Word going around is that Knox County Clerk Foster Arnett Jr., a Republican, will have some competition in August's general election. (He's not expected face an opponent - or one of any merit, anyway - in the May primary.)
Mike Padgett, a Democrat, who was term-limited out of the clerk's office in 2007, has picked up - or plans to up - a nominating petition for the seat. And yes, before you ask, he can run again. Term limits apply to the amount of terms in a row someone can serve, rather than the overall number of terms.
The last time Padgett, as I recall, was really involved in politics was a failed bid in the Democratic Primary for the U.S. Senate in 2008. His son, Mark, lost the city mayoral bid a couple years ago to Madeline Rogero in a non-partisan race.
Showing posts with label Mark Padgett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Padgett. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Lobetti has two years to pay back coin
Yesterday, I noted how I had a bunch of scribblings left from Monday's pension board meeting. Good stuff. Heh.
Anyhoo, awhile back political operative Robert M. “Mose” Lobetti had a little debate with the board over some coin members say he owes.
Halls Shopper reporter Betty Bean wrote about it right smack here. Essentially, Mose, who has worked behind the scenes (and not so behind the scenes) on a number of political campaigns, including the recent failed effort by Mark Padgett to gain the Knoxville mayoral seat, is on the Uniformed Officers Pension Plan.
Yup, same plan that voters thought was for deputies, jailers and overall ass-kicking law enforcement officers out there risking their lives every day because they don't make a whole heck of a lot of money. But, yeah, he's on it, cause bailiffs (which are technically called courtroom security officers) are on it.
(Forgot one thing: Mose has also been involved in some Congressional races for the Duncans, but, uh, a trained monkey could run that family's campaign. They don't lose. In fact, if a Duncan doesn't get 80 percent of the vote, it's an upset. But, I digress.)
Soooo, some folks were pretty shocked that he's on the plan and owes some money. Again, read Bean's story for the background because I'm just jumping into what followed on Monday. Cause it's silly. And we like silly at Screams from da Porch.
Entertainment at the expense of others and all that.
(By the way, this guys is more connected to the incestuous relationships inside the Deathstar than then brick and mortar that hold the building together. So, if you think I'm picking on him – and I'm not – I don't really care. Public figure and all that. Plus, he goes around, wanting people to refer to him as “The Godfather.”)
So, the pension board/office wants the old dude to pay pack $13,000. (He should have paid it back a long time ago but, due to an “oversight,” he wasn't informed until – I think – earlier this year.)
That's the $11K he took out, plus some interest and 7.5 percent rate of return on investments even thought – during the lifetime of the UOPP – the rates have come in at negative 3.12, according to third quarter – it ended Sept. 30 – reports. (That was a mouthful.)
Heh. Good deal for the pension system. Bad deal for Mose. Now, Mose, 82, doesn't want to pay this back. And I don't blame him. But, if he doesn't, then he's not going to get the full benefits of the UOPP until the coin gets returned.
His attorney, Steve Sharp, also doesn't want him to have to pay it back. Can't blame him, either, since he's paid to not want Mose to have to pay it back.
Said Sharp: “Mr. Lobetti is not a wealthy man and $13,000 is a lot of money.”
Now, the pension board is willing to work with them. Members suggested giving him two years to pay it back. In monthly installments. (That would be $531.666 a month.)
Mose, visibly disgusted, didn't like that.
“They (the pension office) have known this for four years and didn't tell me, but I'm not blaming anybody,” he told the board.
Say what?
Mose, who makes $44,116.28 in annual salary, added: “It's going to be rough if I have to pay back (the money) every month. It may put me in bankruptcy.”
Now, historically, officials said, those transferred to the UOPP “had six months to repay any distributions to reinstate the time in the UOPP.”
Mose at one point also asked whether he could pay back part of the coin with a $10,000 life insurance policy or something or other he's had since 1950 when he served in the U.S. Navy.
Pension Board attorney Richard Beeler told him that wasn't gonna fly – no, he can't sign over a policy to the county.
Apparently frustrated, Mose told the board that when he joined the pension plan he turned over $130,000.
He made this out to be a big deal. Let me tell you something: That $130,000 isn't jack.
Under the Sheriff's Office defined benefit plan he's going to get $33,087 a year in retirement, plus a 3 percent cost of living adjustment each year. That's 75 percent of his total salary.
Now, how much a year do you think he's gonna get with that $130,000, which no doubt would be worth about 5 cents (give or take a penny) right now because of the stock market?
That's what I thought.
Now, people might think I'm being harsh, but, seriously, quit your whining.
Additionally, some folks at the meeting (and Mose a few months ago) made it out that Mose just HAD to take that $11,000 payout – that it was just forced right on into his wallet.
Nope. According to pension board executive director Kim Bennett, he received the minimal required distribution, but because he was employed, “it technically wasn't required that he take it.”
So, round and around we go.
Now, Mose says he doesn't understand “why I have to pay the interest.”
Uh . . . . Huh?
He said if the board gave him two years, then he'd pay back the $11,000. (Screw the interest or whatever, I suppose.)
Huh? So, make up your mind. Do you have the coin or not? What are you gonna do between now and then to raise $11K?
Never mind, don't answer that.
Eventually county commissioner and pension board member Richard Briggs wanted this mess to end. He said $13K was “a big chunk of money if you don't anticipate it or get blindsided by it.
He suggested giving Mose two years to repay it “with one stipulant (that's French by the way for “stipulating”): That he can't die in two years.”
He was kidding.
If Mose does, then the coin (which we will now refer to as “debt”) will be taken out of his death benefits that will be passed along to whoever.
So, the board – which at one point had no idea what it was voting to approve – agreed to give the guy two years to pay back what will eventually be more than $13K. Mose said he'll pay it in one lump sum at that time.
Bennett said her office will recalculate the coin and come back with the exact amount of scratch later. It's going to be more than $13K, but she has two years to come up with the new number.
In the meantime, Mose ain't gonna die. He'll make sure Congressman Jimmy Duncan gets a law passed to prevent that from happening.
Anyhoo, awhile back political operative Robert M. “Mose” Lobetti had a little debate with the board over some coin members say he owes.
Halls Shopper reporter Betty Bean wrote about it right smack here. Essentially, Mose, who has worked behind the scenes (and not so behind the scenes) on a number of political campaigns, including the recent failed effort by Mark Padgett to gain the Knoxville mayoral seat, is on the Uniformed Officers Pension Plan.
Yup, same plan that voters thought was for deputies, jailers and overall ass-kicking law enforcement officers out there risking their lives every day because they don't make a whole heck of a lot of money. But, yeah, he's on it, cause bailiffs (which are technically called courtroom security officers) are on it.
(Forgot one thing: Mose has also been involved in some Congressional races for the Duncans, but, uh, a trained monkey could run that family's campaign. They don't lose. In fact, if a Duncan doesn't get 80 percent of the vote, it's an upset. But, I digress.)
Soooo, some folks were pretty shocked that he's on the plan and owes some money. Again, read Bean's story for the background because I'm just jumping into what followed on Monday. Cause it's silly. And we like silly at Screams from da Porch.
Entertainment at the expense of others and all that.
(By the way, this guys is more connected to the incestuous relationships inside the Deathstar than then brick and mortar that hold the building together. So, if you think I'm picking on him – and I'm not – I don't really care. Public figure and all that. Plus, he goes around, wanting people to refer to him as “The Godfather.”)
So, the pension board/office wants the old dude to pay pack $13,000. (He should have paid it back a long time ago but, due to an “oversight,” he wasn't informed until – I think – earlier this year.)
That's the $11K he took out, plus some interest and 7.5 percent rate of return on investments even thought – during the lifetime of the UOPP – the rates have come in at negative 3.12, according to third quarter – it ended Sept. 30 – reports. (That was a mouthful.)
Heh. Good deal for the pension system. Bad deal for Mose. Now, Mose, 82, doesn't want to pay this back. And I don't blame him. But, if he doesn't, then he's not going to get the full benefits of the UOPP until the coin gets returned.
His attorney, Steve Sharp, also doesn't want him to have to pay it back. Can't blame him, either, since he's paid to not want Mose to have to pay it back.
Said Sharp: “Mr. Lobetti is not a wealthy man and $13,000 is a lot of money.”
Now, the pension board is willing to work with them. Members suggested giving him two years to pay it back. In monthly installments. (That would be $531.666 a month.)
Mose, visibly disgusted, didn't like that.
“They (the pension office) have known this for four years and didn't tell me, but I'm not blaming anybody,” he told the board.
Say what?
Mose, who makes $44,116.28 in annual salary, added: “It's going to be rough if I have to pay back (the money) every month. It may put me in bankruptcy.”
Now, historically, officials said, those transferred to the UOPP “had six months to repay any distributions to reinstate the time in the UOPP.”
Mose at one point also asked whether he could pay back part of the coin with a $10,000 life insurance policy or something or other he's had since 1950 when he served in the U.S. Navy.
Pension Board attorney Richard Beeler told him that wasn't gonna fly – no, he can't sign over a policy to the county.
Apparently frustrated, Mose told the board that when he joined the pension plan he turned over $130,000.
He made this out to be a big deal. Let me tell you something: That $130,000 isn't jack.
Under the Sheriff's Office defined benefit plan he's going to get $33,087 a year in retirement, plus a 3 percent cost of living adjustment each year. That's 75 percent of his total salary.
Now, how much a year do you think he's gonna get with that $130,000, which no doubt would be worth about 5 cents (give or take a penny) right now because of the stock market?
That's what I thought.
Now, people might think I'm being harsh, but, seriously, quit your whining.
Additionally, some folks at the meeting (and Mose a few months ago) made it out that Mose just HAD to take that $11,000 payout – that it was just forced right on into his wallet.
Nope. According to pension board executive director Kim Bennett, he received the minimal required distribution, but because he was employed, “it technically wasn't required that he take it.”
So, round and around we go.
Now, Mose says he doesn't understand “why I have to pay the interest.”
Uh . . . . Huh?
He said if the board gave him two years, then he'd pay back the $11,000. (Screw the interest or whatever, I suppose.)
Huh? So, make up your mind. Do you have the coin or not? What are you gonna do between now and then to raise $11K?
Never mind, don't answer that.
Eventually county commissioner and pension board member Richard Briggs wanted this mess to end. He said $13K was “a big chunk of money if you don't anticipate it or get blindsided by it.
He suggested giving Mose two years to repay it “with one stipulant (that's French by the way for “stipulating”): That he can't die in two years.”
He was kidding.
If Mose does, then the coin (which we will now refer to as “debt”) will be taken out of his death benefits that will be passed along to whoever.
So, the board – which at one point had no idea what it was voting to approve – agreed to give the guy two years to pay back what will eventually be more than $13K. Mose said he'll pay it in one lump sum at that time.
Bennett said her office will recalculate the coin and come back with the exact amount of scratch later. It's going to be more than $13K, but she has two years to come up with the new number.
In the meantime, Mose ain't gonna die. He'll make sure Congressman Jimmy Duncan gets a law passed to prevent that from happening.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Padgett rebuilding could take awhile
Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark Padgett got thumped tonight.
Wasn't much of a surprise.
Heck, I'm writing this two hours before the early voting results have come in.
How could I not?
He ran one of the most damaged campaign I've seen in a long time. Perhaps ever. Lies, distortions, hate. (And not to mention the personal confrontations he had in private with other elected officials and members of the media.)
This crap doesn’t work. Not in a city election.
Anyhoo, I knew I write something about tonight. I knew it weeks ago. And I had all these witty things I wanted to say. But, really, it’s just not worth it.
What can you say, if you've been following this mess?
I'll let the rest pontificate. (That means you hippie, and you rogue, and maybe the mean ones can weigh in, too.)
As for me? I've got two points (unless I digress) that I feel need mentioning.
The first: The “I'm a small businessman” angle. Huh?
WTH? Does he own a business? Yeah. Is it small? No.
It's minuscule. It was stupid to run as a businessman.
He had nothing. He invented something.
He should have run as a martyr. He should have run humble. He should have told the truth.
“I've got five employees – I created five jobs. But, hey, that's important. That helps five families. And one day, I'll grow this company. But, if I had help – if I had the support of my city, if the elected officials had sought grants, created grants, whatever – then maybe my company would be bigger. As mayor that's what I'll do. I'll take these miniscule businesses grow. Five jobs will become 10. Maybe 20. I know what needs to be done. I know what it’s really like to struggle.”
THAT'S what he should have said. Or something like that. Or whatever. But, maybe you get the idea.
Instead, he hid behind the door. He dodged the questions. And he made up numbers. It wasn't until Metro Pulse writer Cari “Mean” Gervin put a gun to his head and said she'd pull the trigger if he didn't answer the question that he finally came clean.
FIVE. Five employees.
And some people don’t even believe that.
The second: The negative campaign. I mean, come on. How cliche is that crap now? What is this, the county? I mean seriously. The mailers, the emails, the whatever.
Sell your soul.
The push to the runoff – the second part of the this election – should have been a run at the next office, the next time. Not now. Cause he wasn't winning this one. (Even going negative.) Jeez. Look at the freakin' primary numbers.
What? Opponent Madeline Rogero is gonna not get that one extra percentage point between then and tonight? Give me a break.
Padgett should have been a pro. He should have cruised. He should have gone positive. Instead, we got bush league.
And that's going to hurt him for a long time.
He's upset too many people.
He had a chance to get the Rogero voters in a race when there is no Rogero.
No chance now. They want nothing to do with him.
(I’m betting Madeline will be gracious in public. Doesn’t mean it’s real.)
He needed those Democrats. That is, if he ever was a Democrat. Or wants to stay one.
Forget it now.
That bridge isn't flame retardant.
He lost his viability among Republicans, too.
They're not sticking around. Not after that thumping.
The money won't come next time. And there'll be a next time. Believe it. That kind of arrogance, confidence, whatever. He'll run again. He has to. (We all know why.)
In the meantime, Padgett should offer up an olive branch.
Turn in the turd who “masterminded” that piece of crap hate mail.
If he doesn't know who it is, he should find out.
Because it didn't exactly do him any good.
Nor did missing the two points I just made.
Daring Dan refused entry to 911 Center
Well, tonight it ends, one of the most half insane, half-damaged elections I’ve seen in a loooong time.
All sides annoy me.
Anyhoo, while Knoxville mayoral candidate “Battling” Madeline Rogero was no doubt in bed at 1 a.m. Mark “Screw Sleep” Padgett was doing some silly “vote rock” or whatever where he campaigned all night to the point where he probably won’t be as effective today – when he probably needs to be – and Rogero will. Or something like that. If I’m even making sense here.
The point of this rambling is that my boy Dan Andrews took Padgett up on his challenge and followed him around for a while earlier today (or late last night). That is until about 1:20 a.m. when the Man with the Supposed Plan visited the E911 Center to take a tour. You know, because that’s where you get votes at 1:20 a.m.
Dan didn’t make it. They wouldn’t let him in. But, according to Andrews, officials let in Padgett and his entourage. Now why didn’t Mark go to bat for Dan? Oh well.
Here’s the story right smack here.
In the meantime, the News Sentinel has rounded up a bunch of folks to twit, tweet, whatever about the election tonight. Check it out under the hashtag #knoxvotes. You can also follow me on Twitter. Just click the link over there to the right on the ol’ blog.
Have a good day, and good luck to both candidates.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Padgett releases two spin jobs today
Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark Padgett has a spin release for everything. He sent me on the other day about taking a whizz.
Kidding. But, he might have, if he'd thought about it.
Or not.
Anyhoo, in today's spin job, the campaign says that opponent “Madeline Rogero's new TV commercial (“Believe”) hides her public record of raising taxes, raising her own pay and creating a politician slush fund.”
Well, no kidding. Her commercial also didn't say she was arrested for being a hippie and that she drinks firewater for breakfast.
I mean, WTH is the relevance?
Padgett's commercials don't say that his business experience consists of creating only five jobs. Or that he drinks rubbing alcohol for breakfast. (Hey, that's a rumor I heard. It must be true. Yeah, someone told me it. Whatever.)
But, why would they?
Still, Padgett again talks about how Rogero voted on “five” tax increases. He might want to check that one. And how she voted to use taxpayer dollars to “fill up a slush fund for Knox County politicians . . . .”
You know what? It's not even worth going into. The Metro Pulse already explained the details this crap. Click right smack here for what the hell raisin' hippies (is that an oxymoron?) had to say.
This race sickens me. BOTH sides annoy me. It's one big freakin' cliché.
And I can't wait until it's over. (Write in my name for mayor.)
In the meantime, another spin job has just come in – that's two from the camp today – and it says that Padgett plans to campaign 24 hours “around the clock” before election day.
So? Just do it. Don't brag about it.
What's he going to do in the middle of the night? Go tent-to-tent through the homeless camps?
I told you he had a spin release for everything.
Heh.
Kidding. But, he might have, if he'd thought about it.
Or not.
Anyhoo, in today's spin job, the campaign says that opponent “Madeline Rogero's new TV commercial (“Believe”) hides her public record of raising taxes, raising her own pay and creating a politician slush fund.”
Well, no kidding. Her commercial also didn't say she was arrested for being a hippie and that she drinks firewater for breakfast.
I mean, WTH is the relevance?
Padgett's commercials don't say that his business experience consists of creating only five jobs. Or that he drinks rubbing alcohol for breakfast. (Hey, that's a rumor I heard. It must be true. Yeah, someone told me it. Whatever.)
But, why would they?
Still, Padgett again talks about how Rogero voted on “five” tax increases. He might want to check that one. And how she voted to use taxpayer dollars to “fill up a slush fund for Knox County politicians . . . .”
You know what? It's not even worth going into. The Metro Pulse already explained the details this crap. Click right smack here for what the hell raisin' hippies (is that an oxymoron?) had to say.
This race sickens me. BOTH sides annoy me. It's one big freakin' cliché.
And I can't wait until it's over. (Write in my name for mayor.)
In the meantime, another spin job has just come in – that's two from the camp today – and it says that Padgett plans to campaign 24 hours “around the clock” before election day.
So? Just do it. Don't brag about it.
What's he going to do in the middle of the night? Go tent-to-tent through the homeless camps?
I told you he had a spin release for everything.
Heh.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
FOP questions whether Padgett told truth
(As always, please note that I don't support any of the candidates and I will be voting for either myself or county spin-control manager Michael “Big Sexy” Grider.)
The local Fraternal Order of Police has called out Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark Padgett. Because some members don't think he told the truth.
You see, the FOP – when they were looking to endorse candidates in the primary and in Tuesday's election – asked them all the same question: “Have you ever been arrested?”
Padget said he was never asked. (You can read the original story by clicking right smack here.)
The organization said he was. And that he answered “no.”
As you might recall, Padgett got bagged for some pissant reckless driving, speeding ticket, whatever in Florida back in 2003.
He basically blew past a cop. Not a big deal really. Until someone says ya lied about it.
“To be fair to everyone, we asked all of the candidates the same questions,” said Mark Taylor, president of Knoxville Fraternal Order of Police, Volunteer Lodge No. 2 “One of those questions was, 'have you ever been arrested?'”
He said FOP officials had no official information that either candidate have ever spent any time in the clink before they conducted the interviews.
The FOP's Pac Committee met individually with each candidate on Aug. 25. Prior to that, they each received a questionnaire, just so the organization could get a better picture of where they stood.
“Everyone who came in front of us was asked the same thing – even the judges – just to be fair,” said Charlie Bundren, the FOP's financial secretary and manager of its fund raising arm. “He (Padgett) said he had not been arrested.”
Bundren said the committee is comprised of the organization's 14-member executive board. He said there were probably about 10 members in the room that day.
I talked to Padgett about the accusations. His response was somewhat shaky.
He first said he “didn't remember” whether he was asked. He said he asked Mark Taylor recently whether he had been. “I'm pretty sure Mark said they didn't (ask that question),” he told me.
Then he said: “My answer, Mike, is 'no they never asked me that – not in the questionnaire or in the interviews.'”
Bundren's response?
“He's not being truthful. Either that or he forgot.”
Bundren, who spent almost 32 years with the Knoxville Police Department and retired as a top-ranking criminal investigator, said “it's a natural question that a law enforcement officer asks.”
I figured I'd give Padgett another chance. Ask the question again. Cause I'm a nice guy.
“I don't remember them asking me that,” he told me. “I wouldn't have lied about it. There was nothing to hide there.”
He said pretty much everyone knew about the driving incident, which he called a “silly, stupid speeding ticket.”
He reiterated: “That's not my recollection” about the direction of the interview questions.
Anyhoo, Bundren said regardless of the answer, the FOP still would have endorsed Padgett's opponent, Madeline Rogero.
(Rogero, by the way, got busted in 1974 and 1989 for acting like a hippie.)
Bundren said the FOP's main concern is that they don't want to endorse someone who has a major crime. Yeah, the whole egg-on-the-face thing.
In this case, “it wouldn't have made any difference, although we got some answers (from other candidates) that shocked all of us,” he said.
Rogero declined to weigh in on the issue, other than to say that she was asked about her prior arrests and didn't have a problem discussing them.
OK, now I've had a few people ask me about the so-called “rain tax.”
Why haven't you written about it? Why haven't you reported it? Why haven't you . . . Whatever.
I don't cover the city. I cover the county. Posts about the city are just gravy for the ole blog. And cause I'm a smart ass, I throw up a few. (Along with the beer I drink when no one is looking.)
Others have also chimed in about this thing. Click right smack here for the rogue's take on it.
But, I'll do Padgett a solid. Since I just spent a few sentences, rambling on like a mental patient about whether he told the truth.
Padgett says no one has written about his 28-page plan. Er, not exactly. I touched on it during a follow-up story after the primary. And I've made fun of it – along with everything else in the world that makes me laugh cause I love entertainment at the expense of others – on the blog.
But, if you click right smack here you can read the 28-page Padgett Plan.
(Oh yeah, and Mark wanted me to tell you that he's on his sixth pair of shoes cause he's been knocking on a lot of doors.)
And man, I digressed.
Back to the “rain” whatever.
If you click right smack here you can check out Padgett's spin release about the tax. He calls out Rogero. He says she's not telling the truth. (Or that's what he told me, anyway. I don't actually read these things. Unless they come from Michael Grider over at the county because I really like to make fun of those.)
According to the big spin:
I asked Rogero about this.
She said: “I said before and I'll say it again: I have not proposed nor do I favor a user fee. I was a co-chair the last year with (city policy maker and overall bad ass) Bill Lyons and there were different subgroups that met on different issues. And one of the subgroups proposed that the city leadership look at that, and the city leadership has not proposed to do so and neither have I.”
Because I got some leftover scribblings, I'll just post them here, clear out the notebook.
Since I mentioned that Rogero received the FOP's endorsement, it's fair to mention that Padgett has snagged a few, too, including support from some of the Haslams, the Realtors and Home Builders Association and Jim Clayton over there at Clayton Bank and Trust.
I don't know whether endorsements will make or break an election, but they probably do help.
As Padgett noted, people don't have a lot of time to sit down with each candidate, so they look to an organization or a friend to find out where they stand. It's good “word of mouth advertising,” Padgett said.
Well, that's certainly the truth.
Heh.
The local Fraternal Order of Police has called out Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark Padgett. Because some members don't think he told the truth.
You see, the FOP – when they were looking to endorse candidates in the primary and in Tuesday's election – asked them all the same question: “Have you ever been arrested?”
Padget said he was never asked. (You can read the original story by clicking right smack here.)
The organization said he was. And that he answered “no.”
As you might recall, Padgett got bagged for some pissant reckless driving, speeding ticket, whatever in Florida back in 2003.
He basically blew past a cop. Not a big deal really. Until someone says ya lied about it.
“To be fair to everyone, we asked all of the candidates the same questions,” said Mark Taylor, president of Knoxville Fraternal Order of Police, Volunteer Lodge No. 2 “One of those questions was, 'have you ever been arrested?'”
He said FOP officials had no official information that either candidate have ever spent any time in the clink before they conducted the interviews.
The FOP's Pac Committee met individually with each candidate on Aug. 25. Prior to that, they each received a questionnaire, just so the organization could get a better picture of where they stood.
“Everyone who came in front of us was asked the same thing – even the judges – just to be fair,” said Charlie Bundren, the FOP's financial secretary and manager of its fund raising arm. “He (Padgett) said he had not been arrested.”
Bundren said the committee is comprised of the organization's 14-member executive board. He said there were probably about 10 members in the room that day.
I talked to Padgett about the accusations. His response was somewhat shaky.
He first said he “didn't remember” whether he was asked. He said he asked Mark Taylor recently whether he had been. “I'm pretty sure Mark said they didn't (ask that question),” he told me.
Then he said: “My answer, Mike, is 'no they never asked me that – not in the questionnaire or in the interviews.'”
Bundren's response?
“He's not being truthful. Either that or he forgot.”
Bundren, who spent almost 32 years with the Knoxville Police Department and retired as a top-ranking criminal investigator, said “it's a natural question that a law enforcement officer asks.”
I figured I'd give Padgett another chance. Ask the question again. Cause I'm a nice guy.
“I don't remember them asking me that,” he told me. “I wouldn't have lied about it. There was nothing to hide there.”
He said pretty much everyone knew about the driving incident, which he called a “silly, stupid speeding ticket.”
He reiterated: “That's not my recollection” about the direction of the interview questions.
Anyhoo, Bundren said regardless of the answer, the FOP still would have endorsed Padgett's opponent, Madeline Rogero.
(Rogero, by the way, got busted in 1974 and 1989 for acting like a hippie.)
Bundren said the FOP's main concern is that they don't want to endorse someone who has a major crime. Yeah, the whole egg-on-the-face thing.
In this case, “it wouldn't have made any difference, although we got some answers (from other candidates) that shocked all of us,” he said.
Rogero declined to weigh in on the issue, other than to say that she was asked about her prior arrests and didn't have a problem discussing them.
The rain tax, the plan, the (wo)man. Or whatever.
OK, now I've had a few people ask me about the so-called “rain tax.”
Why haven't you written about it? Why haven't you reported it? Why haven't you . . . Whatever.
I don't cover the city. I cover the county. Posts about the city are just gravy for the ole blog. And cause I'm a smart ass, I throw up a few. (Along with the beer I drink when no one is looking.)
Others have also chimed in about this thing. Click right smack here for the rogue's take on it.
But, I'll do Padgett a solid. Since I just spent a few sentences, rambling on like a mental patient about whether he told the truth.
Padgett says no one has written about his 28-page plan. Er, not exactly. I touched on it during a follow-up story after the primary. And I've made fun of it – along with everything else in the world that makes me laugh cause I love entertainment at the expense of others – on the blog.
But, if you click right smack here you can read the 28-page Padgett Plan.
(Oh yeah, and Mark wanted me to tell you that he's on his sixth pair of shoes cause he's been knocking on a lot of doors.)
And man, I digressed.
Back to the “rain” whatever.
If you click right smack here you can check out Padgett's spin release about the tax. He calls out Rogero. He says she's not telling the truth. (Or that's what he told me, anyway. I don't actually read these things. Unless they come from Michael Grider over at the county because I really like to make fun of those.)
According to the big spin:
In several radio interviews, Madeline Rogero stated that she has not proposed a rain tax and that she does not want one. However, according to her Metro Pulse questionnaire, “As mayor, I will implement the Energy and Sustainability Plan produced this past year by Mayor Haslam’s Energy and Sustainability Task Force, which I co-chaired.”“Talk about misleading people,” Mark told me.
I asked Rogero about this.
She said: “I said before and I'll say it again: I have not proposed nor do I favor a user fee. I was a co-chair the last year with (city policy maker and overall bad ass) Bill Lyons and there were different subgroups that met on different issues. And one of the subgroups proposed that the city leadership look at that, and the city leadership has not proposed to do so and neither have I.”
Final wrap; left over crap. I mean, stuff
Because I got some leftover scribblings, I'll just post them here, clear out the notebook.
Since I mentioned that Rogero received the FOP's endorsement, it's fair to mention that Padgett has snagged a few, too, including support from some of the Haslams, the Realtors and Home Builders Association and Jim Clayton over there at Clayton Bank and Trust.
I don't know whether endorsements will make or break an election, but they probably do help.
As Padgett noted, people don't have a lot of time to sit down with each candidate, so they look to an organization or a friend to find out where they stand. It's good “word of mouth advertising,” Padgett said.
Well, that's certainly the truth.
Heh.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Padgett, Rogero: Is there any money left?
Knoxville mayoral candidates Mark "Where's the Plan, Man" Padgett and "Battling" Madeline "Mad Dog" Rogero have now officially raised enough money to pay off the national debt.
Unfortunately, the two - who have raised somewhere in the vicinity of $80 trillion - are going to use it to make you all suffer through more silly, mundane, whatever television advertisements. At least until next Tuesday.
And then it's over. God, I hope. Maybe the loser will spend his/her remaining coin to track down the person who sent out the hate mail letter. Didn't Padgett say somewhere he wanted to team up and find the person(s) responsible?
(I'd go look out on the golf course. Heh.)
Anyhoo, rambling here. Don't care. (And yeah, I made up that crap about $80 trillion. It's more like $2 billion.)
Rogero raised $123,260 for the month of October. Padgett raised $95,295.
(By the way, do not read anything into this post as to who I think, care or want to win based on whether I put Rogero's name first or Padgett's. I heard some jack-leg the other day talking about how reporters do that. I'm voting for myself. Or Michael Grider.)
Unfortunately, the two - who have raised somewhere in the vicinity of $80 trillion - are going to use it to make you all suffer through more silly, mundane, whatever television advertisements. At least until next Tuesday.
And then it's over. God, I hope. Maybe the loser will spend his/her remaining coin to track down the person who sent out the hate mail letter. Didn't Padgett say somewhere he wanted to team up and find the person(s) responsible?
(I'd go look out on the golf course. Heh.)
Anyhoo, rambling here. Don't care. (And yeah, I made up that crap about $80 trillion. It's more like $2 billion.)
Rogero raised $123,260 for the month of October. Padgett raised $95,295.
(By the way, do not read anything into this post as to who I think, care or want to win based on whether I put Rogero's name first or Padgett's. I heard some jack-leg the other day talking about how reporters do that. I'm voting for myself. Or Michael Grider.)
Friday, October 7, 2011
Harmon to Rogero: Say you're sorry
There’s quite a bit of energy and feistiness getting poured into this Knoxville mayoral campaign. Certainly, a lot more than you’d normally see in an election where only about four people are expected to vote.
Heh.
Anyhoo, on Wednesday, Mark “Da Plan” Padgett called a spin conference to announce some endorsements. Later, opponent “Battlin’” Madeline Rogero – again playing the defensive role – called her own spin deal.
She also issued a spin release which you can find right smack here.
Truth be told, I didn’t read the thing. They’re all the same, but the names change. I just skim these things to make there’s no cuss words in them. Cause this is a family blog. And we don’t cuss, talk about beer or throw in sexual innuendos that my editors haven’t caught yet.
But, I digress.
Since I do read the comments here (entertaining stuff, particularly the things about Toby and Rikki kicking ass and drinking beer) I learned that Rogero threw out some Black Wednesday references.
So, this morning, “Metal Shed Hater” Brian Hornback sent me some spin from Ivan “Darn Straight I’m a Republican” Harmon, a former mayoral candidate.
You can find the note by clicking right smack here.
(Normally, I'd just reprint it here, but I'm having formatting troubles this morning and too lazy to work through them.)
Yeah, this is going to be a good race.
Heh.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Knoxville's Battlin' Madeline strikes back
Knoxville mayoral candidate Madeline "Mad Dog" Rogero has a press conference today at 3 p.m.
(it's probably going on about right now.)
She sent the Media a spin release, which she asked folks to embargo.
Until now.
So, here's Battlin' Madelin's prepared thoughts on the losing mayoral candidates endorsing her opponent Mark "Da' Plan" Padgett:
(it's probably going on about right now.)
She sent the Media a spin release, which she asked folks to embargo.
Until now.
So, here's Battlin' Madelin's prepared thoughts on the losing mayoral candidates endorsing her opponent Mark "Da' Plan" Padgett:
A few years ago, over at our County courthouse, a small group of political insiders tried to stage a coup, on a day we all know as “Black Wednesday.”
Earlier today, standing next to many of those same “Black Wednesday” insiders, my opponent put on a show that perfectly illustrates the contrast between us. He lined up a group of politicians and job-seekers on the steps of the County courthouse. Their appearance with him has almost nothing to do with who is the best choice for city mayor, and everything to do with the old-style insider politics of the County courthouse.
Sadly, my opponent’s stunt today has shown us that he is, in the end, a child of those same courthouse politics. But, Mark, let’s be clear: Though today is a Wednesday, there will never be a “Black Wednesday” here in our city.
We reject those politics. Our Knoxville conducts business in the open. His Knoxville makes deals in the back room. Our Knoxville takes humble pride in what all of us accomplish together. His Knoxville will arrogantly reserve power to the few. Our Knoxville looks forward to a bright future. His Knoxville wants to move backward to a dim past.
That Knoxville is over. Our Knoxville has already begun. Behind me is a great example of what enlightened and experienced leadership can accomplish.
For 30 years, the Three Rivers Market (TRM) operated out of a much smaller building on Broadway with limited parking as its sales revenue continued to grow, even during this recent recession. They desperately needed a larger location.
I proudly served as Bill Haslam’s Director of Community Development. Our department, working with the Partnership for Neighborhood Improvement, created the city’s business expansion revolving loan program that provided critical gap financing in the form of a business expansion loan. Working together, TRM was able to purchase this property and construct this beautiful building, making a $2.5 million investment in this community.
The result? Increased sales, and sales taxes, and a workforce that’s going to double.
My community development team also managed the city’s commercial façade improvement loan program. Look up and down Central Avenue and you will also see millions of dollars of new investment spurred by our public-private partnership.
In fact, this program alone has invested $3.5 million in Knoxville, resulting in $11.9 million in private sector investment, 260 new jobs, and over 400 construction jobs.
The TRM success story is one we can repeat all over Knoxville in the next four years, one we will repeat. Because our Knoxville knows that a productive partnership between business and government is already woven into the city. In Mark’s Knoxville, it’s just being discovered.
Effective economic development with a solid return on investment has been happening here, and will keep happening here. It takes a Mayor with experience to make it work, and I’ve been working on it for over 25 years. He’s been reading about it for maybe nine months. Business-government cooperation is not something Knoxville needs to be schooled on by Mark Padgett.
I think the choice between us is clear.
I intend to continue what we were so successful at during Mayor Haslam’s administration: making Knoxville greater. We listened, and together with neighborhoods and businesses we created the Downtown North Redevelopment Plan that is transforming this area.
I have the experience. Together we put together the vision. And the results are right in front of you.
As Mayor, I will never stop working to build our city, help bring good jobs and businesses here, strengthen our neighborhoods and improve our quality of life. That is my promise to the people of our city.
Ex-candidates, sheriff endorse Padgett
To the surprise of no one, the three Knoxville mayoral candidates who are not in the race anymore endorsed Mark Padgett. Also, thrown in the bunch was Sheriff Jimmy "The Man with the Badge" Jones.
The spin release is pretty funny. Actually, I'd like to say it's full of BS, but I don't know if I can. Oops.
And, no, I'm not reprinting the whole silliness here, but I'll let slide a few excerpts.
Ivan Harmon for example:
Anyhoo, Ivan and Mark cut a deal. Just say it. Jeez.
And my boy Bo said:
Now, the head scratcher is J.J.
He said:
Personally, I would have stayed out of it. But, J.J. carries a gun, so I'll leave it be.
The election is Nov. 8.
Make sure your write in my name.
The spin release is pretty funny. Actually, I'd like to say it's full of BS, but I don't know if I can. Oops.
And, no, I'm not reprinting the whole silliness here, but I'll let slide a few excerpts.
Ivan Harmon for example:
“I’m proud to endorse Mark’s candidacy to be Knoxville’s next city mayor,” said Ivan Harmon, former mayoral candidate, city councilman and county commissioner. “Mark is pro-business and pro-neighborhood. He has the heart and passion to serve our community, and he’s a fiscal conservative who understands how to create jobs and grow our economy.”Funny. Immediately after the election, Ivan was complaining about the Republicans not voting for him. Oh well, it's politics. And it's all ridiculous. The fact is, Mark's dad - Mike - got Ivan into politics. (Ivan told me this the other day. I think he helped get him on the old city school board.)
Anyhoo, Ivan and Mark cut a deal. Just say it. Jeez.
And my boy Bo said:
“After getting to know Mark and his character, I'm supporting his candidacy because I believe he will serve all of Knoxville with a servants heart,” said Bo Bennett, 911 operator and former mayoral candidate. “Like me, Mark is not a career politician, and I think that's what we need to help bring our communities together and grow Knoxville.”Uh, yeah, no kidding he's not a career politician. YET.
Now, the head scratcher is J.J.
He said:
“Mark has the leadership qualities needed to be a great mayor,” Knox County Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones said. “He understands that an involved community is a safe community and will be a great partner in making our neighborhoods stronger and safer.”The Sheriff's Office has to work with the city. Say, for example, it needs something - and Madeline Rogero wins the election - she might take her time dealing with it.
Personally, I would have stayed out of it. But, J.J. carries a gun, so I'll leave it be.
The election is Nov. 8.
Make sure your write in my name.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Off by a day: Padgett yap for Wednesday
OK, I was close. Last night I posted this bad boy - yes, click right smack here - saying that Mark "The 28-Page Lack of a Plan Man" Padgett was calling a conference today to announce some endorsements.
Oops. It's set for tomorrow, according to the latest lack of spin release sent out.
All it says is the campaign will "announce campaign endorsements" at 1 p.m. on the county courthouse steps. (Hey, I was right about that courthouse.)
Anyhoo, I'm not sure why the courthouse. Personally, I'd get out in the community and do this thing. Some of the city folks who live in, let's say, Bearden don't really care about the whole downtown thing.
But, whatever.
The (lack of) spin release also said the players will be on hand for media interviews.
No word on what the "Battling Mad" Madeline Rogero camp is doing. Of course, they don't send out a spin release every time she sneezes, watches a UT game or gets a pet.
Heh.
But, they should. Cause it would be fun to make fun of them. Cause I'm mature that way.
UPDATE: I've gotten this from a number of people, but the only thing I can say - that was given to me on the record - is that it's going to be a few candidates and a county official who endorse Padgett. I can't say the names. Didn't get that part on the record unfortunately, but, uh, if you keep your ear to the ground, you'll hear them whispered. Heh.
Oops. It's set for tomorrow, according to the latest lack of spin release sent out.
All it says is the campaign will "announce campaign endorsements" at 1 p.m. on the county courthouse steps. (Hey, I was right about that courthouse.)
Anyhoo, I'm not sure why the courthouse. Personally, I'd get out in the community and do this thing. Some of the city folks who live in, let's say, Bearden don't really care about the whole downtown thing.
But, whatever.
The (lack of) spin release also said the players will be on hand for media interviews.
No word on what the "Battling Mad" Madeline Rogero camp is doing. Of course, they don't send out a spin release every time she sneezes, watches a UT game or gets a pet.
Heh.
But, they should. Cause it would be fun to make fun of them. Cause I'm mature that way.
UPDATE: I've gotten this from a number of people, but the only thing I can say - that was given to me on the record - is that it's going to be a few candidates and a county official who endorse Padgett. I can't say the names. Didn't get that part on the record unfortunately, but, uh, if you keep your ear to the ground, you'll hear them whispered. Heh.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Is Harmon ready to endorse Padgett?
I typically don't blog these types of posts (did I use the words/verbs correctly?), but I feel pretty confident something is going on.
I'd try to verify it more, but I've got the day off and somehow I've managed to work anyway, and by the time you read this, we'll probably know much more.
Anyhoo, rambling here, I know.
But, I got a call this evening from a pretty reliable source. The person told me that Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark "The Plan" Padgett has asked the PBA for permission to use an area near the Deathstar to call a press conference for some time tomorrow (that would Oct. 4).
If I'm not mistaken, it was actually the steps of the Old County Courthouse. (But I don't remember.)
And apparently he's going to announce "a major endorsement."
So, the speculation at this point - that's Monday evening's speculation - is that Ivan "The Hunter" Harmon could be throwing his support to Mark Padgett.
I'm not exactly surprised, but still . . . .
It's fun to speculate. And I don't really care what anyone thinks about these blog posts and about anyone here speculating. (Which would be me doing the speculating. But I digress.)
Still, Padgett - even with Harmon's support - is going to have a tall hill to climb.
His opponent, "Battling" Madeline "Mad Dog" Rogero, scored more votes than he and Harmon combined. So, she's got that going for her. And of course, not all of Harmon's votes (whether he endorses her or Padgett) are going to Padgett.
Just like not all of Joe Hultquist's votes are going to Rogero as others have speculated. (I think some folks need reminding of that.) Personally, I think the people who voted for "Smoking" Joe will stay home.
On a side note, a number of folks are expecting about 20,000 to show up to the polls in November, so there's also those extra four or so thousand votes to consider.
Now, back to the beginning. I usually try to talk to a party or two before making a post, but I doubt I'm getting much at this point. So, if I'm wrong, then I'm wrong.
And I'll make it up to all of you by posting something really dumb next time.
Heh.
I'd try to verify it more, but I've got the day off and somehow I've managed to work anyway, and by the time you read this, we'll probably know much more.
Anyhoo, rambling here, I know.
But, I got a call this evening from a pretty reliable source. The person told me that Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark "The Plan" Padgett has asked the PBA for permission to use an area near the Deathstar to call a press conference for some time tomorrow (that would Oct. 4).
If I'm not mistaken, it was actually the steps of the Old County Courthouse. (But I don't remember.)
And apparently he's going to announce "a major endorsement."
So, the speculation at this point - that's Monday evening's speculation - is that Ivan "The Hunter" Harmon could be throwing his support to Mark Padgett.
I'm not exactly surprised, but still . . . .
It's fun to speculate. And I don't really care what anyone thinks about these blog posts and about anyone here speculating. (Which would be me doing the speculating. But I digress.)
Still, Padgett - even with Harmon's support - is going to have a tall hill to climb.
His opponent, "Battling" Madeline "Mad Dog" Rogero, scored more votes than he and Harmon combined. So, she's got that going for her. And of course, not all of Harmon's votes (whether he endorses her or Padgett) are going to Padgett.
Just like not all of Joe Hultquist's votes are going to Rogero as others have speculated. (I think some folks need reminding of that.) Personally, I think the people who voted for "Smoking" Joe will stay home.
On a side note, a number of folks are expecting about 20,000 to show up to the polls in November, so there's also those extra four or so thousand votes to consider.
Now, back to the beginning. I usually try to talk to a party or two before making a post, but I doubt I'm getting much at this point. So, if I'm wrong, then I'm wrong.
And I'll make it up to all of you by posting something really dumb next time.
Heh.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Harmon won't contest mayoral election
There was word going around that Knoxville mayoral candidate Ivan Harmon, left, was thinking about asking for a recount of Tuesday night's election.He came in third, losing by 53 votes.
Apparently, he won't do that.
I talked to him Wednesday about whether he would endorse anyone, and at this point, he's not committed to either of the two remaining candidates. He said that he'd like to meet with both of them at a future date and decide then.
In the meantime, he told me that hunting season starts soon, so that's what he'll be doing. That and spending more time with his family.
Personally, I want to wish Ivan the best of luck in the future. He's a nice guy.
Here's the note he sent out this morning:
I want to thank my wife Jane, for all of her love and support, not only during this campaign, but my entire married life, and to my children and their families as well. Furthermore I would like to thank my entire staff. These dedicated people worked hard, and many hours and were all volunteers.
After giving this considerable thought and prayer, I have decided that it is in the best interest of not only me, but most importantly the citizens of Knoxville, to concede the race for Mayor. The American way of voting for our elected officials, although not perfect at all times, is the best way in the free world to elect our leaders. The voters have spoken, and I will neither delay nor prolong the process.
I want to also offer my congratulations to both Madeline Rogero and Mark Padgett for their well-earned victories. I wish them the best as they run to fill the City of Knoxville mayor’s office. I love this city and serving its citizens and that is why I decided to run for mayor, to continue moving the city forward. I will be taking a few days to think and pray about what my next step is and which candidate most mirrors my values. That will be the candidate that I will endorse and ask my supporters to do the same.
Ivan Harmon
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Padgett, Rogero on new administration
OK, so we know that the two Knoxville Mayoral candidates - Madeline “Mad Dog” Rogero and Mark “The Plan” Padgett – will keep police Chief David Rausch when one of them takes office.
But what about senior director of policy and communications Billy Lyons and Larry Martin, deputy to the mayor?
I'll start with Rogero, because that one's pretty quick. Because she didn't say much.
“I don't really want to talk about it at this point,” she said. “But I've worked with a lot of them (city employees) for years, and I know the people and I know their talents. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.”
No mention that, uh, a few of them over there are helping her out.
Now for Padgett.
He said he'd ask them “a lot of question.” He was referring more to how the city works and gauging their ideas. He said “I'm not sure who will stay.”
Then, he said this: “But to have someone who has been raising money against you everyday and talking negatively about you every day – well, it's hard to reconcile that.”
I then asked him if he meant Lyons and Martin. Cause, you know, I wanted to make sure he heard the question clearly. He said: “Well, I don't know, but there's people in the city who have been doing that.”
Uh, OK. But there's probably people in the city who “have been doing that” to Regero, too.
I specifically asked him about Lyons and Martin again and he said “there's a lot to learn from them”
He added: “There's definitely people there who would stay. There's definitely people I'll ask to stay. You won't see me come in and slash and burn. That's not something I want or plan to do.”
As he put it: “That's really an important thing (about electing a mayor) because when you think about me and Madeline, you have to think about what type of people will we'll surround ourselves with.”
Finally, he noted that – no matter whether it's him or Rogero in office – it might not even be up to them who stays.
But what about senior director of policy and communications Billy Lyons and Larry Martin, deputy to the mayor?
I'll start with Rogero, because that one's pretty quick. Because she didn't say much.
“I don't really want to talk about it at this point,” she said. “But I've worked with a lot of them (city employees) for years, and I know the people and I know their talents. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.”
No mention that, uh, a few of them over there are helping her out.
Now for Padgett.
He said he'd ask them “a lot of question.” He was referring more to how the city works and gauging their ideas. He said “I'm not sure who will stay.”
Then, he said this: “But to have someone who has been raising money against you everyday and talking negatively about you every day – well, it's hard to reconcile that.”
I then asked him if he meant Lyons and Martin. Cause, you know, I wanted to make sure he heard the question clearly. He said: “Well, I don't know, but there's people in the city who have been doing that.”
Uh, OK. But there's probably people in the city who “have been doing that” to Regero, too.
I specifically asked him about Lyons and Martin again and he said “there's a lot to learn from them”
He added: “There's definitely people there who would stay. There's definitely people I'll ask to stay. You won't see me come in and slash and burn. That's not something I want or plan to do.”
As he put it: “That's really an important thing (about electing a mayor) because when you think about me and Madeline, you have to think about what type of people will we'll surround ourselves with.”
Finally, he noted that – no matter whether it's him or Rogero in office – it might not even be up to them who stays.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Padgett finally starts spending his coin
Last week the Metro Pulse ran an email from a Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark Padgett supporter. Some funny stuff. (You know, entertainment at the expense of others.)
Apparently the guy (or gal) was pretty peeved about the money-grabbing tactics of the young Democrat who claimed to once be homeless and has now somehow managed to raise somewhere north of like ten billion dollars for a job that pays around $150,000.
But, whatever.
Here's the email right smack here. (Way to sign your name by the way.)
In the meantime, Padgett's spin doctress, Laura Braden, who tells everyone she once worked with the Governator (obviously she's not from around here), sent the media an email, saying the candidate has launched his ad campaign and it stresses job creation.
Woo-hoo.
It's really pretty silly, but I've picked on this guy so much that I'd be remiss if I didn't at least link to it. So, click right smack here if you dare.
And just so you know (and you know who you are), I do not care who wins this race.
So, before you start saying that you know who I support, just know that you are wrong.
Apparently the guy (or gal) was pretty peeved about the money-grabbing tactics of the young Democrat who claimed to once be homeless and has now somehow managed to raise somewhere north of like ten billion dollars for a job that pays around $150,000.
But, whatever.
Here's the email right smack here. (Way to sign your name by the way.)
In the meantime, Padgett's spin doctress, Laura Braden, who tells everyone she once worked with the Governator (obviously she's not from around here), sent the media an email, saying the candidate has launched his ad campaign and it stresses job creation.
Woo-hoo.
It's really pretty silly, but I've picked on this guy so much that I'd be remiss if I didn't at least link to it. So, click right smack here if you dare.
And just so you know (and you know who you are), I do not care who wins this race.
So, before you start saying that you know who I support, just know that you are wrong.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Padgett: I got more money than you do
In his never-ending effort to nickle and dime anyone who doesn't live inside the county (OK, so a few people do), Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark Padget has raised another billion dollars, according to the spin release issued by his PR flack who once lifted weights with the Governator.
Actually, the spin says he's raised another $45,015 and now has over $183,000 cash-on-hand of which $132,900 can be used for the primary which he is not expected to win, but could maybe, possibly force into a runoff.
Once again, the man who has run on his business-like acumen doesn't really talk about that business.
Heh.
According to a quote which was no doubt written by Laura Braden, who bombards me daily with this minutiae, Padgett says he is “humbled and grateful by the support I have received from the community.”
In other words: “Thanks for the money, suckers! Wooooooh.”
He, I mean, she, goes on to say: “The financial support is needed, but more important is the growing number of Knoxville voters joining our campaign to keep Knoxville moving forward.”
In other words: “Damn I got a lot of coin, but I'm not too sure I got the votes.”
Finally: “With just thirty days until voters head to the polls, I urge everyone to encourage their friends, families and colleagues to register to vote.”
In other words: “The next time you see me I'll be on MTV answering questions about whether I wear boxers or briefs.”
Actually, the spin says he's raised another $45,015 and now has over $183,000 cash-on-hand of which $132,900 can be used for the primary which he is not expected to win, but could maybe, possibly force into a runoff.
Once again, the man who has run on his business-like acumen doesn't really talk about that business.
Heh.
According to a quote which was no doubt written by Laura Braden, who bombards me daily with this minutiae, Padgett says he is “humbled and grateful by the support I have received from the community.”
In other words: “Thanks for the money, suckers! Wooooooh.”
He, I mean, she, goes on to say: “The financial support is needed, but more important is the growing number of Knoxville voters joining our campaign to keep Knoxville moving forward.”
In other words: “Damn I got a lot of coin, but I'm not too sure I got the votes.”
Finally: “With just thirty days until voters head to the polls, I urge everyone to encourage their friends, families and colleagues to register to vote.”
In other words: “The next time you see me I'll be on MTV answering questions about whether I wear boxers or briefs.”
Friday, July 29, 2011
Mayoral forum: Riddled with drivel
It was either the tranquilizers, the boredom or the ADHD, but something kicked in and I turned off last night's Knoxville mayoral forum, went outside and shot myself in the head a couple of times, before taking a nap.
I'm OK now; thanks for asking.
I can only comment – not that you asked, nor do I care, but you know who you are – on the first 17 minutes of the muck.
The four candidates (the fifth couldn't raise the necessary coin to participate so he was barred, banned and censored) were asked about their vision.
Madeline Rogero talked about working to create jobs, removing blighted properties, whatever. She also said something about “wanting a sustainable Knoxville” and installing solar panels on city buildings. Now THAT I would like to see. Heh.
Joe Hultquist started out his vision speech with some kind of cliché'. Something like (I'm paraphrasing): “A leader is measure not so much by what he's said but what he's done.” OK then, what have you done? He also said he “walked and prayed over the city I love.” (For some reason that gives me the creeps.) Then he rambled about the nation “teetering on the brink of insolvency” and I tuned that part out because I'm tired of folks bringing national crap into the local realm. He also said he'd focus on four key areas: economic development, accountability, transparency and a high quality of life. None of that really says much. He did say he's working with a company in Switzerland (something to do with transportation). And by “working” I think he means that he's had two conversations with the business in the past 10 years.
Mark Padgett once again bragged about some minuscule business he started that he has over and over and over and over again failed to really get into detail about, and how all that will make him a leader of some 2,000 employees. He said now is not “the time to make a U-turn.” Whatever the hell that means. I hope he wasn't talking to the dude riding the bicycle (the one carrying his “vote for me cause I started a business” sign) who almost crashed into a car on Gay Street. He also said he wants to recruit comparable businesses that already have a presence in Knoxville. HUH? Screw that, man. Go out and get businesses that we don't already have. Like a casino. A legal one. (Cause the Man with the Badge keeps busting up all the card games.)
Ivan Harmon also wants to create jobs and make Knoxville a place to raise families. He'd tap the resources of UT, the TVA, etc., etc. to do that. This observation for the highly obvious is truly remarkable. Come on. That's all you got? Oh yeah, he said he'd put a good team in place (that's actually a good idea because you wouldn't believe how many people wouldn't do this) if elected.
Bo Bennett said . . . . NOTHING. Click right smack here for a funny picture of Brian Moneyhun explaining why Bennett said nothing.
At some point, they got to pensions, since the city programs are expected to grow to as much as $30 million by 2019.
Pretty Boy Padge said he wanted an open and transparent process (lame); to honor the commitment made to the employees already on the program (no kidding dude – state law says you have to) and doesn't want reform on the backs of taxpayers. Seriously. Nice spin. The whole idea of reform is to NOT have it on the backs of taxpayers. Repeat the obvious. Be remarkable.
Ivan the Republican said he'd work with the task force committee that's already looking into the pension problem.
Rogero (who is my biggest fan) said she'd also let the task force do the job before drawing conclusions. Or something like that.
Sooooooo. In other words, neither of these three had the guts to publicly say how they feel about the city's pension plans.
Joe, however, did. He wants to start offering new employees a 401(k) plan. He even felt that the task force will “kick the can down the road so that the (pension problem) is not an issue right now.” Ah, like Mickey said to Rocky in Rocky II: “Ya got the heart kid, but you ain't got the tools. So forget it.” (No, Joe isn't going to pull off an upset.)
Finally, Bo said . . . . Oh yeah. He didn't get to say anything. Cause he wasn't invited.
There's my take on the first 17 minutes. I'm sure you all feel a little dumber now if you managed to get this far.
Have a good weekend.
I'm OK now; thanks for asking.
I can only comment – not that you asked, nor do I care, but you know who you are – on the first 17 minutes of the muck.
The four candidates (the fifth couldn't raise the necessary coin to participate so he was barred, banned and censored) were asked about their vision.
Madeline Rogero talked about working to create jobs, removing blighted properties, whatever. She also said something about “wanting a sustainable Knoxville” and installing solar panels on city buildings. Now THAT I would like to see. Heh.
Joe Hultquist started out his vision speech with some kind of cliché'. Something like (I'm paraphrasing): “A leader is measure not so much by what he's said but what he's done.” OK then, what have you done? He also said he “walked and prayed over the city I love.” (For some reason that gives me the creeps.) Then he rambled about the nation “teetering on the brink of insolvency” and I tuned that part out because I'm tired of folks bringing national crap into the local realm. He also said he'd focus on four key areas: economic development, accountability, transparency and a high quality of life. None of that really says much. He did say he's working with a company in Switzerland (something to do with transportation). And by “working” I think he means that he's had two conversations with the business in the past 10 years.
Mark Padgett once again bragged about some minuscule business he started that he has over and over and over and over again failed to really get into detail about, and how all that will make him a leader of some 2,000 employees. He said now is not “the time to make a U-turn.” Whatever the hell that means. I hope he wasn't talking to the dude riding the bicycle (the one carrying his “vote for me cause I started a business” sign) who almost crashed into a car on Gay Street. He also said he wants to recruit comparable businesses that already have a presence in Knoxville. HUH? Screw that, man. Go out and get businesses that we don't already have. Like a casino. A legal one. (Cause the Man with the Badge keeps busting up all the card games.)
Ivan Harmon also wants to create jobs and make Knoxville a place to raise families. He'd tap the resources of UT, the TVA, etc., etc. to do that. This observation for the highly obvious is truly remarkable. Come on. That's all you got? Oh yeah, he said he'd put a good team in place (that's actually a good idea because you wouldn't believe how many people wouldn't do this) if elected.
Bo Bennett said . . . . NOTHING. Click right smack here for a funny picture of Brian Moneyhun explaining why Bennett said nothing.
At some point, they got to pensions, since the city programs are expected to grow to as much as $30 million by 2019.
Pretty Boy Padge said he wanted an open and transparent process (lame); to honor the commitment made to the employees already on the program (no kidding dude – state law says you have to) and doesn't want reform on the backs of taxpayers. Seriously. Nice spin. The whole idea of reform is to NOT have it on the backs of taxpayers. Repeat the obvious. Be remarkable.
Ivan the Republican said he'd work with the task force committee that's already looking into the pension problem.
Rogero (who is my biggest fan) said she'd also let the task force do the job before drawing conclusions. Or something like that.
Sooooooo. In other words, neither of these three had the guts to publicly say how they feel about the city's pension plans.
Joe, however, did. He wants to start offering new employees a 401(k) plan. He even felt that the task force will “kick the can down the road so that the (pension problem) is not an issue right now.” Ah, like Mickey said to Rocky in Rocky II: “Ya got the heart kid, but you ain't got the tools. So forget it.” (No, Joe isn't going to pull off an upset.)
Finally, Bo said . . . . Oh yeah. He didn't get to say anything. Cause he wasn't invited.
There's my take on the first 17 minutes. I'm sure you all feel a little dumber now if you managed to get this far.
Have a good weekend.
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