Citizen Netmom

I've Moved!

2006-08-29T00:33:00.000-04:00

AT's been after me for months to switch over to WordPress, and there are good reasons to do so. Henceforth, you can find me at www.citizennetmom.com -- everything has been moved over there, even comments.

Everything but the Betsy Coleman Realty Co. button, but I'll figure it out. Soon.

One of the benefits is that the posts can now be categorized, although it may take me a while to go all the way back to last February and tag them. I've done the most recent ones already. Another benefit is that I can actually host uploaded files on the same site, rather than having to host them on my really slow Bellsouth personal webspace server.

The new site uses SpamKarma2, so if you run into problems and think you shouldn't (Joel, I'm not blocking you but I've heard that SK2 thinks you're pushing Viagra and Nigerian bank stocks), e-mail me at netmom101-at-bellsouth-dot-net.

BEP Review: to bat, or to battle?

2006-08-28T07:11:00.000-04:00

The BEP Review Committee meets on Wednesday morning in Nashville; I'll be there. Although I'm not on the committee and have no direct vote, sometimes just being there can make a difference. Like any other public body, knowing that someone is interested and watching can impact what they say and do.

The BEP is Tennessee's mechanism for directing State funding to public school systems. The "equalization formula" referenced in the link above is actually the Fiscal Capacity Formula, developed by Harry Green of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). Simply put, it's Tennessee's formula for providing more state funding to school systems with less local resources, and less to those with more local resources. At this time, fiscal capacity is measured at the County level, which means that all the school systems in Anderson County (Anderson County, Clinton, and Oak Ridge) receive the same number of dollars per pupil from the State.

For a couple of years now, there's been a push to change the formula so that the larger cities get a bigger share. They do receive less state funding per pupil under the formula, because they have much larger tax bases. In particular, they have very large sales tax bases funded in significant part by residents of surrounding areas, so that's why they receive less. At the same time, those large cities argue that they have a harder-to-educate population (higher percentages of poor and minority students, as well as those who don't speak English well); they feel that changing to a system-level fiscal capacity formula would be better, since all the big cities have consolidated school systems, whereas many of the municipal school systems are just outside their borders, and therefore compete for teachers, etc.

Two years ago, the Legislature directed the BEP Review Committee to move toward a "system level fiscal capacity model," and they attempted to do so last year. The problem is that the new formula developed by TACIR (see David v. Goliath from last February) would have caused great harm to more than half the school systems in the state. Bills to move immediately to the system-level model were defeated in the Legislature last Spring, but the BEP reauthorization resolutions passed late in the year (HR0286/SR0120) directs the BEP Review Committee to develop a consensus recommendation on a system level fiscal capacity model.

Unfortunately, consensus will be difficult -- maybe impossible -- to achieve if the method is to simply rearrange distribution of already inadequate funding.

At Wednesday's meeting, the first agenda item pertains to things like "phase-in" and "hold harmless" -- in other words, a painstaking death to the losers in the TACIR prototype system-level fiscal capacity formula.

The second item will be a report from the Peabody Center for Education Policy, with an alternative system-level reform model (short-term objective) as well as a "21st Century Education Finance System" (long-term objective). This item is key -- has someone come up with a better, more fair system-level formula?

There's no way to know, except to go and listen to the presentation firsthand. So I shall. And no, fraud-and-waste watchdogs, your tax dollars are not paying for the trip... I am.

There's been considerable local focus over the City's decision to not fund the requested amount for Oak Ridge Schools in this year's budget, which led to painful cuts -- the most obvious being a decrease in bus service. However, the City Manager, Vice-Mayor Tom Beehan, and the City's lobbyist, Bill Nolan, have worked closely with me (and our Superintendent, and the rest of the Board) over the past two years to monitor the State's actions and proposals to prevent passage of reforms that would be harmful to our school system through reduced or limited state funding.

Be very clear: although there was and is disagreement over the City's budget allocation this year, we are on the same team.

Look for a review of this meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 30. I hope I have good news.

Judging the Judge

2006-08-26T09:06:00.000-04:00

The corruption saga of Roane County's Judge Thomas Alva Austin continues this morning in two News-Sentinel pieces: one paints a tragic picture of a man distraught by his wife's extramarital lesbian affair; the second reveals a coarse and corrupt parasite, extorting financial and personal gains from the public he was paid to serve.

The defense, led by Greg Isaacs, is pleading for leniency based upon the personal hardship he faced, which they claim drove him to reckless ruin.

The prosecution, led by US Attorney Charles Atchley, is pushing for a heftier sentence:

"This case represents an almost incomprehensible breach of the public trust"
"He is corrupt to his core"

Audio recordings of Austin's own words support the US Attorney's contention that a tougher sentence is warranted.

Austin on sexual harassment:

"See, back when I first started, you didn't have to worry about that. They didn't have no court judiciary and all that (expletive). I've granted girls divorces in the morning and (expletive) them that afternoon."

Austin on financial kickbacks:

"Well, you need two books. What you don't report, you don't need to put in the bank."

The two men who ultimately reported Austin to the FBI were a juvenile court employee tapped by Austin to head a driving school for motor vehicle offenders, and the probation chief. The video and audio recordings are damning.

The whole situation does illuminate the potential for corruption within law enforcement and the judicial system. Where a judge has the power to require persons before his court to participate in "fee for service" activities -- whether driving school, parenting classes, or probation -- there exists the necessity to keep a close eye on the money trail. Especially when the people in charge of those fee-for-service activities are handpicked by the judge who refers "customers."

Properly conducted, these services provide value to the public... except when the goal is personal and/or financial gratification at the public's expense. It's worth thinking about the details of this particular corruption scheme, now exposed, and looking for similarities that may exist closer to home.

Pigskin Playtime!

2006-08-25T22:52:00.000-04:00

This year's Clinton-Oak Ridge matchup was a far better football game than we've seen for several years. Although Oak Ridge prevailed 35-9, Clinton is not a team to be taken lightly.

They're bigger. They capitalize on any mistake by the opposing team. They can run, and they can tackle. The stadium was standing room only until the last three minutes of the game, following Oak Ridge's final score.

Clinton narrowly missed a touchdown at the end of the first half that would have put them in the lead, thanks to Oak Ridge's having scored a 2-point touchback for them in the beginning. Had they closed the first half in the lead, it might have been a different ball game in the second half.

On the way home, I was surprised to hear that Maryville beat Alcoa, given that Alcoa now has Gary Rankin, formerly of state powerhouse Riverdale. Enjoy it now though, as I expect that after a couple of years of building that team, Alcoa's going to be fearsome.

Still, the Wildcats showed a few good tricks of their own; Connor Gulmire has quite an arm. And he's fast. With some hard work and support from the fans, we could have a really good season ahead.

I love football!

FCC in a Red Cape

2006-08-25T14:15:00.000-04:00

A ZDNet news flash came across a couple of days ago stating that, although an FCC fee on digital subscriber lines (DSL) has been eliminated, neither Bellsouth nor Verizon DSL customers will see a discount.

No big surprise for Bellsouth customers... once there's an add-on fee, it never goes away even when it goes away.

Today, the Wall Street Journal reports that the FCC has opened a formal inquiry:

Federal regulators have prepared formal inquiries asking Verizon Communications Inc. and BellSouth Corp., for more information about their decision to keep money high-speed Internet customers would have otherwise gotten back following a government decision that broadband subscribers no longer have to pay into a federal subsidy program.
The letters, which sources said could be sent as early as today, are the first step toward a formal Federal Communications Commission investigation. The inquiry is particularly unwelcome for BellSouth, whose $67 billion acquisition by AT&T Inc. is still pending before the agency. It's somewhat unlikely the issue would have any significant impact on the merger, which is still being reviewed by staff. But FCC Chairman Kevin Martin was "very upset" by Verizon and BellSouth's decision to keep the money, an FCC official said.

"The commission takes its obligation to protect consumers very seriously," said FCC spokesman David Fiske. "Consumers must be provided with clear and non-misleading information so they make accurately access the services for which they are being charged and the costs associated with those services."

It's easy to get frustrated with the government, but I'm sure glad someone's following up on this one. It's about time.

At Least be Rational

2006-08-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

The announcement of the FDA's decision that the "morning after pill," now called Plan B, will be available to adults without a prescription has been in the news for several days. This morning's article in the News Sentinel states the opposition as:

Opponents believe making the pills more available could increase promiscuity and spur their use by sexual predators.

Given the price tag of $25-$40, I think not. Even if it were $5, it's neither convenient enough, nor cost-effective enough, to become anyone's first choice for a birth control method -- aside from the fact that most of us are a little wary of gobbling up large doses of hormones, due to the inherent risks and inevitable side effects. It's certainly not enough to change anyone's morals or lead to dreaded promiscuity.

A similar argument has been used against the recently-approved vaccine for human papillomavirus, now known to be a leading cause of cervical cancer. From NewScientist:

In the US, for instance, religious groups are gearing up to oppose vaccination, despite a survey showing 80 per cent of parents favour vaccinating their daughters. "Abstinence is the best way to prevent HPV," says Bridget Maher of the Family Research Council, a leading Christian lobby group that has made much of the fact that, because it can spread by skin contact, condoms are not as effective against HPV as they are against other viruses such as HIV.

"Giving the HPV vaccine to young women could be potentially harmful, because they may see it as a licence to engage in premarital sex," Maher claims, though it is arguable how many young women have even heard of the virus.

The last sentence is important: it's likely that the only young women who have ever heard of the virus, or its link to cancer, are those who have already visited a gynecologist or family planning clinic, or whose mothers are open, educated, and forthright enough to actually tell their daughters about it. Those mothers are also most likely to have counseled their children on the dangers of promiscuity (which includes a variety of other health, emotional, and social risks) as well as prevention of pregnancy and disease.

The second point is, of course, that the virus could be transmitted on a woman's wedding night, neither spouse knowing that he carried it.

No mother wants her daughter to sleep around. But the danger of unexpected pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease is far, far worse than the moral or social effects of premarital sex.

The traditional barriers to premarital sex have been 1) pregnancy, 2) parents finding out, and more recently, disease. With options now to decrease (but not eliminate) the risks of pregnancy and disease, the key lies with parents: to instill in their daughters a sense of self esteem -- low self esteem likely being the greatest factor in promiscuity among teenage girls -- and to convey the benefits of reserving something very special for someone very special.

The latter won't always work, so it's important that girls and women also know how to protect their health and avoid unplanned pregnancy.

It's time to put an end to the shrill voices that would risk women's lives for one group's version of morality.

ACES

2006-08-24T13:34:00.000-04:00

Atomictumor broke the news yesterday about the Atomic City Education Society; today, it made the Oak Ridger.

That's the single greatest thing about this town: the people who live here. ACES started with a few friends who saw a problem, identified a need for public involvement, and stepped up to the plate. It's not the first time: one of the few sat through an entire City Council meeting not long ago for his three minutes at the microphone... but that wasn't enough.

AT, GAC, Mrs. Eaves, and Bosphorus: you are the greatest!

There are others working toward the same goal, from PTOs to the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation, and it's my hope that the collective, coordinated efforts will turn the tide of the last six years, so that we can continue to offer a public education that prepares all of our kids for the future.

One of mine has already benefited, and started her first day of classes at UT yesterday. Three more are working their way through, from 11th grade down to 6th. But this is about much more than children; the quality of the school system affects most or all of what our city strives toward -- increased residency, bringing in new business and retail, and generally improving the quality of life in our community.

I'll be signing up for some bumper stickers as soon as I can get them, and I hope you will too.

Election Review

2006-08-23T16:55:00.000-04:00

The first hearing in the contested August election for General Sessions Judge will be on September 1, according to the Oak Ridger. It's just a touch of irony that Layton, the disputed winner, will be sworn in only an hour earlier.

Whatever you may think about the new e-Slate voting machines, one advantage is that much more data can be gleaned than under the previous system. Information like how long each voter took to cast his or her ballot, which is central to the premise of the suit.

With the Probation Department being disbanded, does it still matter?

Actually, yes. Eliminating the Probation Department, or more specifically, removing Alan Beauchamp from the position where there were serious, formal allegations of wrongdoing, is only one part of the problem. And, Beauchamp is still a County employee, so it's not like Anderson County has cleaned up its act.

There remains the complaint that persons appearing before the General Sessions Court in Clinton are often treated rudely, including police officers. Also remaining is the question about the propriety of having persons with business before the court referred to programs only available in Anderson County, such as the 9-hour parenting class (State law requires only 8).

Contesting an August election is risky business, as the logical recourse is to hold a new election in November, concurrent with State and Federal races. Given that many more people will vote in November than voted in August (at least that's the pattern), how many even know anything about this race? How many will still care?

Any thoughts on whether the suit will prevail, and if so, whether the new result will differ from the first one?

Baptist Teaching

2006-08-22T18:56:00.000-04:00

Reuters reports on a New York Baptist preacher who fired an 81 year old Sunday School teacher -- with more than 50 years in that job -- because she is... female. He does not "allow women to teach or have authority over a man."

I guess he doesn't believe in college, since there are female professors and deans.

Over the last couple of years, the Southern Baptist Convention has wrangled with the question of whether to officially encourage their members to remove their children from the "godless" public schools. Is it because so many public schoolteachers are women? Or, because public schools recognize that it's the parents' role to see to their children's religious instruction, if any?

Then, there's this group -- advocating the abolishment of all public schools. If you go to their search page and type in local zip codes (37830 for Oak Ridge, 37716 for Clinton), you come up with names of local people who agree. I didn't know all on the list, but those that I did recognize are -- you guessed it -- Baptists.

More disturbing is that the Republican candidate for State Representative in our district is on the list. Of course, Rep. Jim Hackworth (D) has done a good job for us, and has been particularly helpful to me in gathering information on the battle for state funding for our schools, so I wasn't going to support the preacher anyway.

Back to the "women shall not teach" thing: it rather reminds me of the Palestinian (IMHO, terrorist-in-training) from my sophomore year of college, who dropped a beginning computer science course because I was the instructor of the only section. I still remember his "a woman is not qualified" statement, which I found amusing, since I knew the subject matter, and he did not.

What is the world coming to? Unfortunately, one extremist is no better, no less dangerous, than the other. I fully support anyone's right to home school their kids, or to send them to a religious school; why do they wish to trample the rights of everyone else?

TACIR on Taxes

2006-08-20T08:44:00.000-04:00

Both Anotherthing2 and Cup of Joe Powell have noted the recent TACIR study: Local Government Property Tax Revisited: Good News and Bad News. In short, the analysis by Harry Green and Stan Chervin finds that

the growing property tax burden and growing local government dependence on the property tax are on a collision course.

While they note that the problem stems from the fact that property tax revenues, while fairly elastic, is not growing at the same rate as demand for services, no mention is made of exactly which local government services might be driving the pressure on local government budgets.

I would surmise that for all counties, along with the cities and special school districts that support school systems, one of the largest drivers is education costs.

Green and Chervin close with three proposed actions:

1. An expanded state circuit-breaker program designed to blunt the impact of rising property tax burdens on a broad-spectrum of low and moderate income households. The state aid should be targeted to phase out as family income rises, but not set so low that moderate income families are excluded from the program.

2. A significant increase in state aid to local governments designed to help them provide a basic level of services to their residents. The aid should go to the level of government that supplies the service (need based), and reflect consideration of both fiscal capacity and fiscal effort.

3. Significant new taxing authority that allows local governments to take advantage of existing tax bases or activities that are currently untaxed. Possible changes include an increase in the local sales tax single article limitation (currently set at $1,600), the authority to levy payroll taxes, and local ad valorem vehicle taxes in lieu of existing wheel taxes.

So, while admitting that the problem stems from the cost of services not keeping pace with property tax revenues, their first suggestion is to put some sort of limit on property tax increases. How, then, will local governments pay for these services? And of course, no mention is made of the fact that low to moderate income residents already pay low to moderate property taxes, simply because the amount is determined by the value of their property. One exception would be for the elderly, who may well have a more expensive (paid for) residence, while on a fixed retirement income.

That the State needs to step up to the plate with a significant increase in aid to local governments is a no-brainer, but I take issue with tying such aid to "fiscal capacity," as the fiscal capacity formula is flawed in that it does not take into account property tax rates relative to others -- a local government with a high property tax rate is deemed "more wealthy," while those with lower property tax rates are categorized as "more needy."

I'm certain that the prospect of allowing new taxing authority to local governments is bound to cause significant outcry, but it's worthy of consideration. Take, for example, the concept of a payroll tax: communities with a large employment base, where many work in, but do not live (or pay taxes) in that community are an expense -- traffic management, streets, utilities, and emergency services. Currently, the expenses for the non-resident workforce falls heavily on the residents, especially in a city like Oak Ridge, where the employer pays no property tax.

If some of the expense for those commuter costs were relieved via a payroll tax, then more of the resident property tax receipts would be available for resident services (like education).

I agree completely that something has to change, and that the local property tax is being squeezed. The State and Federal governments must commit to fully funding their mandates -- or simply making optional recommendations.

I've taken Harry Green to task before, with no success in changing his perspective... but I have had some measure of success in pointing out the flawed reasoning to others. Like the Senate Education Committee. Harry and I have written dueling editorials for Tennessee Town and City. Unfortunately, rather than intelligent public discourse, this argument seems to have gotten personal.

Heaven forbid that anyone should challenge the great and mighty statistician on the formula that he personally developed... one so complex that few in government understand, but simply take at face value.

It's simple: a community with a high tax rate to support essential services must be given credit for that effort, or else the incentive is to not support those essential services. And the only way to properly measure that effort is to compare tax rates, particularly measuring the allocations to services required by the State.

If Tennessee would only commit to a realistic level of per-pupil spending in education, an equal amount for every pupil in the state, then a huge burden would be lifted from the local property tax.

Corporate Medicine

2006-08-19T14:33:00.000-04:00

I've had the same family doctor for about 18 years, and he's a great guy. Fortunately, I don't have cause to visit him often. Over the years though, two things have changed: my insurance (which costs more, covers less, and is increasingly a pain in the ***), and his office, which is now corporate-owned and run.

My doctor recognizes me on sight, and knows the bill will be paid. He knows I only show up if there's really something wrong -- bad enough to waste a couple hours of my time for 20 minutes of his. However, there is a fairly large staff of front-desk nazis whose sole job seems to be to keep sick people from seeing the doctor at all, starting with the phone system.

When you call, you're immediately dumped into one of those bizarre "press 1 if you're a health-care provider..." automated systems. So, I pressed the right number for an appointment clerk, whereupon I was subjected to no less than 15 minutes' worth of really bad music (sick people don't want to listen to disco), interspersed with three episodes of "hold please - CLICK" from a real person.

The usual routine if you're even able to get an appointment is to show up on time, only to be greeted rudely by the front-desk nazis with "have you ever been seen here before?" "Do you have insurance?" and about 50 pages of paperwork... not one item of which has changed since the last time I filled it all out. Then, once all the papers are processed and the insurance cards copied, there's a 2-hour wait in a full of people who are 1) gossiping, 2) complaining about their list of ailments to others waiting, or 3) taking cell phone calls nonstop. Oh, and the front-desk nazis want the $10 co-payment before you see the doctor.

I guess they know if you pay before you're seen, you won't walk out because of the long wait in a roomfull of crazy people.

This week was the last straw. Whatever crud got ahold of me on Monday, it was clear by Thursday evening that it had migrated to bronchitis, and I needed to get rid of it. After waiting on hold to make an appointment until my cordless phone died (quite a long time), I gave up and went to a relatively new walk-in clinic: Park Med Ambulatory Care.

The deductible was $25 instead of $10 due to my preferred-providor insurance, but who cares. Someone saw me, confirmed that I do have bronchitis, and sent me off with an appropriate antibiotic, cough medicine, and an inhaler. I'm still horizontal more often than vertical, but hopefully this crud will be gone in a day or two.

Now, to find a more permanent solution for a regular physician... one whom I won't see often, but when I need to get in, I can. I won't waste their time, but I expect them to have the same respect for mine. I don't mind paying promptly for my visit, but I do object to being treated like a deadbeat by a front-desk nazi... so I won't go anywhere that has one. Yes, I have insurance. No, I haven't moved in 19 years; my phone number is the same, along with all the other mindless questions I'm asked every single visit.

Any suggestions? Surely to goodness there's one good general practitioner in this city who works the old fashioned way.

I wish my kids' pediatrician took adults; he's really the kind of doc I'm looking for.

Moving Day

2006-08-17T14:41:00.000-04:00

Clearly, Alpha does not understand just how small a dorm room is.

New Project

2006-08-16T17:09:00.000-04:00

For about three months now, one of my projects has been to help a friend who has taken that great plunge -- quit her job, and started her own company.

In real estate, all income is commission-based, and the commission is usually split between the buyer's agent, the seller's agent, and their respective firms. Because the listing (or selling) agent bears the advertising costs, the listing agent gets a larger percentage than the buyer's agent. Then, each agent's firm takes a cut of their share. Some offices also charge office rent and fees, so it's quite possible for a new agent to actually lose money while selling real estate.

Miss Betsy had worked with a couple of good firms over the last ten years, moving from a situation where she could actually lose money (and did, during a difficult pregnancy when she wasn't able to work as much) to one where she had no rent or fees, but had to turn over a large portion of her commissions to the firm.

Of course, an employee gets stuck with the Sunday showings, as well as working any hours that the managing broker wants to be on vacation. It's a classic situation of he who holds the gold makes the rules.

Ever the agitator, when she got really frustrated over the office politics, I told her to quit and go out on her own.

I've known her for a very long time, and I know she's dreamed about starting her own company for years. She was ready -- she just needed someone to give her a push. So I did.

She passed the Broker's Exam on the first try, with flying colors. We drove to Nashville to speed up the licensing process, and within a few weeks, she had her firm license as well.

Today, just 16 days in business, she had her first closing. She gets to keep all of her commission, exept to pay off some of her start-up costs, and a little bit for a cantankerous web developer/support technician/graphic designer.

Betsy was in the delivery room with me (and Hubby) when our last child was born, and I think she was as excited as anyone in the room. Today, I feel that same kind of excitement -- I didn't birth this business, but I certainly cheered her on every step of the way.

I'm easing her into a new way of doing business, of going mostly paperless (as much as is legal, in any case), so that she can conduct business from anywhere there's an internet connection. Like Lake Tahoe, for example.

Maybe that's the capitalist republican showing in me... I think that small business is the heart of commerce and a free-market economy. Small businesses can innovate. Small business owners work like crazy, but no one can tell them that they have to work on Saturday instead of going to a child's soccer game.

I know the website needs work -- especially on content -- but it will be growing and changing daily. It will have to, to keep up with Betsy. In her first week, she had five listings and a couple of buyers... now we have to grow it.

I'll be there to help and cheer, just as she has been from Day One of Delta's life.

Downtime

2006-08-16T05:41:00.000-04:00

There were several other things I meant to note on Monday: Alpha turned 18; Beta, Gamma, and Delta had a great first day of school. Alpha's been packing so she can move in to the dorm at UT tomorrow.

What sidetracked me was just a little thing, but one that put me flat on my back for a full 24 hours: the dreaded Summer Cold. When I heard the news report that Gov. Bredesen was hospitalized with flu-like sympoms, it crossed my pitiful little hypochondriac mind that I might ought to see a doctor... but I couldn't summon the energy to get out of bed and go.

That, and I'd be too embarassed to go to the doctor for a cold. Even if I did feel like I was going to faint every time I stood up, was alternately freezing and sweating, and the rattle in my lungs that sounds like a harsh October wind through dead leaves along with a wheeze like the creaking door of a haunted house.

Theraflu helps, as does peach Schnapps in my orange juice. But mostly, I think sleeping the better part of 24 hours did some good (despite the fact that I now have twice as much to do and less time to get it done). I think I will live, but it may be a few more days before I can think clearly through the... well, I won't be graphic.

Whining aside, I've been working on a pretty exciting new project -- the kind I actually get paid for, and don't get sued for. More about that a little later, but it's both productive and fun.

Tidbits

2006-08-14T12:53:00.000-04:00

The podcast for David Stuart's appearance on WYSH this morning hasn't been posted yet, but you'll find it here when or if they get around to it. The topic of discussion was his challenge of the election results, based upon a little-known law that was apparently ignored.

You can agree or disagree with the law, but it is what it is. Although I missed the first 20 minutes or so, most callers seemed unhappy with the problems on election day, but supportive of Stuart's action.

* * *

Phil Harber called this morning to tell me that Ed Williamson took great offense about my using the domain LetsTalkFrank.com to post unflattering information about his buddy, it didn't seem to trouble his conscience to buy up www.PhilHarber.com and point it to his own website, LetsTalkTruth.com.

One of the subtleties here is that while "frank talk," "frankly speaking," or "let's talk frank(ly)" are all fairly common expressions, buying up someone else's name has generally not been upheld in court... unless it happens to be someone else with the same name.

* * *

Speaking of Ed, seems like Beauchamp is paying him off with free publicity. And he finally got around to covering his own story about the end of the probation department... but with the usual puzzling omissions.

He claims that the County was the beneficiary of

$120,000 worth of labor and improvements to county buildings last year.

Really? And of course, if there's no probation alternative, then everyone will just have to serve their time.

The cost of incarceration for thirty inmates for a period of thirty days or nine hundred days per year is a conservative estimate of the annual cost savings. The total financial impact to Anderson County would be between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on whose cost figures you use. The intern program gave more than 150 high school and college students over the past seven years an opportunity to work in different departments of county government."

Again, if it's working so well, then just replace the source of the problem: a director with serious allegations of wrongdoing against him, who seems to find time to run two outside businesses (Energy Media and Inside Anderson County) in addition to serving in at least two jobs with Anderson County.

Lynch was quoted in an earlier story as saying that it wasn't just Alan, but that other probation department employees had been accused of "playing favorites" and similar complaints from their customers. Yet, Beauchamp compliments Lynch as follows:

"I appreciate Rex working to keep them employed with county government. I am sure that whatever private firm operates the probation services they will employ some of our personnel due to their valuable experience".

Okay... so Lynch says that the county probation department is efficient, yet he's dissolving it to get away from the scandal-plagued reputation. And he claims it's not Alan that's the problem, but has no qualms about having the same employees work for a private firm doing the same job? So, if Alan's not the problem, won't keeping those employees keep the rumor and scandal coming?

Which IS it, Mr. Lynch?

More About Buses

2006-08-14T05:55:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Eaves has a thoughtful post over at AtomicTumor this morning, and she's right -- some of the discomfort over the change in bus service is not about household crisis, but about inconvenience. There are some parents who need to shoulder a bit more responsibility for their kids (although this isn't new).

But only some. There are definitely families that do all the right things, taking time with their kids for study and behavior training, but for whom transportation will be a real problem, as she correctly notes.

One suggestion I mentioned to Dr. Bailey to pass along to the principals for consideration was to see if we could create a "fast lane" drop-off for people carpooling with three or more kids -- sort of an incentive to encourage carpooling, and a reward for those who are helping out by getting them through the line faster.

Another suggestion is one I received from Anotherthing2 is an effort that could be coordinated through the PTO/PTA: some sort of "safe place" sign to put on selected houses within the 1-mile zone, where a child walking home can go at any time if they feel afraid or need help. Obviously, someone would have to take charge of making sure that the homeowner with a "safe place" sign really was okay, but still, I do like the concept.

In this city, there are a number of people who walk for exercise, or walk their dogs, every morning. Many no longer have young children at home; might they volunteer to help out a neighbor in a bind with no bus service, by walking with young students to school?

Do we as individuals have the will to address the problem in ways that would strengthen our neighborhoods and the community as a whole? Clearly, reducing bus service was an unpleasant choice. Reducing any service that our students and parents rely on is painful.

At the same time, I do see the possibility of some good coming out of this adversity... of parents and neighbors getting to know each other better, and helping each other in a way that used to be the norm rather than the exception. Perhaps a greater number of students riding bicycles to school could make it more fun, and the combined walking/biking efforts could lead to better health for our children who often don't get enouch exercise, fresh air, and sunshine.

Maybe it's too 1950's to work... but even in the 70's, it was a special treat for me to ride my bike to school, because it gave me a little "unwind time."

What might you do to make something good happen from this bad situation?

Redux

2006-08-13T13:07:00.000-04:00

The Oak Ridger's "breaking news" from Friday afternoon confirms that challenges have been filed in three County races following the Aug. 3 election: General Sessions Judge candidate David Stuart, along with County Commission candidates Joe Lee (Dist. 7) and Harold Whited (Dist. 3).

David Stuart will be on WYSH's "Ask Your Neighbor" program tomorrow -- Monday, Aug. 14 -- from 10-11 a.m. The radio broadcast (AM 1380) is hard to pick up in some parts of Oak Ridge, but they also broadcast over the internet from their website, and simulcast on Comcast Channel 12. The call-in number is 457-1380.

I'm usually not a proponent of challenging election results, but there were problems in this election. Given the closeness of some of the races, the results are questionable. If nothing else, hopefully the court challenge will cause changes to eliminate the excessively long lines that kept a large number of people from voting.

In 2002, 19,750 people voted. There was a US Senate primary (Lamar Alexander v. Ed Bryant), but not nearly as heated as this year's Corker-Bryant-Hilleary battle. The County General had four contests in the countywide races: County Executive (Lynch v. Rick Meredith); Sheriff (Bill White v. David Beams); County Clerk (Jeff Cole v. Jack Copeland); and Register of Deeds (Tim Shelton v. Anita Vines).

This year, there were more contested local races, as well as a US Senate primary that was even higher profile than four years ago. One would have expected the voter turnout to be equal, if not greater. Yet, it was only 15,232, a decline of 4,518 voters.

It's impossible to know exactly how many people left because of the long lines, but 4,518 additional voters could have made a huge difference in the outcome.

In Highland View, approximately 225 people voted on election day... but anecdotal reports are that half the people who showed up left without voting.

In Fairview, the number voting on election day was only nominally more than the number who had voted early... a very surprising statistic, given that election day turnout should be 60-65% of the total following normal patterns.

There's no way I can see to discern whether these missing or disenfranchised voters would have voted for the candidates who came up a few votes short, or whether their votes would have mirrored the rest of the returns... but it is the reason we have legal recourse when there is doubt.

I do not know how the judge will rule; if there is a re-vote, I do not know who will win. But I'll be listening on Monday to hear what David Stuart -- an acknowledged expert on civil liberties etc. -- has to say about it.

Spell it Out!

2006-08-11T13:44:00.000-04:00

Cathy Toth lays it on the line in a letter to the editor in the Oak Ridger today: City Council caused schools' funding shortage.

Key highlights of Cathy's letter include:

Here's how it works: The superintendent's office works up a budget, based on what they need to run the schools for the next year, and presents it to the School Board. The School Board goes through that budget line by line. Time-consuming and difficult, they do this publicly. Anyone can attend the meetings, watch them on Channel 15, or read the detailed minutes. The School Board looks at the revenue from the federal, state, and county sources and asks City Council to cover the rest. On May 22, City Council said “No.”
Let's talk priorities. That's what a budget is — a statement of what a community values enough to pay for. For many years, Oak Ridge placed education near the top of the list. In 1987, city leaders spent 46.6 percent of the city budget on the school system. Last year they spent less than 30 percent.
...
However you slice the data, the priority given the schools has seriously declined in the last 20 years.
The May 22 vote left the schools about $500,000 short, and something had to be cut. The School Board protected programs (e.g., 4th grade strings, driver's education, freshman football, class sizes), but transportation took a hit. So did teacher raises, building maintenance, and basic supplies. Add to the problem the rising costs of energy, insurance, and the state retirement program. Add again programs, such as No Child Left Behind, which the federal government mandates but does not fund. Oak Ridge Schools does not control any of these costs.
With rising costs and a policy to maintain a flat tax rate, this problem will only get worse.

Despite all efforts to accurately communicate the shortfall leading to reduced bus service this year, misinformation still abounds. On the Oak Ridger's Forum, "Mom Goose" continues to carry on about purchasing buses with air conditioning for the football team, while "Atomic Citizen" incorrectly claims:

"More than two dozen new administrators and teachers will enter Oak Ridge schools this year". Not to mention all current administrators and teachers were given raises. That is where the school board decided to spend their money, not on transportation.

Neither Mom Goose nor Atomic Citizen have listened or tried to get the facts, apparently. No new administrators were hired, except to fill vacancies. The only new administrative position proposed was that of Athletic Director, which was the very first thing cut, long before the Board approved a budget request to send to City Council. Buses are replaced according to State requirement -- every ten years, I think. And yes, the preschool just got new buses to accomodate a different State requirement for 5-point harnesses last year.

I welcome any thoughtful discussion on how we might better manage the budget for the school system, for the City, or both, but when people just make things up and then try to base their arguments upon it, well, it denigrates the whole process.

Today's post was supposed to be "Frivolous Friday." but that will have to wait.

Probation Changes

2006-08-10T07:44:00.000-04:00

WYSH broke the news yesterday, and the Knoxville News-Sentinel carries a longer story this morning. The Anderson County Probation Department will be dissolved by year's end, with duties likely transferred to a private company.

County Mayor Lynch's explanation rings hollow to me, though. While he cites his reasoning (in the KNS article) as the scandal that has plagued the department and it's director, Alan Beauchamp,

there's so much negative feedback, it gets to the point that it's not worth it," he said.
Rumors and lingering reports of scandal have dogged the department and its high-profile director, Alan Beauchamp, for the past few years.

he also maintains "no evidence" of wrongdoing:

"Everybody has accused these people, but nobody has come forward with evidence," Lynch said. "It's best to get it (the probation department) back in the private sector's hands."

Somehow, this looks like an opportunity for Beauchamp and his employees to form a private company and do the same thing with less oversight. And, that would remove County officeholders by one step from Beauchamp's outside activities, like his other two existing businesses -- the e-zine and tv show, "Inside Anderson County," as well as his political consulting business, Energy Media.

Stay tuned. I can't imagine this saga is finished.

Gossip or Breaking News?

2006-08-09T13:04:00.000-04:00

Heard two interesting things today:

1) That the Probation Department (Alan Beauchamp's group) is being dissolved, and the service will be contracted to a private company. WYSH has the story:

...By telephone early this afternoon, Mayor Lynch said that while the Probation Department has been successful over the past several years in providing services to probationers and the community alike, he and other officials are tired of seeing the county government as a whole cast in a negative light because of what he called the rumor mill and negative reports about the department, which has been subject to numerous allegations of misconduct investigated by the TBI. While none of those probes have turned up sufficient evidence to prosecute anyone involved in the department with any wrongdoing, rumors and innuendo continue to swirl about the department and its chief Alan Beauchamp and were actually made into issues during the recently completed judicial election.

2) That the State Elections Coordinator, Brook Thompson, has called for the Anderson County Election Commission to delay certifying last Thursday's election results until at least Monday, based on problems at the polls.

More as I learn it - AHA! The Oak Ridger just posted one of the stories:

Meanwhile, the Anderson County Election Commission has had to postpone the certification of its election results until 5 p.m. Monday. The Election Commission had planned to certify the results on Thursday afternoon but has been asked by state Election Commission officials to postpone the action.
Brook Thompson, state elections coordinator, sent out a letter to Election Commissions across the state asking that they first have a conference call with his office on Thursday or Friday.
“As you know, we tried a different procedure for election night that did not require you to hand-enter your vote totals,” Thompson wrote in a memo to all county election commissions. “While that process met with mixed success, the certification process is a different matter.”

The lead-in on that story is that David Stuart may challenge the election. I know I've heard many stories about long lines -- 2 or even 3 hours -- in the Anderson County election, and some people are simply not able to wait that long. One gentleman left because his oxygen tank was running out. Others may have left unable to bear the oppressive heat on election day, or because they had to go back to work, pick up children, or other obligations.

It was a long ballot, and I'd hate to be the election worker faced with removing a voter from the machine because they were taking too long, but on the other hand, the long wait in the heat undoubtedly meant that some people simply didn't get to vote. Thousands fewer voted in this election than the one four years ago, and I don't blame David Stuart for wondering if the voters who went to the polls and had to leave could have been his margin of victory.

Personally, I think it might have been. There's no way to prove it, except a re-vote in November.

Partnership?

2006-08-08T15:38:00.000-04:00

A good partnership involves relatively equal effort, along with relatively equal benefit or reward.

Rex Lynch came to Oak Ridge last night to bring City Council an agreement he would like signed -- an agreement stating that Oak Ridge will not annex Bull Run Steam plant for the next 20 years unless it is privatized.

As a reference point, Bull Run Steam Plant is the only parcel in Anderson County that Oak Ridge is allowed to annex under the contentious growth plan agreement signed (by Lynch) five years ago.

“What are you offering Oak Ridge in this?” Council asked. The County officials' response was that it would show Oak Ridge as a "good parter."

From this absurd exchange, I can only deduce that Lynch is thinking of a partnership in the carnal sense, showing up here with a bottle of cheap wine, looking for a cheap date.

All the cities -- not just Oak Ridge -- got shafted in the growth plan signed in 2001 due to the bias inherent in the State's Growth Plan Law... but I certainly expect our City officials to ensure that it doesn't happen voluntarily.

Tell Lynch to jump in the river. Preferably, New River.

Face Time at the School Board

2006-08-08T05:39:00.000-04:00

As expected, a number of people addressed the school board last night regarding the change in bus service -- nearly all from Sunshine Playschool, which provides before and after school care to elementary students.

Because of a change in state law, the 15-passenger vans that most daycares use will no longer be permitted after January 1. Thus, Sunshine sold their vehicle, planning for their Willowbrook elementary students to ride the bus -- but they did so four days before the May 30 Board decision to eliminate bus service within a 1-mile radius of the schools.

However, vehicles with a capacity of less than 10 people are not affected; there's still the option to use a minivan, SUV, etc. For daycares with a large number of students to transport that would not be easy, requiring either multiple vehicles or multiple trips, but it would be better than the current situation.

From the last speaker's remarks, there's evidently some confusion (no surprise here) about the State's reimbursement for student transportation under the BEP. The reality is, the State reimburses Oak Ridge Schools about 52% of the cost of actual riders who live more than 1.5 miles from the school. Of course, in a city the size of Oak Ridge, that's a minority of the kids, especially for the elementary schools.

The last speaker apparently believed that the State funds bus service for all children who live more than 1.5 miles from the school, whether or not they ride the bus. He wanted to know where the money was going, since his child attends Sunshine and is not eligible for bus service to and from the daycare, but would be eligible to and from home.

He was right about one thing though: if this continues, Oak Ridge will lose its standing as one of the best school systems in the nation. When fixed and mandated costs -- things like electricity, fuel, insurance and participation in the state retirement program -- rise at rates much higher than the cost of living, we cannot continue to offer the same services when we do not have the funding to even maintain the status quo.

While we did receive a 4.5% increase in funding from the City, costs in the regular instruction program rose 5.3%. "Regular instruction program" is things like teachers and books -- the basics. Our mandated State Retirement expenditure just for the regular instruction program rose 21.2%, or $182,784. Electricity went up 20%. Natural gas went up 45%.

The City increased funding by 4.5%... and thinks that should be enough.

I have to give credit to Stacy Myers, who spoke on behalf of Girls Inc. He asked for one of two solutions: to provide bus service to elementary students who participate in Girls Inc. after school programs, or to have someone watch over the several Willowbrook students who attend that program until one of their vehicles can get to the school to pick them up. At least he presented a viable option, rather than an unattainable demand.

Although there are almost no school systems in Tennessee that provide bus service to all students as we have up until this year, something has been taken away, and it hurts. I'm no less concerned about student safety than any one of the parents sitting in the audience last night, because I'm a mom too, first and foremost. It bothers me. A lot.

It bothers me that the schools receive only a passing mention in the City's strategic plan, in a city that has always valued providing the best in public education. It bothers me that Council members who campaigned on educational excellence can't see that the restricted funding is causing very real harm -- and no, it's not a political stunt. Our books are open, and any board member or administrator would be more than happy to assist, if needed, with explaining the complexities of the funding sources, restrictions on the use of funding from various sources, and why we were forced to cut bus service.

It's not all the City's fault: the State does a poor job of funding education statewide. I'm personally working very hard on that. But it's not new. What is new -- at least in the last several years -- is the City's approach to prioritizing the needs of the school system relative to other city services and the tax rate.

For years, cuts have been hidden in areas that didn't outwardly affect anyone, mainly using money from savings in the fund balance. Our savings is very nearly gone, and we can't hide the cuts any longer.

Council members will tell you that cutting bus service was the School Board's decision, and that is true, but we are legally obligated to balance the budget. Unfortunately, few seem to recognize that while we bear all the blame for the cuts, they have complete control over a significant portion of our revenue.

City Council could have prevented this cut by funding our request. It might have been as simple as only buying half of the city vehicles they budgeted to replace; that would have been more than enough.

Commission Dist. 7

2006-08-05T18:09:00.000-04:00

There's some interest in the District 7 Commission race, where John Shuey finished with one vote more than Joe Lee. Here's how the numbers break down:

ABS EARLY AUG 3 TOTAL

HVW Creasey 2 112 133 247

Lee 3 72 80 155

Shuey 3 49 96 148

PVL Creasey 13 201 255 469

Lee 10 115 121 246

Shuey 11 110 125 246

WDL Creasey 19 80 126 225

Lee 16 48 58 122

Shuey 22 37 71 130

TOTAL ALL PRECINCTS

Creasey 34 393 514 941

Lee 29 235 259 523

Shuey 36 196 292 524

If I were Joe Lee (though I've never even met him), I think I'd ask for an inspection of the absentee ballots, at the very least. I'd also check to see of any of these were precincts where paper ballots were used, or where excessive lines caused people to leave without voting.

Precinct Returns

2006-08-05T16:05:00.000-04:00

For those who are interested (AT, AT2, and anyone else), I've finished keying in all the countywide general election returns -- or at least the contested races. Click here for the PDF.

Turnout was a factor; I have to wonder how many people left without voting when they encountered lines of an hour, two, or more on election day (in very hot and humid conditions). 15,232 people voted this year, compared with 18,194 in August 2002. Could 3,000 people have made a difference?

You betcha. Stay tuned.

Flanking on the Right

2006-08-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

I perused a copy of Metro Pulse while waiting on Alpha and Gamma to seemingly try on every pair of jeans in a store yesterday, and was intrigued by an article that seemed to have been written just for me.

Time ran out before I could finish reading, so I pulled it up online this morning. It feels like it was written just for me. So, if you've experienced some discomfort about political parties lately, go read Flanking on the Right.

You remember him, I bet. It seems like he was here just the other day. He usually wore a blue suit and a sensible tie. His main concerns were lower taxes, less government, but still he knew some public works were important and somebody had to pay for them. The Tennessee Republican’s politics were moderate, often progressive, and above all, sensible. To get what he wanted, or a good part of it, he could make you a deal. He knew that making deals was the heart of a successful business, and of successful government. The main thing that separated him from the wild-eyed liberal Democrat was that he was a pragmatic fellow. He liked to keep his politics, like the art on his walls, realistic.

Except for use of the masculine prounoun, this fits me. I came to align myself with the Republican party on the principles articulated in the Republican Philosophy -- things like "the government closest to the people is the best," or "government should do only those things that people cannot do, or cannot do well, for themselves." It is my belief in a strong national defense, a free-market economy, and limited government interference that has traditionally led me to identify with the Republican party.

If you haven't done so yet, read the article. Yes, I know what the right-wing bloggers think of Metro Pulse, but if you are at all interested in polical philosophy, this one nails it. A couple more noteworthy clips are:

“I see it as a problem for the country in that the candidates tend to focus on issues that may not have much to do with their constituents’ lives. Flag-burning, gay marriage—I may feel like they do about those issues,” he says, as the conservative he is. But he adds that those emotional flashpoint issues aren’t affecting people’s real lives—“They’re not eating up America like the war, the economy, and gas prices.” True enough, few East Tennesseans have ever witnessed either a flagburning or a gay marriage. [John Schmid]

and

A young Republican businessman attending the Republican rally admits he has nothing against abortion. “I’m not interested in legislating morality,” he says. “To me, it’s a moral issue, not a government issue.” Of the pro-life faction in his party, he says, “It’s a small group, but it’s the loudest. It’s like everybody thinks all Islamic people are terrorists. It’s only a small percentage. But they’re the loudest.”

But there is hope. The closing paragraph comes from Howard Baker, whom many of us would uphold as the Dean of Tennessee Republicans:

Howard Baker, now 80 years old, is still a senior partner in the law firm of Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell and Berkowitz, which has offices in downtown Knoxville and the former senator’s home town of Huntsville. He is recovering from back surgery and was not available to comment for this article. But at a Memphis Downtown Rotary Club meeting last October, responding to a question about the right-wing tendencies of his party, he answered that he expected the GOP “will right itself” from its ultra-conservative leanings. Concerning the party’s current tilt, he added, “That’s not permanent. The party system’s going to survive it.... Cyclical changes will prevent any permanent pattern of extremism. Change may seem far off, but it’s just around the corner.”

We'll see. I surely hope he's right.

Election Review

2006-08-04T09:57:00.000-04:00

The pro-Beauchamp v. anti-Beauchamp matchup ended 2:2. He got the Gen. Sessions Judge and Sheriff; he lost the DA and Chancellor.

Of course, he's had a sheriff tell him to take a hike before, and could again. We'll see what Paul White is made of.

Like AtomicTumor, it's the General Sessions Judge race that was the most painful for me. It was so close, with Stuart leading in early voting, that I'm most anxious to see the precinct-by-precinct returns. Unfortunately, due to all the yes-no judicial races and such, the document is two hundred and a bunch pages, so the election commission will be charging for copies this year.

Truthfully, I don't want a paper copy. I'd rather have it electronically, but with the new system, they don't yet know how to do that. The Clinton Courier has already picked up the detailed returns, so it will be in their Sunday edition; the Oak Ridger usually carries it, but they hadn't yet picked one up at 9:30 or so... and 10:00 is generally their deadline, so I'm not sure they're going to carry it today. Maybe they kept track last night, but unfortunately, WYSH and Channel 12 weren't reporting the results by individual precinct.

Just out of curiosity, I wonder how many people voted in this election who are currently under supervision of the probation department? That's not illegal (unless they're convicted felons), but it would raise eyebrows if there were any evidence of "persuasion" by probation officials.

I'm immensely glad that we have a new DA, and I have a great deal of confidence in Dave Clark. He simply will not ignore investigations that ought to go to the Grand Jury, and the process can work the way it is supposed to. And, contrary to some recent predictions, that one wasn't even close. Of course, three-way races are notoriously tricky to predict. It was a three-way general that kept Ramsey in office sixteen years ago, with the narrowest of margins between all three.

Robin Biloski will do a fine job as the new 8th District Commissioner, along with veteran Iwanski. That really was a race with three good people, but I know that Robin will represent Oak Ridge well.

Lastly, in the 7th District, Joe Lee fell just one vote short, giving John Shuey the nod. However, that happened in 2002 with Jerry Creasey losing to Chuck Fritts by one, and irregularities led to the election being voided. Creasey won in a November rematch. I expect there will be a thorough review of why paper ballots were used on election day in this district, with a strong possibility of a challenge by Lee if anything looks amiss.

Voting in Memphis (again and again and again)

2006-08-03T18:55:00.000-04:00

Sheesh... is it even possible to have an honest election in Memphis, or should we just sell it off to Arkansas?

WATE reports that

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a report of a man who posed as a Shelby County precinct official to pick up ballots and voting materials before Thursday's primary.

On the day before elections, officials from the county's 279 precincts are expected to report to the county's election operations center to pick up metal ballot boxes, ballot applications, signs and voter lists.

Election Commissioner O.C. Pleasant, Jr. told The Commercial Appeal a man showed up Wednesday and said he represented Precinct 491 and left with the election materials. The error was discovered when the real official arrived later at the center.

I don't know exactly where precinct 491 is, but I'd wager a cold one it's in the district where Ophelia Ford was removed from a State Senate seat because the number of dead people, felons, and non-residents was deemed to exceed her margin of alleged victory.

For all the upheaval that our local elections have wrought, at least I do have significant confidence in the security of our ballots in Anderson County. It wasn't always so, but the Election Commission is a tightly run ship these days. For this, I am grateful.

If you haven't voted...

2006-08-02T19:37:00.000-04:00

Vote tomorrow: Thursday, August 3.

It's more important than eating lunch; it's more important than getting to the grocery store, picking up dry cleaning, or whatever you normally do right after work.

Choices made tomorrow will affect this county for eight long years... there's no way you could have missed exposure to at least most of the candidates.

My picks:

Chancellor: Bill Lantrip. The Chancellor has a tough job, because he decides things like divorces, custody, matters of equity, and other emotionally-charged cases. He is patient and kind, and applies the law fairly as written to all who come before him. While it is inevitable that one party will leave unhappy from any case in his court, he is careful to cause no more harm to people already in an emotionally trying circumstance in applying the law gently and justly.

General Sessions Div. I: David Stuart. David is extraordinarily competent in his knowledge of the law, posesses the ability to remain calm under pressure, and is a gentleman of the utmost honesty and integrity. In the last couple of months, he has brought to light some discomforting truths about the incumbent judge -- truths that call into question the reliability of our local judicial system and other aspects of county government. While unpleasant to confront, his honesty and candor have provided a crucial service to the people of this county. Thank him, but more importantly, vote for him.

District Attorney: David Clark. David Clark has proven himself in his service as County Attorney, and in spite of the fact that I did not like nor agree with all of the causes he took up in that position (namely annexation issues), I do understand that was the nature of the job and that he performed it well. As District Attorney, he would apply the same work eithic to a different job: prosecuting those accused of breaking the law, without exception. He won't back down for fear of the risk of a jury trial, nor for political pressure. He's the best choice for DA.

Sheriff: Bill White. The bottom line is, Bill White has gotten the job done. He's gotten the job done even within cities with their own police departments, when those departments failed for whatever reason. And even though Alan Beauchamp managed his campaign in 2002, Bill White knew when to tell him to "take a hike."

Juvenile Court Judge: April Meldrum. This was a tough call for me, because just last year, Pat Hess handled the juvenile burglar who broke into my home and stole my car exactly as I would have wanted: tough enough to get his attention, but without wrecking his life or jeopardizing his future. At the request of a friend, I met with April earlier this year, and was very impressed with her. Her priorities are the right ones -- the best interest of children, including those who have gone astray. She's not a marshmellow, but she will dispose of cases on a timely basis... and when dealing with permanency issues for children, timely is essential. April has my vote.

Trustee: John Stair. John has the accounting experience to do the job well, all other factors aside. That his mother has done the job impeccably for thirty years is some assurance that there would be a smooth transition, and that he won't fire all the experienced staff. Patsy put customer service foremost, and John will continue that tradition.

I don't have any contested races for County Commission, but I'll cast a vote for Scott Gillenwaters anyway, because he's done a good job, and always takes my calls. If you're in District 8, I'd recommend Robin Biloski and Myron Iwanski (everybody needs a good pair of skis); if you're in District 2, David L. Bolling is a keeper.

Hmmm... hardly as entertaining as AtomicTumor's endorsements, but food for thought in any case.

Get the Facts

2006-08-01T16:03:00.000-04:00

This afternoon's front-page story sheds a bit more light on the infamous TBI investigation of Alan Beauchamp and his repeated threats of a libel suit.

[Oak Ridger, 8/1/06] In 2004, area media reported that the probation director had been cleared.
But TBI spokeswoman Jennifer Johnson sees the outcome differently.
“The TBI doesn’t, quote, clear people,” she said. Anderson County District Attorney General Jim Ramsey agreed.
“We’re not in the business of clearing people,” he said.

I've been told that the statute of limitations for possible charges in relation to this investigation has not expired, although I confess that I don't know enough about criminal law to know exactly what those charges might be, nor how long the statute of limitations is. But if that is true, it does shed some light on why he might be so motivated to help his allies win the District Attorney's race and a couple of judgeships.

Now, if only the article had noted that the documents posted on LetsTalkFrank.com did not come from the TBI file, but from Anderson County records, I would feel fully vindicated.

It is unfortunate that the local papers are compelled to note in every article my status as a school board member, because the creation of that website had nothing whatsoever to do with the school board. It was the act of a private citizen on a Saturday morning. Of course, I do understand that it is news only because I hold elective office.

If I were just another mom sitting at the keyboard, it's unlikely that the papers would have covered it at all, and that would have been too bad.

Hits to the site skyrocketed after last week's story. It's now up to 5,213.

Change all around

2006-07-31T11:34:00.000-04:00

When you see something every day, it's all too easy to miss subtle changes.

I just returned after a couple weeks' absence, and noticed several substantial differences just in the short time I was away. On the turnpike, an old bank building at Jefferson Avenue -- it was Heritage Federal a decade or more ago -- has now been cleaned up and transformed into a new bank.

It looks a lot better.

Further east, the new apartments along Emory Valley Road near SAIC have absolutely sprung out of the ground, seemingly on their own, since I left. This is also great news for Oak Ridge, since we don't have much in the way of upscale starter residences for young professionals, or a place for people to live while they build.

These new projects are definitely an encouraging sign. I'm also looking forward to visiting the new Sonic on Illinois, since it means I don't have to drive to the other side of town to get a positively decadent chocolate malt -- an infrequent indulgence, but a treasured one nonetheless.

Resources

2006-07-28T12:16:00.000-04:00

AtomicTumor commented on the previous post that he fears a chilling in the web community... fear not. There are some wonderful resources out there:

Also, see "Libel in the Blogosphere: Some Preliminary Thoughts" by Glenn Reynolds, UT Law Professor and blogger extraordinaire (Instapundit).

And here is where I contemplate these weighty issues. You can tell it's really troubling me, can't you?

Fear Factor?

2006-07-28T01:21:00.000-04:00

Is a $1.75 million lawsuit scarier than one for $25,000? Only if you lose.

Libel is the publication of false and defamatory statements, presented as fact. Where public figures are concerned, there must also be proven “actual malice.”

In other words, you have to publish statements presented as fact that you know to be false, with the intent of doing harm to the person in question. It doesn’t include statements of opinion, just statements presented as fact.

The LetsTalkFrank.com website that generated the threat of a $1.75 million libel suit simply contains public records on file in Anderson County, primarily from the Sheriff’s Department. No claim was made as to the veracity of the statements in the public record, but in my opinion, the women who made those statements had little to gain – and much to lose – by going up against the Probation Director who was in a position to make their lives much more difficult.

Also a matter of public record is the arrest of Beauchamp's attorney, Michael Wayne Ritter, for DUI on May 9, as published in the Oak Ridger. And his censure by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility in August, 2004. [Hat tip to anotherthing2]

Personally, I wholeheartedly agree with David Stuart that the TBI file should be made public now. The central figure in this investigation is heavily involved in campaigns of several people up for election next Thursday, and the outcome of this election will undoubtedly influence the power wielded by someone with serious ethical allegations outstanding.

LetsTalkFrank.com is up to 4,872 visits and counting -- a number bolstered by 350 or so just since the appearance of the most recent Oak Ridger story. All those press releases about lawsuits are driving traffic so fast that it soon won't matter whether they succeed in getting the site host to take it down... every voter in the county will have already seen it.

A Must-Read Letter:

2006-07-26T14:09:00.000-04:00

Of all the letters to the editor this campaign season, today's Oak Ridger contains one that must be read -- it's the last of several today.

The writer is Melissa Martin, who served as (retired) Judge Buddy's Scott's judicial assistant for the last 15 years. The lady brings credentials to the arguments about cases heard, for she was involved on a daily basis in the scheduling.

In particular, the following two paragraphs caught my attention:

The true reason for the small number of jury trials is they were not asked for and scheduled by their [Ramsey's]office. Criminal cases were resolved by plea bargaining and often with victims in the courtroom upset over the lenient punishment of the plea bargain that had been offered by the assistant district attorney general assigned to cover the Criminal Court. Defense attorneys often expressed to me what great deals they could get for their clients in Anderson County.
In the few criminal cases that were set for a jury trial, the attorney general’s assistant would offer the defendant a better deal at the last minute to avoid trial. If Judge Scott turned down a plea, the justice system was punished by non-aggressive prosecution by the attorney general’s office. Two pleas that involved the deaths of the victims are now pending before the Tennessee Supreme Court because Judge Scott would not accept such inadequate punishment for defendants that took a life.

If, as prosecutor-in-chief, he proved adept in ensuring avoidance of corrections; just how bad might he be as a judge with the same ethic?

Ramsey's jerking around the efforts to form a drug court -- an avenue that has proven very successful in reducing repeat offenses, as well as being more cost-effective for the public -- still bothers me. I cannot understand his motivation in the least.

Thank goodness August 3rd is just around the corner.

Sad News...

2006-07-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

I learned just this morning of Marshall Whisnant’s passing on Saturday night. It is yet another crushing loss for Oak Ridge; his service on the planning commission, the education foundation, and various business and civic organizations was legendary.

For me, Marshall was a source of inspiration, of perseverance, a ready smile and always a touch of humor. A few years ago, my husband and I would play tennis on Sunday afternoons (when the courts were least crowded, in order to not disturb those more proficient than ourselves). Marshall was frequently sitting on the porch watching, always ready with a cheer in the unlikely event that I pulled off an ace or managed to drop a ball just barely over the net and out of reach.

Losing “Big Dave” Bolling, Larry Dickens, and now Marshall in the space of a few months has been tough. As our county and our town face future challenges, I’ll always ask myself what they would have done.

Now, it’s up to the rest of us to summon the courage and leadership to move the community forward in the selfless, but passionate way of those who went before us.

Rest well, dear friend. I know I’ll see you again.

Courier News

2006-07-23T11:45:00.000-04:00

We often complain in Oak Ridge that we don't get much coverage of Anderson County government. It may be true that many don't care -- but it may also be true that it's hard to care about that of which you have little (if any) information.

The Clinton Courier News unquestionably provides the most coverage of county government, and for a time I subscribed for that purpose. However, I got the news a couple of days late, since the paper arrived by mail. I've found it's more efficient just to buy one, since it's not available online.

Today's edition contains the paper's endorsements, notable because that paper most closely covers the County government and thus would probably have the most information to work with. It's worth picking up a copy, available at Rocky Top Markets and several other locations in Oak Ridge.

Endorsed are Dave Clark for District Attorney, Bill Lantrip for Chancellor, David Stuart for General Sessions Judge, April Meldrum for Juvenile Court Judge, and Bill White for Sheriff.

I think this may be the first time that Ron Bridgeman and I have agreed on selections for every office -- at least every office for which he offered an opinion. Regardless of knowing the outcome in advance, pick up a copy and read it for yourself: Bridgeman provides a well-reasoned explanation for each of his picks.

Sounds like it got a little hot at the fair last night, from eyewitness reports. Some of those not endorsed seemed to wilt.

Let's Talk Frankly

2006-07-20T14:43:00.000-04:00

If you haven't read it yet in the dead tree editions, you should soon. I've confirmed ownership of the domain www.LetsTalkFrank.com to four local newspapers in a statement that reads as follows:

I accept responsibility for the creation and content of www.letstalkfrank.com, a domain name that I have owned for about five years – since before the inception of the television show of the same name, with which I have no association.

The documents posted on the site are public record, and I have done nothing wrong in making this information more readily available to the public that it is intended to serve. While it would very likely be possible to quash the subpoena and remain anonymous, I choose to come forward at this point to avoid further suspicion and accusations against those who had nothing to do with – and were unaware of until after the fact – the publishing of this website.

The lawsuit filed is of a frivolous nature, intended to intimidate and harass me. However, the evolving political machine in Anderson County is far more disturbing to me than the threat of a libel suit and the resulting personal publicity.

There are candidates on the August ballot for powerful offices – sheriff, judges, and district attorney – who are or may be indebted to someone under reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing and abuse of power.

In shedding my anonymity I expose myself to possible retaliation, but do so in hope that the citizens of Anderson County will recognize the gravity of the choices to be made on August 3^rd and elect officeholders who will enforce, prosecute, and rule based upon law rather than political favors owed.

So for all those who were pointing toward various candidates in the August election as having done so, they didn't. They didn't even know about it until after it was published. Because the campaigning has gotten rough -- or perhaps because the facts themselves are rather raw -- the temptation existed to blame it on election-time politics.

Don't fall for that trick. Politics, American-style, has always been a bit rough-and-tumble, but we must be careful to see beyond the billboards, slick slogans, and catchy campaign themes.

Evaluate the quality of the individual whose name is on the ballot, his or her fitness to serve, and look closely (beyond political parties or professed lack of such) at the alliances that person has formed. If they seem to be connected to someone who does not have the County's best interest at heart, you should probably think long and hard about what's in it for them.

What next?

Chillin'

2006-07-19T15:13:00.000-04:00

If anyone has wondered why I haven't continued punching the buttons of folks running for local office lately, just ponder the picture to the left.

If this was what you looked at every evening over supper (and breakfast, for that matter), would you bother wondering what the local miscreants are up to?

Nah. Anotherthing2 is covering it quite nicely. That's where I go to see what's really going on in my absence.

But I know that at least one of her/his questions is bound to be answered in the next day or two.

At right, Delta and Dog are enjoying a calm surf; it isn't always so. On Monday, the undertow was so strong it swept Gamma, Delta and me all out past where we could touch the sand. Way past.

Lifeguard training from decades ago kicked in, and we all returned to shore safely. However, it was definitely time to stay shallow at that point.

And eat ice cream.

I do still care what's going on at home, but at this point, it's up to all of us to vote and put the best people in office. People who haven't spent the last eight years building a political machine, sometimes crossing party lines but always extending the protection of government to certain individuals in a perversion of the American political system.

Sometimes I do have to wonder what sort of dirty laundry Beauchamp has on these elected officials to make them put up with his shenanigans.

Stay tuned.

Is Nobody Listening?

2006-07-13T15:21:00.000-04:00

Either nobody is reading this blog (and I know well that some do), or someone from Layton's camp thought he'd try my patience today.

20 minutes ago, I left to pick up Gamma from her golf lesson and all was well. We made a quick stop at Weigels for an icee and when we returned, someone put a Layton sign in my yard.

Grrrr!

Tidbits

2006-07-13T08:04:00.000-04:00

In a letter to the editor yesterday (5th one down, "Ramsey's campaign ad called 'a lie'") , County Commission candidate Sharon Prince notes that a picture in one of Ramsey's ads features -- implying the support of -- several distinguished gentlemen, three of whom are deceased.

One of those is the writer's late husband, and her statement that the late Chancellor never supported Ramsey seems entirely credible.

It makes me wonder if Ramsey borrowed from Ophelia Ford's playbook.

* * *

There's a brand new local blog in town, on David Stuart's campaign website (www.DavidStuartforJudge.com). I'd like to see more local candidates take up blogging... more local people altogether, for that matter.

Interestingly, several of the local print media folks have indicated that they do surf the blogosphere, which may be positive for the survival of their industry. Stan Mitchell, publisher of the Oak Ridge Observer, earned an even higher level of respect from me when he asked permission to quote from one of my posts.

Note to Candidates

2006-07-13T07:08:00.000-04:00

Before you plant a yard sign in an obviously residential area, you might want to check with the homeowner first... especially if one of your opponent's signs is already present.

When I headed out to the store about 6:00 this morning, I found four (!) new Rodney Archer signs in my yard. Now Rodney seems like a nice young fella, but I'm a longtime fan of Patsy Stair and after meeting John, I think that his experience and knowledge (combined with Patsy's support) will be an asset to the Trustee's office.

That, and several of Archer's votes on commission were not exactly to my liking. That has nothing to do with his qualifications for Trustee, but any candidate with a record of doing, saying, or voting for things that are anti-Oak Ridge will have a tougher time earning my support.

That's just the way it is.

I'll contact Rodney today and tell him where he can pick up his signs; after all, they are expensive, he needs them, and I bear him no malice. In fairness, that particular corner of my yard gets excellent exposure to traffic, and could be mistaken for a vacant lot because it is heavily wooded.

It's not the first time this year it has happened, and it generally tends to be candidates who are new -- at least to Oak Ridge. The signs may well have been put up by a volunteer, and he may not even know that it happened.

Still, a prudent policy for political signs would be to just not plant them except with permission.

Orientation, part ii

2006-07-11T21:02:00.000-04:00

Today held another full day of being re-oriented at UT, but it was extremely productive, I thought.

The best talk by far was that by Tim Rogers, Vice-Chancellor of student affairs. He explained pretty succinctly the way that the "millennials" (the current freshmen's generation) differ from their parents ("Baby Boomers" or "Gen X" -- I fall somewhere in between), along with the three stages they go through.

These kids, he said, are much more techologically adept than their parents, and tend to work well in groups; teamwork comes naturally. Where they fall short is in having confidence in their one-on-one social skills: to introduce themselves to their professor, a prospective employer, or other adults with whom it would be beneficial to make a good first impression.

I'm sure there are exceptions, but for the most part, he hit the nail on the head. Although my daughter can work independently, she prefers working in pairs or small groups. And, she is decidedly timid about approaching adults in authority outside the family.

The maturation process was described as the first half of the freshman year being one where they will want parental intervention for roommate issues, for an instructor they don't like, for a grade they don't think is fair. Rogers' advice: listen patiently, and direct them to resolve their own problems through the channels provided at the University.

He also said that if they're coming home every weekend, there's probably a problem.

By Sophomore year, he told us to be prepared for them to swing to the opposite -- wanting no advice, since they must know it all (having survived freshman year), and stumbling from time to time.

Junior year brings self reliance and responsibility, accompanied by apprehension and self doubt: am I living up to my parents' expectations? Will anyone hire me? Am I really in the right major?

He didn't say anything about Senior year, so I'm hoping that means they all turn out relatively normal.

The rest of the day held sessions on when fees are due, academic matters, student safety, and such. Unlike yesterday, it really was very informative.

Day 1 was a barrage of marketing ploys, from the UT Parents' Association, advance Book reservations, the ALLSTAR card (like a debit card, but UT is the bank and keeps all the interest on the funds deposited) which is the only way to pay for doing laundry, printing or making copies, as well as purchasing incidentals and food at the many campus eateries outside the meal plan. I felt like I could have skipped the first day and just read some ads instead.

Am I ready to send my firstborn to the Big Orange? Sure.

The "New" Old School

2006-07-11T05:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was an awakening of memories for me, as I attended freshman orientation at UT -- this time, as a parent.

I was struck by how proudly the University touts their partnership with, or management of (depending on who was speaking) Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and what fabulous research opportunities this affords their students -- even undergraduates. The undergraduates part seemed like it might be a bit of a stretch, but the truth is that I don't know. Maybe they're counting Co-Op opportunities.

One could not miss, however, their new emphasis on globalism. In a session for parents of engineering majors, it was noted that foreign language is not required for a degree but that they strongly encourage it as an elective. One mother asked which language would be best, and I whispered to a friend next to me (jokingly, I hoped), "Mandarin."

I know that I probably have a skewed perspective, having grown up in Oak Ridge in a family of engineers, then married into another family of engineers, but I have to admit feeling a bit of apprehension about the slightly competing interests of global commercialism and US national security.

Then this morning, the News Sentinel reports the following:

A retired University of Tennessee professor is under investigation of potentially violating a federal law barring the transfer of sensitive technology to other countries, according to interviews and documents obtained by the News Sentinel.
J. Reece Roth, 68, an electrical and computer engineering professor who still teaches and does research at UT, had his laptop computer seized by agents from the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and Department of Commerce when he arrived in Knoxville from China on May 26.

I do not know whether Prof. Roth did anything wrong (intentionally or inadvertantly), or whether homeland security got overzealous in a big way. Neither one is good. Still, having a Chinese national working on the project, and having inquired about the possibility of including an Iranian grad student, doesn't strike me as an idea worthy of a brilliant plasma engineering researcher.

Yes, it's forward-thinking for the University to move students toward interacting with people from other parts of the world; there's no question that the marketplace of goods and ideas has greatly expanded since I wandered around UT as a 17-year old, trying to find my schedule, books and classes without getting too lost. At the same time though, the security challenges we face have also shifted and broadened; instead of worrying only about the Russians, we now have to be concerned with a much larger spectrum of people who might want to learn more about our technologies in order to use them against us.

I'm sending my firstborn into the very department affected by this incident. Truthfully, I know she'll be fine, and my biggest worries are that she will lose her student ID card (which now works like a meal card and debit card as well), get lost trying to find her classes, and the usual Freshman concerns.

My other observation from yesterday was that there's a marketing genius hard at work inside the Big Orange, with all kinds of extra "stuff" for parents to buy -- fundraising mechanisms disguised as services or necessities. That's a whole other entry though, and I want to be fair and finish my part of orientation before drawing my conclusion.

Voter Service

2006-07-09T07:29:00.000-04:00

Terry Frank says

I have to say that being disappointed in the League of Women Voters is nothing new.

I guess that's not surprising, given the "you're 100% with me or 100% against me" mentality that seems to have grown amongst the social conservatives segment of the Republican Party. By definition, any organization whose mission is to provide an unbiased format for debate is not 100% with (or against) anyone.

Terry refers to the Nashville League cancelling a candidate forum because Bob Corker declined to participate. Of course, reviews from the Knoxville forum indicate that it was a two-against-one slugfest, so it seems to me that this was a reasonable decision for a truly unbiased organization. In all honesty, I don't know why Corker declined the invitation -- whether he just didn't want to go, or if there was a scheduling conflict. Somehow, I'm not inclined to jump to the conclusion that he "just didn't want to," given the editorial assessment from the link above:

If Bob Corker doesn’t win the nomination, it will be because of some other, unforeseen issue that arises before the Aug. 7 primary election. It won’t be because of the issues raised or the personal attacks that he deftly parried during the Knoxville debate, nor will he lose on the issues he has successfully made himself clear on throughout the early rounds of campaigning.

He's just not a fraidy-cat kind of guy.

On a related note...
Locally, the League of Women Voters has conducted two candidate forums in preparation for the Anderson County general election. The first (and most lively) was on June 27, but there have been developments since that haven't yet made it to the public eye.

The League, sensitive to the fact that candidates' words can be taken out of context and misused, prohibits recording except by the press. All candidates sign an agreement not to do so, and one of the rules printed clearly in the event program reads as follows:

Tape and other material of the Candidates Forum is for the exclusive use of LWVOR and is not to be sold or reproduced without express consent of LWVOR.

In definance of this rule (which would seem to be a copyright violation), Energy Media managed to get hold of a recording, airing selected clips on a program which they pay Channel 12 to air. Since Energy Media is employed by local candidates as a campaign consultant, the program was decidedly biased, and the local League is furious.

The repercussions have already begun, as candidates have expressed concern about the incident. Without assurance that the League's policies to ensure fairness will be followed, there is a very real risk that candidates will elect not to participate in the future.

That is bad for the League, and worse for the public. It's my understanding that Channel 12 has pulled the taped program from future airings, and that they are likely to be much more diligent about the content of paid programming in the future.

It's too much to hope for that Channel 12 will cancel the show, but I'll hope anyway.

Sit with any group of local League members (who aren't all women, by the way) for an informal chat, and you'll find great diversity of opinion -- many of them quite strong -- all over the political spectrum. However, if you sit in on a Board meeting and watch the planning process for voter service efforts, you'll find a group of people who check their individual preferences at the door for the sake of a truly unbiased process.

I never want to live in a place where there's a requirement of total agreement on all things... there must be discourse for growth and improvement to flourish. More importantly, it sounds too much like the failed "iron curtain" politics of the past.

Frivolous Friday

2006-07-07T16:25:00.000-04:00

These signs are a riot, given the criticism about the DA not spending any time in court, and not much in the office (see letters to the editor, Oak Ridge Observer, July 2).

What happens if a judge doesn't show up?

Retirees in Arms

2006-07-05T09:43:00.000-04:00

It's been a couple of weeks since the pension plan meeting at Pellissippi State between DOE officials and contractor retirees, but the struggle isn't over.

In fact, the candor displayed by the headquarters designee (see Munger's column in the Sentinel today) may have invigorated those interested. For the uninitiated, the essence of the retirees' complaint is that their pension amounts have remained stagnant for years, with no adjustment for cost of living.

Walter Hedge's letter to the editor (also today) summed it up nicely:

An unbelievable statement from the BWXT Y-12 representative indicated that one of the problems with the pension plan is that the retirees are living too long - we apologize for that.

From the outside, one perception may be that these employees held good jobs -- among the best in the region -- and fared well. The reality, even more so in the last couple of decades, is that most contractor employees in professional fields like engineering would actually earn more in the private sector. The attraction was, and is, stability, decent benefits (though no longer that much better than the private sector, as was once the case), and for some, a sense of purpose.

Federal employees receive regular cost-of-living increases, as do retired congressmen and even social security recipients. Clearly, the Department is unable or unwilling to acknowledge their debt to the retirees and do the right thing, so the solution will be political.

Why should people who didn't retire from, don't work for, or have never worked for a DOE contractor care if the pensioners are treated fairly? Because these folks live in your community, and their purchasing and taxpaying power is directly related to the shrinking value of the pension they earned on salaries of ten, twenty, or more years ago. It impacts the viability of your local government, and places a heavier burden upon you.

Munger's summation that the issue may likely be settled politically is correct, and you have an interest in supporting reasonable change.

Debating the Debate

2006-07-04T06:52:00.000-04:00

Planning for a weekend in the woods last Thursday, I set my tv-gadget to record channel 12's replay of last Tuesday's League of Women Voters' Forum between the candidates for DA, Chancellor, Judge, and Sheriff. However, in a monumental technological error, I set it to record on the wrong day (it should have been Friday), which yielded instead an hour of Chad McNabb on Inside Anderson County (the program, not the e-zine of the same name).

Thursday's guest on the show was independent DA candidate Ann Coria, one of those whom Beauchamp is said to be advising. A few clips were played from the forum, and there seemed to be a little piling on of Coria and Hunt supporters against Dave Clark, the clear frontrunner in the race by most observers.

It was a weak piling on, in my opinion, but a three-way race can yield close margins: it's the only way that Ramsey stayed in office 16 years ago, when just a sprinkling of votes separated the republican, the independent, and the then-democrat Ramsey. Without a third candidate, he would have been defeated by a two-to-one margin.

Coria is bright, experienced, and a solid citizen. Watching her respond on the program, however, yielded a couple of concerns: she does not seem to share the other candidates' commitment to reducing the number of plea bargains (an issue due to Ramsey's long-standing practice of plea-bargaining everything), and she seemed to give a couple of different answers to gun-control questions. Most disturbing to me was her statement that she did not plan staff changes in the DA's office.

Since Ramsey hasn't tried a single case in this county in decades, the assistant DA's are an issue. I've experienced firsthand the frustration of plea-bargaining when ADA Sam Lee wanted to edit the theft of my vehicle down to "joyriding."

Joyriding would have been appropriate had my prized mustang convertible, a Mother's Day gift from a few months before, been returned to my driveway. When I had to go out and hunt it down -- which I did -- it's THEFT.

In another case where a friend of mine was the victim of a notorious scam artist, Lee wanted to dismiss the case altogether, even though there was sufficient evidence to put the guy away. Fortunately, Judge McNees recognized the con man from his previous infractions, and declined to go along. Con man did time.

Thank God for good judges! Which is why, for those who don't quite make the connection between why a bad DA would make for a worse judge, Jim Ramsey should not be elevated to the bench where he can dismiss cases at will, or impose his own strange brand of justice not only in criminal trials, but also in the sensitive family law and civil matters handled by the Chancery Court.

A few years ago, hubby served as a jury foreman in a case where the accused's real crime was that he hosted a website that was critical of Jim Ramsey. He was guilty of the minor offense with which he was charged, but the real villains in the incident were never brought before the court at all.

Neutral, objective, and independent? That's not what the record shows for Jim Ramsey. We need a competent and assertive District Attorney, along with a neutral, objective, and competent chancellor.

This August 3 election can bring real change to Anderson County. Think hard, and do your homework before voting.

Heat is On

2006-07-01T10:57:00.000-04:00

The heat is on for one Anderson County Probation Director, who was angry enough about my two previous posts that he headlined me on his little e-zine (which I will neither name nor link, since he declined to name or link to this blog).

Sometimes the truth is hard to take; Alan Beauchamp seems to have broken out in a rash over it.

MushroomCloud has taken the discussion to the Oak Ridger Forums; not exactly what I would have expected, but this has been a season of surprises.
* * *

At right, Gamma enticed a flock of half-grown goslings to eat from her hand, and one allowed her to pet it. I love Summer!

Forum or Brawl, part ii

2006-06-28T14:26:00.000-04:00

The Oak Ridger's coverage of the forum is up. Looks like one of the more interesting punches was taken by Don Layton, regarding his

...lack of adequate oversight of Anderson County Probation Services, and his closeness to Alan Beauchamp, probation services director.

Layton said it isn't his job to supervise Beauchamp, but Rex Lynch's guest column from December 21, 2000 indicates that Layton certainly had a hand in setting up the program, even giving Layton and Murch "most of the credit."

Anne Phillips' letter to Lynch from November 2003 says, in the next to the last paragraph,

Judge Layton told me that he had created that department so that Alan "would have something to do" if you were ever voted out of office.

That site has a number of interesting documents, and the URL has been circulating via e-mail this week according to the person who told me where to find it.

Forum, or Brawl?

2006-06-28T12:56:00.000-04:00

I really regret missing the League Forum for local candidates last night; I hear that it got very interesting.

However, BBB Communications did record the event, which will be aired on Channel 12 Friday evening at 8:00 provided that the sound and images are of sufficient quality, according to General Manager Brad Jones.

I do wish I'd been there, but it will be interesting to see how the local papers cover it, especially the Observer (which comes out Thursday at noon, and is available at these locations).

Political Thermometer

2006-06-24T05:36:00.000-04:00

The heat of political races, both for the county general election and the state/federal primary on August 3, is rising right along with the temperature outside.

Other political news is getting hot too: former County Commissioner Bubba Scarbrough is in trouble again (and still). Shelby County poll worker Verline Mayo was running from the law, wanted for her role in a Memphis election fraud case (see Ophelia's Fine Mess for older links).

Locally:
The League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge is hosting two candidate forums next week. On Tuesday, candidates for Chancellor (Lantrip and Ramsey), General Sessions Judge Div. 1 (Stuart and Layton), Juvenile Court Judge (Meldrum and Hess), District Attorney (Clark, Hunt, and Coria), Trustee (Stair and Archer), and Sheriff (White v. White) will face off in the Roane State auditorium in Oak Ridge (across from Home Depot and the new National Fitness Center).

On Thursday, candidates for Anderson County Commission and School Board from the three Oak Ridge districts will go through the same process, at the same place.

* * *
Not long ago, I ran across some interesting statistics on the number of court cases in Anderson County, which is the entire 7th Judicial District.

The courts have no backlog of criminal cases. Only three criminal cases went to trial between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005, the last full year in which records are available. The courts have no need to increase the number of days available for criminal trials.
The office Chancellor Lantrip's opponent now holds, that of Anderson County District Attorney, brought only three criminal cases to trial that year. Why is he urging that the days available for criminal trials increase?

Excellent question. Of course, since we're going to have a new DA, it seems possible that we might actually have a few more criminal trials after this election... and that's a good thing.

* * *

In the US Senate primary, Bryant, Hilleary, and Tennessee Right to Life are piling on Bob Corker, saying he's misleading voters by calling himself "pro-life" because he would make exceptions for rape and incest.

Anyone who would not make such an exception is a heartless monster. Somehow it seems that Republicans have lost their way, forgetting the third basic principle of their own philosophy:

Government activities should be limited to those things that people cannot do at all, or cannot do so well for themselves.

Check back: I'm tracking down something very interesting on the local scene.

School in any other language

2006-06-22T07:24:00.000-04:00

This year's "buzz" in education funding is "English language learners," or ELL. This seems like a silly term to me, as I hope we expect all children to be learning English (and math, science, etc.), but the phrase refers to children who speak a foreign language at home.

The City Paper carries an article today about Nashville's complaints, but rest assured that the same arguments are being made in each of the state's four largest cities, as well as a few rural areas with growing immigrant populations.

Although the clamor for funding and specialized staffing is new, the problem is not: in this country, we have always had immigrant children in our schools. In Oak Ridge, we have traditionally had a more diverse array of languages than most, but even in the tiny rural school that my husband attended, there were children of migrant farm workers who spoke only Spanish at home.

Children adapt more easily than adults, and are able to learn a new language much more quickly through immersion. Whether Hispanic, Russian, Chinese, or any other nationality, kids can and do pick up English if they're exposed to it every day through their peers. Although I did not attend school during my adventure as an exchange student, I went from knowing little more than "please" and "thank you" to literally dreaming in Spanish -- within a few weeks' time.

Do we risk doing more harm by segregating these children into special classes comprised of other non-English speaking students, thereby separating them from those from whom they would learn the language most quickly?

Or, is the real goal to leverage more funding from the state for yet another specialized program, serving a few at the expense of the many?

ALL children can learn. They will not learn at the same rate, nor will all attain the same levels of mastery in all subjects. They are, like the rest of us, unique individuals. However, to give immigrant students the best opportunity to succeed in this country, it seems that we should immerse them in our language, culture and customs in our schools.

Tennessee needs to provide adequate funding to educate all students, and stop wasting time and resources trying to divide an inadequate pie.

Etc.

2006-06-20T15:33:00.000-04:00

The past week or so has brought a couple of worthwhile achievements -- and working on others. If you didn't read last Thursday's (June 15) Oak Ridge Observer, pick up a copy before they're gone. It's free, and they're all over town.

I have a column on the op-ed page, sort of an expansion of the thoughts seen in Calling Council's Hand. I'd rather you read the whole paper (the main editorial is good food for thought as well), but if you can't get it in time, you can read the text of my piece here.

On the heels of that endeavor, our whole family engaged in the time-honored tradition of helping friends move. They only relocated about a mile or so, but it was from a house that was getting a little cozy (now that their boys are 9 and 15) to their dream home. So our family -- along with several others -- packed, loaded, transported, unloaded, and helped unpack the essentials.

I was exhausted and more than a little sore, but it felt really good to help accomplish something neighborly, the way people used to help each other as a matter of routine.

Next was Gamma's birthday -- daughter #3 turned 14. Her wish for the day was for the whole family to do something together, so we all hung out at the Secret City Festival for a while, and she attended the concert Saturday night with her father and me. While at the festival, I snagged a copy of Cooking Behind the Fence, a collection of recipes from the 43 Club.

Father's Day was a laid-back affair, with my husband enjoying an uninterrupted nap for most of the afternoon. We went to my parents' house for supper, where my father ranted about Phil Mickelson's meltdown on number 18 in the US Open. I told Dad he should have been caddying for Mickelson, to which he responded "damn right! I would have told him to use a 2-iron."

Somehow, I have no doubt that Dad would have no problem doing exactly that. And he probably would be right. Funny how the older I get, the more he knows.

I also spent a bit of Sunday missing my father-in-law, gone a little over five years now. I treasured knowing him for 15 years, long enough to recognize that my husband is who he is in large part because of his own father's influence.

The upside of the moving experience is that it has inspired me to do a little packing of my own -- packing up things we don't need, that is, and clearing some of the clutter that has accumulated over the past 20 years. There's a long way to go, and we're not likely to be cured of our pack-rat tendencies in this lifetime, but at least we can be a bit more organized.

With Alpha college-bound in August, the remaining three are eyeing how to divvy up the added space. Gamma has set out on the ambitious project of cleaning out the "office" (a room which was once an office, but has now become a repository for boxes of stuff that doesn't belong anyplace else), so that youngest sibling Delta can move out of her shared room.

Seems like just last week that I was nursing one, trying to keep the other three from writing on the walls or disassembling the electric outlets. Where have the years gone?

On a lighter note...

2006-06-14T04:14:00.000-04:00

Some situations are so challenging that you simply have to make light of it. In Memphis, where politics has had a somewhat different twist going back to the days of Boss Crump, John Harvey has taken the inititative to empower ordinary people to help fix the problems.

www.votinginMemphis.com has an assortment of information and actual tools -- like a link to the Social Security Death Index, so that an army of regular citizens can help search the database for dead people still registered.

And, for your listening pleasure, a new take on an old tune.

BTW, Anderson County will be using brand-new voting machines (as a result of the Help America Vote Act) for the August election, and early word from one of the election workers is that you might want to take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the machines before time to cast your ballot for real. The Election Commission will have the machines on display at this weekend's Secret City Festival, with staff on hand to answer any questions.

Betrayal

2006-06-13T20:11:00.000-04:00

How'd you like to wake up to this news, then spend the day wondering if your spouse was one of the 100 unlucky folks at Y-12 today?

Welcome to my world.

When he called a few minutes ago after a late meeting to see if I needed anything on the way home, I had to ask... and he doesn't yet know the answer. Said he'd have to check his e-mail to find out.

For the NNSA -- which sounds quite like an oxymoron at the moment -- to know that personal data was stolen and NNSA administrator Linton Brooks knew about it ten months ago, but failed to either inform DOE or the 1,502 affected employees, is absolutely inexcusable.

I don't know how this is going to end, but hiding bad news and hoping no one will see seems like a particularly poor choice.

County Pay Hike?

2006-06-13T01:49:00.000-04:00

Bob Fowler has an interesting story this morning, but to me, the most shocking news is old news.

County elected officials in Tennessee are paid according to a state scale based upon population ranges, and officeholders in Anderson County are seeking to be reclassified to the 150,000 to 175,000 population range to close the gap between the pay of those offices and that of the County Mayor. The County Mayor is paid based on the salary for counties having a population of 200,000 - 225,000, or $92,648.

Anderson County has a population of 71,330 according to the 2000 Census.

According to the article, the change in the County Mayor's salary was made "years ago." I'm not sure when, and I'm not sure why, except that it does seem plausible that a lower salary would attract few really qualified candidates. As it is, it seems tough to entice attractive candidates.

Looking at the census tables, there isn't any county in the 200,000-225,000 range; after Shelby, Davidson, Knox and Hamilton, the largest is Rutherford Co. at 182,023. Anderson is 15th in population ranking.

However, this response is the one that nearly made me choke on my coffee:

Lynch on Monday voiced objections to any pay hike request that doesn't include the county mayor, calling such a move "discrimination.''

Lynch's salary is already that of someone in his position in a county three times the size of ours, and he thinks that it's "discrimination" to bring the others up to wages set for counties twice the size of Anderson without raising his own? Does he really think he's that much better than every other elected officeholder in the County?

I don't care what he thinks, frankly, and I'm offended that we elected someone who is actually capable of expressing such a sentiment.

Update: Case Closed...

2006-06-10T12:31:00.000-04:00

An article in this morning's Chattanooga Times-Free Press (or PDF here) quotes Jesse Register, Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, as saying:

"I think it’s good the case has been dismissed, because that means it’s been settled," Dr. Register said. "I’m hopeful now with the small systems lawsuit out of the way that other inequities in the funding formula that don’t treat the urban systems well will be addressed, too."

The TFP article does not directly quote the Chancellor, whose remarks in the AP story indicate that any major changes would be considered grounds for reopening the suit, and (attorney for the plaintiffs) Donelson's argument against the dismissal specifically referenced the urban systems' push for change.

Further down, it's clear that Hamilton County Commissioners didn't make that connection either:

Hamilton County Commission Chairman Larry Henry said he and several other members of the commission are prepared to enter a lawsuit to change the BEP formula, if need be.

"We’re nowhere near where we ought to be (in terms of funding), and that puts an unnecessary burden on the citizens of Hamilton County," he said. "That would be a last resort, but if it’s what we have to do, it’s what we have to do."

Seems we'll have to wait a bit before drawing conclusions about whether it's over or not.

Case Closed!

2006-06-10T04:42:00.000-04:00

A Davidson County Chancellor ruled yesterday to dismiss the 18-year Small Schools lawsuit, as no issues related to the suit remain unresolved. This morning's Commercial Appeal has the story.

Lewis Donelson, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, argued for keeping it open based upon intensive efforts by the state's urban systems to change the formula so that they get more; the court responded that it does not deal with "what ifs," but left open the option of re-opening the case if the BEP were repealed, or if substantial changes were made.

In this year's annual BEP resolution, the Legislature again directed the BEP Review Committee to examine and make recommendations on moving to a system-level fiscal capacity model, which affects how the BEP funds are distributed based upon local governments' ability to pay. Although such a recommendation was issued last year (see David v. Goliath), it failed to gain passage in the Legislature this year, probably because of the disparity in the winners and losers, along with the high cost of "holding harmless" those school systems that would lose significant funding.

I'm certain that it would be possible to develop a system-level fiscal capacity model that is fair, incorporating not only ability to pay, but also level of effort. The model proposed this year, developed by Harry Green of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), incorporates variables like the value of taxable property, volume of taxable sales, state shared tax revenue, median household income, child poverty rate, and taxable real estate assessment. Nowhere in the formula will you find consideration of tax rate, nor the percentage of local taxes already devoted to education.

I could get into the details of the formula, but that's another 3,000 words or so for another post.

Will the ruling to close the lawsuit -- with the Chancellor's caveat that is could be re-opened if significant changes are made -- will cause the Legislature to rethink bowing to demands of the state's largest cities for more funding at the expense of smaller systems?

Update:

An article in this morning's Chattanooga Times-Free Press (or PDF here) quotes Jesse Register, Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, as saying:

"I think it’s good the case has been dismissed, because that means it’s been settled," Dr. Register said. "I’m hopeful now with the small systems lawsuit out of the way that other inequities in the funding formula that don’t treat the urban systems well will be addressed, too."

The TFP article does not directly quote the Chancellor, whose remarks in the AP story linked at the top indicate that any major changes would be considered grounds for reopening the suit, and (attorney for the plaintiffs) Donelson's argument against the dismissal specifically referenced the urban systems' push for change.

Further down, it's clear that Hamilton County Commissioners didn't make that connection either:

Politics: Local Judicial Elections

2006-06-08T21:52:00.000-04:00

For some weeks now, anyone who reads the dead tree edition of local papers has seen ads for a candidate running on the premise of "doubling days for criminal trials."

Funny thing, for one who seems to have avoided putting criminals on trial at all from his current position as District Attorney.

I've seen it as a campaign gimmick for the most part, but some have asked, "why not?"

If you're wondering, the answers to that question and more are posted here -- in particular, click the Information link for a good civics lesson on the history of courts in Anderson County, why some things are done the way they are, and the difference between the different kinds of courts.

Most of us who have had little experience beyond a speeding ticket could learn something here. I did.

And yes, this is a candidate that I will vote for and support. Bill Lantrip is a class act, and one that we would do well to keep.

Media Role in Society's Propriety

2006-06-06T21:51:00.000-04:00

This is a tough one to write... but it has to be said.

Yesterday's Oak Ridger featured a story of a young marine preparing to leave for Iraq, just days after the birth of his first child. Today's News-Sentinel carries a front-page, above the fold photo of the same young marine, with his newborn son and girlfriend.

I deeply, sincerely hope that this young man comes home safely, and soon.

I also wish that, for the sake of this new baby, that he would marry the baby's mother before he goes -- to give the child the benefit of his name, to provide some security for the baby's future should the peril of war take its toll.

Perhaps I am wrong, but my instinct is to chastise both newspapers for glorifying this little family that seems to have forgotten something terribly important: the paperwork. Marriage, commitment, and security. How many teenagers read these two papers and came away with the only tragedy is that the Marine has been called to war so early in fatherhood?

I desperately hope that the young mother pictured never has to tell her son that his father gave his life for his country... but couldn't give his name for his child.

Other people's lives are none of my business, but the media has a role in upholding the standards of society. Do we have any left?

Calling Council's Hand

2006-06-05T19:21:00.000-04:00

At the second reading of the City of Oak Ridge Budget on May 22, Council members stated that the School Board didn't participate in their budget planning process, and that they didn't know until the school budget was submitted on April 25 that there was a difference between the schools' request and Council's planned allocation.

Privately, some have said they didn't know about the shortfall until reading it in the newspaper.

The March 20 Minutes (page 4) of City Council indicate that they did have forewarning:

Ms. Karen Splinter, Director of Business and Support Services for Oak Ridge Schools, spoke on behalf of the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tom Bailey, who was unable to be present at this meeting. Her comments were:

"Dr. Bailey wanted to express his thanks to the City Manager and to City Council for allowing he and I to sit in on the Budget and Finance meetings that have occurred over the past several
months. He also wanted you to recall that we have always said that we would do our best to stay within the model that the City proposes. Over the past few years, in order to stay in that model, we have moved large sums of our nonrecurring fund balance to balance the budget and have said that at some point it will run out. We are very close at this point, after the FY 07 budget, for that to happen. In order to stay within the guidelines of the model that is currently being proposed, the Schools will have to diminish programs for '07. Over the past few years, working within the guidelines of the model has caused us to develop budgets that are basically maintenance in nature with no embellishments or additions or improvements to programs. This year and in the years to follow, this model will not even allow us to have a maintenance budget. [emphasis added]

We have included all potential revenues known to date. We are using a figure given to us by the State for the BEP (Basic Education Program) funding; however, the qualification was "it could be off by $2 million so discount it by 95%." So that gives you an idea of the uncertainty of the BEP funding. Of course, if it turned in our favor at a later date, that would be something where we
could adjust the budget. But the last word that I got is the official estimate will not be out until April, so it's probably going to miss this whole budget cycle we are in."

For the sake of clarity, a "maintenance budget" means keeping the programs we currently provide (which includes not only what we typically think of as maintenance -- repairing and cleaning -- but also everything else).

They did know in advance. I wish I could provide a link to minutes of the budget and tax committee meetings, but I haven't been able to find any. Are there any? Note the first sentence of Karen Splinter's quote:

Dr. Bailey wanted to express his thanks to the City Manager and to City Council for allowing he and I to sit in on the Budget and Finance meetings that have occurred over the past several months.

So, in addition to the status report on March 20, reference is made to their attendance at committee meetings in the preceding months. I attended at least one of those, cautioning that our state funding is in peril due to the efforts of the state's largest school systems to have BEP funding reallocated in such a way that they would gain at the expense of smaller municipal school systems.

The budgets are set, with real cuts in services made by the school system in order to meet the Council's allocation -- set months in advance before all costs were fully known. It may not be fair, but as mortgage rates have risen, how many homeowners have had to allocate a larger share of their budget to the house payment? As fuel costs have risen, how many people have had to devote a larger share of the family budget to transportation?

Answer: all of us. It's time to prioritize before we lose the house. Losing bus service was as bad a cut as I can remember in my lifetime acquaintance with the Oak Ridge Schools.

Teach Tennessee

2006-06-05T15:42:00.000-04:00

This morning's News Sentinel reports that new teachers credentialed under a new program to recruit mid-career professionals into the classroom are being graded. The results should show whether the accelerated licensure has indeed produced effective teachers for the critical shortage areas of science, math, and foreign language.

It will be interesting to see the results.

I've maintained for several years that good teachers are born with something that most of us don't have... but there's no question that effective teaching practices can also be taught. If those effective practices can be taught in a short period of time to someone who posesses that innate talent, already has a degree, as well as years of experience in a particular subject, it seems likely that they would make a great teacher.

What better math teacher than one who has already applied those skills to designing bridges that don't collapse, or a physics teacher who spent a few years in a nuclear facility? Imagine the answer to the smart-aleck kid who complains, "when am I ever going to use that?"

I remember having that very thought when faced with learning calculus, only to realize much later that it's very useful in calculating how much an extra $500 paid toward the principal near the beginning of a 15-year mortgage is really worth.

I do hope that the results come in positive; there aren't that many people who are willing to pursue a degree in math, sciences, or even foreign language and then settle for the constraints of a teacher's salary. But there are some who have already earned a good living for some number of years, and are willing to take a pay cut to pursue a dream, have summers off, or simply a second career.

The story behind the start of Teach Tennessee is that Governor Bredesen (with a degree in physics from Harvard) asked Commissioner of Education Lana Seivers if he could teach physics in a Tennessee high school after he retired as governor. Her reply was, "no, sir; you're not qualified."

I guess the cool thing about being a governor is you can change little things like that.

Walking to School

2006-06-02T07:25:00.000-04:00

Atomic Tumor raises questions about the change in transportation service for Oak Ridge Schools for next year, so I'll post what I know. Bus transportation will not be provided for students who live within one mile of their school. I don't know yet if that is as the crow flies, or distance by road.

How many kids are affected? 734, at current enrollment, by school as follows:

Robertsville Middle: 128
Jefferson Middle: 141
Glenwood Elementary: 77
Linden Elementary: 102
Willowbrook Elementary: 136
Woodland Elementary: 130

Some at Oak Ridge High School will be affected, but I don't have that figure -- bus ridership at the high school is a moving target, changing daily with the weather and gas prices. However, it's well known that high school students are least likely to ride the "cheese wagon" (as they call it) having the option of driving, biking, or hitching rides with friends. Even 25 years ago, riding the bus was tantamount to wearing a "kick me" sign, a fact which has not changed.

The immediate dollar value of this change is $279,408, plus a reduction of $575,000 in future capital outlay for the replacement of school buses. Obviously, we'll eliminate the oldest buses first, to delay the time before we have to buy new ones, as the State requires that we replace buses after 15 years.

NEXT UP: While nothing was done at the May 30 budget meeting, look for discussion of change in the near future in the area of bus maintenance. The City's 129% "overhead charge" on parts and labor, plus a "10% administrative fee," is far more than I would be willing to pay for service on my own vehicle, so I'm even less willing to pay it using the schools' money. Cleveland City Schools realized a substantial savings when they quit paying the City of Cleveland and hired their own mechanic... staff are now investigating whether we could save by doing the same.

Watch for the City to then decide to charge us for use of the garage at the City Service Center, but I'm not sure how they could get away with that, since part of the justification for building it was that the school system would have shared use of the garage. This year, the transportation department took several buses to a commerical garage for an oil change because the City had a backlog and couldn't get to them over a school break; the overall cost was lower, even though the buses had to be driven to Knoxville for the service (increasing fuel and payroll cost for the effort).

Anyone know a good diesel mechanic in Oak Ridge?

Rules of Governance

2006-05-30T21:53:00.000-04:00

An interesting item was brought to my attention this evening by former School Board Chair Ann McNees, regarding City Council's "Budget and Tax Committee:"

From the City Charter (2004 revision), Article II, Section 8, Council Rules -- Transaction of Business:

The last sentence reads,

There shall be no standing committee of the council.

So, is the "budget and tax committee," comprised of just three members appointed by either the Mayor or the Council, an illegal committee?

Strategic Plan

2006-05-30T15:47:00.000-04:00

Having a strategic plan is a good thing, but failing to incorporate all priorities calls into question the viability of any such plan. I received by e-mail today a copy of Ron Darden's recommendations to Council from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), and the last page is a cause for grave concern.

Recommendations:

1. Revise the property tax limitation goal that is directed at operating budgets already operating below the 25th percentile level for comparable cities and make the goal less ambiguous or delete the goal.

2. Develop a strategic planning process that involves the community on a regular basis.

3. Use a facilitator to guide the planning process, but do not substitute a facilitator for the planning process.

4. Identify the services that the city will provide and those that the city will not provide. Fund desirable services with available and anticipated revenues.

5. Review all operating departments to ensure that they are operating at the appropriate level of service and that they are operating efficiently and effectively.

6. Increase non- property tax revenue where possible.

7. If the city thinks that it is important to minimize the effect of the local property tax rate, consider limiting the annual school appropriation by some agreed upon percentage.

Summary

The city needs to develop an effective and continuous strategic planning process with goals that are clear, concise, and understood by the staff and citizens. The school system, one of the academically, very best in the state, requires substantial appropriations from the city’s general fund. This is the primary reason that the city’s property tax rate is above the 75th percentile level for comparable cities. When city operating departments are compared with comparable cities, less the education appropriation, they operate below the 25th percentile level for comparable cities. City services may suffer if the departmental budgets are reduced by 16% in meeting the stated strategic goal of limiting the property tax rate to the 75th percentile level of comparable cities. The city would be wise to explore other alternatives in the strategic planning process.

If I'm reading this right, Darden recommends limiting school appropriations longer-term to some preconceived percentage, because it would harm other city services to limit their budgets. Does he -- or more importantly, do Council members -- believe that limiting appropriations to education will not similarly cause harm to that sector of City services?

This recommendation seems to point in the dangerous direction of pitting one department (the schools) against all others... which I truly believe is a bad idea. Yet, my first reaction upon reading it was this:

How many people move here because our Parks & Recreation Department is so great?
How many people move here because of our top-notch fire department? (that's not sarcasm... they really are terriffic.)
How many move here because of our police department?

Add them all up, and ask if the total is more than the number who move here for our school system. I really don't think so. It is an unrealistic goal that all of our city services -- including schools -- should be of a higher standard than our so-called "comparable cities" (Maryville, Bristol, Morristown, Smyrna, and Cookeville)?

Quality isn't cheap, but it is often the best value.

Good as New

2006-05-29T15:45:00.000-04:00

Aahhh... nothing like a few days in the woods to restore the soul.

This morning, while Hubby, Delta, and Dog were still sleeping, I hopped on my bike and rode down to the dam to catch the morning rays in the water. This shot is looking back toward the lake through the downhill side of the dam -- I think this one was designed as an overflow spout, but it wasn't anywhere near overflow stage.

Still, it was pretty.

To the right is a view from the top of the dam -- yes, the one I was told not to climb and did anyway (twice). The chute that I climbed didn't have any water falling so the stone steps were dry, and all but one were low enough that I could just pull myself up the next one. There was one where I had to grip the rocks on the side and sort of shinny up the side wall, but it was no big deal. Really. And the view was worth it.

All is right with the world again.

Coming home, I had my faithful companion drooling over my shoulder most of the way (as seen through the rearview mirror here), but that's okay too.

Some days, there's nothing like a friend who loves you no matter how worthless you are to the rest of the world. That's Dog. However, after a few days of renewal, now I feel like I can take on the world again with a rational perspective.

Let me know before Tuesday evening what makes the most sense to cut from the school budget. I have my own thoughts, of course, but input is always welcome and considered.

Outposting

2006-05-28T16:19:00.000-04:00

Sunday: child Delta confirmed; child Alpha's convocation ceremony attended.
Monday: City Council meeting... undesirable result.
Thursday: Child Alpha graduated; chaperoned graduation celebration from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday. Lots of Starbucks consumed.
Friday: Finished a little work that had lingered; packed everyone for various destinations over the weekend, hitched up the little camper and left for the woods.

It is in the woods that I can get everything back in the proper balance. I've slept about twice as much as usual, ridden my bike around wherever I need to go (the pool, mostly, but also to the little bridge with a dam underneath). I've cooked on an open wood fire, read some more of my first Sharyn McCrumb novel (A Rosewood Casket), and just sat and listened to the woodpecker that seems to hang out overhead.

This morning, I climbed the stone dam (across, I think, the Obed river), much to Hubby's chagrin... he doesn't like heights. I do, and I've climbed like a monkey since I was a child. So I pretended not to hear the cries of "don't do that" and did anyway.

Youngest child Delta, the only one to accompany us on this trip, informed me later that he said I was going to die if I fell. I told her that's why I didn't fall.

We biked back to camp and I took yet another luxurious nap while he took Dog on another several-mile walk. Dog likes that. Delta biked to the pool.

As a thundercloud threatened, I gave in to Hubby's jonesing for a hotspot and we headed for the DQ at exit 320, where we now sit. But, that peanut buster parfait is making me sleepy... it may be time to go back and throw a few logs on the fire, then take another nap as the logs burn down to perfect cooking coals.

Nothing tastes so good as whatever is cooked on an open fire in the woods. Tonight's fare will be kielbasa with potatoes and onions, with slabs of fresh tomato and cottage cheese on the side. Dessert: s'more s'mores.

Already, I think that my sanity is returning. I can be nice again. I can think clearly, make sound decisions, and not bite people's heads off at the slightest offense.

Although challenges remain upon my return, I will be equal to them. Have a great Sunday.

Graduation=Celebration!

2006-05-26T02:52:00.000-04:00

Fifteen seconds this evening wiped out a month of exhaustion, frustration, and anything else negative that may have happened in the last month... or the last three years.

This evening, I handed my eldest child her diploma.

I didn't cry, but it was close. She's worked so hard, climbing from the lowest math and reading classes in early elementary school, to knocking out AP exams in AP Calculus, Physics C, and Chemistry this year. Oh, and lest I forget, she earned a nice little scholarship from the UT College of Engineering.

All of last year, she arrived at school an hour early to soak up whatever extra physics she could from Peggy Bertrand (one of ORHS's very gifted teachers); most of this year, she arrived by 5:30 to get in some extra calculus with Ms. Hillis (another great one) and then additional physics -- her favorite subject.

I'm very proud of her, but I'm sure you've gathered that already.

And now, true live journaling from the now-famous Graduation Celebration! About 85% of the graduating class is here -- safe, busy, and enjoying every last minute.

From line dancing, sumo wrestling, twister on a giant inflated mat, dance dance revolution, the graduate store, the thank-you note room, the buffet... there's so much to do, and happy kids everywhere.

Earlier, each studied the sharp Chevy Blazer to be given away at 6 a.m. to the lucky one who can come closest to guessing the number of balloons stuffed inside. From some who studiously calculated the internal area of the vehicle and the average volume of balloons, to random guesses, each has a shot at the grand prize.

Watch more more a little after 6 a.m., and I'll let you know who drives away with it, thanks to a gallon or so of Starbucks coffee (donated, of course, like everything else here).

Thanks to Karen Bridgeman and the many people who started this event ten years ago, to all the businesses and people who contributed money, gifts, prizes, and time to throw a grand community party for our graduates.

This is the best city on earth.

6:02 a.m. update:
Mark Cardinal won the car, guessing the exact number of balloons inside and being the random winner among the 10 envelopes distributed to the 10 closest guessers. Congratulations!

Aftermath

2006-05-24T20:27:00.000-04:00

Beginning in the lobby of the municipal building after Council's budget vote Monday night, everywhere I go, people are talking about recruiting candidates for City Council. On Tuesday, I heard it at two different awards ceremonies at my kids' school (parents and teachers), and from folks whose kids are long since grown and gone at a lunchtime meeting.

This morning, I heard the same thing at Rotary.

The seats that are up for election next June are those held by Abbatiello, Bradshaw, and Dunlap. I've heard that Bradshaw isn't planning to run again, but I haven't heard it from him, so take it for what it's worth -- not much. I've also heard that Abbatiello has changed his mind (having said before that he would not run again, and apparently now deciding that he will). Ditto the disclaimer.

But, rather than talk about changing people just now, I'd rather give some thought to changing a process: specifically, the City's budget process.

Having been through (several times) the sometimes tedious exercise of going through the school system budget line by line, in a public, televised meeting, I know it's a lot of work. I also know that it gives each school board member a much better understanding of exactly where the resources are allocated, and why some expenses rise at a higher rate than others. It also makes for a much more open and transparent process for the public, which is good. It gives us a chance to ask questions, and for the public to hear the answers to these questions.

City Council, in recent years, has delegated the process to a committee of three (Abbatiello, Mosby, and Golden). The deliberations take place in a small training room, usually in daytime meetings that are inconvenient for public attendance, and are not televised. Thus, when the public readings arrive in May, the appearance is that it's long since been settled.

Because all members of council bear responsibility for the budget and tax rate, I strongly believe that it would be a better process for all seven members to participate, and that there should be a televised work session where the entire budget is reviewed line by line. After all, they really only have two primary responsibilities: policy and finance.

Just like the school board.

In fairness, they do many things well: their packets are all online for citizen review, and the budgets are also posted on their website. The school board should do the same... it's one of those things that have been put off for lack of funding for the appropriate software and technical staff, but it needs to happen.

The thing that they do not do well lies in delegating one of their greatest responsibilities to a small group, and that needs to change. Before next year. And if the citizens demand it, they can certainly make it happen in just one vote.

Perhaps another needed change is in the strategic plan, which excludes any meaningful mention of education, but has a definite (in this case, negative) impact on education through the fiancial model -- but that's another day's topic.

Council Recap: the ugly truth

2006-05-22T22:57:00.000-04:00

Fourteen speakers stood in line for their 3-minute turns at the microphone, each with different information but with a united message: fund the schools' budget request.

Al Denny noted Council's systematic denial of needed funding for education.
Ann McNees (former Board Chair) recalled how the schools were left out of the strategic planning process, particularly in the selection of benchmark cities (many of whom had no school systems, or only limited schools like K-6).
Bob Peelle said that residents seek stability in services -- police, fire, and especially education. He closed by saying that Council is accountable for adequate school funding.
Brenda Fellner suggested that the City change its slogan from "achieving excellence" to "leading the way to mediocrity."
Sam Bremen, James Sullivan, and Nathan Leiby (three of Oak Ridge's dazzling rising stars) spoke to the advantages they have been granted at ORHS; Sam -- one of the best young cellists ever to grace our stage -- closed by saying,

Excellence is a legacy that you have the opportunity to extend, or to end.

Pat Postma, an ORHS graduate herself whose children also grew up in our system, noted that during her work with the education foundation she was struck by how much we have already lost, how behind we are in technology, and asked Council to simply extend the same effort as already put forth by the school board. She also said,

Whatever is it that you like about Oak Ridge is enhanced by improvements in education.

Elizabeth Peelle reinterated that the City's allocation to the school system is steadily declining as a percentage of the overall general fund. While the actual dollars are increasing (except in FY04, where it remained the same as '03), the City is limiting growth to the schools more so than to other areas.
Lisa Buckner pointed out that the schools are scarecely mentioned in the City's strategic plan, although it is that very instrument that is held up as Council's shield against criticism.
Susan Shor compared the tax increase required as equivalent to a stick of gum per day (Thom Mason, in a letter to the editor, defined it as one pizza per year).
Cathy Toth asked when the school system became the "red-headed stepchild" and declared as only a mother of middle-schoolers could: "don't play one department against another!"

But it was Rick Morrow who most moved the audience, speaking not of the City's best and brightest who garner the many accolades, scholarships, and prizes... but of a 22-year old young man who, suffering from dyslexia, never learned to read. In a lesser environment, Morrow said, such a child would have turned to drugs or crime in frustration, but in Oak Ridge, with excellent teachers who were passionately committed to this child's success, he graduated with a real diploma and is now gainfully employed -- a productive, self-supporting, taxpaying citizen in this community.

He closed, as several others had done, by saying that tonight's vote would influence his vote in the next election.

The comments came to an end, and the Mayor called for any questions or discussion from Council. There were none... although each took a turn commenting on their support for education. It's hard to believe it occurred this way; harder yet to sit there through a unanimous vote where the obvious appearance was that no effort was expended whatsoever.

I'm not sure how to make it happen, but I'd like to see someone run for Council next year with a commitment to make the City's budget process more open, with a public (televised, in a regular meeting) line-by-line justification of each item in the budget.

That's not micromanagement, it's upholding the public trust.

On a closing note: the chair (Abbatiello) of the City Manager's evaluation committee is also the chair of the (farce) budget & tax committee, therefore, the City Manager's evaluation and salary are directly tied to performance standards set by the architect of this insidious, zero-growth plan. There's something terribly wrong about that structure.

State Surplus

2006-05-22T06:01:00.000-04:00

Talk abounds lately of the anticipated surplus in state revenue, along with various proposals for how to use it. From today's Tennessean:

Items that lawmakers want to use the extra money for include: an incentive for moviemakers to come to Tennessee to film hit movies; a boost for higher education; more money for hospital trauma centers; and relief for state taxpayers.

Higher Education would certainly be one good suggestion, since that area has been notably neglected in the last few years. The shortfall has been made up, of course, by steep tuition hikes and things like larger classes or fewer course offerings.

I haven't seen published reports of anyone in Nashville suggesting some relief to the state's public school systems, other than a slight increase in BEP funding for at-risk and ESL students that was proposed long before any talk of a budget surplus. It would certainly please me to see someone stand up in the Legislature and make the case for directing the money toward covering State mandates that now fall more heavily than ever on local government.

Even if it were in the form of one-time assistance rather than a change in recurring allocations, it would help. Anything that is required by the State but paid for, in whole or in part, by local government is undisputedly a burden on the taxpayer -- and any assistance given by the state lightens that burden on the local taxpayer.

Perhaps the only reason no one's talking about it is that it would be too hard for the Legislature to claim credit, and most ordinary folks would see it as the efficiency of their local government instead.

More Letters to Council

2006-05-19T09:23:00.000-04:00

As yesterday, I will post letters to Council from the parent listserv as they come in. This morning's first edition is fairly strong:

I am also in complete agreement with the previous authors. Please do not make any cuts to the school budget, and make any increases necessary to maintain the high level of education the city of Oak Ridge has historically offered. I am in favor of increasing property taxes to achieve this goal. Besides, I'd hate to have to spend all of my time campaigning against the current council members during the next election
- soccer season is busy enough as it is.

Thanks,
DP

I feel certain there are more to come.

Don't cut our children's opportunities.

The fact that these cuts were seriously considered in the first place makes me ask myself who the heck is these people on the council really are?!? What makes this community a great place to raise a family are the people living here and our common values we place on things like diverse educational opportunities. Taking away those things will not be taken lightly and I believe is not an acceptable answer here in Oak Ridge. BECAUSE of the importance this town and it's people have put on education in the past I believe we have the mental horsepower to come up with a much better answer than this.

We need to be looking for more opportunities to offer our children, not less.

B

To be fair, Council can only approve a budgeted amount for the schools, not what does or does not get cut if the sum is inadequate.

Ladies and Gentleman, Over the last few days I have been reading messages about the proposed budget cuts effecting school programs. I know first hand that being held to or restricted by a budget is very frustrating and looking for funds is a daunting task. There are multiple comments that have been sent your way that have mentioned young families moving into Oak Ridge due to the school system. It appears to me that the last thing the city wants to do is disappoint new residents or discourage any potential new residents from moving on in by cutting programs from the schools. Thinking long term the city needs to attract young families to maintain what our past and present citizens worked so hard for. The Oak Ridge school system is a bright jewel in the city's crown. Please look for new revenue and/or substitutions. Thank you for your time,
CL

But, they do approve the budget amount, and the school board has tried to be open and forthright about the seriousness of the situation... it's not just scare tactics.

Letters to Council

2006-05-18T12:12:00.000-04:00

Following are notes that have been sent to City Council today (from a local listserv):

What do we need to do to fully fund the school budget? I am sure any parent of a school-age child would be willing to do what is necessary to anyprevent cuts to the budget.
We, as a community, can not afford to to jeopardize the education and future of our children.
V.
------------------------

I agree with V. We just need to make sure that the money is properly allocated. Where can we find a copy of the entire budget for review?
My husband and I moved to Oak Ridge for the great school system and the family community. We have one boy in 1st right now and 3 more coming up behind him. Oak Ridge schools need to be able to continue to attract great teachers like we have now.

A.
------------------------

My wife and I doubled our house payment when we moved from Roane County into Oak Ridge. We did this only because we value the Oak Ridge Schools. I especially value the arts and music. We have an outstanding strings program at fourth grade. We must not allow this to be cut. A few more cents in taxes is worth paying to preserve the excellence of our educational system. I sincerely hope our City Council does not allow our schools slip into mediocrity because of a few cents.

Sincerely,
D.
------------------------

Please vote to fully fund the school system's proposed budget.
Oak Ridge's housing prices are propped up by the dearly held belief of people who work in this area that the school system is far superior to any in the surrounding areas. Comparisons are sometimes made to Maryville being able to do as well with slightly less money. We are not competing with Maryville for residents. We are competing with Anderson and Knox County schools, especially Farragut. As long as people believe the school system here is vastly superior, they will be willing to pay a premium to live within our city's boundaries. My husband and I made that choice when we moved here with two young daughters, as have so many others.
Again, please vote to fully fund the school system's proposed budget. The programs that will be cut otherwise, especially fourth grade strings, are what make it special. A bit extra in property taxes is small price to pay.

Sincerely,
DC.
------------------------

I am also concerned about losing some of the wonderful programs the Oak Ridge schools have now. My oldest daughter is going into Fourth Grade next year and has already decided to be in the strings program. I have 3 younger children that will benefit from these programs and I am certainly willing to pay a few more cents in taxes to make sure these programs are still in place. One big reason we haven't moved out of Oak Ridge is the schools and the wonderful and talented teachers at Linden.

M.
------------------------
My family also moved to Oak Ridge for the excellent schools. Personally I would much rather have property taxes increased in place of making the proposed cuts. I am particularly concerned about cutting bus service within 1 1/2 miles of the schools. The world we live in is not as safe as it was when I walked to school from the babysitters as a child. I would not allow my children to walk from their sitters house. I'm sure this would put a strain on other working parents. In addition, I am concerned about increased class sizes, the 4th grade strings program and Drivers Ed cuts.

Please cut new vehicles, some other program, or raise taxes instead of cutting the school budget.

AB.

---------------------

Dear City Council members,

It would be a travesty, in a community whose vote to increase taxes to support the construction of the new Oak Ridge High School, to build a beautiful building whose classes and programs have been decimated. For our children and for our community's future, I ask you to fund the proposed school budget fully.

However, if after full consideration (and not just an automatic no-tax-increase stance), you decide not to fund the school budget fully, PLEASE keep the current strings program intact. It is an amazing and successful program, something that distinguishes Oak Ridge schools from others.

Thank you.

Additional notes will be added as they arrive.

Tennessee Chosen

2006-05-18T07:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, the US Department of Education selected Tennessee and North Carolina to test a new way of meeting NCLB standards: by measuring growth (thus, being able to predict future proficiency) rather than an absolute benchmark. The News-Sentinel and Tennessean both carried stories about it today.

Measuring growth is also known as "value-added," where students are tracked individually, at the classroom level, school level, and system level to determine not only what a student knows at that moment in time, but how much they have learned since the previous year.

Isn't that the point?

The reality is that human beings are different: some are born with more potential, some are born to families with more resources or whose parents place a high emphasis on learning. Those children are known to perform better on achievement tests, thus creating the impression that the school is meeting expectations.

But think for a moment about a classroom of children without those advantages -- kids who may have only one parent, parent(s) without much education, who started out as much as a couple of years behind their more advantaged peers. Yet, a really good teacher can help these students catch up, often resulting in more than a year's worth of achievement in a given year.

If in 4th grade, these children started out two years behind their more fortunate counterparts, but by the end of the year were only a half-year behind them, one would have to assume not only adequate yearly progress, but good progress, even though they had still not achieved the same level as the more advantaged group.

Under the current NCLB law, progress doesn't matter -- just whether every kid achieves a certain score, regardless of circumstances. The pilot project in Tennessee and North Carolina will make actual progress count, and will eliminate one of the sticking points that has frustrated the education community since the law's enactment.

Several other states had applied to be part of the demonstration, but lacked the data collection and tracking that Tennessee has been using since 1992. Value-added analysis and student tracking is one of things Tennessee does best, and using individual student data to analyze areas of weakness is a powerful tool for ensuring that every child learns.

This is cause for celebration, and incentive to do the best for every child on an individual basis.

Crunch Time

2006-05-17T21:34:00.000-04:00

It's clear now that Oak Ridgers realize what is at stake as we await the City's second reading of the budget, as thoughtful comments can be found anywhere that citizens voice their opinions.

In his letter to the editor in tonight's paper, Al Denny offers a couple of options (excerpts below, but go ahead and read his whole letter from the link):

a property tax increase of $24 per year on a $120,000 house is a reasonable request and that the City Council should honor the school board's request...

Page 40 of the city budget has allotted $865,000 for the replacement of vehicles. I believe that $500,000 of the $865,000 should be transferred to the schools for their needs...

I believe that the needs of children outweigh the need for new vehicles. In two years, first-graders will be third-graders, third-graders will be fifth-graders, fifth-graders will be seventh-graders. Education cannot wait, but equipment replacement can.

Well said, Mr. Denny.

Meanwhile, over at AtomicTumor.com, AT has outdone himself, and I wouldn't do him justice to paraphrase a bit of it, so go read the whole thing. At least twice. But he closes with a suggested letter to Council, for anyone who can't think of what to say:

As a concerned citizen of Oak Ridge, I am troubled that the city council does not seem to be supporting its school system. It has come to my attention recently that a necessary, but unfortunate, budget increase requested by the school board has been denied, causing the school board to cut a half million dollars of needed services from their budget for 2007.
This troubles me, as I have always understood that Oak Ridge has a strong commitment to education. In fact, the election platforms of several members of city council (Jane Miller, for instance, mentions it as one of her top three issues in a 2005 Democracy for East Tenneessee questionaire) seem to indicate that the City Council shares my concern for the school system, and Oak Ridge’s future.
Please make the right decision. Now is not the time to try to lecture other officials on remaining within unrealistic budgets, because that only hurts the children and working parents of Oak Ridge.
Thank you sincerely for your time and attention, and for your continued efforts in our city.

It's pretty easy to live inside the bubble that is Oak Ridge, but don't think this problem has escaped notice outside the city. Dan Allcott, Director of Orchestras and University Music Director at Tennessee Tech, writes to the school board:

It has come to my attention that the 4th grade string instrument instruction program in the Oak Ridge City Schools is in jeopardy. As an educator, musician, and parent of a 3rd grader in a less fortunate school system, I must tell you that Oak Ridge is a beacon of excellence in the state of TN for String Education. At at time when all of our children are challenged by a media blitz of unsupervised an un-disciplined information, this program thrives. One of the reasons it thrives is because it starts at the age when students are still forming their social character and respond positively to the opportunity to do something special. The other reason is that the students are at a crucial juncture in forming their language and math comprehension abilitities. (Both of which are integrated with, and boosted by instrumental music-learning )

Please protect this valuable program.

A key point here is the releationship between early music instruction and math and language comprehension abilities. All four of my daughters play musical instruments -- three violas and a saxophone. My oldest is a senior this year, and she has played viola in the Oak Ridge strings program since 4th grade, having had private lessons for only the last two years.

Academically, she excels in AP physics and calculus; she plans to major in Electrical Engineering at UT next year (but also plans to play in the UT Orchestra, as it gives her an outlet to relax). Thus far, she's garnered two merit-based scholarships -- one from the lottery, and another from the College of Engineering.

There is no question in my mind that her early music instruction played a key role in her ability to excel in these difficult subjects. In fact, it was just last night that she reminded me that, prior to 4th grade, she was in the lowest of five math groups and had difficulty reading.

I know that many others have had similar experiences, and it is uncommon to find an orchestra student who is not also an honors student.

And, in deference to those in our fair city who do not have children in school, Joel comments on AtomicTumor's post as follows:

And if you don’t have kids, or they’ve graduated, you owe it to yourself to keep your property values up. Let’s say that $30/yr on a $150K home is the price of housing price stability. OTOH, without the $30/yr, the reputation of OR schools slips, let’s say that home prices drop an average of 5%. That’s $7500 on a $150K home. In this scenario, $30/yr is a bargain.

Even if prices only slip 1% in five years, it’s a wash.

And none of that counts the possible impact of local sales taxes and business development.

Thanks for the hope, guys. This city really is populated with a lot of neat people (including a few like Joel, who have left but remain Oak Ridgers regardless).

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T07:04:00.000-04:00

My gift to you today is a recipe, passed along from my mother, who made this dish for me on every birthday going back some undisclosed number of years. The paper on which it is written has turned as brown as parchment from 1800, so it was about time that I archived it anyway.

Broccoli Casserole
1 onion
1/2 stick butter
1 can drained mushrooms
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 garlic cheese roll
3 10-oz packages of broccoli

Sautee onions in butter; add mushrooms, soup, and cheese. Stir until smooth. Cook broccoli, drain, and transfer to a casserole dish. Pour sauce over over broccoli and bake 20 minutes at 350.

* * *

I'm glad to have my mom nearby, and will enjoy spending some time with her today. Of course, since my kids are chinese-food fanatics (and neither Mom nor I really care what or where we eat), we'll go to China Wok simply because it's easier to carry on a conversation when the kids are full and happy.

Life is fragile and fleeting; if your mother is living, take time for her today. And if she's gone, do something today that would make her happy... it's bound to make the world a better place.

School Budget vs. City Plan

2006-05-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

By now, everyone must have heard that on the first reading of the Oak Ridge municipal budget, Council voted to deny the schools' budget request. On a unanimous vote (minus Tom Beehan, who was absent), the Council passed a motion to decrease the education appropriation by $490,944.

It's no secret that to cut the schools budget by that amount will have a very negative impact. Some of the options include the loss of driver education classes, the 4th grade strings program, eliminating bus service within a 1.5 mile radius of each school, school nurses, band camp, chaperone expenses for students who compete in statewide and national events, 9th grade sports, and contracting bus maintenance rather than paying the City to do so at the City Service Center.

I must admit, learning that the City employees will receive a minimum 6% salary increase while only 3% is budgeted for teachers is troublesome. Learning that the City has been charging the school system not only for parts and labor for bus maintenance (as a regular garage would) but adding a 129% overhead charge plus a 10% "administrative fee" is nothing short of infuriating.

The City's draft budget shows a 5.9% increase in revenue... yet they voted to hold the schools to a 4.25% increase. In contrast, "General Government" got a 6.2% increase, and the fire department got an 8.2% increase.

The City Council's travel budget for seven people weighs in at $26,000, while the travel budget for five school board members totals only half that -- with much of the school board's travel being required continuing education by the state.

The 8-cent tax increase required to fund the schools' request would amount to just $30/year on a $150,000 house, but I do understand Council's desire to keep a competitive tax rate. I might feel better about the process if I saw them go through the entire City budget, line by line, as the school board has already done, cutting more than $600,000 before even making a request to Council.

They were not frivolous reductions. In some cases, it was just a reduction of the increase, but in other cases, line items were reduced to levels below the previous fiscal year.

If you care about the quality of education in our community and the programs offered, please contact any or all members of City Council. Sooner is better... May 22 will be too late.

Farewell to a Friend

2006-05-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

On Monday, our community suffered a crushing loss when County Commissioner Larry Dickens (Dist. 6, west Oak Ridge and Tri-County) suffered a fatal heart attack at home.

I lost a dear friend. I was the treasurer for his County Commission campaigns since he first ran for that office in 1998, and often sought his advice on difficult matters.

We didn't always agree, but hearing his side of any argument was worth the time, every time... he researched and understood complex matters, and always sought to do the right thing.

He left me a voice message at 12:17 on Monday about some campaign literature I'd been working on for him, and minutes later, he was gone. Macabre though it may seem, I recorded the message and saved it, because just hearing his voice reminds me of all the wonderful things he said over the years.

He sounded healthy and full of enthusiasm. I still cannot believe that he is gone.

His wife was his best friend and girlfriend; his two sons were at the absolute top of his priorities and he was so incredibly proud of those fine young men. He encouraged others to put their families before all else, setting the example for everyone around him. In public policy, he had no patience with anything but the highest levels of honesty and integrity; he put far more time and effort into the complex details of County busines than anyone would realize.

He had no tolerance for wrongdoing, but was instantly forgiving of accidental error. I learned so much from him, and am a better person for his friendship.

Farewell, friend, and enjoy your reward.

Legislatorland this Week

2006-04-27T07:25:00.000-04:00

How appropriate that the sun is shining this morning, after a a stormy first half of the week.

Yesterday, HB1849/*SB0872, a bill allowing elected superintendents (at the discretion of County Commission) failed in the House Education Committee on a 6-9 vote. For that, I am thankful.

Superintendents (now called Directors of Schools, but old habits die hard) have a difficult job -- one of managing large budgets, personnel, and implementing policy set by an elected board. It's decidedly a job for a professional, and the type of expertise needed by a school system varies depending on its immediate and long-term goals.

The qualities needed to be elected to public office may or may not be consistent with the qualities needed in a professional director of schools. Worse, most school systems in this state would have a rather limited pool to choose from simply due to population limitations. When Oak Ridge chose a new Director of Schools several years ago, the Board conducted a national search with the assistance of the Tennessee School Boards Association for recruiting and screening.

The present system demands a largely cooperative relationship between the Director and the elected Board of Education, with the former being accountable to the latter. The Board is accountable to the electorate, with the front-line educators insulated from the politics of it all. As they should be.

Voting against HB1849 in committee yesterday were John Hood, Mark Maddox, Joe Towns, Ulysses Jones, Larry Turner, Tommie Brown, Gerald McCormick, Dolores Gresham, and Speaker Jimmy Naifeh -- I'll be writing each of them today to thank them.

Voting for the bill were Les Winningham, Harry Brooks, Richard Montgomery, Beth Harwell, John Mark Windle, and Eric Swafford. These are not bad people; indeed, at least two (that I know of) have served as school superintendents before. They were, however, pressured by their respective county commissions, and voted wrongly on this one.

* * * BEP/Fiscal Capacity
On Tuesday, the News Sentinel reported that House sponsors of an effort to change the BEP's fiscal capacity formula to a flawed model favoring the four largest metro school systems abandoned the cause for this year, with plans going forward for a study this summer to achieve a consensus on funding changes.

Change is desperately needed, but not the kind where money is just moved around from one system to another. If we are to improve statewide, then the State must commit to pay for those things it requires, while giving local governments the option to provide more if they so choose.

I'll take a temporary win over a permanent loss, but we have to make sure that cities like Oak Ridge, Kingsport, Athens, Cleveland, Tullahoma, Clinton, and Murfreesboro have a seat at the table when changes are discussed.

Having dogged this issue for almost two years now, I'll say it again: we can't give up until this proposal is dead, buried, with grass growing on top.

Back to Schools

2006-04-25T14:46:00.000-04:00

The budget was adopted last night, and now goes to City Council, whom, I'm certain will not be pleased. Up until late Thursday evening, I still believed that it must be possible to meet the 4.25% growth guideline without major damage to our academic programs... but after making my way through two pages of proposed reductions (that's two pages of nine-point type) that wouldn't work, I felt like a complete failure.

Having rested a bit since then and looked at it with fresh eyes and mind, I've concluded that my only failure was in not recognizing what we were up against from the beginning. To meet the City's guideline, we would have to not teach something that we now do. Like driver's ed. To me, it's unacceptable to go backwards.

Now, we go to City Council and make our case... hoping against hope that there's an unknown revenue source, or that maybe the City would settle for providing the same pay increase to its employees (3%) that the teachers are budgeted to receive.

* * *
The Oak Ridger has taken a calm and very circumspect view of the recent staff change at Oak Ridge High School in today's editorial; I think there's some real truth in the title of the piece.

Without a doubt, it's one of the most challenging -- and most high profile -- principalships in the state. Add in the construction, and you have a challenge in a muddy fishbowl: everyone's watching, and everything around you is a noisy mess.

Come to think of it, there could be an idea for another one of those sick, twisted reality shows.

Thankfully, Chuck Carringer has proven capable of managing in the interim (if we don't work the poor man to death, who already had his hands full with two jobs -- now three), the school year is almost over, and we have time to settle down a bit and move forward in an appropriate fashion.

Is it Friday yet?

County Primary Roundup

2006-04-24T15:09:00.001-04:00

AT wrote yesterday, "keep posting about politics."

As an admitted political junkie, it's easy to forget that a lot of people don't keep up with the daily goings-on in local government. Most people, myself included, can only drink from the fire hose of one layer at a time (local, state, or federal), and federal seems to attract the most interest.

Oddly enough, local has the most impact on our daily lives.

Early voting for the Anderson County primaries continues through Thursday (April 27) at 6 p.m.; election day is May 2. For the County Mayor's race, the primary will decide the next holder of that office, since there is no Democratic challenger. You can find the ballot HERE.

Party affiliation aside, there are only two contested races in the D-primary (Sheriff and Juvenile Court Judge), with five on the R-side (DA, County Mayor, Trustee, Juvenile Court Judge, and Sheriff).

In my opinion, it's as important to vote in the primary as in the general, because if only the hard-core party affiliates vote, we end up with only the extremes to choose from in the end. That's not good.

I'll confine my comments to the Republican primary for now.

For County Mayor: I think we would be better served by a change. Jack Copeland works well with other government officials (including the other cities in Anderson County), has management experience, and a plan. Thus, he got my vote.

For Trustee: John Stair. He has the accounting background, and certainly has the right connections to continue operating with flawless efficiency, while also advocating modernization. Political insiders recognize the style of his chief opponent's campaign as being typical of that conducted by Energy Media -- otherwise known as Alan Beauchamp (Probation Director, Director of Buildings & Grounds, Grants Manager, and who knows how many other payroll codes in Anderson County).

For Juvenile Court Judge: April Meldrum. While I admit that I don't know a lot about the other candidates, I did meet with April several months ago, and was impressed. That said, Pat Hess did a good job with my little burglar a few months ago (tough enough to get his attention, but not wrecking his life), so had I voted in the other primary, I would have voted for her.

Just for the sake of challenge, do some homework on the Sheriff's race, and let me know what you think.

Time for Change

2006-04-22T19:30:00.000-04:00

You'll not catch me wishing summer away, especially not today, as I've just enjoyed grilling a homegrown ribeye and eating on the deck. It's not too warm, not too cold, and there aren't any mosquitoes; last night's storms washed all the pollen out of the air, leaving it crystal clear with the sharp contrast of the sun's waning rays and shadows against the leaves.

But September 1 can't come soon enough in some Anderson County political offices.

WATE reports on yet another multiple-DUI offender who struck a sweetheart plea bargain deal: 5-time loser Alvin Lacy will spend only two months in jail, followed by 11 months "supervised probation." The blame for the plethora of plea bargains falls squarely on the District Attorney, who hasn't personally prosecuted a case in more than a decade (maybe almost two).

Note: in this jurisdiction, "supervised probation" is a joke. The Director of Probation has dodged allegations of impropriety with female prisoners, evaded any consequences for irregularities in the County Audit, and has routinely taken checks for payment of probation fees -- checks that, of course, bounced.

Murderers have gone free, and drug dealers are routinely back on the streets in less time than it takes for the arresting officer to complete the paperwork.

At the close of the August election, we will have a new District Attorney. The only question is, will the voters remember the deplorable record held by the current officeholder, and deny him the judgeship that he seeks instead. Although he's running for Chancellor -- a court that typically hears matters of equity and family law -- the challenger candidate says he'll hear criminal cases as well.

Just what we DON'T need.

Night on the Town

2006-04-22T10:07:00.000-04:00

Whomever said "there's nothing to do in Oak Ridge" sure missed out this weekend... the annual Irish celebration put on by Peggy and Tom Hanrahan, of the Realty Center, was surely the place to be.

Irish balladeer Pat Kane was once again on hand to perform, and put on a trememdous show (as always). Unable to consider waiting a year to hear it again, I ordered a CD this morning -- Haymaker's Jig #2 is the sort of music that reinvigorates my spirit after a hard week like this past one has been.

The beer was very green; an outsider's observation of the happy folk might have led to the conclusion that we had been grazing...

On Tap for Saturday and Sunday:
Friday night certainly kicked off the weekend on the right foot, but there's more -- the Dogwood Regatta is taking place today and tomorrow at the Marina. With crews in town from as far off as Ontario (Canada, not California), the finish on Sunday will feature a cardboard regatta, testing the skills of amateur boat-builders using -- you guessed it -- cardboard boats.

This, I'll have to see for myself.

For Nancy:
Yesterday, you noted that the recent emergence of corruption and bribery among public officials makes you want to move to Bermuda; I theorized that while we do have problems, it's probably better here than elsewhere in the world. Although the Middle East is probably not the most effective example, Michael Totten's most recent entry on his Iraq visit is worth a read. We're lucky to be here. Had I been born in Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia, I'd have been executed long ago.

Rambling Friday

2006-04-21T09:40:00.000-04:00

I've neglected you lately, and it wears on my conscience. But I really have been overwhelmed.

First, the prom dress: 21 total yards of fabric (heavy satin, very light and silky lining, and some kind of filmy over-drape with all the manageability of a spiderweb) have occupied most of my kitchen table for the last couple of weeks, until I procured a dressmaker's dummy to be sure that I got the fit right during the times that my daughter was not available -- mostly middle-of-the-night sewing sessions.

Although it doesn't show in this small picture, there are dozens of tiny crystals decorating the sides of the split in the spiderweb-stuff, which have to be ironed on one-by-one, as the spiderweb stuff melts at the temperature required for the crystals to stick.

The next time-killer has been the school budget: starting out roughly $1.1 million more than the City had planned to allocate, even with a generous 4.5% increase over last year's funding, we've spent a painful couple of weeks trying to find any area of possible savings or downsizing that won't lower the quality of our children's education. There were cuts made that are actual cuts -- but the burden will fall primarily on the administrators in increased workload and less travel.

We haven't made final approval yet, but after last night's meeting, I don't anticipate many changes before submitting the request to City Council. We were down to cutting items that saved as little as $600, in an overall $47.8 million dollar budget.

Three of my kids have been on out-of-town school trips: to Chattanooga for the TSA State Conference, Orlando with the ORHS Band, and Williamsburg for the ORHS Orchestra.
Daughter #2 surprised us all by bringing home a first-place trophy in Engineering Design at the TSA Conference, so she's headed for Dallas in July for Nationals.

Look at the kids in this picture -- they're mostly ordinary kids, not the National Merit Scholars Oak Ridge is so well known for -- but they achieve incredible things on their own time through a club that simply provides them with the avenue to explore their own potential, and teachers who stay late in the afternoon and on weekends to answer questions and teach incidental things (like physics, as applied in calculating wind resistance for the Engineering Design award).

And, there's been a little bit of distraction this week due to staff shuffling... contrary to rumor and the media's supposition, the reassignment of the ORHS Principal had nothing whatsoever to do with the school newspaper controversy last Fall.

Off to dabble in one of the many County races for a bit, but I'll expand on some of these topics later. I promise not to leave you waiting for so long this time.

May 30 Tax Vote Likely

2006-04-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

It appears that Anderson County Schools Superintendent-turned-County Commissioner, V.L. Stonecipher, has finally succeeded in gathering enough valid signatures to force a sales tax referendum on elevating the sales tax countywide.

My objection to this effort is not raising the sales tax; obviously, citizens have the right to do that by referendum. My objection is that all it really does is to reallocate tax revenue from four incorporated cities to the County.

Two years ago when Oak Ridge voters overwhelmingly approved a sales tax referendum to fund the note on reconstructing Oak Ridge High School, there was a "gentlemen's agreement" with county officials to not supersede the tax rate for a period of five years.

Doing so at this point puts a serious dent in the financing plan for the high school renovations, which have already been contracted and begun.

How can these four cities -- indisputably, the economic engines of the County -- make up the difference in their budgets if the referendum (in which none of their residents can vote) should pass?

property tax increases
annexation.

The referendum is being sold to County voters as "it won't really affect the taxes you pay, since you shop in the cities anyway; it's just taking money from them and keeping it for yourself."

Maybe County Commission needs to re-think their position on allowing Clinton to annex the property near I-75, which would generate a lot of new sales and property tax revenue for the County. Maybe they need to think about growing the pie, instead of eating someone else's piece.

Child Predator Arrested Again

2006-04-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

When former Centertown teacher Pamela Rogers, 28, got out of jail for molesting a 13-year old student, it took less than a month for her to violate the terms of her 7-year probation... contacting the victim, establishing a website where she posted pictures of herself in a bikini, linked to the victim's sister's website, and posted messages to the victim by cryptically addressing him via the number of his basketball jersey. [see the News-Sentinel story]

Anyone -- man or woman -- who could claim to "fall in love with" (initiate sex with) a child of 13 needs to be put away in a very safe place for a very long time.

Granted, she doesn't look 28, and it's easy to see why young boys would be beside themselves for her attention.

If anything, that places so much more responsibility upon her as a teacher to conduct herself as a professional -- to be sensitive to the influence she holds, and to be an advocate and protector for her students as they struggle toward developmental and emotional maturity.

Evidently, an extraordinarily light sentence was imposed because the victim's family did not wish for him to testify.

Sometimes, the law just doesn't make sense.

Election Time!

2006-04-11T20:01:00.000-04:00

Local politics is hopping all around East Tennessee these days. I can't say that I remember a more crowded, contested ballot in Anderson County. Early voting begins tomorrow: study the candidates (hint: pick up a copy of last Thursday's Oak Ridge Observer for the candidate section), thoughtfully consider your options, and VOTE.

The folks in the Roane County portion of Oak Ridge (just one precinct, but the largest in the county, I think) have 30 candidates to choose from in August-- including a new County Mayor, with the retirement of Ken Yager. Roane Co. doesn't vote in May, though, as there is no primary. All county offices are nonpartisan in Roane, as they are in most of the state.

After much thought, I tend to think that's a better way of conducting local business.

Knox County's in for quite a spell too, with 12 members of County Commission ineligible due to the State Supreme Court's recent term limits ruling. Brian's blog has the complete run-down on those races, including the write-in options.

Anderson County's election has the potential to bring real change. Watch the County Mayor's race... it will be interesting. Two Commission districts in Oak Ridge are destined for new faces, with the retirement of two Commissioners. Robin Biloski is seeking a seat in the 8th District (Emory Valley, Glenwood, and Hendrix Creek); as the lead vote-getter in the crowded Charter Commission race three years ago, I'd look for her to do well.

Another race of interest will be the matchup of Chancellor Bill Lantrip and the current District Attorney. I have definite opinions on that one... but that's a topic for another day.

At the very least, we're guaranteed a new District Attorney... yet another day's page-turner.

Remember: early voting starts tomorrow. The sun will be shining... no excuses.

The Schools Budget Difficulty

2006-04-07T18:30:00.000-04:00

People do wonder why balancing a school system budget is trying, even in a generous, supportive city like Oak Ridge.

There are several reasons, but one that affects nearly every school system in the state is that teachers are funded at the system level (according to the number of students), but the state-mandated class sizes must be applied at the school level. So, if we're one student over the class-size limits at school A, and ten under at school B, we have to hire an extra teacher for school A (who is not funded by the state). If we don't, there's a $50,000 fine. The alternative would be to shuffle students between schools every year. I can just imagine how thrilled parents would be with that idea... not to mention that it would be very disruptive to instruction.

The problem is not unique to Oak Ridge; every school system has the same difficulty unless they only have one school containing each grade level.

In our case, the State funds 259 teachers (actually, 65% of the BEP salary for 259 teachers); however, we have 336.65 teachers, most of whom are required to meet the class size mandate. That difference of 77.65 teachers amounts to $10,792,417 that has to be funded exclusively from local sources.

Adding insult to injury are a 20% increase in the cost of electricity; 45% increase in the cost of natural gas to heat the schools; and a whopping 62% increase in the cost of diesel fuel and gasoline.

The key difference between the school system and every other business or homeowner is that we are wholly dependent on revenues allocated by others, and obligated to fund things that are not paid for by those creating the mandates.

Bless the citizens of this city, who do all that they do voluntarily. You just don't know what a difference you make.

Score One for the Good Guy

2006-04-07T08:35:00.000-04:00

Sen. Randy McNally earned his ticket to a sixth term in the State Senate in the most honorable fashion -- by doing such a good job that no one filed to run against him from either party.

Currently serving as Majority Caucus Chairman and Vice-Chair of the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means committee, McNally's quiet, efficient leadership and common-sense conservatism yields excellent representation for citizens of the 5th district.

Thanks, Randy, for the sacrifices you've made over the years for us -- for the battles you've fought to ensure that right prevails over wrong, for driving back and forth to meet your commitments in Nashville and at home, for always providing a calm voice of reason and thought to the debate of issues.

And he keeps a great staff in Nashville as well: Rick is always on top of various pieces of legislation and the minefields between success and failure; Anne is the model of efficiency and one of the kindest, most helpful people you could ever meet.

With all the election turmoil this year, it's a relief to know that one race is safely in good hands for another four years.

Freedom of Protest

2006-04-02T19:16:00.000-04:00

In this country, the right to peaceful protest is one of our core values. However, the definition of "peaceful" may need some scrutiny, as evidenced by last Wednesday's immigration marches (hat tip: Instapundit).

Already in Tennessee, reaction to the wheelchair protest over TennCare policy has lawmakers ready to establish some rules of engagement: although protests are perfectly legal, blocking public streets and the entrances to/exits from public buildings is not.

Sen. Charlotte Burks' comment got my attention:

"There was staff here that had children in day cares and couldn't go get them, and I saw a couple of them crying, and this should help that," Sen. Charlotte Burks, D-Monterey, a co-sponsor of the bill, said before casting her "yes" vote.

Regardless of how strongly you feel about an issue, keeping others from entering or leaving a place of public business is simply unacceptable. Protest, wave signs, grill steaks at the door (making the occupants hungry), whatever... but be polite.

Consolidation Study in Memphis

2006-04-02T17:40:00.000-04:00

The Commercial Appeal reports that an education task force formed to study consolidation of the Memphis and Shelby County school systems has instead reported on three potential methods to change the way those school systems are funded, without consolidating.

All three freeze the current school system boundaries, to avoid the conflict that inevitably arises when Memphis annexes property, and the residents don't want to change from Shelby County to Memphis City Schools.

The differences fall in who gets taxed more, and whether those tax dollars stay in the resident's school district or go predominantly toward the other. In all cases, taxing authority is removed from the City or County government, and placed in the hands of the school boards (and/or State Legislature).

Despite the fact that under the current system, for every dollar raised by Shelby County taxpayers for their own schools, $3 goes to the Memphis City Schools (due to the fact that the County system has three times as many students), the fact that Memphis teacher salaries are the highest in the state, and that Memphis spends more per student than any school system in Tennessee, Memphis school officials aren't happy with the proposals:

"Every time the community, the powers-that-be, have a conversation about schools, I feel like Memphis city schools comes second," Memphis school board member Wanda Halbert said. "That's starting to weigh heavy on me."

I think what would weigh heavy on me is spending that much money to produce the worst results in the state. I know that Memphis has a higher density of students that are more difficult -- more expensive -- to educate, but sooner or later, someone's going to have to come up with a plan that correlates dollars with results.

That doesn't mean that they have to produce the greatest number of National Merit Finalists, but there has to be a workable plan for improvement. Perhaps a good start would be to require that teachers show positive value-added scores for any pay increase (including cost-of-living); step increases should require documentation of extraordinary gains -- perhaps measured by a combination of value-added test scores and other means.

Just paying the same teachers more -- more than any others in the state -- clearly isn't getting the job done.

Term Limits Turmoil

2006-03-31T07:10:00.000-05:00

The Tennessee Supreme Court ruling earlier this week has cast turmoil into the May elections for at least two counties -- Shelby and Knox -- with early voting set to begin on April 12. The short notice leaves election commissions unable to change the ballots in time, and just last night, State Elections Coordinator Brook Thompson opined that the incumbents cannot be removed from the ballot because the election is less than 40 days away (see the Commercial Appeal).

So, people could vote for the incumbents, but if elected, they could not serve. Instead, it would be up to the local political parties to select a candidate for the August general election (county commission seats are partisan in those two counties).

If there was no opponent from the other party, whomever was selected would be the de facto winner. I'm not comfortable with that at all; it would be better to re-open the filing and let the August election go to the highest vote-getter from any party. At least that way, it would be a representative of the voters, not the political machine.

While I'm not opposed to term limits, the situation in Knox Co., where two-thirds of the county commission have been deemed ineligible, leaves the probability of a very inexperienced commission... which shifts considerable power to other officeholders and local government staff.

It will be interesting, to say the least.

Elected Superintendents

2006-03-30T07:35:00.000-05:00

One of the concerns going into this legislative session was another concerted push to allow for elected school Superintendents, rather than appointed Directors of Schools as is currently mandated. On Tuesday, the elected superintendents bill -- HB3374 (Winningham) -- was "taken off notice," meaning it's not scheduled for a vote.

It was not withdrawn, so it could come back, but the companion (SB2970, Burks) hasn't been scheduled for a committee hearing yet either, and the session is moving toward closure.

The folks who support elected superintendents seek greater accountability to the public -- so that he or she can be replaced at the will of the electorate. This group likely includes a fair number of county commissioners and county mayors, who would like for someone else to share the blame for tax increases needed to fund education.

The merits of an appointed Director of Schools are several. First, it facilitates a good working relationship between the elected school board (that sets policy and approves budgets), and the Director (who implements the Board's policy and constructs the budget, which may be modified by the Board before approval). Secondly, it enables the school board to select a Director based upon the qualifications, experience, and skills needed for the job, not personal charisma and name recognition.

Further, it greatly broadens the pool of available talent. It's not uncommon for school systems to search nationwide for the right candidate; depending on the size of the community, there may be few if any local residents who would truly meet the needs of the school system. Fewer still might be interested in having to run for office.

Lastly, it keeps politics out of the inner workings of schools -- promoting a system based upon professionalism rather than political alliance.

While there are merits on both sides of the argument, the current system of appointing Directors of Schools is far better than the alternative. For a more detailed analysis, see the Tennessee School Boards Association's position paper on this issue.

Voting in Memphis

2006-03-28T23:41:00.000-05:00

Memphis has taken the first steps toward correcting the voter fraud problem from last Fall's special election, as the Commercial Appeal reports:

The infamous North Memphis precinct where ballots were cast in the names of dead voters no longer exists.
The Shelby County Election Commission has dissolved Precinct 27-1, consolidating it with an adjoining precinct.

And all the 27-1 poll workers are barred from working future elections.
"On its face, someone committed an illegal voting act,'' said commission Chairman Greg Duckett. "Until it's resolved ... we as a body felt it was important that no one affiliated with that ward and precinct works for the organization.''

Efforts continue in the State Senate to determine whether a 13th illegal ballot can be documented, which would give them grounds under a federal judge's very specific guidelines to oust Ford's sister, Ophelia Ford, from the seat.

In any case, the 104th General Assembly is nearing its close, and Memphians have the opportunity to choose again in November.

School Finance: another option

2006-03-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

One of the drivers behind the move to a system-level fiscal capacity formula for determining levels of state education funding is the phenomenon of shared vs. unshared revenue. In short, counties must share all locally-derived education funds between all school systems in the county, where cities with municipal school systems may augment that funding from additional property or sales taxes, without sharing with the county.

Of course, this means that city residents are paying higher taxes in order to support funding their schools better; it also means that counties have no way to close the gap in per-pupil spending, since any increase on behalf of the county generates a proportional increase to any municipal system within the county as well.

SB888/HB1263 (McNally/Winningham) would provide a remedy to that problem, but one that is completely at the county commission's discretion, by enabling counties to increase property taxes in areas outside municipal school districts, with the proceeds going only to the county school system. In short, it would give counties a source of unshared revenue just like cities have, enabling them to narrow or close the gap in local per-pupil funding.

Passage of this legislation would remove the purported justification for the mistreatment of municipal school systems in TACIR's proposed system-level fiscal capacity formula, where higher taxes paid for education by city residents are counted as a measure of wealth (reducing state funding) rather than effort (which should increase state funding, but does not).

It would not fix the core problem, which is the State's chronic underfunding of education generally. It would, however, provide local governments with a way to address the problem of disparity between city and county school funding at the local level. It would also cause TACIR to re-evaluate the formula for determining fiscal capacity, and eliminate the factors that penalize cities for doing what they should be doing -- and what the State should encourage rather than punish.

It survived the Senate committee process last year, but never made it to a vote in the full Senate (although it's still active, being the second year of a two-year session); this year, the House companion has been deferred twice in the State & Local Government Committee, now scheduled for a committee vote on April 4. Stay tuned.

Since it's entirely permissive rather than mandatory, there's no reason to oppose it.

No crash and burn...

2006-03-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

Anotherthing2 wondered if my absence was due to trying the new FireFox Alpha, but no, I didn't crash and burn. I haven't gathered the courage to try the new version just yet.

Instead, I took my kids camping for a few days (brrr!) at Stone Mountain, and we had a lovely time at Six Flags. Even the last ride of the day, when we'd waited for an hour and a half to ride Superman - the Ultimate Flight and ended up stuck on the tracks when the ride broke down, was a welcome break of fun and relaxation.

Hanging upside down over the people waiting in the long line to ride, I held my camera out toward the ground, facing backward and to my left, to snap this picture of my girls and and a friend beside me.

No tie here to the matters of education and public policy normally discussed, except that everyone should take time to enjoy their children once in a while. They're grown all too soon.

Firefox 2.0 Alpha

2006-03-20T17:38:00.000-05:00

Not yet ready for primetime, but for the bravest open-source fans, TechCrunch is reporting the availability of FireFox 2.o Alpha.

I'm a big fan of the tabbed browsing introduced in 1.5, as well as the FireFTP extension. 1.5 does have a problem with memory leaks though... something I hope will be fixed with the upgrade.

I haven't tried it yet, but if this page crashes and burns... you'll know what I did.

Special School Districts

2006-03-20T15:20:00.001-05:00

Tennessee has a number of "special school districts," which differ from any other school district only in that the tax rate for education operations is set by the Legislature, by private act, according to the school board's request. The result is that the county commission (or other local government) doesn't have control of school funding; the other side of the coin is that school board members may incur greater blame for raising taxes (albeit indirectly).

For some years now, no new special school districts have been allowed to form. Legislation was introduced last year (HB1982/SB2062) that would allow existing school districts to convert to a special school district.

In counties that have been starved for funding by their county commissions -- given only the amount required by law, which is not less than the year before -- this bill would give relief and enable the school boards to make necessary budget improvements.

I wouldn't advocate that Oak Ridge do so, but we have a much better working relationship with our City Council than most. Still, it could help many struggling school systems.

Although it passed the full Senate on May 11 of last year, it was amended as follows:

... any LEA in a county containing more than one (1) LEA with a total average daily membership (ADM) combined population that exceeds one hundred thousand (100,000), may convert to a special school district.

The only county in Tennessee with more than 100,000 students (average daily membership) is Shelby County. And they just happen to have two LEA's (local education authorities, or school systems). Memphis City is already a special school district, so this bill was amended to apply only to Shelby County Schools. Who, incidentally, are not among the chronically underfunded.

The House version has not yet been amended, and is scheduled for subcommittee hearing tomorrow. I hope that they decline to amend it, and that the amendment can be dropped in conference committee.

I've long despised our Legislature's practice of crafting generalized legislation then amending it to fit only a few; it's always done is such a way that one has to look up population data to figure out who gets the benefit or the shaft. This case exemplifies the reason for my distrust.

BEP Resolutions

2006-03-17T08:31:00.000-05:00

Opposition from local school boards to a proposed change in the BEP fiscal capacity model is growing, with a number of boards passing resolutions to that effect:

Maryville Daily Times, 3/10/2006:
The board passed a resolution that opposes a plan to change the basic education program funding formula that determines how much the state gives each local school system.

Dalton said the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) developed a model using 95 counties rather than the 136 school systems as a means for funding distribution.

The redistribution would cause the Maryville school system to lose $3.3 million annually, he said. The Association for Independent and Municipal School Systems is against the proposed changes, Dalton said.

The reason for the formula change is to bring equity to the poorer areas of the state and provide them with more money.

However, Dalton said he has studied the formula and that 14 out of the 15 richest counties would receive more money, and 14 out of the 15 poorest counties would lose money.

``We think there's some pretty good reasons for opposing it,'' Dalton said.

Oak Ridge, Cleveland, Kingsport and others have passed similar resolutions in recent weeks.

Student Fitness

2006-03-17T06:50:00.000-05:00

Spurred on by national concern about growing childhood obesity rates, the Tennessee Legislature is responding with proposed legislation to mandate monitoring of the physical fitness curriculum, health policies, and nutrition programs of local public schools.

SB2494/HB2522 (Ketron/Baird) would also require public school students in grades K-6 to participate in 150 minutes of P.E. per week; and students in grades 6-8 to participate in 225 minutes of P.E. per week for the entire school year.

Kids need to be more active than they are, both for health and to "get their wiggles out" to improve learning in subjects that require more concentration. The Commercial Appeal has endorsed it; articles have also appeared in the Tennessean and Chattanoogan.

The only problem is this: the State continues to mandate what must be included in the school day, while taking nothing out. Further, there is no provision for funding additional facilities or instructional staff needed to carry out the mandate. It is, once again, a case of adding to the local burden while relieving nothing.

Extracurricular athletic opportunities abound, and parents should assume some responsibility for seeing to it that their children spend some portion of each day on physical activity. Of course, given the state of adults in this country, we shouldn't wonder why children are following the unhealthy lifestyles of their role models.

Has anyone proposed a fitness regimen for legislators? How about benchmarking their diet and exercise habits first?

Not 'til it's dead...

2006-03-15T11:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's notice that HB3180 was withdrawn from consideration was certainly good news, but I've said before that we can't rest until this ill-conceived scheme is "dead, buried, with grass growing on top."

Today's article in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press about Sen. David Fowler's decision not to seek a fourth term in the State Senate further hints that other efforts by proponents of the TACIR-inspired BEP reform may yet be pending this year... see paragraph six:

Currently he is working to change the state’s school-funding formula that local officials said discriminates against Hamilton County.

He hasn't filed a bill this year to change it (the deadline has passed), and yet, he's "currently working" to change it. One might interpret the hints to mean that either his bill from last year may be resurrected and amended, or that he may be planning to amend some other legislation to achieve the same thing -- possibly one of the budget bills.

SB0272 (Fowler)/HB0615 (Brown, McCormick, Favors, Sharp) was filed last year and assigned to the Education committees in both houses... but nothing has occurred with these bills since April 11 of last year. The General Assembly runs on a two-year cycle, however, meaning that this bill could be resurrected through the end of the current session.

Unlike HB3180, Fowler's version does not specify using the TACIR prototype system-level fiscal capacity model; it simply mandates moving to a system-level model by the 2006-2007 school year. Thus, it is not quite as bad, but there is no other model under consideration that I know of. The plain truth is that the fiscal capacity formula is so doggone complicated that very few people really understand it, and even fewer are able to devise a replacement.

Remember the old line about "lies, damn lies, and statistics?" It's not quite that bad -- math by itself does not lie. But choosing which variables to include in a formula that measures ability to pay leaves it open to bias, and the bias in the TACIR formula is based upon the inclusion of the amount that local governments DO allocate to education, but excluding what they COULD allocate.

More to follow shortly.

		ABS	EARLY	AUG 3	TOTAL
HVW	Creasey	2	112	133	247
	Lee	3	72	80	155
	Shuey	3	49	96	148
PVL	Creasey	13	201	255	469
	Lee	10	115	121	246
	Shuey	11	110	125	246
WDL	Creasey	19	80	126	225
	Lee	16	48	58	122
	Shuey	22	37	71	130
TOTAL ALL PRECINCTS
	Creasey	34	393	514	941
	Lee	29	235	259	523
	Shuey	36	196	292	524