 2007 City Councilman Mel Tucker Wants To Address ILLEGAL Immigration
At yesterday's city council meeting, Councilman Mel Tucker cited statistics showing the dramatic and often detrimental effect of illegal immigration on Morristown, Hamblen County, and across the nation.
Tucker then proposed that the council take four actions:
1. Draft a resolution to send to Senator Bob Corker, Senator Lamar Alexander, and Congressman David Davis requesting that ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) receive additional funding and do its job enforcing the federal immigration laws.
2. Draft a resolution to send to state Senator Steve Southerland and Representative John Litz asking that they push legislation in Tennessee similar to Oklahoma HB 1804. This recently enacted Oklahoma law prohibits the issuance of government ID's (such as licenses) to illegal immigrants; prohibits public assistance to illegal immigrants; makes it a felony for a U.S. citizen to transport, harbor, or employ illegal immigrants; and requires that illegal immigrants be detained without bond until deportation.
3. Authorize city attorney Dick Jessee to research the issue and advise council of all legal means available to identify and take action against illegal immigrants.
4. Fund Hamblen County Sheriff Jarnagin's expenses for 10 "deputies" to attend ICE certification training that is reserved only for those agencies, such as Hamblen County, that operate jails. Among those ten would be 5 Morristown Police Department officers who would be deputized by the Sheriff.
Tucker then proposed that the council take four actions:
1. Draft a resolution to send to Senator Bob Corker, Senator Lamar Alexander, and Congressman David Davis requesting that ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) receive additional funding and do its job enforcing the federal immigration laws.
2. Draft a resolution to send to state Senator Steve Southerland and Representative John Litz asking that they push legislation in Tennessee similar to Oklahoma HB 1804. This recently enacted Oklahoma law prohibits the issuance of government ID's (such as licenses) to illegal immigrants; prohibits public assistance to illegal immigrants; makes it a felony for a U.S. citizen to transport, harbor, or employ illegal immigrants; and requires that illegal immigrants be detained without bond until deportation.
3. Authorize city attorney Dick Jessee to research the issue and advise council of all legal means available to identify and take action against illegal immigrants.
4. Fund Hamblen County Sheriff Jarnagin's expenses for 10 "deputies" to attend ICE certification training that is reserved only for those agencies, such as Hamblen County, that operate jails. Among those ten would be 5 Morristown Police Department officers who would be deputized by the Sheriff.
November 6, 2007 The Hearing That Wasn't Heard
The Morristown City Council---after months and months of repeated postponements---belatedly scheduled the Koch Foods appeal hearing for 6:00 PM earlier tonight.
Three or four residents of the Roe Junction area that is most affected by sewer odors and overflows were already there when I arrived about 5:55 PM.
Shortly afterwards, the council adjourned, and the entire council left the room. We waited and waited and waited.
Then City Attorney Dick Jessee came out and motioned for the attorney for Koch Foods to come back with Jessee.
Finally, roughly around 6:40, the council came back to the meeting area with City Administrator Jim Crumley and City Attorney Dick Jessee.
The meeting came to order, and Jessee announced that there was an agreement between the parties. Mel Tucker made a motion to accept the agreement, and the vote was 6-0 to accept.
[Councilman Frank McGuffin had left earlier and didn't take part in the hearing]
Without admitting guilt, Koch Foods dropped its appeal, and the long-awaited appeal hearing was over.
Three or four residents of the Roe Junction area that is most affected by sewer odors and overflows were already there when I arrived about 5:55 PM.
Shortly afterwards, the council adjourned, and the entire council left the room. We waited and waited and waited.
Then City Attorney Dick Jessee came out and motioned for the attorney for Koch Foods to come back with Jessee.
Finally, roughly around 6:40, the council came back to the meeting area with City Administrator Jim Crumley and City Attorney Dick Jessee.
The meeting came to order, and Jessee announced that there was an agreement between the parties. Mel Tucker made a motion to accept the agreement, and the vote was 6-0 to accept.
[Councilman Frank McGuffin had left earlier and didn't take part in the hearing]
Without admitting guilt, Koch Foods dropped its appeal, and the long-awaited appeal hearing was over.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
November 5, 2007 Ted Mitchell Trial
Ted Ray Mitchell wanted to attend an anti-illegal immigration rally at the Hamblen County Courthouse on June 24, 2006.
He had an American flag with him---a flag that he wanted to wave on the Courthouse lawn.
MPD officers stopped Ted and told him that he couldn't take his American flag on the pole onto the Courthouse lawn. Ted objected, loudly. Ted was taken down to the ground by several MPD officers. He was tasered and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Today a jury found Ted Mitchell not guilty of resisting arrest but guilty of disorderly conduct for shouting and arguing with the officers over the flag.
He was fined $25 and given a 30-day sentence that was suspended.
Ted never got to the rally. Those who did attend the rally were greeted by an unbelievably massive presence of law enforcement.
The local criminal trial is over.
Still pending, however, is a civil lawsuit that Ted filed in federal court against the City of Morristown, Hamblen County, and several elected officials.
In his civil suit, Ted has also named the officers who arrested him, tasered him, and refused to let him take his American flag on an aluminum pole to an anti-illegal immigration rally on the Hamblen County Courthouse lawn.
He had an American flag with him---a flag that he wanted to wave on the Courthouse lawn.
MPD officers stopped Ted and told him that he couldn't take his American flag on the pole onto the Courthouse lawn. Ted objected, loudly. Ted was taken down to the ground by several MPD officers. He was tasered and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Today a jury found Ted Mitchell not guilty of resisting arrest but guilty of disorderly conduct for shouting and arguing with the officers over the flag.
He was fined $25 and given a 30-day sentence that was suspended.
Ted never got to the rally. Those who did attend the rally were greeted by an unbelievably massive presence of law enforcement.
The local criminal trial is over.
Still pending, however, is a civil lawsuit that Ted filed in federal court against the City of Morristown, Hamblen County, and several elected officials.
In his civil suit, Ted has also named the officers who arrested him, tasered him, and refused to let him take his American flag on an aluminum pole to an anti-illegal immigration rally on the Hamblen County Courthouse lawn.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
October 31, 2007 Local Government: If Tennessee's "Sunshine Laws" Are Gutted
How about private meetings of government officials where decisions are made without the public or press around and then a public meeting where the votes are taken to make the private, backroom deals "official"?
If city, county, and school board officials get their way in weakening Tennessee's Sunshine Laws (Open Meetings and Public Records Acts), private meetings could be coming to a local government near you.
The Memphis Commercial-Appeal recently ran an excellent editorial on this topic as did the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
If the Tennessee General Assembly does change the Open Meetings Act to allow officials to meet secretly and privately-- in groups of "less than a quorum"-- what would this mean locally?
MORRISTOWN CITY COUNCIL: Up to three members of the Morristown City Council--one less than a quorum--could meet together secretly or with local power/money interests to deliberate, swap votes, and do whatever they want to do in reaching an agreement on how to vote at the "public" meeting. When the "public" vote is later taken at a "public" meeting of the council, it will all be a sham because the decision will have already been made by small groups of council members who have met in the dark, in the backroom, outside of the public's view.
HAMBLEN COUNTY COMMISSION: Up to seven members of the Hamblen County Commission--one less than a quorum--could meet together secretly or with local power/money interests to deliberate, swap votes, and do whatever they want to do in reaching an agreement on how to vote at the "public" meeting. When the "public" hearing or "public" vote is later taken at a "public" meeting, it will all be a sham because the decision will have already been made by small groups of commissioners who have met in the dark, in the backroom, outside of the public's view.
HAMBLEN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD: Up to three members of the Hamblen County School Board---one less than a quorum---could meet together secretly or with local power/ money interests to deliberate, swap votes, and do whatever they want to do in reaching an agreement on how to vote at the "public" meeting. When the "public" vote is later taken at a "public" meeting, it will all be a sham because the decision will have already been made by board members who have met in the dark, in the backroom, outside of the public's view.
If they succeed in eliminating public oversight and ridding themselves of the disinfectant effect of Tennessee's Sunshine Laws, county commissioners, city council members, and school board members will jump at the opportunity to have secret meetings well before the "public" meeting---especially where important and controversial issues are concerned.
And if, by chance, a snag arises during the public meeting over a decision, the chairman can just ask for a short recess during which the officials can again meet in their little groups to have their "private" discussions about "public" business.
Why do local government officials want to gut the Open Meetings Act? The official line seems to be that government officials need freedom to deliberate in private so they can share information and get "special insight" into public business.
If city, county, and school board officials get their way in weakening Tennessee's Sunshine Laws (Open Meetings and Public Records Acts), private meetings could be coming to a local government near you.
The Memphis Commercial-Appeal recently ran an excellent editorial on this topic as did the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
If the Tennessee General Assembly does change the Open Meetings Act to allow officials to meet secretly and privately-- in groups of "less than a quorum"-- what would this mean locally?
MORRISTOWN CITY COUNCIL: Up to three members of the Morristown City Council--one less than a quorum--could meet together secretly or with local power/money interests to deliberate, swap votes, and do whatever they want to do in reaching an agreement on how to vote at the "public" meeting. When the "public" vote is later taken at a "public" meeting of the council, it will all be a sham because the decision will have already been made by small groups of council members who have met in the dark, in the backroom, outside of the public's view.
HAMBLEN COUNTY COMMISSION: Up to seven members of the Hamblen County Commission--one less than a quorum--could meet together secretly or with local power/money interests to deliberate, swap votes, and do whatever they want to do in reaching an agreement on how to vote at the "public" meeting. When the "public" hearing or "public" vote is later taken at a "public" meeting, it will all be a sham because the decision will have already been made by small groups of commissioners who have met in the dark, in the backroom, outside of the public's view.
HAMBLEN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD: Up to three members of the Hamblen County School Board---one less than a quorum---could meet together secretly or with local power/ money interests to deliberate, swap votes, and do whatever they want to do in reaching an agreement on how to vote at the "public" meeting. When the "public" vote is later taken at a "public" meeting, it will all be a sham because the decision will have already been made by board members who have met in the dark, in the backroom, outside of the public's view.
If they succeed in eliminating public oversight and ridding themselves of the disinfectant effect of Tennessee's Sunshine Laws, county commissioners, city council members, and school board members will jump at the opportunity to have secret meetings well before the "public" meeting---especially where important and controversial issues are concerned.
And if, by chance, a snag arises during the public meeting over a decision, the chairman can just ask for a short recess during which the officials can again meet in their little groups to have their "private" discussions about "public" business.
Why do local government officials want to gut the Open Meetings Act? The official line seems to be that government officials need freedom to deliberate in private so they can share information and get "special insight" into public business.
If local government officials think that secret, private meetings are good, why not just have one big private meeting of ALL commissioners, city councilmen, school board members. Now, THAT would really maximize insight and efficiency at the later public meeting!!!
It is obvious that local government officials simply aren't interested in open and accountable government and that they view public participation and comments as a nuisance. Local government officials want Tennessee's Open Meetings Act changed so they can have special private meetings where the decisions are made and then have a public meeting where the votes are taken to make the backroom deal "official."
Quick and efficient. Yes. Open, accountable, and ethical. No.
Monday, October 29, 2007
October 28, 2007 Local Government Officials Want To Gut Sunshine Laws
A state legislative study subcommittee has decided to recommend that political backroom deal-making and secret meetings of local legislative officials be made legal.
If the full committee and later the General Assembly adopts the subcommittee proposal, local public meetings will be a sham, a shame, and nothing more than a "public" vote/rubber stamp of whatever the local officials have already decided during their private deliberations and secret dealmaking.
The "Open Meetings" subcommittee wants to allow groups of county commissioners, groups of city council members, and groups of school board members to meet in secret (or with the rich and powerful) to deliberate and decide public issues---just as long as the secret meeting involves less than a quorum of the members of the whole body.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel has a good editorial 'Sun' burn sends officials scurrying.
The Tennessean offers its opinion Bolster, don't soften, open meetings law.
The Memphis Commercial Appeal recalls the history behind Tennessee's Open Meetings Act and labels as "hogwash" Memphis state representative Ulysses Jones' public excuse for wanting to allow secret meetings. The C-A has another biting editorial on Redefining 'open' meetings.
If the nightmarish proposal of the subcommittee is adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly, local government officials will be ecstatic and the public will be left in the dark!
You can bet that local government officials will happily revert to the "good old days" when the good old boys and girls had the meeting before the meeting without the pesky public or press (newspaper, radio, TV) around to ask questions.
The subcommittee's proposal is a real step backward for open government. It will dash whatever hope and possibility existed for accountable and ethical local government.
The proposal will give county commissioners, city council members, and school boards state approval to make decisions on both routine and controversial issues in "secret" small group meetings and then come out in "public" only when it's time to vote.
If the full committee and later the General Assembly adopts the subcommittee proposal, local public meetings will be a sham, a shame, and nothing more than a "public" vote/rubber stamp of whatever the local officials have already decided during their private deliberations and secret dealmaking.
The "Open Meetings" subcommittee wants to allow groups of county commissioners, groups of city council members, and groups of school board members to meet in secret (or with the rich and powerful) to deliberate and decide public issues---just as long as the secret meeting involves less than a quorum of the members of the whole body.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel has a good editorial 'Sun' burn sends officials scurrying.
The Tennessean offers its opinion Bolster, don't soften, open meetings law.
The Memphis Commercial Appeal recalls the history behind Tennessee's Open Meetings Act and labels as "hogwash" Memphis state representative Ulysses Jones' public excuse for wanting to allow secret meetings. The C-A has another biting editorial on Redefining 'open' meetings.
If the nightmarish proposal of the subcommittee is adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly, local government officials will be ecstatic and the public will be left in the dark!
You can bet that local government officials will happily revert to the "good old days" when the good old boys and girls had the meeting before the meeting without the pesky public or press (newspaper, radio, TV) around to ask questions.
The subcommittee's proposal is a real step backward for open government. It will dash whatever hope and possibility existed for accountable and ethical local government.
The proposal will give county commissioners, city council members, and school boards state approval to make decisions on both routine and controversial issues in "secret" small group meetings and then come out in "public" only when it's time to vote.
Friday, October 19, 2007
October 19, 2007 Macbeth/MacCollins: "Out D**n Button"
The Hamblen County Commission met last night.
The Tribune photographer took a picture of three local high school students receiving a "Give Kids Good Schools" resolution.
Almost all the votes were 13-0, but there was one 12-1 vote when Larry Baker cast a dissenting vote in opposition to adoption of an "International Building Code" which he sees as an added layer of bureaucracy and expense for home builders and home buyers.
And there was one 11-0-2 vote when a capital plan was adopted with Joe Swann and Frank Parker abstaining due to conflicts of interest.
The really interesting part of the meeting--and just about the only true time of discussion--came toward the end of the meeting.
The quote of the day goes to Commissioner Guy Collins. Guy wanted to speak on one of the agenda items but was told by Chairman Ford that he had to press his "speaking" button before he could continue.
Guy, who has been a county commissioner longer than several of the other commissioners have been alive, kept trying to hit his "speak" button but finally blurted out that he didn't care about that d**n button. Lady Macbeth, no doubt, would have appreciated Guy MacCollins frustration!
[The new voting system that has been instituted by Chairman Ford requires that commissioners who want to speak must hit a "speak" button and then be recognized before making any comments. ]
If Guy's Macbeth remark was the highlight of the meeting, the lowlight came shortly after during discussion of staffing and title changes in the sheriff's department. After listening to commissioners, a citizen (Bonnie Oakberg) raised her hand and asked if she could ask a question.
Chairman Ford lashed out with a clear "no," and in his brief explanation, Ford told Ms. Oakberg that she should have talked to commission at the beginning of the meeting if she had anything to say. Ms. Oakberg then said that she had just thought of something that she wanted to ask.
Ms. Oakberg added that the previous commission used to allow the public to comment when items came up for discussion. [She's right. I was on that commission and was extremely proud of our policy of openness and our willingness to listen to public input.]
With an "I'm important. You're not" attitude, Chairman Ford let Ms. Oakberg know that she would not be allowed to ask a question. Ms. Oakberg left the meeting.
At the end, Commissioner Nancy Phillips asked for a moment to make a statement. She turned to Commissioner Joe Swann and said that she didn't want to get into a fight with anyone, but she did want to say that she thinks that the public should be allowed to speak if they have a question that comes up after the public comments portion of the meeting.
Joe Swann, agreeing with Chairman Ford's heavy-handed tactics, said if the public was allowed to speak there would be "chaos." Apparently, Swann's definition of "chaos" is the public speaking and the commission taking the time to listen.
Then he told Ms. Phillips that the previous commission had been "chaotic." Swann's definition of "chaotic"? Probably commissioners who ask questions, who try to control spending, and who think that higher taxes and spiraling debt pass an overwhelming financial burden on to our children.
Commissioner Phillips took exception to Swann's remarks and replied that there had never been chaos.
Commissioner Tommy Massey who ran unopposed for the seat that I vacated said that he liked the current (Stancil Ford) process and the way the meetings were handled.
Commissioner Baker spoke up in support of Commissioner Phillips.
The meeting was quickly adjourned by Chairman Ford.
I hear from sources that Commissioner Joe Spoone and perhaps another commissioner told Phillips after the meeting that they supported her position on letting the public ask questions during discussion of issues.
The previous commission allowed open, but not unlimited, discussion. Often very good ideas and suggestions were brought up by citizens in the audience. As Commissioner Phillips was heard to say after last night's meeting, citizens have good ideas, too!
Obviously, commissioners make the final decision, but that doesn't mean that the public should be ignored or insulted as Ms. Oakberg was simply because she politely requested permission to ask a question.
I heard one person say last night that Stancil Ford must still think he's in the Tennessee House of Representatives and that he's been reincarnated as iron-fisted Speaker of the House Democrat Jimmy Naifeh.
Ford barks at commissioners and at the public. And to make sure that he can get out of there in 30 minutes, he runs through the agenda like it's a race... with no time to listen to questions that might arise from the public during the meeting.
The Tribune photographer took a picture of three local high school students receiving a "Give Kids Good Schools" resolution.
Almost all the votes were 13-0, but there was one 12-1 vote when Larry Baker cast a dissenting vote in opposition to adoption of an "International Building Code" which he sees as an added layer of bureaucracy and expense for home builders and home buyers.
And there was one 11-0-2 vote when a capital plan was adopted with Joe Swann and Frank Parker abstaining due to conflicts of interest.
The really interesting part of the meeting--and just about the only true time of discussion--came toward the end of the meeting.
The quote of the day goes to Commissioner Guy Collins. Guy wanted to speak on one of the agenda items but was told by Chairman Ford that he had to press his "speaking" button before he could continue.
Guy, who has been a county commissioner longer than several of the other commissioners have been alive, kept trying to hit his "speak" button but finally blurted out that he didn't care about that d**n button. Lady Macbeth, no doubt, would have appreciated Guy MacCollins frustration!
[The new voting system that has been instituted by Chairman Ford requires that commissioners who want to speak must hit a "speak" button and then be recognized before making any comments. ]
If Guy's Macbeth remark was the highlight of the meeting, the lowlight came shortly after during discussion of staffing and title changes in the sheriff's department. After listening to commissioners, a citizen (Bonnie Oakberg) raised her hand and asked if she could ask a question.
Chairman Ford lashed out with a clear "no," and in his brief explanation, Ford told Ms. Oakberg that she should have talked to commission at the beginning of the meeting if she had anything to say. Ms. Oakberg then said that she had just thought of something that she wanted to ask.
Ms. Oakberg added that the previous commission used to allow the public to comment when items came up for discussion. [She's right. I was on that commission and was extremely proud of our policy of openness and our willingness to listen to public input.]
With an "I'm important. You're not" attitude, Chairman Ford let Ms. Oakberg know that she would not be allowed to ask a question. Ms. Oakberg left the meeting.
At the end, Commissioner Nancy Phillips asked for a moment to make a statement. She turned to Commissioner Joe Swann and said that she didn't want to get into a fight with anyone, but she did want to say that she thinks that the public should be allowed to speak if they have a question that comes up after the public comments portion of the meeting.
Joe Swann, agreeing with Chairman Ford's heavy-handed tactics, said if the public was allowed to speak there would be "chaos." Apparently, Swann's definition of "chaos" is the public speaking and the commission taking the time to listen.
Then he told Ms. Phillips that the previous commission had been "chaotic." Swann's definition of "chaotic"? Probably commissioners who ask questions, who try to control spending, and who think that higher taxes and spiraling debt pass an overwhelming financial burden on to our children.
Commissioner Phillips took exception to Swann's remarks and replied that there had never been chaos.
Commissioner Tommy Massey who ran unopposed for the seat that I vacated said that he liked the current (Stancil Ford) process and the way the meetings were handled.
Commissioner Baker spoke up in support of Commissioner Phillips.
The meeting was quickly adjourned by Chairman Ford.
I hear from sources that Commissioner Joe Spoone and perhaps another commissioner told Phillips after the meeting that they supported her position on letting the public ask questions during discussion of issues.
The previous commission allowed open, but not unlimited, discussion. Often very good ideas and suggestions were brought up by citizens in the audience. As Commissioner Phillips was heard to say after last night's meeting, citizens have good ideas, too!
Obviously, commissioners make the final decision, but that doesn't mean that the public should be ignored or insulted as Ms. Oakberg was simply because she politely requested permission to ask a question.
I heard one person say last night that Stancil Ford must still think he's in the Tennessee House of Representatives and that he's been reincarnated as iron-fisted Speaker of the House Democrat Jimmy Naifeh.
Ford barks at commissioners and at the public. And to make sure that he can get out of there in 30 minutes, he runs through the agenda like it's a race... with no time to listen to questions that might arise from the public during the meeting.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
October 3, 2007 Knox Sunshine Verdict: 12-0 For the People
Twelve jurors gave a BIG victory to Tennessee citizens and to open government advocates yesterday. The plaintiffs in court were the Knoxville News-Sentinel and nine citizens. The defendant was the Knox County Commission.
At issue in the trial was Tennessee's Open Meetings Act which states in part: "...the policy of this state [is] that the formation of public policy and decisions is public business and shall not be conducted in secret." TCA 8-44-101.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel and the nine citizens sued Knox County Commissioners for violations of Tennessee's Open Meetings Act (TOMA) in a January 31, 2007, special meeting of the Commission and in actions and conduct prior to that meeting. At the meeting, commissioners appointed 8 new commissioners and 4 new countywide officials (trustee, county clerk, sheriff, and register of deeds) to replace the officials then in office.
Why were 12 officials suddenly being replaced? These 12 officials were term-limited by a Knox County Charter provision that had been approved by Knox County voters in 1994 but that been ignored for 12 years.
When a 2006 Knox case involving term-limited officials reached the Tennessee Supreme Court, the Court issued a ruling in January 2007 that the term limit provisions of the Knox charter were valid and that the 12 officials who were then holding office were in fact term-limited and should be removed from office and replaced.
Yesterday, 12 citizens said that Knox County Commissioners violated both the letter of Tennessee's Open Meetings Law as well as the spirit of the law during the process of appointing replacements for the term-limited officials.
The jurors decided that numerous violations of the law occurred during private meetings of commissioners that took place during numerous recesses at the January 31, 2007, meeting and that other violations occurred during private meetings and deliberations that took place prior to the January 31 meeting.
The ball is in the Chancellor's court now (pun intended). Chancellor Fansler will fashion a remedy for what happened. He has wide latitude in this regard, and you can be sure that Knox County and other public bodies and citizens across the state are watching with deep interest.
Some of the options he has are (1) Order a re-do of the meeting to make the appointments in an open meeting with all deliberations made publicly; (2) issue an injunction that prohibits future "Sunshine" violations and requires that commission report on its compliance to the court.
In a very complex case, each of these options raises its own unique set of issues.
If a "re-do" is ordered, are the eight old term-limited commissioners brought back to vote again on the appointments? Will the re-do really be a new and open consideration of all interested individuals or will it just be a rubber-stamp appointment of the same people again?
If Fansler orders a re-do, will Josh Jordan, son of term-limited commissioner Diane Jordan and himself a former drug-dealer, again be appointed to replace his mother? Will Sharon Cawood, wife of term-limited commissioner Mark Cawood, again be appointed to replace her husband? Will Chuck Bolus, who testified under oath that he suddenly decided to be sworn in early on January 31 but has no recollection at all of how an oath of office suddenly and miraculously appeared in his hand that day, be appointed again?
At issue in the trial was Tennessee's Open Meetings Act which states in part: "...the policy of this state [is] that the formation of public policy and decisions is public business and shall not be conducted in secret." TCA 8-44-101.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel and the nine citizens sued Knox County Commissioners for violations of Tennessee's Open Meetings Act (TOMA) in a January 31, 2007, special meeting of the Commission and in actions and conduct prior to that meeting. At the meeting, commissioners appointed 8 new commissioners and 4 new countywide officials (trustee, county clerk, sheriff, and register of deeds) to replace the officials then in office.
Why were 12 officials suddenly being replaced? These 12 officials were term-limited by a Knox County Charter provision that had been approved by Knox County voters in 1994 but that been ignored for 12 years.
When a 2006 Knox case involving term-limited officials reached the Tennessee Supreme Court, the Court issued a ruling in January 2007 that the term limit provisions of the Knox charter were valid and that the 12 officials who were then holding office were in fact term-limited and should be removed from office and replaced.
Yesterday, 12 citizens said that Knox County Commissioners violated both the letter of Tennessee's Open Meetings Law as well as the spirit of the law during the process of appointing replacements for the term-limited officials.
The jurors decided that numerous violations of the law occurred during private meetings of commissioners that took place during numerous recesses at the January 31, 2007, meeting and that other violations occurred during private meetings and deliberations that took place prior to the January 31 meeting.
The ball is in the Chancellor's court now (pun intended). Chancellor Fansler will fashion a remedy for what happened. He has wide latitude in this regard, and you can be sure that Knox County and other public bodies and citizens across the state are watching with deep interest.
Some of the options he has are (1) Order a re-do of the meeting to make the appointments in an open meeting with all deliberations made publicly; (2) issue an injunction that prohibits future "Sunshine" violations and requires that commission report on its compliance to the court.
In a very complex case, each of these options raises its own unique set of issues.
If a "re-do" is ordered, are the eight old term-limited commissioners brought back to vote again on the appointments? Will the re-do really be a new and open consideration of all interested individuals or will it just be a rubber-stamp appointment of the same people again?
If Fansler orders a re-do, will Josh Jordan, son of term-limited commissioner Diane Jordan and himself a former drug-dealer, again be appointed to replace his mother? Will Sharon Cawood, wife of term-limited commissioner Mark Cawood, again be appointed to replace her husband? Will Chuck Bolus, who testified under oath that he suddenly decided to be sworn in early on January 31 but has no recollection at all of how an oath of office suddenly and miraculously appeared in his hand that day, be appointed again?
I am very pleased with the verdict. The News-Sentinel and the nine citizens have given their time and have spent considerable sums of money to clarify the Sunshine Law and to support open and accountable government in Knox County.
The Tennessee Coalition for Open Government has praised the decision while recognizing that Tennessee's Sunshine Laws (Open Meetings law and Open Records law) are not very strong.
The Coalition, of which the News-Sentinel is a member, wants to strengthen these laws when the Tennessee General Assembly meets in 2008. However, the Coalition's efforts are being opposed by city and county officials and by organizations that represent city and county officials.
These city and county officials and their member associations want to weaken Tennessee's Sunshine laws by providing for more "exceptions" that would prevent citizen access to public records and that would allow officials to meet privately in groups and reach agreements prior to public discussion and sometimes even prior to the public's awareness that a topic is under consideration (the "meeting before the meeting").
If city and county officials get their way in weakening the Sunshine Laws, then the Tennessee General Assembly will need to re-write the introduction to the Open Meetings Act as follows: "...the policy of this state [is] that the formation of public policy and decisions is NONE OF THE PUBLIC'S BUSINESS AND IS TO BE CONDUCTED IN SECRET."
Friday, September 28, 2007
September 28, 2007 Big Brother Watches Smokers
As mentioned in a September 22 post, the Tennessee Department of Revenue is watching you...especially if you dare to cross the state line and buy more than two cartons of cigarettes!
A News-Sentinel article by Tom Humphreys has garnered a huge number of online responses. The Drudge Report even links to Humphreys article.
A News-Sentinel article by Tom Humphreys has garnered a huge number of online responses. The Drudge Report even links to Humphreys article.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
September 26, 2007 Cluck! Cluck! Incoming Anonymous Comments
It's amusing to read comments to this blog from those who cluck and scratch and hide like a chicken behind the name "anonymous."
I just received another incoming anonymous comment yesterday that didn't make a lot of sense, but since this anonymous person is clucking and is a very devoted reader of my blog, I thought I might take a few minutes to remark on his/her confused comment.
The anonymous comment arrived in response to my blog post about the Tennessee Revenue Commissioner's plans to go across the state line to check on Tennesseans who are buying more than two cartons of cigarettes in neighboring states and then sneaking back into Tennessee---all to avoid the new and much higher Tennessee cigarette tax.
Anonymous complains that I copied a story from a newspaper and that I used the word "recent" to refer to a development that he says is months old. Then anonymous adds that I "criticized the local newspaper for not allowing comments, never mentioning the fact that you allow no comments on your web post."
Actually, anonymous, I linked to a fellow blogger who had commented on the cigarette tax. Then I linked to a newspaper article discussing the "recent" (September 7) Court of Appeals opinion declaring Tennessee's "crack tax" illegal.
If you want to complain that "recent" couldn't possibly describe a court decision from September 7, carry on with your silly point, whatever it is.
As for my "criticism" of the local paper, grow up. In my opinion, the paper should leave its articles online and available like most major newspapers do instead of posting them for a few days and then they're gone.
As for the statement that I don't allow comments on my web post, listen and I'll explain it one more time.
I post comments that come from individuals who put their name to the comment. I started this policy many months ago in response to profane and crude remarks.
If you want to submit a comment to my blog post, my policy on comments is just like the local paper's policy of requiring an ID from people who submit a letter to the editor.
I allow comments. You just have to be man or woman enough to put your name to it if you want your comment posted.
If you want to see your comment on my blog, be brave, be courageous, and come out of that anonymous closet and sign your name.
I just received another incoming anonymous comment yesterday that didn't make a lot of sense, but since this anonymous person is clucking and is a very devoted reader of my blog, I thought I might take a few minutes to remark on his/her confused comment.
The anonymous comment arrived in response to my blog post about the Tennessee Revenue Commissioner's plans to go across the state line to check on Tennesseans who are buying more than two cartons of cigarettes in neighboring states and then sneaking back into Tennessee---all to avoid the new and much higher Tennessee cigarette tax.
Anonymous complains that I copied a story from a newspaper and that I used the word "recent" to refer to a development that he says is months old. Then anonymous adds that I "criticized the local newspaper for not allowing comments, never mentioning the fact that you allow no comments on your web post."
Actually, anonymous, I linked to a fellow blogger who had commented on the cigarette tax. Then I linked to a newspaper article discussing the "recent" (September 7) Court of Appeals opinion declaring Tennessee's "crack tax" illegal.
If you want to complain that "recent" couldn't possibly describe a court decision from September 7, carry on with your silly point, whatever it is.
As for my "criticism" of the local paper, grow up. In my opinion, the paper should leave its articles online and available like most major newspapers do instead of posting them for a few days and then they're gone.
As for the statement that I don't allow comments on my web post, listen and I'll explain it one more time.
I post comments that come from individuals who put their name to the comment. I started this policy many months ago in response to profane and crude remarks.
If you want to submit a comment to my blog post, my policy on comments is just like the local paper's policy of requiring an ID from people who submit a letter to the editor.
I allow comments. You just have to be man or woman enough to put your name to it if you want your comment posted.
If you want to see your comment on my blog, be brave, be courageous, and come out of that anonymous closet and sign your name.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
September 22, 2007 Tennessee Revenue Commissioner Is Watching Smokers!
A tip of the hat to Terry Frank for her article on how Tennessee's Revenue Commissioner is going to check on Tennesseans who cross state lines to purchase cigarettes.
Shame on these people! Don't they know that they need to purchase their cigarettes in Tennessee and pay the big taxes in Tennessee because it's all "for the children."
Poor Tennessee. In addition to the problems in collecting higher cigarette taxes, the Tennessee Court of Appeals just recently ruled that Tennessee's "crack tax" is illegal!
The so-called "crack tax" required people possessing illegal drugs to buy tax stamps and assured them that if they would fork over the tax on the illegal drugs, one arm of government (revenue) would not tell another arm of government (law enforcement) about the illegal substance.
The ruling by the Court of Appeals came in a lawsuit filed by Steve Waters who was arrested in 2005 for selling about 1,000 grams of cocaine to an undercover officer for $12,000.
A few days later, the state Department of Revenue found out that Mr. Waters had illegal drugs in his possession but had failed to be a good boy who voluntarily paid his "crack tax."
The solution? The Department of Revenue promptly sent Mr. Waters a bill for $55,316.84 in taxes and penalties under the “unauthorized substances tax”!
I am not in favor of smoking or possession or use of illegal drugs.
But the "crack tax" always seemed absurd. It implied that we (Tennessee/Tennessee Revenue Department) don't really care if you have illegal drugs as long as we get our taxes.
UPDATE: An interesting link to a story on cigarette tax collections can be found at the Tennessean. (The comments are worth a read, too. The Tennessean and the News-Sentinel both allow online comments of their stories. It would be really nice if the local Citizen-Tribune allowed comments, but unfortunately, the Tribune doesn't allow comments and only leaves its articles up for a short time)
Shame on these people! Don't they know that they need to purchase their cigarettes in Tennessee and pay the big taxes in Tennessee because it's all "for the children."
Poor Tennessee. In addition to the problems in collecting higher cigarette taxes, the Tennessee Court of Appeals just recently ruled that Tennessee's "crack tax" is illegal!
The so-called "crack tax" required people possessing illegal drugs to buy tax stamps and assured them that if they would fork over the tax on the illegal drugs, one arm of government (revenue) would not tell another arm of government (law enforcement) about the illegal substance.
The ruling by the Court of Appeals came in a lawsuit filed by Steve Waters who was arrested in 2005 for selling about 1,000 grams of cocaine to an undercover officer for $12,000.
A few days later, the state Department of Revenue found out that Mr. Waters had illegal drugs in his possession but had failed to be a good boy who voluntarily paid his "crack tax."
The solution? The Department of Revenue promptly sent Mr. Waters a bill for $55,316.84 in taxes and penalties under the “unauthorized substances tax”!
I am not in favor of smoking or possession or use of illegal drugs.
But the "crack tax" always seemed absurd. It implied that we (Tennessee/Tennessee Revenue Department) don't really care if you have illegal drugs as long as we get our taxes.
UPDATE: An interesting link to a story on cigarette tax collections can be found at the Tennessean. (The comments are worth a read, too. The Tennessean and the News-Sentinel both allow online comments of their stories. It would be really nice if the local Citizen-Tribune allowed comments, but unfortunately, the Tribune doesn't allow comments and only leaves its articles up for a short time)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September 11 The World Changes
Thursday, September 06, 2007
September 6, 2007 Civil Service Board Reverses Itself: Sheriff Esco Jarnagin Was Right
The Hamblen County Civil Service Board met yesterday at 4:30 to "re-do" its previous hearing regarding Sheriff Esco Jarnagin's refusal to promote Jailer Lynn Wolfe to a road officer.
At its prior meeting, the Board had voted 2-1 to "order" Sheriff Esco Jarnagin to promote Wolfe. "Ordering" the promotion were Chairman Joel Seal and Brett Kilgore (who ran an ad supporting former Sheriff Otto Purkey in 2006 and stating that Kilgore would prepare to run for Sheriff in 2010) . Voting "no" was J. C. Wilson.
The prior meeting was determined to have been illegal, resulting in yesterday's re-do.
At the conclusion of yesterday's meeting, the Board in a 2-1 vote (Seal and Kilgore "yes"; Wilson "no") passed a resolution that now admits that Sheriff Jarnagin does not have to promote Lynn Wolfe.
Seal and Kilgore apparently added more to the resolution as they tried to cover for their prior error in ordering the Sheriff to promote Wolfe, but I'll wait to report on that until I see the actual wording of the resolution.
For those who have forgotten, Lynn Wolfe was a Detective under former Sheriff Otto Purkey. After attending a party, he totalled a taxpayer-owned cruiser in a one-vehicle crash.
Wolfe's blood alcohol level at the time of the wreck was reportedly more than twice the level for DUI.
Wolfe was fined, allowed to resign, given a severance package by County Mayor David Purkey, and ordered to provide restitution to the county in the amount of $6,250 cash or by community service.
Wolfe chose to do over 1,040 hours of community service work to "pay" for the vehicle. And where did he do his community service work? He "worked" for his father's (Harold Wolfe) County Maintenance Department.
Much more to come. 911 tapes. Conflicts of interest. Nepotism and family ties that are never mentioned in news reports.
At its prior meeting, the Board had voted 2-1 to "order" Sheriff Esco Jarnagin to promote Wolfe. "Ordering" the promotion were Chairman Joel Seal and Brett Kilgore (who ran an ad supporting former Sheriff Otto Purkey in 2006 and stating that Kilgore would prepare to run for Sheriff in 2010) . Voting "no" was J. C. Wilson.
The prior meeting was determined to have been illegal, resulting in yesterday's re-do.
At the conclusion of yesterday's meeting, the Board in a 2-1 vote (Seal and Kilgore "yes"; Wilson "no") passed a resolution that now admits that Sheriff Jarnagin does not have to promote Lynn Wolfe.
Seal and Kilgore apparently added more to the resolution as they tried to cover for their prior error in ordering the Sheriff to promote Wolfe, but I'll wait to report on that until I see the actual wording of the resolution.
For those who have forgotten, Lynn Wolfe was a Detective under former Sheriff Otto Purkey. After attending a party, he totalled a taxpayer-owned cruiser in a one-vehicle crash.
Wolfe's blood alcohol level at the time of the wreck was reportedly more than twice the level for DUI.
Wolfe was fined, allowed to resign, given a severance package by County Mayor David Purkey, and ordered to provide restitution to the county in the amount of $6,250 cash or by community service.
Wolfe chose to do over 1,040 hours of community service work to "pay" for the vehicle. And where did he do his community service work? He "worked" for his father's (Harold Wolfe) County Maintenance Department.
Much more to come. 911 tapes. Conflicts of interest. Nepotism and family ties that are never mentioned in news reports.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
August 30, 2007 (Former) Sen. Ward Crutchfield Loses Law License
78-year old (former) Tennessee State Senator Ward Crutchfield of Chattanooga has been disbarred by the Tennessee Supreme Court as a result of his guilty plea in the FBI Tennessee Waltz sting operation.
Crutchfield served in the Tennessee General Assembly for 31 years before being caught on tape taking a bribe to help a fictitious company (E-cycle) set up operations in Tennessee.
Crutchfield vigorously proclaimed his innocence and continued to serve in the Tennessee Senate for nearly two years after he was charged.
On the eve of his July 16 trial date, he agreed to a plea deal with the prosecutors.
Crutchfield served in the Tennessee General Assembly for 31 years before being caught on tape taking a bribe to help a fictitious company (E-cycle) set up operations in Tennessee.
Crutchfield vigorously proclaimed his innocence and continued to serve in the Tennessee Senate for nearly two years after he was charged.
On the eve of his July 16 trial date, he agreed to a plea deal with the prosecutors.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
August 28, 2007 (Senator) Ford Gets 5-1/2 Years
Judge Daniel Breen sentenced flamboyant, arrogant, and bribe-taking former Tennessee State Senator John Ford to 5-1/2 years in prison.
Ford--like several other Tennessee legislators and local politicians--was caught red-handed on tape taking bribes in the FBI Tennessee Waltz sting operation.
Ford initially denied the charges but is now very sorry and takes "full responsibility" for his acts.
Ford--like several other Tennessee legislators and local politicians--was caught red-handed on tape taking bribes in the FBI Tennessee Waltz sting operation.
Ford initially denied the charges but is now very sorry and takes "full responsibility" for his acts.
August 27, 2007 (Former) Sen. John Ford: "I Talk Too Much"
At his Tennessee Waltz sentencing hearing today, the once-proud and always boastful former Tennessee State Senator John Ford wiped a tear away as he said of himself, "I talk too much."
At trial, FBI audio and videotapes showed Ford talking too much and peddling his influence to the highest bidder. The tapes told the story, and Ford was convicted of bribery.
At today's sentencing hearing, Ford's attorney paraded numerous character witnesses to the stand to tell what a wonderful person Ford really is.
And, of course, the judge is being told how much "good" Ford did in the legislature. Sure, he did lots of good---for the highest briber. Oops, I mean bidder.
Now Ford--who knew all along that the charges were true and that he had taken bribes--has seen the light and is begging for mercy.
Despite knowing all along that the charges were true, he was never sorry or begging for mercy before the trial started.
Despite knowing all along that the charges were true, he was never sorry or begging for mercy before the audio and videotapes started to play.
Ford's pleas for mercy and acceptance of responsibility might seem almost genuine if they hadn't come only AFTER he was convicted.
At trial, FBI audio and videotapes showed Ford talking too much and peddling his influence to the highest bidder. The tapes told the story, and Ford was convicted of bribery.
At today's sentencing hearing, Ford's attorney paraded numerous character witnesses to the stand to tell what a wonderful person Ford really is.
And, of course, the judge is being told how much "good" Ford did in the legislature. Sure, he did lots of good---for the highest briber. Oops, I mean bidder.
Now Ford--who knew all along that the charges were true and that he had taken bribes--has seen the light and is begging for mercy.
Despite knowing all along that the charges were true, he was never sorry or begging for mercy before the trial started.
Despite knowing all along that the charges were true, he was never sorry or begging for mercy before the audio and videotapes started to play.
Ford's pleas for mercy and acceptance of responsibility might seem almost genuine if they hadn't come only AFTER he was convicted.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
August 16, 2007 Morristown: Little League Softball Champs!
A very talented team from Morristown reigns today as Little League Softball Champions!
Last night, the young ladies from Morristown and their Texas opponents put on a real show for viewers in the Little League World Series.
It was nip-and-tuck all evening long in Portland, Oregon, but the Morristown team came out ahead 3-2.
Don't be surprised if some of the players from these teams end up playing at the collegiate level---TENNESSEE LADY VOLS SOFTBALL!?!
Congratulations to the Softball All-Stars from Morristown, Tennessee!
Last night, the young ladies from Morristown and their Texas opponents put on a real show for viewers in the Little League World Series.
It was nip-and-tuck all evening long in Portland, Oregon, but the Morristown team came out ahead 3-2.
Don't be surprised if some of the players from these teams end up playing at the collegiate level---TENNESSEE LADY VOLS SOFTBALL!?!
Congratulations to the Softball All-Stars from Morristown, Tennessee!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
August 11, 2007 Rep. Campfield Tells It Like It Is
State Rep. Stacey Campfield was the keynote speaker at a T-FIRE educational forum today at the VFW.
Campfield spoke to a group of about 60 interested citizens about illegal immigration and what the state has and has not done to address this problem.
One young lady drove over two hours on this hot, Saturday morning to hear Rep. Campfield. She left impressed as did most of the audience.
A fellow blogger David Oatney came from White Pine to hear Stacey. Knowing that David is a personal friend of Stacey, I e-mailed David late last night about Stacey's appearance
When David read my e-mail this morning, he called and said he would love to come but that he was "carless" since his wife Nicole had just left.
No problem. I picked David up and then we met Stacey at the Cracker Barrel to lead our guest speaker to the VFW.
I read David's and Stacey's blogs and felt like I already knew them, but it was very special to get the chance to meet both of them in person today.
T-FIRE stands for Tennesseans for Immigration Reform and Education.
T-FIRE is opposed to amnesty for illegal aliens and wants our borders secured.
Fabian Story, president of T-FIRE, outlined the actions that T-FIRE has taken to communicate its position on illegal immigration to elected officials (faxes, letters, phone calls, personal contact, and e-mails).
Other actions have included efforts to educate the public about the costs of illegal immigration. Several handouts with information were provided at the meeting.
Stacey is a very good communicator who tackles issues head-on. He is one of just a very few Tennessee legislators with an online blog. His blog is a real no-spin zone!
Whether the topic is immigration or taxes or wasteful government spending, Stacey tells it like it is.
Campfield spoke to a group of about 60 interested citizens about illegal immigration and what the state has and has not done to address this problem.
One young lady drove over two hours on this hot, Saturday morning to hear Rep. Campfield. She left impressed as did most of the audience.
A fellow blogger David Oatney came from White Pine to hear Stacey. Knowing that David is a personal friend of Stacey, I e-mailed David late last night about Stacey's appearance
When David read my e-mail this morning, he called and said he would love to come but that he was "carless" since his wife Nicole had just left.
No problem. I picked David up and then we met Stacey at the Cracker Barrel to lead our guest speaker to the VFW.
I read David's and Stacey's blogs and felt like I already knew them, but it was very special to get the chance to meet both of them in person today.
T-FIRE stands for Tennesseans for Immigration Reform and Education.
T-FIRE is opposed to amnesty for illegal aliens and wants our borders secured.
Fabian Story, president of T-FIRE, outlined the actions that T-FIRE has taken to communicate its position on illegal immigration to elected officials (faxes, letters, phone calls, personal contact, and e-mails).
Other actions have included efforts to educate the public about the costs of illegal immigration. Several handouts with information were provided at the meeting.
Stacey is a very good communicator who tackles issues head-on. He is one of just a very few Tennessee legislators with an online blog. His blog is a real no-spin zone!
Whether the topic is immigration or taxes or wasteful government spending, Stacey tells it like it is.
August 10, 2007 Rep. Stacey Campfield Comes to Morristown
My computer has been zapped. These computer problems and a heavy workload have kept me from posting as I would like.
But I had to get this post up NOW!
T-FIRE (Tennesseans for Immigration Reform and Education) is hosting a PARTY at the VFW on 11-E (across from the east end Ingles) at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 11.
The PARTY is to celebrate the recent defeat of the illegal alien amnesty bill in the U. S. Senate.
T-FIRE is excited to have a very special guest speaker for this event.
Tennessee State Representative Stacey Campfield will be speaking on state efforts to address illegal immigration.
Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the event.
It will be a party and a learning event---all in one!
But I had to get this post up NOW!
T-FIRE (Tennesseans for Immigration Reform and Education) is hosting a PARTY at the VFW on 11-E (across from the east end Ingles) at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 11.
The PARTY is to celebrate the recent defeat of the illegal alien amnesty bill in the U. S. Senate.
T-FIRE is excited to have a very special guest speaker for this event.
Tennessee State Representative Stacey Campfield will be speaking on state efforts to address illegal immigration.
Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the event.
It will be a party and a learning event---all in one!
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