tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132550348319613622024-03-12T18:02:43.868-07:00Screams from the PorchPolitics, rants, raves, creative writing and other cool stuffMike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.comBlogger1880125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-62594939317913860612017-01-27T12:47:00.001-08:002017-01-27T12:47:40.421-08:00- 30 -- 30 -Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-28094930023984575182017-01-27T12:46:00.001-08:002017-01-27T12:46:45.068-08:00Aides deny report that Alexander will step aside for Manning Senate bid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2-B79nChXTKWRXDtXMdi8urgnGVtQbL0vxIQftxoGyO4Imgwin-iY9Kv3dIQMxY5okDY82YJIMViwDVEPT99MKrbEaFvTdCDxsO7cf_oim61nSrmWtl5sK5ge1V-OBHdfN9W0r2If2Gf/s1600/Lamar+and+Peyton_1485545735279_7943925_ver1.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2-B79nChXTKWRXDtXMdi8urgnGVtQbL0vxIQftxoGyO4Imgwin-iY9Kv3dIQMxY5okDY82YJIMViwDVEPT99MKrbEaFvTdCDxsO7cf_oim61nSrmWtl5sK5ge1V-OBHdfN9W0r2If2Gf/s320/Lamar+and+Peyton_1485545735279_7943925_ver1.0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander's office on Friday denied <a href="http://www.politico.com/playbook">a report published in Politico</a>
that he will not seek re-election. The same report suggested that
"several Republicans are wondering whether Peyton Manning will run" for
that seat.<br />
<br />
In fact, Tom Ingram, a top aide in Sen. Alexander's
office and one of his longtime campaign leaders, told 10News he and the
senator have already begun discussing the 2020 re-election bid.<br />
<br />
Even
though he has made no formal decision to run, Senator Alexander has
already begun fundraising for that campaign, according to a statement
from David Cleary, his chief of staff.<br />
<br />
As to the mention of
legendary Vol quarterback Peyton Manning, who retired from the NFL last
year, he has not indicated any interest in getting into politics.<br />
<br />
Manning did speak at a GOP retreat on Thursday, though that event was not open to the press.<br />
<br />
Manning, a popular figure in Tennessee, owns property in the state
where he played college football before heading to the NFL.<br />
<br />
Cleary acknowledged Manning's popularity in his statement, though didn't comment on his political aspirations.<br />
<br />
“Like everybody else in Tennessee, Senator Alexander is a big fan of Peyton Manning," he said.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-50606169672350437562017-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:002017-01-27T12:43:16.006-08:00Knoxville reaches compromise in one Chilhowee Park handgun lawsuit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjud-l2UJzK-Wz4DCxUTS7SWjGhl7NozKGGMWqH4jNfWwAOVpGXhPdJk32DhpLDaDB8WgTHwy8rQrwFYxTxqI94xWYF-7rXjFwPlo27HX66f7y7g5GSoIi7BuBBDdpqaglPCXRZpzck4x/s1600/635818133082386680-635781954869707317-Still0918-00001_1458683991705_1126739_ver1.0_1485544481369_7943494_ver1.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjud-l2UJzK-Wz4DCxUTS7SWjGhl7NozKGGMWqH4jNfWwAOVpGXhPdJk32DhpLDaDB8WgTHwy8rQrwFYxTxqI94xWYF-7rXjFwPlo27HX66f7y7g5GSoIi7BuBBDdpqaglPCXRZpzck4x/s320/635818133082386680-635781954869707317-Still0918-00001_1458683991705_1126739_ver1.0_1485544481369_7943494_ver1.0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Knoxville leaders have worked out a compromise with a Loudon County
woman who sued the city in October 2015 after officials declined to
allow guns inside Chilhowee Park.<br />
<br />
The lawsuit, filed in Knox
County Circuit Court on behalf of Pandora Vreeland, requested that the
court issue a declaratory judgment to allow those with valid carry
permits to "possess their firearms" inside the park.<br />
<br />
It was filed after the Tennessee Valley Fair, which operates each fall at the park, concluded.<br />
<br />
At
issue is a Tennessee law that says someone with a gun carry permit can
bring a weapon into a state or city park so long as it’s not close to a
school. City leaders and fair operators, however, said the law does not
apply to the fair.<br />
<br />
City leaders noted that Chilhowee Park’s name indicated it was a park, but that it was actually an exhibition center.<br />
<br />
The agreement between the city and Vreeland was reached Thursday afternoon.<br />
<br />
It
essentially says that handgun permit holders are allowed to carry
handguns in all outdoor facilities of Chilhowee Park so long as there is
not an event. Guns are prohibited in the public assembly buildings
like The Muse, the Jacob Building, the Kerr Building, Homer Hamilton
Theater and Golden Gloves Arena.<br />
<br />
Guns also are prohibited in
Chilhowee Park’s outdoor facilities during events so long as the event
includes an admission charge, armed security and entrances that are
marked with signs stating that firearms are not allowed into the event.<br />
<br />
In
addition, handguns are prohibited in Chilhowee Park when the outdoor
facilities are limited only to those who are invited to the event by a
sponsor, such as a private club using the area. Again, however, for such
events, the entrances must be secured against entry by the general
public and marked with signs stating that firearms are not allowed
inside for the event.<br />
<br />
The Tennessee Firearms Association filed a similar lawsuit against the city. That one hasn’t been settled.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-67326372171653396002017-01-27T08:30:00.002-08:002017-01-27T08:30:43.698-08:00City to hold Feb. 10 budget retreatKnoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and her staff
will present updates to the City Council, including a mid-year budget review and
status reports on major city initiative from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 10.<br />
<br />
The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at the public works center on Morris Ave. <br />
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Anyone needing a disability accommodation to attend the budget retreat
should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Stephanie Cook, <span style="color: black;">at </span><a href="mailto:scook@knoxvilletn.gov">scook@knoxvilletn.gov</a><span style="color: black;"> or 865-215-2034. </span>For an English interpreter,
contact the City Law Department at 865-215-2050.
Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-47757381487559599922017-01-27T07:50:00.000-08:002017-01-27T07:50:44.026-08:00Black Wednesday focus of Inside TN<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVdk_amNrEon_pt7j91uQYi3yksRHEANTIahPReA_1CHNuNORq90jAZSXwVsJG6al0fHVrZ20LrMcCTnINKvzHqvkEpRg4qTGdky-HCEq8Dr8cdXJC-oGmW0lN-migsJ15mpJe4MoxdDt/s1600/BlWedPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVdk_amNrEon_pt7j91uQYi3yksRHEANTIahPReA_1CHNuNORq90jAZSXwVsJG6al0fHVrZ20LrMcCTnINKvzHqvkEpRg4qTGdky-HCEq8Dr8cdXJC-oGmW0lN-migsJ15mpJe4MoxdDt/s320/BlWedPic.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schmid, Harmon, Barker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Black Wednesday.
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Say the words to anyone who follows local government and
they’ll know just exactly what you’re talking about.</div>
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It was a special called meeting of the Knox County
Commission that took place on Jan. 31, 2007. At the time, the board was tasked
with filling 12 term-limited offices.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The meeting was riddled with accusations of vote-trading and marked by
numerous restroom breaks as officials sneaked off to cut deals. At one point a
newly appointed commissioner was even secretly sworn-in, so he could help cast
a deciding vote for another officeholder and hook up a political friend.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the end, the board was found guilty of violating the state’s sunshine
law.</span></div>
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However, there also was some good
that came out of that meeting.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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This Sunday’s edition of “Inside Tennessee” on WBIR 10News
focuses on Black Wednesday and its aftermath.</div>
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The guests are Knoxville News Sentinel editorial page editor
Scott Barker and former county commissioners Mark Harmon and John Schmid.</div>
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The 30-minute political and public affairs program, which
was taped Thursday, kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Sunday on WBIR.<br />
<br />
Panelists include WBIR reporter Mike Donila, attorney Don Bosch and
governmental relations specialist Susan Williams.<br />
<br />
WBIR reporter Michael Crowe serves as the show’s moderator.</div>
Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-63753376970081821542017-01-25T12:09:00.000-08:002017-01-25T12:09:12.515-08:00Haslam to detail 2nd piece of agendaGov. Bill Haslam tomorrow plans to announce the next piece of his NextTennessee legislative plan, policy proposals aimed at building and sustaining economic growth and the state’s competitiveness for the next generation of Tennesseans.<br />
<br />
His first part included raising the gas tax by 7 cents. <br />
<br />Following the brief announcement, Haslam will join Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen at 10 a.m. for “Clear and Guided Pathways for High School Students,” an event to highlight Tennessee’s Drive to 55 and efforts to support students from K–12 to college to career.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-58047894857436456372017-01-25T11:22:00.000-08:002017-01-25T11:22:23.747-08:00Ex-State Rep. Armstrong sentenced to probation, house arrest fined $140K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87QR57ytKPRAJoQdz40iJq7KSf1YyLByc-ij56ioLwOeZogWM5PlflmMGWvZ-ub9ovWn8AxELqvMt7XCtL6TmYFJrkiR_0WIdJdJ1FA37f2OLbD1qKPGumCeLFWziMTgZYQDsJspPmDwb/s1600/Armstrong_1470153833931_4443292_ver1.0_1485278383155_7902411_ver1.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87QR57ytKPRAJoQdz40iJq7KSf1YyLByc-ij56ioLwOeZogWM5PlflmMGWvZ-ub9ovWn8AxELqvMt7XCtL6TmYFJrkiR_0WIdJdJ1FA37f2OLbD1qKPGumCeLFWziMTgZYQDsJspPmDwb/s320/Armstrong_1470153833931_4443292_ver1.0_1485278383155_7902411_ver1.0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Former longtime state Rep. Joe Armstrong was sentenced Wednesday to three years of federal probation for tax fraud and ordered to pay back the money prosecutors say he failed to report to the IRS in 2008. <br /><br />In addition, Armstrong will spend six months on house arrest and wear an electronic monitoring device. He'll also have perform 300 hours of community service. <br /><br />In total, the ex-state House member will pay $99,943 to the IRS; another $40,000 in fines; and the cost of prosecution. <br /><br />After the 90-minute hearing, defense attorney Gregory P. Isaacs said he was “very pleased” for Armstrong and his family, noting that “the courtroom was packed with his friends, supporters, family members that traveled from all over the country, community leaders.” <br /><br />“I think it was a very fair and just result based on the applicable considerations under federal sentencing,” Isaacs said. “There were two different sides of the courtroom, obviously the United States thought the sentence should be higher because he was an elected official public official, our position was much different. Joe has been a public servant. He’s not a professional politician, he’s someone that helped individuals tirelessly in his community for 28 years. And those are factors the court is required to consider.” <br /><br />Armstrong, too, weighed in, saying he wanted to “thank the people for their support, prayers and reaching out particularly not only to my family my church family and the community, for their entire support.” <br /><br />Prosecutors were initially seeking as much as three years in prison for Armstrong. <br /><br />Last month, however, the U.S. Probation Office – using guidelines to determine his sentence – calculated a much lower penalty range based on the amount of taxes lost to the IRS. <br /><br /><b>PREVIOUS:</b> <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/local/state-rep-joe-armstrong-found-guilty-of-filing-a-false-tax-form/290869611">State Rep. Joe Armstrong found guilty of filing a false tax form</a><br /> <br /> <b>RELATED:</b> <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/local/state-rep-joe-armstrong-retires-in-wake-of-felony-conviction/316179276"> State Rep. Joe Armstrong retires in wake of felony conviction</a> <br /><br />Prosecutors argued Armstrong cheated the government out of more than $100,000, an amount that carries a stiffer sentence. The court, however, sides with Armstrong, finding that the lost was just under that at $99,943. <br /><br />That $57 difference meant the ex-state representative was looking at a maximum of 21 months in prison. <br /><br />A federal jury in August found the East Knoxville Democrat guilty of filing a false and fraudulent tax return, a felony, after prosecutors argued that the ex-legislator failed to report taxes on a $312,000 profit he made from selling cigarette tax stamps in 2008. <br /><br />A month later, Armstrong officially retired from his 15th District the state House seat that he held for almost three decades. <br /><br />Because he's a felon, Armstrong can no longer hold public office again. <br />Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-19529066942475358872017-01-24T11:08:00.000-08:002017-01-24T11:08:22.942-08:00County offers free flu vaccinations Influenza activity has increased over the past month, and it is expected to continue in the coming weeks. To help protect the community, the Knox County Health Department will offer free flu vaccinations beginning today while supplies last. <br /><br /> “If you haven’t had a flu vaccine this season, it’s not too late,” said KCHD Director of Clinical Services Dr. Kelly Cooper. “In fact, the CDC recommends flu vaccination as long as the virus is circulating in the community. And, vaccination is still the best protection available from this virus and its potentially serious complications.” <br /><br /> Free flu vaccinations are available at KCHD’s main location, 140 Dameron Ave.; the West Clinic, 1028 Old Cedar Bluff Rd.; and Teague Clinic, 405 Dante Rd. Appointments can be made by calling 865-215-5070.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-10046728939419797942017-01-24T11:05:00.001-08:002017-01-24T11:05:59.131-08:00Sheriff Jones for mayor? Possibly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJNIx4Ewc_EBUzAllZ-Qorr4JLJyK05WgiQUjKDr2yVfNy_HKXVlkVyTjLaOnU3kafqjTftkPo-fLagHjtviEWwDwHgOKITJIBK017UagUwopGfg3GNghoFUXKJ2o3eCRX6FxilZXzNnU/s1600/635829452854754636-jones.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJNIx4Ewc_EBUzAllZ-Qorr4JLJyK05WgiQUjKDr2yVfNy_HKXVlkVyTjLaOnU3kafqjTftkPo-fLagHjtviEWwDwHgOKITJIBK017UagUwopGfg3GNghoFUXKJ2o3eCRX6FxilZXzNnU/s320/635829452854754636-jones.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Word traveling around the City County Building is that Knox County Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones is contemplating a run for the county mayoral post.<br />
<br />
Jones is term-limited and cannot run for sheriff again. He can, however, run for mayor. Incumbent Mayor Tim Burchett also is term-limited.<br />
<br />
As it stands, county commissioners Bob Thomas and Brad Anders, and local GOP Chairman Buddy Burkhardt, who works for the sheriff's office, are set to square off in the May 2018 Republican primary.<br />
<br />
If Jones does decide to run, expect an announcement in the next couple of months.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-47420256340689445652017-01-24T08:16:00.003-08:002017-01-24T08:16:48.699-08:00Commission approves River Sports lease renewal for the CoveRiver Sports Outfitters will keep its location at the Cove in Concord Park.<br />
<br />
Knox County leaders approved a 10-year lease renewal for the business during Monday evening's commission meeting.<br />
<br />
Some
community members spoke against the renewal because of trash and
building conditions. They also claimed taxpayer money is being used to
pay for repairs to the facility.<br />
<br />
River Sports Outfitters owner Ed McCalister told the commission that's not the case and that he's followed the rules.<br />
<br />
The commission signed off on the proposal in a 10-1 vote with only Commissioner John Schoonmaker dissenting.<br />
<br />
"The
Cove at Concord Park is our premiere park in Knox County. We want
everybody to come there and use it," Schoonmaker said. "But if there's questions regarding
the…a vendor that's providing services to our citizens, I think that's
important."<br />
<br />
The park will post a sign at the Cove to let people know how they can share feedback on the lease and the location.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-471892489279316312017-01-20T13:49:00.002-08:002017-01-20T13:49:52.946-08:00Commish at-large seats heating upThe Knox County Republican Primary is still a good ways off,
but already one at-large commission seat is getting some interest.
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Larsen Jay, the founder of Random Acts of Flowers, filed his
appointment of treasurer documents with the Knox County Election Commission on Friday. He
named his wife.</div>
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Jay is running for Seat 10, which is one of two at-large
seats on the 11-member board. Incumbent Bob Thomas will not seek re-election
and is instead running for county mayor.</div>
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In addition, Justin Biggs said he, too, plans to run for
that seat. He will probably make a more formal announcement in the coming
months.</div>
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Biggs is the son of Eddie Biggs, a well-liked chief deputy
in the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.</div>
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The Republican Primary isn’t until May 2018.</div>
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In addition, former Commissioner R. Larry Smith in November announced
his intentions to seek the other at-large seat (No. 11). He named Donald
Henderlight as his treasurer.</div>
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Incumbent Ed Brantley doesn’t plan to seek re-election.</div>
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Another former county commissioner, Ivan Harmon, also is
rumored to make a run at one of the at-large seats.</div>
Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-90643705002805738082017-01-20T07:12:00.000-08:002017-01-20T07:12:04.536-08:00Gas tax hike to fund Chapman fixes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqwGeHBkkQ8izZHs91zoY36L6sXggb9ssx-hIelv7f2n2lsQB9_m2EmD1jZU1lI3PkPIFD1YYv_Kme11wnDllQooKd_u-OBmqRuNszcuyVY-BW3Z3PZFGUyfmbok8VK2fZkWudp4VwciD/s1600/web_1484870038637_7727917_ver1.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqwGeHBkkQ8izZHs91zoY36L6sXggb9ssx-hIelv7f2n2lsQB9_m2EmD1jZU1lI3PkPIFD1YYv_Kme11wnDllQooKd_u-OBmqRuNszcuyVY-BW3Z3PZFGUyfmbok8VK2fZkWudp4VwciD/s320/web_1484870038637_7727917_ver1.0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As Gov. Haslam calls for a gas tax increase to help fund road
improvements, one major project on TDOT's wish list is Chapman Highway.<br />
<br />
Anyone who regularly drives the 10 mile stretch of Chapman Highway from South Knoxville into Seymour knows it needs upgrades.<br />
<br />
TDOT cites "safety" as the reason.<br />
<br />
Every day, tens of thousands of drivers flood that corridor. <a href="https://www.tdot.tn.gov/APPLICATIONS/traffichistory" target="_blank">TDOT says</a>
more than 30,000 vehicles travel the north end on a daily basis and
more than 22,000 vehicles pass through the southern portion.<br />
The
corridor in question stretches from Blount Avenue in South Knoxville,
just across the Henley Bridge, to Boyds Creek Highway in Seymour,
touching parts of Knox, Blount and Sevier counties.<br />
<br />
"We have a lot of traffic flow on this highway and makes it a very dangerous highway," Tim Geagley said.<br />
<br />
He
would know a thing or two about safety. He's a firefighter and advanced
EMT with the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, as well as a Sevier
County 911 dispatcher.<br />
<br />
"Chapman Highway is one of those roads
where we have worked an accident, like, every hundred yards along its
length," Geagley said. "There's been an accident at some point along the
whole length of this highway."<br />
<br />
<b>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/local/details-begin-to-emerge-on-haslams-gas-tax-plan/387067613" target="_blank"><u>Haslam plan calls for 7-cent gas tax hike, cuts to grocery sales tax</u></a></b> <br />
<br />
With no designated left turn lane
along much of the route and some tight bends and hills, it's no wonder
why TDOT lists "safety" as the reason for needed improvements.<br />
<br />
"I believe we work at least one to two accidents per week on this stretch of road," Geagley said.<br />
<br />
<b>RELATED:</b> <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/politics/gov-bill-haslam-speaks-on-gas-tax-legislative-agenda/388336268">Gov. Bill Haslam speaks on gas tax, legislative agenda</a><br />
<br />
Haslam
is proposing a gas tax increase - the first hike in nearly 30 years -
of 7 additional cents for a gallon of gas and 12 extra cents for diesel.<br />
<br />
"I'm in favor for that," Geagley said. "If it's going to, you know, help with the safety on this road, yes."<br />
<br />
John
Linsenbigler wears two badges. He's the Seymour Volunteer Fire
Department's executive administrator and president of the Seymour Area
Chamber of Commerce.<br />
<br />
In both roles, he said, he's in favor of improvements to this stretch of Chapman Highway.<br />
<br />
"There's
a lot of commercial property that's available on the Chapman corridor,
from John Sevier down to Highway 411," he said. "If they get this done,
get the left turn lane in, that would open up more businesses for safe
travel."<br />
<br />
It won't be a swift process, however.<br />
<br />
"Any time
construction goes on, local businesses usually suffer because of reduced
traffic," Linsenbigler said. "I look forward to the finished product
... It's not going to happen quickly because of the amount of below
utility and infrastructure they have to put in."<br />
<br />
TDOT estimates the cost of the Chapman Highway improvement project at nearly $45.3 million.<br />
<br />
Altogether,
Haslam said, the gas tax increase would raise an estimated $278 million
to fund 962 road projects across all of Tennessee's 95 counties.<br />
<br />
The governor hopes to have most of the backlog construction projects at least underway within six years.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-4032582902034731812017-01-20T07:08:00.001-08:002017-01-20T07:08:40.724-08:00Henley Bridge to be lit in honor of Trump presidential inauguration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL30QIgi0qjnLdjTxei3yIZiVo8YDcksLI0LX-quQ2WEF0yanoQyguolKasOLUn2ZHzM3hLuPVcArIerJDPagPfbLhgHbwzX99EWwNesUqTnVUtEJmOtXAEkcZh0eXjfeYkSB3o-RYj46w/s1600/header_redwhiteblue2_1484877446507_7728813_ver1.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL30QIgi0qjnLdjTxei3yIZiVo8YDcksLI0LX-quQ2WEF0yanoQyguolKasOLUn2ZHzM3hLuPVcArIerJDPagPfbLhgHbwzX99EWwNesUqTnVUtEJmOtXAEkcZh0eXjfeYkSB3o-RYj46w/s320/header_redwhiteblue2_1484877446507_7728813_ver1.0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Get ready for a patriotic showing on the Henley Bridge.<br />
<br />
Knoxville
Mayor Madeline Rogero announced Thursday the city will light the busy
downtown bridge in red, white and blue in honor of the presidential
inauguration.<br />
<br />
Plans call for the bridge decking to be lit Friday, Saturday and Sunday.<br />
<br />
Donald Trump will become the nation's 45th president at a
swearing-in ceremony that begins 11:30 a.m. Friday outside the Capitol.
You can watch the event on 10News and live on wbir.com.<br />
<br />
City
leaders in recent years have begun using the bridge across Fort Loudoun
Lake more frequently to recognize local and national events.<br />
<br />
For
example, the decks were lit in orange at the beginning of the month in a
nod to the University of Tennessee's appearance in the Music City Bowl.
Last week it featured royal blue hues in honor of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.<br />
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Next month, plans call for lighting Henley Bridge red for National
Wear Red Day; green, gold and blue in honor of the Bassmaster Elite
Series; and red and white for Valentine's Day.<br />
<br />
Henley Bridge also
has been lit for sad occasions. Knoxville was among several American
cities that received national attention in April after it displayed
purple lights on the bridge upon the death of Prince, who loved the
color purple.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-78317870491591587322017-01-20T07:06:00.001-08:002017-01-20T07:06:54.288-08:00School rezoning poses challenges for Knox County's First DistrictWith construction on new Gibbs and Hardin Valley middle schools
underway, the work of explaining which students will attend those
schools is far from over.<br />
<br />
What was four public rezoning meetings
scheduled by Knox County Schools administrators has grown to six as
interest in the new Hardin Valley and Gibbs middle schools continues to
grow.<br />
<br />
Parents in both communities have turned out in big numbers
to get updates and express their concerns about how the district's
existing middle schools will be rezoned to distribute students to all
the schools.<br />
<br /> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="draft" data-mycapture-src="http://www.wbir.com/img/resize/content.wbir.com/photo/2017/01/19/hardin%20valley%20map_1484888225582_7729934_ver1.0.jpg?preset=video-still" height="225" itemprop="url" src="http://www.wbir.com/img/resize/content.wbir.com/photo/2017/01/19/hardin%20valley%20map_1484888225582_7729934_ver1.0.jpg?preset=video-still" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The areas that could be affected when HVM School opens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Knox
County District 1 Commissioner Evelyn Gill has the most schools
affected in her district. She predicts the coming changes will have a
major impact.<br /> <br /> "Schools provide a framework and a bench mark for
the next 10 years - where do we want to be? Serving the needs of
students in those communities,” said Gill.<br /> <br /> According to August
2016 data from Knox County Schools, Holston and Vine middle schools were
under capacity, while Carter was over by 173 students.<br />
The parents Gill represents say there's a number of issues.<br /> <br />
"People are positive that you have a neighborhood school in Gibbs, but
to have a neighborhood school it impacts Holston and it also impacts the
diversity at Holston Middle School,” explained Gill.<br /> <br /> More issues arise for parents who find themselves having to drive kids to school or rely on the bus system.<br />
“You
travel 30, up to 45 or even 50 minutes on a bus to and from school.
It’s extremely difficult to get affordable and safe transportation for
families and students,” said Gill describing transportation issues that
could arise.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="draft" data-mycapture-src="http://www.wbir.com/img/resize/content.wbir.com/photo/2017/01/19/gibbs%20rezoning%20map_1484888180056_7729933_ver1.0.jpg?preset=video-still" height="225" itemprop="url" src="http://www.wbir.com/img/resize/content.wbir.com/photo/2017/01/19/gibbs%20rezoning%20map_1484888180056_7729933_ver1.0.jpg?preset=video-still" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zones that could be affected with Gibbs Middle School</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gibbs and Hardin Valley middle schools are both set to open in 2018.</div>
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Gill says parents with questions can learn more on the <a href="http://www.knoxschools.org/domain/5069">school districts website.</a> They can also email questions or concerns to rezoning@knoxschools.org.<br />
<br />
High turnout is also expected at <a href="http://www.knoxschools.org/domain/5069">another zoning meeting</a> set for Tuesday at Holston Middle School at 6 p.m.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-59527411701207510252017-01-20T07:03:00.001-08:002017-01-20T07:03:38.023-08:00Hundreds of East Tennesseans heading to Trump presidential inaugurationThousands of people from across the country will travel this week to
Washington D.C. for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump,
and several notable East Tennesseans will be among them.<br />
<br />
Gov. Bill
Haslam is planning a trip to mark the occasion, as well as former Knox
County Sheriff – and current Knox County Trump chair – <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/local/former-sheriff-talks-about-dc-trip-marshal-post/386877063">Tim Hutchison.</a><br />
<br />
Former state GOP chair Susan Williams will also leave Thursday for the nation’s capitol.<br />
“I really do look forward to the swearing in,” she said. “It may be raining, cold, muddy, but again, it’s a historic event.”<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former TN GOP chair Susan Williams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
This will be Williams’ third inauguration. She said politics aside, it’s important to witness the peaceful transition of power.<br />
<br />
But
she’s also a conservative at heart – and while she didn’t support Trump
early in the campaign, now, she preaches party loyalty.<br />
<br />
“So it’s fun, time for the Republicans to come back, so I’ll go and party with my friends,” she said.<br />
But
not everyone is hitting the road to show support for the new president.
Terry Walker Smith, of Knoxville, will be attending the Women’s March
on Washington on Saturday. She says her bus trip was sponsored by local
organizers to help her tell her story.<br />
<br />
Walker Smith lost two sons
to violence. In 2007, her son Djuansay was stabbed to death. In 2009,
his brother Christopher was gunned down.<br />
<br />
Now, she advocates for justice for victims’ rights.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry Walker Smith will attend the Women's March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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“I’m
going on behalf of all mothers that have lost their children to violent
crimes,” she said. “For mothers and on behalf of women to be their
voice to represent them.”<br />
<br />
Kimberly Peterson heads the local
chapter of the Women’s March. She said they believe about 1,000 women
will be attending from across East Tennessee.<br />
<br />Both
Peterson and Walker Smith are quick to note – not all attendees are
there to protest Trump. Many hope to raise awareness for women's issues
and stand in solidarity.<br />
<br />
“We are just very proud so many local
women are getting out of their comfort zone and sending the message that
women's right are human rights,” said Peterson.<br />
<br />
She also noted the local chapter has covered the trip cost for 14 women with a scholarship program.<br />
But
whatever the reason for the trip, Williams said she hopes after this
week, the U.S. can begin to heal after a contentious election season.<br />
<br />
"Hopefully we'll get him sworn in and everyone will go, ‘OK, he's our president now,’ and try to work with him,” said Williams.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-87154387311650072262017-01-19T16:44:00.001-08:002017-01-19T16:44:09.593-08:00Mike Hammond ditches push to merge Knox County criminal-civil courtsKnox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond is no longer pursuing a
proposal to place most of the county’s court system under one umbrella,
a plan he pitched in early November to some local leaders.<br />
<br />
“It’s
just not the right timing for it,” he told WBIR 10News Thursday. “I
think politicians – elected officials – need to find ways to save money
and streamline things and that’s what I was trying to do, but I didn’t
seem to be getting the right traction from folks.”<br />
<br />
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Hammond first suggested the move to Knox County Mayor
Tim Burchett in the wake of a WBIR 10News investigation in late October
that detailed the county Circuit Court Office's failure to turn over any
money to the county coffers – for the fourth year in a row and the
fifth time in the past six years.<br />
<br />
The criminal court clerk is
responsible for the criminal, sessions and fourth circuit courts. The
circuit court clerk oversees civil sessions and juvenile court.<br />
<br />
<strong>MORE:</strong> <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/local/hammond-to-mayor-merge-knox-county-court-systems/353745550">Hammond to Mayor: Merge Knox County Court System</a><br />
<br />
<strong>MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/331532343/Hammond-memo">Hammond's memo to the Knox County mayor</a><br />
<br />
<strong>MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/331559274/Shanks-Memo">Shanks' memo to the Knox County mayor</a><br />
<br />
<strong>MORE:</strong> <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/investigations/no-extra-fees-from-knox-co-circuit-ct-clerk-four-years-running/338457092">No extra fees from Knox Co Circuit Ct Clerk four years running</a><br />
<br />
In a two-page memo sent to the Mayor’s Office, Hammond proposed several options.<br />
<br />
He
first suggested merging the criminal and civil sessions courts and
putting them under the criminal court clerk's purview. He noted that the
sessions court judges already hear cases in both courts and it “would
be a relatively easy and smooth transition.”<br />
<br />
Hammond’s second
proposal - which he favored - would combine both operations but put
everything under the control of the circuit court clerk, since the state
constitution mandates that counties have a circuit court clerk, but not
a criminal court clerk.<br />
<br />
Hammond proposes making that move by
September 2018 when his and Circuit Court Clerk Cathy Shanks' terms in
office end. Since neither are term-limited they could each run for the
circuit court clerk position.<br />
<br />
Shanks at the time called the proposal "regressive."<br />
<br />
"I
think what he wants to do – he compared it to Blount County – and
that’s the model for small counties," she said. "Large counties don’t do
that because it provides better customer service for the court systems
to be divided so that they can meet customer needs better."<br />
<br />
The issue now is moot.<br />
<br />
“Since
Cathy had said she wasn’t running again, I thought it was a good idea
to suggest it then,” Hammond said. “But it doesn’t seem to be the right
time, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s not even an issue.”Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-56734571063669390972017-01-18T13:35:00.000-08:002017-01-18T13:35:48.018-08:00Knox Co. employees offered incentive buyouts; about 90 to 100 eligibleKnox County is offering voluntary incentive buyouts to some of its long-time employees in what officials are calling a cost-cutting move that could save at least $1.6 million annually.<br /><br />“It’s a cost-saving measure as well as an effort by the mayor to reduce the footprint of government,” said Michael Grider, the county’s communications director. "It's part of the mayor's conservative fiscal philosophy."<br /><br />The county made the offer last week to some 800 employees but the plan will more than likely affect only 90 to 100 workers, said finance Director Chris Caldwell.<br /><br />The move could "conservatively" cost about $1 million, but also save $1.6 million in that first year. <br /><br />The goal, however, is to trim staffing by 25 to 50 positions, Caldwell said.<br /><br />"Each employee has to determine if they want to apply," Caldwell said. "We are not targeting jobs. We are seeing who applies and then which positions those departments or fee offices can live without."<br /><br />To qualify, employees must have at least 15 years of fulltime service with the county, a fee office or the sheriff's office. The buyouts do not apply to the school system.<br /><br />The position also has to be one that goes unfilled or if it is filled, then the another job must be cut.<br /><br />“The idea is not to let people retire early and incentivize that and then have to refill the position,” Grider said. “The idea is to save money.”<br /><br />Employees who are approved will receive: three months of salary; a $300 payment for each full year of service; $3,000 to assist with medical coverage transition; health insurance for six months; and payment for accrued and unused vacation time.<br /><br />When asked what brought about the move, Caldwell said: “The mayor is always looking for ways to save money and reduce government. It is not uncommon. The state has done this program in the past. It’s very similar to that."<br /><br />Employees have until March 3 to apply. Caldwell said a number of workers have submitted requests so far but officials have not begun processing them.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-66738987308835036312017-01-18T06:30:00.002-08:002017-01-18T06:30:35.721-08:00Knoxville City Council delays voting on self-pouring ordinance for now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP-5hIQPbVlNPSnHFf6Xa_MfzSre1FuKdLIa1UWz83dqI5_9isFo-dNXdgZ93L-ju51OX447bNSjtlTME_AujluIWiabAOK6w2iDQFwaB_Vx_R9rc8Zd2-jth0Zi64HRza3FwStZbTJ1g/s1600/ye8duwZQQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP-5hIQPbVlNPSnHFf6Xa_MfzSre1FuKdLIa1UWz83dqI5_9isFo-dNXdgZ93L-ju51OX447bNSjtlTME_AujluIWiabAOK6w2iDQFwaB_Vx_R9rc8Zd2-jth0Zi64HRza3FwStZbTJ1g/s320/ye8duwZQQ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Tuesday night's Knoxville City Council meeting featured a spirited
debate over ordinances regulating who can and cannot pour a beer.<br />
<br />
A group of hopeful Knoxville business owners tried to explain the potential new market at the two-hour meeting.<br />
<br />
"It’s
not a free for all. It's not open taps where you pay $20 to get in and
you drink until you fall down," said Pour Taproom founder Nate Tomforde.
"That's absolutely not what it's about."<br />
<br />
Pour Taproom operates in
three cities, and a group of owners wants to put a new one in Jackson
Terminal in the Old City. Their proprietary technology allows beer
drinkers to pour and pay by the ounce. Encouraging sampling, but cutting
users off once they reach a certain limit set by the business.<br />
<br />
"I don't think any of us were familiar with a self-pour bar,” said Councilman George Wallace.<br />
<br />
After
discussion, the city council voted 8-1 to postpone the voting on the
ordinance in hopes of crafting an ordinance that would better regulate
this type of business.<br />
<br />
"The stop-gap measures they've put in to
protect themselves and protect the public, what they've come up with is
very ingenious,” Wallace said.<br />
<br />
"It’s kind of flattering, that
they're looking at us as a model of how they'll shape the ordinance in
the future,” said Pour Taproom Knoxville CEO Joel McLead.<br /> <br /> The group behind the Knoxville location will continue working in hopes of opening in the spring.<br />
<br />
"The lease is signed, the coolers are ordered and the taps are on their way,” said McLead.<br />
<br />
If
the business opens before the new ordinance is approved, they will have
bartenders pour beers, which would require more man power.
However, McLead said that's not going to stop the business from opening.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-6078291528066415732017-01-18T06:28:00.000-08:002017-01-18T06:28:31.134-08:00Parents express desire for community based schools at public meetingDozens of parents and community members, primarily from the Hardin
Valley community, met with Knox County Schools administrators Tuesday
for another informational meeting about possible middle school
redistricting due to the new Hardin Valley and Gibbs middle schools.<br />
<br />
The
main message from parents attending the meeting was a desire to keep
community together in the same school. More than one parent said they
purchased their current home because they wanted their kids to go to
Hardin Valley schools.<br />
<br />
<strong>Previous:</strong> <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/local/education/kcs-construction-of-new-middle-schools-will-change-school-enrollment-zoning/352902687">KCS: New middle schools will change school enrollment zoning</a><br />
<br />
Asked
whether the district would reevaluate other school zones after the
middle school redistricting process is complete, Interim Superintendent
Buzz Thomas said it's possible the district would look at other schools
zones in the future.<br />
<br />
"We don't have a specific plan to open up
high school and elementary school zones right now, but we may need to do
that," he said.<br />
<br />
Thomas told attendees the district needs to have
the new schools' administrators in place at least a year before the
schools open, if not sooner.<br />
<br />
"We have talked about trying to appoint the principal this spring," Thomas said.<br />
<br />
<strong>Previous: </strong><a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/local/second-knox-county-middle-school-meeting-discusses-new-gibbs-middle-school/364682123">Middle School rezoning meeting discusses new Gibbs Middle</a><br />
<br />
There are <a href="http://knoxschools.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=34504&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=34824&PageID=1">two more rezoning meetings</a>
scheduled for Jan. 24 at Holston Middle School and Jan. 31 at Vine
Middle School. The primary focus of those meetings will be the new Gibbs
Middle School.<br />
<br />
The district has said a second round of meetings will be held this spring to present a rezoning proposal.<br />
<br />
People can also email questions and concerns about rezoning to rezoning@knoxschools.org.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-54319004566569087742017-01-16T13:31:00.001-08:002017-01-16T13:31:26.510-08:00Boyd 'considering' 2018 run for gov<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtCXp3QlcF-giJrXgWhlZZBysEb_qziU-tZ9kEvh2MHXh2H18yvhoC2dfXtebQrWacVC4gPNk6LtvuZcLkBIXfdTLcD_oGj9_JHnypYobwU36p7C5YARWp7nO1I9Zt2_iIE9hEkT-FNv0/s1600/Still0116_00000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtCXp3QlcF-giJrXgWhlZZBysEb_qziU-tZ9kEvh2MHXh2H18yvhoC2dfXtebQrWacVC4gPNk6LtvuZcLkBIXfdTLcD_oGj9_JHnypYobwU36p7C5YARWp7nO1I9Zt2_iIE9hEkT-FNv0/s320/Still0116_00000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Knoxville businessman and baseball team owner Randy Boyd “is
considering” plans to announce his 2018 candidacy for governor within
the next month.<br />
<br />
The move comes as the longtime philanthropist and
Republican steps down as the state’s economic and community development
commissioner to return to the private sector.<br />
<br />
"Most people are
encouraging me to run, so it's something I am considering,” Boyd told
WBIR 10News Monday. “It's a big sacrifice but there are so many things
Gov. Haslam has started like the ‘Drive to 55,’ like the commitment to
helping our rural communities. I want to make sure that momentum
continues. If I were to run, it would be to make sure that happened.”<br />
<br />
Incumbent Republican Gov. Bill Haslam is term-limited and leaves office after 2018.<br />
<br />
Other
top Republicans rumored to make a run at the job include two members of
the U.S. House of Representatives – Diane Black and Marsha Blackburn –
and state Speaker of the House Beth Harwell.<br />
<br />
In addition, state Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, has filed the paperwork to run.<br />
<br />
On the Democratic side, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Nashville businessman Bill Freeman are rumored to join the fray.<br />
<br />
The gubernatorial general election is set for November 2018.<br />
<br />
Boyd
announced last week that he was stepping down from his job as Haslam’s
go-to person for economic growth and development in order to return to
the private sector. He leaves at the end of the month.<br />
<br />
Boyd heads
Radio Systems Corp., which he created, develops area real estate and
also owns the Tennessee Smokies AA baseball team. He also chairs
tnAchieves, the partner organization to Tennessee Promise.<br /> <br />
Haslam, a former Knoxville mayor, tapped Boyd in 2013 to serve as a
special adviser in higher education, part of a strategy to boost
post-secondary training of the state's workforce.<br />
<br />
Haslam has previously credited Boyd with bringing some 50,000 jobs to the state and $11 billion in capital investments.<br />
<br />
In
2013, he served as the special advisor on higher education to the state
where he spearheaded the Drive to 55 initiative and Tennessee Promise.<br />
<br />
Boyd told WBIR that on Monday alone he was approached seven times from people asking him his future political plans.<br />
<br />
He told 10News that he plans to take the first couple of weeks of February to decide if running for governor is right for him.<br />
<br />
"Most
of the concerns are personal,” he said. “The travel, the being away.
But as far as the work is concerned, I'm very comfortable that I could
do the work. I'm excited about the progress we've made in education, the
progress we've made in economic development, progress to help our rural
communities. Those are the things that would energize me to do it.”<br />
<br />
He added that at one time he felt campaigning was tedious, but he now feels it’s a way to meet people around the state.<br />
<br />
"The
more I've thought about it the more I've thought about it it's really
governor training school,” he said. “You're basically spending your time
out talking to people. If I were to run, I know I'm not the best
speaker in the world, I'm certainly not the best debater. But I'd like
to strive to be the best listener. Just being able to travel around the
state and be a great listener and hearing people's concerns I think it
would be really fun and rewarding. I think it might be something I would
really enjoy.”Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-77619619972645904132017-01-16T13:27:00.000-08:002017-01-16T13:27:33.710-08:00Q&A with Council candidate Tindell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHZXnM2LddWFo_ZSeeCdhVWqjsCzLxeJkkTiBDffci2qUpZIwn6VsbYE6H27l3Yr-UtXHkiiTjmOQ1QXj0h2vp0hWR-OPyJRAUM6-KX9DTX9bOEKlXjS8_Pmx0xu6RktM_qeaDSyF-lAf/s1600/Tindell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHZXnM2LddWFo_ZSeeCdhVWqjsCzLxeJkkTiBDffci2qUpZIwn6VsbYE6H27l3Yr-UtXHkiiTjmOQ1QXj0h2vp0hWR-OPyJRAUM6-KX9DTX9bOEKlXjS8_Pmx0xu6RktM_qeaDSyF-lAf/s320/Tindell.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We did a short interview today with former state Rep. Harry
Tindell who announced his intentions to seek a city on the Knoxville City
Council. Tindell, a Democrat, served in the state House for 22 years before opting
not to seek re-election in 2012. He served on the Knox County School Board from
1986 to 1990 before joining the Tennessee General Assembly.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a snapshot of the discussion:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Getting back into
politics.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I served in local and state government for a number of
years, but I’ve been out – this is the fifth year – but I’ve been watching and
I have kind of a yearning to get back involved. I’m passionate about helping
the community</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On previous political
experience.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, the things I did in Nashville were all locally
relevant. Education – I was on the state and local government committee for 22
years and chairman of the local government committee. All local issues that you
read about – they all start in Nashville – so I’m very familiar with local
governmental issues.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I finished up my career in Nashville as the chairman of
the budget committee. That was of course good experience because you can’t run
a government without a good budget.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On whether he has a
specific platform.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would say it’s two things. I am from the district . . .
(and) I know the district very well. Two, the City of Knoxville is humming
along at a really nice pace. Things are going good at Market Square,
development, jobs, everything is going well here. What I say is that I’m not
here to break the mold. What I want to do is build on the good things that we’re
already doing – make it better, take it to the next level.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On specific changes.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think like all residents there’s some things you would
tweak. Broadway – you can’t talk about it or all the north Knoxville arteries
without talking about the traffic congestion. At some point, we’ve got to address
that . . . . I want to talk to the residents and here what they have to say and
take their views to the council as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On a tax increase.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t think we need that in the present situation. Like I
said, the city is well managed. They’re doing the things they need to do. I
think you have to look at things as they develop but there’s no reason to raise
taxes in the present based on what I’m seeing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On development in the
district.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m like everyone else. Know that if you drive to Turkey
Creek you see a lot more choices of stores and restaurants than you do on this
side of town, and I think the people over here deserve the same opportunities.
Of course if the businesses are willing to come, we need to do everything we
can to make Knoxville hospitable for businesses, so that we can grow the
economy. I think downtown is a perfect example. Look at Market Square. You can’t
get in a restaurant without a reservation sometimes. The movie theater was a
big hit. We need to spread out from downtown and make the Broadway corridor,
the Chapman High way corridor, Knoxville Center and all of Knoxville great.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On whether he will
face criticism for holding public office for a long time</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I won the elections, I didn’t lose them, so I think
there was some level of support from the people in the community. And I hope
people will recognize that experience might be valuable I this coming period.
And I’m offering myself to the voters and hopefully they will see it and elect
me to the council.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On moving from a
state-held elected office to the local level.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t see the City Council as a demotion as any stretch –
it’s important, it touches the residents of Knoxville in a big way. There were
times in the state House delegation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. .
. I was the only one who had an all-city district so I have a real
understanding and appreciation for what the city does for the residents. There’s
an opening here and I think experience might be helpful for this present time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On being a Democrat.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you go to Nashville you pick a party . . . . The City Council
elections have historically been absolutely non-partisan and people don’t talk
about it that much. It’s about the people – it’s about the neighborhoods, it’s
about the community. I can serve and represent Republicans Democrats and
independents.</div>
Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-8589676067346096692017-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:002017-01-16T12:07:25.009-08:00Former state Rep. Tindell to run for Knoxville City Council seat in 2017<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrc_kUXn1s_eia1vr8w3YP3BCeP8NGkW71YQw4ZzjeGUR4WfFWxv35TCYV7sDbGosWd_8kPWSeZW8Ca1ciabq2Papmx6VQIgWu8nTNWKgSk8Scz-7okwn7XW7Phgr447e46TMIyHYLzml/s1600/HT+2017+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrc_kUXn1s_eia1vr8w3YP3BCeP8NGkW71YQw4ZzjeGUR4WfFWxv35TCYV7sDbGosWd_8kPWSeZW8Ca1ciabq2Papmx6VQIgWu8nTNWKgSk8Scz-7okwn7XW7Phgr447e46TMIyHYLzml/s320/HT+2017+1.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Tindell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Former Knox County School Board member and long-time state Rep. Harry Tindell announced on Monday his intention to seek the 4<sup>th</sup> District seat on the Knoxville City Council.<br />
<br />
“I
have lived most of my life on one side of Broadway or the other,” said
the former 11-term Democrat, who opted not to seek re-election to the
state House. “I have been honored to serve parts of central, north and
east Knoxville in the past, and I will bring the experience and
knowledge I have gained to the city council if elected.”<br />
<br />
Nick Della Volpe, who currently represents the 4<sup>th</sup> District, is term-limited. The seat is non-partisan.<br />
Tindell,
56, is a life-long Knoxville resident and served on the Knox County
School Board in 1986 to 1990 before heading over to the Tennessee
General Assembly for 22 years.<br />
<br />
The election in November will bring
five new faces to the city council, and in 2019 the remaining four
council seats and the Mayor will be replaced due to term limits.<br />
<br />
“In
recent years, we have made tremendous progress in the quality of life
and the economic vitality of our community. It will be important to have
new city council members with varied experience in this period of
change,” said Tindell.<br />
<br />
He added: “I look forward to making my case
to the voters that I can bring the vision, knowledge and passion to the
office that will build on our success and to continue moving Knoxville
forward, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen our neighborhoods
and communities.”<br />
<br />
Tindell has spent time in the private sector as
an employee benefits insurance broker and a state government relations
consultant.<br />
<br />
The non-partisan primary is set for late August. Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-79841036298783521122017-01-15T17:21:00.000-08:002017-01-15T17:21:42.044-08:0012 local state lawmakers gather for legislative luncheon, take questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Saturday afternoon, a panel full of lawmakers came together to
address issues they're representing this legislative session in front of
journalists who cover the issues they discuss.
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
More than 70 people attended the East Tennessee's Society of Professional Journalist's annual legislative luncheon.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"This was one of the largest crowds I've seen at this gathering and
it's that the general public is really engaged in what's happening right
now in Nashville," Representative Eddie Smith (R-Knoxville) said.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
With the legislative session underway, lawmakers addressed plenty of
issues on the table, including highway infrastructure, gas tax, open
carry law and seat belts on school buses.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"We need to do something but the question right now is what do we do?" Smith asked regarding seat belts on school buses.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Smith said having seatbelts on school buses sounds great, but lawmakers
have to look further into the law, not only because of the cost, but
because of potential negative consequences. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"Whenever we look at a law, we have to look at what are the intended
but what are the unintended consequences of any law," he said. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Representative Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville) says it will take research to figure out what's best.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"Then it's up to us to find the funding and the revenue to pursue
whichever statistically is the best solution for the safety of our
students," Ramsey said. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Another hot topic brought up was a <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/tennessee-lawmakers-criticize-outsourcing-plan-in-letter-to-ut/385997801">letter sent to the president of the University of Tennessee</a> opposing job outsourcing plans.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"They are not asking for much. They are asking for job security and
they are proud to serve the State of Tennessee so I think it's only
right to support those that have been working so hard for the university
of Tennessee and other state institutions," Rep. Rick Staples (D-
Knoxville) said. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
From seat belts to outsourcing, the conversation on big issues
continues for these lawmakers in Nashville as the legislative session
has just began. </div>
<div>
</div>
"It's important that they get to see who we are a lot of times it's
just a name and see what we think about certain events, certain topics,
and laws that are coming into place or action or consideration," Smith
said.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-86977610442510503212017-01-15T17:18:00.001-08:002017-01-15T17:19:13.966-08:00Two dozen apply to be the next Knox County Schools SuperintendentIn a last minute rush Knox County Board of Education members were
hoping for, the number of applicants for Knox County Schools
Superintendent jumped to 24 just before the end-of-day deadline.<br />
<br />
On Friday morning, there had only been 11 applicants.<br />
<br />
The
deadline to apply closed at 4 p.m. Friday. There are 24 official
applicants, with one additional application that wasn't completed.<br />
<br />
There are two internal candidates and at least one other local candidate, according to KCS spokesperson Carly Harrington.<br />
<br />
"I sensed a little bit of panic earlier in the week," said Patti Bounds, Chair of the BOE.<br />
<br />
<b>More:</b> <a href="http://www.wbir.com/news/local/education/list-knox-county-schools-superintendent-candidates/386004286">List: Knox County Schools Superintendent candidates</a><br />
<br />
On
Monday, member Amber Rountree, who is also overseeing the three-person
superintendent search committee, said she hoped more people applied by
the end of the week.<br />
<br />
“I would like to see some more folks and I
have heard there are more folks planning to apply, and they just haven’t
gotten their material together,” she said.<br />
<br />
The committee responsible for the search is made up of Rountree, Tony Norman and Susan Horn.<br />
<br />
Friday morning, Norman told 10News he was hopeful there would be more than 11 applicants.<br />
"I especially hope we'll get a few internal candidates," said Norman.<br />
<br />
The names of the two internal candidates were not immediately available.<br />
<br />
There
is at least one local applicant. Dale Lynch, who currently serves as
Hamblen County Schools Superintendent, applied Friday morning.<br />
<br />
"I had heard he was going to apply and I'm glad he did," said Bounds.<br />
<br />
Receiving
24 applicants for this position is a 'win' for the board, who went
about the recruiting process differently than they had in the past.<br />
<br />
"I'm
excited about the process. This is a little bit different than it's
normally done. Many school systems in our area use outside search
firms," said Bounds.<br />
<br />
Outside search firms can cost up to $80,000. Knox County Schools used one in 2008, when Dr. Jim McIntyre was selected.<br />
<br />
Bounds said not using an outside search firm will give them more control over the candidates.<br />
<br />
Norman agrees.<br />
<br />
"Sometimes
those search firms also have some preferred candidates, so they'll
eliminate people on their side before we even get to see them," said
Norman.<br />
<br />
On the morning of Jan. 17, the three-member search
committee is scheduled to look at who has applied. Rountree says the
goal is to identify perhaps five solid candidates from among all who
have applied and go from there.<br />
<br />
Norman says the people in his top
five will be applicants who have "a heart for the classroom" and
"significant administrative experience and experience with large school
districts."<br />
<br />
Bounds agrees with Norman's desire to have a
superintendent with classroom experience. She also hopes their new chief
will have many of the leadership qualities Interim Superintendent Buzz
Thomas has.<br />
<br />
"He is very much a servant leader. He understands the role of the board and of the superintendent," said Bounds.<br />
<br />
For
now, the superintendent search is closed. However, Bounds says it could
reopen at any time if the current applicants are not up to standards.<br />
<br />
Bounds
said the hope is to have a new superintendent in place by summer, but
are willing to sacrifice that timeline for the right person.<br />
<br />
"More
importantly is getting the right person. The last two left without
completing their contracts and I don't want to see that happen again,"
said Bounds.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613255034831961362.post-81333173318204965372017-01-15T17:15:00.000-08:002017-01-15T17:18:58.223-08:00List of 24 superintendent applicantsAt the end of the application period on Friday, 24 people applied to be the next Knox County Schools Superintendent. Below is
a list of the 24 applicants. <br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Susan Compton</b></h2>
<div class="story-asset image-asset">
<br />
<aside class="single-photo" itemprop="associatedMedia" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject">
<img alt="draft" data-mycapture-src="http://www.wbir.com/img/resize/content.wbir.com/photo/2017/01/14/_Compton_1484432276377_7685761_ver1.0.jpg?preset=video-still" src="http://www.wbir.com/img/resize/content.wbir.com/photo/2017/01/14/_Compton_1484432276377_7685761_ver1.0.jpg?preset=video-still" height="225" itemprop="url" width="400" />
<span class="credit"></span>
<br />
</aside>
</div>
Superintendent of the Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Henry
Hudson School District in Highlands, New Jersey. Compton previously
served as the superintendent for the Russell Independent School System
in Russell, Kentucky. In 2013, Compton was selected as one of the
finalists for the Oak Ride school superintendent position.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Bob Thomas</b></h2>
<div class="story-asset image-asset">
<br />
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<img alt="draft" data-mycapture-src="http://www.wbir.com/img/resize/content.wbir.com/photo/2017/01/15/bob%20thomas_1484457446575_7687778_ver1.0.jpg?preset=video-still" src="http://www.wbir.com/img/resize/content.wbir.com/photo/2017/01/15/bob%20thomas_1484457446575_7687778_ver1.0.jpg?preset=video-still" height="225" itemprop="url" width="400" />
<span class="credit"></span>
<br />
</aside>
</div>
Assistant superintendent for administrative services with Knox
County Schools. Thomas attended The University of Tennessee and has
worked as an educator in Knoxville since 1973. Thomas has served as the
Knox County Schools assistant superintendent since 1990. Thomas was
selected as a finalist for the superintendent position back in 2008.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Tryvan Leech, Sr.</b></h2>
<div class="story-asset image-asset">
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Executive Director of State and Federal Programs for Youngstown
City Schools in Youngstown, Ohio. Leech has worked in the education
system since 1996, starting as a science controller and working up to
principal of Youngstown City Schools in Ohio in 2014.<br />
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<h2>
Carrmilla Young</h2>
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Superintendent of Agape Public Charter Schools out of Fresno,
California. Has served in various administrative positions over the
years, including as principal of Fuller Elementary School in Chicago for
three years. Earned her master's in education in 2009 at Walden
University in Minneapolis.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Jon Rysewyk</b></h2>
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Interim Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic
Officer for Knox County Schools. In 2014, Rysewyk was unanimously named
as the founding principal of Emerald Academy after serving as executive
principal of Fulton High School from 2008 to 2012. He earned his
master's degree in education from the University of Tennessee, and has
served as an educator since 1999.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Stuart Greenberg</b></h2>
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Chief Academic Officer for Leon County Schools in Tallahassee,
Florida. Greenberg is a longtime Florida administrator and has been
looking to move up to a superintendent position. In 2015, he applied for
a superintendent position to lead Metro Nashville's school system.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Duran Williams</b></h2>
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Serving as Unified Services Director for Tennessee Education
Association since 2014. Williams oversees District 4, which includes
Knox County Schools, Pellisippi State Community College, the Tennessee
School for the Deaf, and the University of Tennessee. He earned his
doctorate in education administration and policy studies from the
University of Tennessee. He's served in a variety of administrative
positions, including being the longtime principal of Cosby High School
in Cocke County.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Ronald Blair, Jr.</b></h2>
ESE Inclusion Teacher for Jesse Keen Elementary School in Lakeland,
Florida. Blair studied public relations and earned his master's in
special education at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. He has
worked primarily in Florida, serving as a special education teacher
since July 2005.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Andy Spears</b></h2>
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Adjunct Professor in public administration for Tennessee State
University. Spears has a long-standing background in government policy
advising and non-profit leadership. He created and runs Spears Strategy
and Strong Schools, two advocacy agencies.<br />
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<h2>
Timothy Gadson</h2>
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Executive director, curriculum and schools for Robbinsdale Area
Schools in Minnesota. Gadson previously served as the associate
superintendent for Atlanta Public Schools in Georgia. Gadson has served
as an educator since 1993, starting out as a teacher at Woodlands Middle
School in West Palm Beach, Florida. He earned his doctorate in higher
education administration at Washington State University.<br />
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<h2>
Teresa Lance</h2>
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School leadership officer for Harrison District 2 Schools in
Colorado Springs. Has served in educational leadership positions,
including principal of Community Education Partnership in Houston, an
alternative school for at-risk students.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Mark Chandler</b></h2>
Superintendent of Des Moines Municipal Schools in Des Moines, New Mexico.<br />
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<b>Elizabeth MacTavish</b></h2>
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Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Sonia Diaz</b></h2>
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Chief Academic Officer for Framingham Public Schools in Framingham, Massachusetts.<br />
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<h2>
<b>John Stoddard</b></h2>
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Principal for Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.<br />
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<b>Dale Lynch</b></h2>
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Superintendent of Schools for Hamblen County Schools System in Morristown.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Ronnie Dotson</b></h2>
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Superintendent of Schools for Carter County School District in Kentucky.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Catherine Beck</b></h2>
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Assistant superintendent of the 3,500-student Summit County School District in Colorado.<br />
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<b>Cedrick Gray</b></h2>
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A former ‘superintendent of the year” by the National
Association of Superintendents, Gray stepped down as leader of the
Jackson Public Schools, a 28-000-student system in Mississippi. He
previously worked as the director of schools in Fayette County in West
Tennessee but left in 2012 after questions about financial discrepancies
in school spending arose.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Andrei Ghelman</b></h2>
Secondary coordinator for the 47,000 student, 59 schools Collier
County Public Schools in Naples, Fla. He also serves as an adjunct
professor at Florida Gulf Coast University. He previously worked as a
teacher and principal for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Thomas Graves</b></h2>
An educational consultant since 2010, he also served as the assistant
superintendent of Washington County Schools in Abingdon, Va. From 2006
to 2010.<br />
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<b>Tonya Harris</b></h2>
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Superintendent of the St. Louis charter school
Preclarus Mastery Academy. The school, which for years had a high
student absentee rate, has seen some improvements. Harris previously
worked as an assistant principal in for District of Columbia Public
Schools.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Andrè L. Wright</b></h2>
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Learning Community Director for Aurora Public Schools in Colorado.
Prior to assuming an executive role, served as principal of Woodland
Middle School in Fulton County, Georgia. Wright earned his master's in
educatioal leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Robert Vick</b></h2>
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Principal for Parrotsville Elementary School in Cocke County.Mike Donilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400768249723304044noreply@blogger.com0