A couple things before I head out to today's County Commission work session. Click here for the agenda.)
Over the weekend, Georgiana Vines wrote about a number of folks interested in taking (soon-to-be-former) state Sen. Jamie Woodson's seat. You can read about it here. Also, local blogger Dan Andrews makes a case why he should get the temporary gig here.
And this morning, I had a note forwarded to me from Jim Boyer, who left the House seat in 2002 after serving as Republican caucus chairman, saying that he, too, also is contemplating the seat.
And of course, county Commissioner R. Larry Smith says he might look into it, as well as commission Chairman Mike Hammond.
Note, however, that there's a difference between taking the seat early or waiting until the election. While there's an obvious advantage to getting your name on there now and running later, if you're a county commissioner – and you really like your job – you might be taking a chance to jump in now.
Since you'd have to resign and all. And you're not guaranteed a win.
The other thing. The commission work session starts at 2 p.m. today in the big room just past the metal detectors as you make your way through the Deathstar. So, unless you're a cop, deputy or Lumpy Lambert, don't bring a gun. (OK, bad joke.)
The first big items is a proposal to give control of the budgets for three of the non-judiciary fee offices – that means the register of deeds, the trustee and the county clerk offices – to the mayor and the commission. It looks like officials might drop the judiciary ones – clerk and masters, circuit court clerk and criminal court clerk.
This will be moved to the top of the agenda because Criminal Court Clerk Joy McCroskey needs to head to Nashville to meet with state Rep. Ryan Haynes. They're supposed to find a way to get her office under a state statute that will allow her to collect assessment fines that will go toward the helping the Knoxville Family Justice Center. (I wrote a story about that mess right smack here.)
Also, the Hillside Ridgetop Protection Plan item is on the agenda, although it's under the Planning and Zoning section. Presumably, officials won't talk about it.
But, you know how that went the last time chairman Hammond said no one was going to speak.
Heh.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Who's going to be election chief?
I wasn’t going to post anything this evening, but I've got some time to kill before Family Guy comes on.
Yeah, it’s probably no surprise that I like that show.
Anyhoo, just two days after the election commission gave administrator Greg Mackay, who actually ran the show, the boot, there’s a few names floating around to replace him.
Which isn’t really surprising. People like to gossip in the Deathstar. And in 2009 roughly 45 people applied. (Hey, who wouldn't want that sweet job? It pays well and you get that goood county health insurance.)
I throw these out for now.
Scott Frith, the interim administrator is one. But I don’t think he’s going to get it. He takes law classes at night and I think commissioners want someone with a stronger commitment. Not to say he isn’t committed. But, I just don’t see it. Plus, there’s some other issues there.
I do, however, see him sticking around. Someone has to tell the new guy/gal how to run the show. Of course, this is Knox County politics we’re talking about. And the smartest decisions aren’t always the norm.
But I digress.
The second name is Josh Burnett. He’s Trustee John Duncan’s chief of staff. And he’s in tight with a lot of those guys. He also considered applying a few years ago when the commission took applications, but didn’t. However, Josh told me tonight he’s not interested.
“I love what I’m doing but I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “I’ll stay as long as John Duncan will have me.”
Finally, Steve Hill and Victoria DeFreese are the others. (I'm not including Mackay because I don't think he'll apply. The Republicans rigged it so that he doesn't have a chance of getting an interview.)
My show is about to start, so don’t have time to comment on the last ones.
But I do want to add this final note.
Election Commissioner Cameron Brooks is leaving – probably at the end of the month because he's moving.
So, I’m assuming the Democrats on the local Legislative delegation are going to nominate someone for his seat.
Wouldn’t it be a kick in the ass if Greg Mackay got the appointment?
Heh.
Sure, he’d be only one vote in the minority. But he’d have a few questions to ask his fellow commissioners, the ones who technically run the election office and set policy.
Right? That is what they do, isn’t it?
I imagine the first thing he’d like to ask them is: “What’s your stance on voter fraud?”
I’m sure it will be directed to one member specifically.
Yeah, it’s probably no surprise that I like that show.
Anyhoo, just two days after the election commission gave administrator Greg Mackay, who actually ran the show, the boot, there’s a few names floating around to replace him.
Which isn’t really surprising. People like to gossip in the Deathstar. And in 2009 roughly 45 people applied. (Hey, who wouldn't want that sweet job? It pays well and you get that goood county health insurance.)
I throw these out for now.
Scott Frith, the interim administrator is one. But I don’t think he’s going to get it. He takes law classes at night and I think commissioners want someone with a stronger commitment. Not to say he isn’t committed. But, I just don’t see it. Plus, there’s some other issues there.
I do, however, see him sticking around. Someone has to tell the new guy/gal how to run the show. Of course, this is Knox County politics we’re talking about. And the smartest decisions aren’t always the norm.
But I digress.
The second name is Josh Burnett. He’s Trustee John Duncan’s chief of staff. And he’s in tight with a lot of those guys. He also considered applying a few years ago when the commission took applications, but didn’t. However, Josh told me tonight he’s not interested.
“I love what I’m doing but I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “I’ll stay as long as John Duncan will have me.”
Finally, Steve Hill and Victoria DeFreese are the others. (I'm not including Mackay because I don't think he'll apply. The Republicans rigged it so that he doesn't have a chance of getting an interview.)
My show is about to start, so don’t have time to comment on the last ones.
But I do want to add this final note.
Election Commissioner Cameron Brooks is leaving – probably at the end of the month because he's moving.
So, I’m assuming the Democrats on the local Legislative delegation are going to nominate someone for his seat.
Wouldn’t it be a kick in the ass if Greg Mackay got the appointment?
Heh.
Sure, he’d be only one vote in the minority. But he’d have a few questions to ask his fellow commissioners, the ones who technically run the election office and set policy.
Right? That is what they do, isn’t it?
I imagine the first thing he’d like to ask them is: “What’s your stance on voter fraud?”
I’m sure it will be directed to one member specifically.
Friday, April 15, 2011
The deck is now really stacked
I have to hand it to Knox County Election Commission Bob Bowman.
He’s had two years to think about how to get rid of (now former) Administrator of Elections Greg Mackay.
And he made sure to cover all their asses when he did. He made sure he's really gone this time. He made sure it wasn't about politics, but rather state law. Or at least how he interprets it. Because that's what good lawyers do.
(Of course, if Mackay sues . . . . well that’s another story.)
But, he made sure to also cover the commission on the application process. Because even if Mackay does reapply for the position, he’s not getting an interview.
No. Not like March 2009. You see last time 45 people applied and 12 got interviews.
This time only three get interviews – the top three selections that get the most support out of the five commissioners.
Sure, Mackay – if he applies – will get support from Cameron Brooks and Cassandra Stuart – the two Democrats. But don’t think for a minute that the three Republicans are ranking him any higher than No. 4 on their lists.
He’s gone.
The Republicans made sure of it when they gave Paul Crilly the boot because he jumped ship in 2009 and voted for the Democrat. They made sure to replace him with someone who was expected to vote for the Republican.
Oh well.
I don’t care. I don’t vote anyway.
I am, however, curious about one thing.
You see the commissioners – after they ousted Mackay gave his right-hand-man, Scott Frith, the gig. For now anyway. And Frith will apply for the job, just like he did two years ago.
Oddly enough (actually it isn’t odd), Mackay hired Frith, a Republican. And don’t let anyone tell you he didn’t do it to protect his own ass.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He knew this would happen one day. So, you might as well hire someone you like and prep them to do what you do. (And Scott was second on the list in the interview process back then. I won’t debate whether the list was stacked.)
But, and this is what gets me.
Why didn’t Frith, go into Mackay’s office as he was packing his crap and tell him: “Hey, man. Don’t leave. You’re my new deputy administrator.”
Ah, the politics of it all.
He’s had two years to think about how to get rid of (now former) Administrator of Elections Greg Mackay.
And he made sure to cover all their asses when he did. He made sure he's really gone this time. He made sure it wasn't about politics, but rather state law. Or at least how he interprets it. Because that's what good lawyers do.
(Of course, if Mackay sues . . . . well that’s another story.)
But, he made sure to also cover the commission on the application process. Because even if Mackay does reapply for the position, he’s not getting an interview.
No. Not like March 2009. You see last time 45 people applied and 12 got interviews.
This time only three get interviews – the top three selections that get the most support out of the five commissioners.
Sure, Mackay – if he applies – will get support from Cameron Brooks and Cassandra Stuart – the two Democrats. But don’t think for a minute that the three Republicans are ranking him any higher than No. 4 on their lists.
He’s gone.
The Republicans made sure of it when they gave Paul Crilly the boot because he jumped ship in 2009 and voted for the Democrat. They made sure to replace him with someone who was expected to vote for the Republican.
Oh well.
I don’t care. I don’t vote anyway.
I am, however, curious about one thing.
You see the commissioners – after they ousted Mackay gave his right-hand-man, Scott Frith, the gig. For now anyway. And Frith will apply for the job, just like he did two years ago.
Oddly enough (actually it isn’t odd), Mackay hired Frith, a Republican. And don’t let anyone tell you he didn’t do it to protect his own ass.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He knew this would happen one day. So, you might as well hire someone you like and prep them to do what you do. (And Scott was second on the list in the interview process back then. I won’t debate whether the list was stacked.)
But, and this is what gets me.
Why didn’t Frith, go into Mackay’s office as he was packing his crap and tell him: “Hey, man. Don’t leave. You’re my new deputy administrator.”
Ah, the politics of it all.
Well, at least she didn't kill anyone
Cynthia Finch was sentenced just now.
If you can actually call it that.
I'm starting to realize you can pretty much do whatever you want around here, so long as you work in county government and don't kill someone.
Finch, genius that she is, gets probation for defrauding and ripping off taxpayers.
We had some other folks who somehow managed to charge major coin to purchasing cards and no one bothered to punish them. Oh yeah, they didn't have the receipts to cross reference. And that whole statute of limitations thing.
Good work.
And what's up with the two-year-old TBI probe into the Trustee's Office?
Yeah.
Might as well just let these clowns go, too.
So much for tough on crime.
They might as well give up on this effort, too.
If you can actually call it that.
I'm starting to realize you can pretty much do whatever you want around here, so long as you work in county government and don't kill someone.
Finch, genius that she is, gets probation for defrauding and ripping off taxpayers.
We had some other folks who somehow managed to charge major coin to purchasing cards and no one bothered to punish them. Oh yeah, they didn't have the receipts to cross reference. And that whole statute of limitations thing.
Good work.
And what's up with the two-year-old TBI probe into the Trustee's Office?
Yeah.
Might as well just let these clowns go, too.
So much for tough on crime.
They might as well give up on this effort, too.
Broyles: He needs to step down
Knox County Commissioner Amy Broyles weighs in on the election commission, which meets today at 4 p.m. (By the way, this is a quick update. Scroll down and you'll see another post I just put up about some elected folks getting some retro-coin.)
Here's her letter (This could actually be a fun meeting. You know, if it doesn't interrupt happy hour):
Here's her letter (This could actually be a fun meeting. You know, if it doesn't interrupt happy hour):
Commissioner Amy Broyles
316 E Scott Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37917
Senator Jamie Woodson
Senator Randy McNally
Senator Stacey Campfield
Representative Ryan Haynes
Representative Bill Dunn
Representative Harry Brooks
Representative Steve Hall
Representative Frank Nicely
April 15, 2011
Dear Senators and Representatives:
Thank you all for taking the time to meet with me this past Wednesday (I am sorry I was unable to meet with you, Frank and Randy – I missed seeing you both). I enjoyed our conversations, and felt I came away more informed than when I arrived.
As you know, I am tremendously concerned about the appointment of Mr. McNutt to the Knox County Election Commission, as are a great many of my constituents. This Commission is charged with ensuring the integrity of our electoral process. A Commissioner who has knowingly voted seven times outside his district calls that integrity into question. I understand from my conversations with a couple of you that Mr. McNutt isn’t overly concerned that he violated election law; this raises a tremendous red flag that should not be ignored.
I also understand that Mr. McNutt no longer enjoys the support of the majority of the Republican Legislative Delegation. I respectfully request that you publicly ask Mr. McNutt to step down, as private requests have, to this point, been refused.
For the past two and a half years, we in Knox County have been working tirelessly to restore the public’s trust and faith in our local government. This entire situation calls that trust and faith into question, and frankly is a setback to those of us who have been working so hard. A public request for Mr. McNutt to step down may indeed be ignored by Mr. McNutt and his supporters; however, it will let the people who elected you know that you have taken this seriously, and that you have done all that you can to rectify this situation.
I am very grateful for your time and your continued service to the people of our area.
Very truly yours,
Amy Broyles
Knox County Commissioner
Some officials to get major back pay
A few days ago I wrote a story about some state-mandated pay raises 12 Knox County elected officials. (You can read the masterpiece right smack here.)
What I didn't get into, however, was that three fee officers actually get some retroactive coin.
A lot.
I didn't have the space.
But I do now.
So, here's the deal:
Officials with the six fee offices – criminal court clerk, circuit court clerk, clerk and masters, trustee, register of deeds and county clerk – are supposed to get paid the same now. That would be $106,906.
Good money.
But the three judiciary office holders – Criminal Court Clerk Joy McCroskey, Circuit Court Clerk Cathy Quist and Clerk and Master Howard Hogan – get an additional 10 percent because they also have additional court responsibilities.
Or something like that. I can't remember.
The issue is that they essentially all have the $106,906 base. Or they should now that the county's population increased. (It's a state thing. Just click on that initial link to the story if you need to know more.)
They're all going to get that now, if they don't already have it.
But there's a catch.
Three officers – Register of Deeds Sherry Witt, Quist and Hogan – weren't paid what they were supposed to get under this formula, which is retroactive to last April.
So, they all sent notes to the mayor, payroll, the law director, whoever the heck will hear them out.
And they're going to get their money. One big lump sum.
Yes, all of this is legal. The real question is why the others were making a higher class of pay. Nothing said they couldn't. But, they probably should have received less pay prior to the county's population jump.
In the meantime, the administration – never afraid to weigh in – had some thoughts.
“They're entitled to it, but it's an odd time to ask for $22,000 in back pay,” said administration Chief of Staff Dean Rice, taking a shot and reminding everyone just how much some folks want more control over the fee office budgets.
Heh.
What I didn't get into, however, was that three fee officers actually get some retroactive coin.
A lot.
I didn't have the space.
But I do now.
So, here's the deal:
Officials with the six fee offices – criminal court clerk, circuit court clerk, clerk and masters, trustee, register of deeds and county clerk – are supposed to get paid the same now. That would be $106,906.
Good money.
But the three judiciary office holders – Criminal Court Clerk Joy McCroskey, Circuit Court Clerk Cathy Quist and Clerk and Master Howard Hogan – get an additional 10 percent because they also have additional court responsibilities.
Or something like that. I can't remember.
The issue is that they essentially all have the $106,906 base. Or they should now that the county's population increased. (It's a state thing. Just click on that initial link to the story if you need to know more.)
They're all going to get that now, if they don't already have it.
But there's a catch.
Three officers – Register of Deeds Sherry Witt, Quist and Hogan – weren't paid what they were supposed to get under this formula, which is retroactive to last April.
So, they all sent notes to the mayor, payroll, the law director, whoever the heck will hear them out.
And they're going to get their money. One big lump sum.
Witt is down for $22,493. Here is her letter of request.
McCroskey gets $21,501.67. Here is her letter of request.
Hogan also should get $21,501.67. Here is his letter of request.
Yes, all of this is legal. The real question is why the others were making a higher class of pay. Nothing said they couldn't. But, they probably should have received less pay prior to the county's population jump.
In the meantime, the administration – never afraid to weigh in – had some thoughts.
“They're entitled to it, but it's an odd time to ask for $22,000 in back pay,” said administration Chief of Staff Dean Rice, taking a shot and reminding everyone just how much some folks want more control over the fee office budgets.
Heh.
Election Commission meets today
The Knox County Election Commission meets at 4 p.m. today.
I hope it doesn't cut into happy hour.
Here's the sun shined agenda:
I expect elections administrator Greg Mackay will talk briefly, then turn it over to his five bosses. At that point, I figure - if they attend - the League of Women Voters of Knoxville-Knox County are going to want to speak about the newest commissioner, Rob McNutt.
Because, you know, there's some issues about where he voted and when.
The commission will reorganize. I figure they'll keep Chris Heagerty as chairman. (That spot automatically goes to a Republican since they have the majority in the local Legislative delegation.)
The secretary spot might go to Cameron Brooks. Cassandra McGee Stuart has it now, and since they're the only two Democrats (the party that gets the seat automatically), she might let him have a shot.
Or not.
I'm not sure if we'll get much action on Mackay's job at this point.
I don't think he's getting fired today.
At the most, I think they may briefly discuss whether to take applications for the job.
Then they'll agree to meet soon to discuss it further.
Kind of like the county commission.
Why do something today, when you can put it off for later?
I figure Mackay is safe for another few weeks
I hope it doesn't cut into happy hour.
Here's the sun shined agenda:
At the call of the Chair, the Knox County Election Commission will meet on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 4 p.m.. The meeting will be held in the Small Assembly Room of the City/County Building, 400 Main Street, Knoxville, TN.
Among the agenda items are reorganization and certification of the Town of Farragut election.
I expect elections administrator Greg Mackay will talk briefly, then turn it over to his five bosses. At that point, I figure - if they attend - the League of Women Voters of Knoxville-Knox County are going to want to speak about the newest commissioner, Rob McNutt.
Because, you know, there's some issues about where he voted and when.
The commission will reorganize. I figure they'll keep Chris Heagerty as chairman. (That spot automatically goes to a Republican since they have the majority in the local Legislative delegation.)
The secretary spot might go to Cameron Brooks. Cassandra McGee Stuart has it now, and since they're the only two Democrats (the party that gets the seat automatically), she might let him have a shot.
Or not.
I'm not sure if we'll get much action on Mackay's job at this point.
I don't think he's getting fired today.
At the most, I think they may briefly discuss whether to take applications for the job.
Then they'll agree to meet soon to discuss it further.
Kind of like the county commission.
Why do something today, when you can put it off for later?
I figure Mackay is safe for another few weeks
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Dave Wright for state senator?
Ha ha. It's started folks.The rumors are trickling in.
With Jamie Woodson stepping down from her state Senate seat, some folks are already speculating about who will send an application to the county commissioners for a spot in the Tennessee General Assembly.
I got two quick calls today - right after Woodson made her announcement - that a fellow has been lobbying commissioners to appoint Dave "the commission's sharpest dresser" Wright (pictured above).
I'll let you guess who it was. The person lobbying for Wright, I mean.
So, I called 8th District commissioner and asked about the rumor.
"I hadn't thought about it," he said.
Hmmmmm.
He started chuckling then added: "I'm really satisfied with where I am. I'm going to have to search out this person who told you that - the person who think I should be in Nashville. They're trying to get rid of me."
He then said "it would be a step up" for either state Rep. Bill Dunn and state Rep. Harry Brooks if one of them wanted a shot.
(Is he already lobbying for one of them?)
Of course, as Wright pointed out, Woodson's successor would have the seat for only a few months and then have to run in a special election.
I don't know.
It would certainly look awfully odd post-Black Wednesday for Wright to get the gig.
He is well-liked in East Knox County, though, but Woodson's district covers a lot more than that. A lot.
Still, I wonder if he could/would vote for himself?
Stacey doesn't like "Tennessee"
I meant to put this up the other day.
It's a post by the hippie over on Knoxviews.
And it's freakin' hilarious.
Well, you know. To me anyway.
Apparently, state Sen. Stacey Campfield doesn't want "Tennessee" by John R. Bean as a state song. Over on his blog he posted this, saying he wasn't going to vote on a song by Roy D. Mercer.
Uh, OK.
Whatever.
I know people make mistakes. I get that. So I can't fault the good senator for that one.
I figure the wrestling mask was on too tight. And he didn't hear the name correctly.
Again, R. Neal explains it better.
It's a post by the hippie over on Knoxviews.
And it's freakin' hilarious.
Well, you know. To me anyway.
Apparently, state Sen. Stacey Campfield doesn't want "Tennessee" by John R. Bean as a state song. Over on his blog he posted this, saying he wasn't going to vote on a song by Roy D. Mercer.
Uh, OK.
Whatever.
I know people make mistakes. I get that. So I can't fault the good senator for that one.
I figure the wrestling mask was on too tight. And he didn't hear the name correctly.
Again, R. Neal explains it better.
Commission to pick senate seat
I think by now – even though it just broke – most folks (or a lot of folks) know that Senate Speak Pro Tempore Jamie Woodson is leaving office.
That means the county commission – for the second time in roughly six months - will appoint someone to serve on the state senate.
But, it's the real deal this time.
It's not like when they picked Steve Hill to serve as a seat warmer until the election. (Hill replaced Tim Burchett who stepped down to become county mayor. The new person will serve through 2012.
On a side note, it also means the local Legislative delegation will have two freshman senators on it.
The commission, according to chairman Mike Hammond, will make the appointment within 120 days of Woodson's official resignation. That means when she turns in her paperwork. Not from today. She's still sticking around for a little while.
The body will take applications, hold a public hearing then make an appointment.
I figure there are some mouths drooling for that job – and kick ass health care – right now.
Let the rumors start.
Update: The commission can take applications early, so someone is ready to step in the day after Woodson leaves. Also, the governor will have to call a special election, so technically this person could also be a seat warmer. But, we'll see.
Update II: Link to state law about special elections.
That means the county commission – for the second time in roughly six months - will appoint someone to serve on the state senate.
But, it's the real deal this time.
It's not like when they picked Steve Hill to serve as a seat warmer until the election. (Hill replaced Tim Burchett who stepped down to become county mayor. The new person will serve through 2012.
On a side note, it also means the local Legislative delegation will have two freshman senators on it.
The commission, according to chairman Mike Hammond, will make the appointment within 120 days of Woodson's official resignation. That means when she turns in her paperwork. Not from today. She's still sticking around for a little while.
The body will take applications, hold a public hearing then make an appointment.
I figure there are some mouths drooling for that job – and kick ass health care – right now.
Let the rumors start.
Update: The commission can take applications early, so someone is ready to step in the day after Woodson leaves. Also, the governor will have to call a special election, so technically this person could also be a seat warmer. But, we'll see.
Update II: Link to state law about special elections.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Here's your hillside plan votes
Let's face it, these so-called meetings to discuss the Hillside Ridgetop Protection Plan (older story about it right smack here) are nothing more than dog and pony shows.
You got one side sending out bogus emails, riddled with untruths.
And you've got a few on the other side posting under fake names on message boards across the county, making it look like they have more support than they do.
Then you have 11 commissioners on the dais – all of whom more than likely know how they're going to vote.
Come on.
Let's get this over with.
Now supposedly, the commission isn't going to hold a public hearing during its work session next Monday to talk about it, but we all know how well that worked during today's so-called workshop.
Yup.
Turned into a public hearing.
So, even if they make it through next Monday – without everyone saying the same thing over, and over, and over, and over and whatever again – there's still April 25.
That's ostensibly when they'll vote.
But, let's be real.
There will be a public hearing. Then it gets tabled. Commissioners will want to hold a workshop with their counterparts in the city. Then there will be more workshops.
Whatever.
Eventually, this sucker is going to get shot down. At least by the commissioners. (I don't cover the city so I don't care what the council does. And yes, they can approve different plans.)
Once it's voted down, the commission will then amend the whole plan, or rather have county law director Joe Jarret do it.
Or the board will form a subcommittee.
Actually, that makes more sense. The commission – and the mayor for that matter – they all just love these subcommittees.
By the way, how is that subcommittee charged with coming up with alternatives to the business park in East Knox County working for you?
Heh.
Thought so.
Anyhoo, here's my predictions on how the commissioners are going to vote on the hillside protection plan based on comments made today at the workshop.
And remember: I'm never wrong.
Because if I was, I wouldn't admit it.
It's going to flop, more than likely 8-3.
Here ya go:
Sam McKenzie: He votes for the plan. During the meeting, McKenzie said he figures “something will happen, but I'm not sure what.” He also stressed that he's tired of the opponents complaining about how long the plan took to create (three years) and how much it costs (something like $350,000). “If it's a quality plan then it's going to take some time,” he said.
Tony Norman: Oh man, I don't even have to respond to this one. It's his freakin' baby. He's voting a big “Hell Yeah!” against those “rascals”. (In other words, he votes for the plan, too.)
Jeff Ownby: He's voting against the plan. Ownby is a big “property rights” guy. Plus he made some comments questioning whether the county needs more regulations.
Richard Briggs: The good doctor votes against the plan, too. He said there are “plenty of laws in this country (or county – can't read my handwriting) and it's just a matter of enforcement.” He also suggested that developer put up a “significant bond requirement” when a project starts, so if the builder “does go bankrupt or something untoward happens . . . then there's a way to compensate the people or communities that have been harmed.” He added: “I'm not necessarily in favor of more rules, but I am in favor of more enforcement.”
Mike Hammond: The chairman votes against the plan. He was already hinting at it today. Just the manner of his questions to Metropolitan Planning Commission officials. He wanted to know if had to be voted up or down. And whether it could be amended. He was told yes for both questions. He smiled. He's ready to say no.
R. Larry Smith: Ha ha. As easy as Tony Norman. But the opposite. Put him down for a big “Hell No!” In fact – in between taking shots at the developers for “leaving the table” during negotiations and the MPC for including what he described as misleading pictures in the plan – he said so. “It's a property rights issue,” he said. “I'm not going to beat around the bush. I'm going to vote against the plan. But I'm going to vote 'yes' for more enforcement.”
Dave Wright: He's voting against the plan even though he said “I have been extremely on the fence on this.” He said most of the people affected under it live in East Knox County. Those are his folks out there. And a lot of them don't want it. Plus, a lot of them know that one day they might want to sell all that land out there and a developer isn't going to buy something he/she/it can't build on. He was, however, curious about what the current administration wants to do. Which, I overhead someone say what Wright really meant to say was: “What does Steve Hunley (mortal enemy of county Mayor Tim Burchett and publisher of The Focus) want the current administration to do.” (Burchett is against the plan by the way, but he doesn't vote, so what does it really matter.)
Mike Brown: He's voting against it. He stuck his finger in the air; felt the direction public opinion is blowing (at least vocal public opinion) and decided he's against it. “The No. 1 solution to the problem is better enforcement,” he said, adding that 95 percent of the phone calls and emails he's received have been from folks against the plan. (Of course, the same people are sending the same emails over and over and over and whatever again. But I digress.)
Amy Broyles: She's voting for it. Broyles wasn't at the meeting. I'm going through experience on this one. She likes to go against the grain on major issues.
Brad Anders: The vice chairman is voting against it. Anders wasn't at the meeting. He's a big “property rights” guy, too.
Ed Shouse: He's voting against it. Shouse also wasn't at the meeting. He had a prior appointment. I can't remember what it was. I also can't remember why I said he's voting against it. But he is.
By the way, here's a link to the MPC plan, so you can make your own decisions about it.
You got one side sending out bogus emails, riddled with untruths.
And you've got a few on the other side posting under fake names on message boards across the county, making it look like they have more support than they do.
Then you have 11 commissioners on the dais – all of whom more than likely know how they're going to vote.
Come on.
Let's get this over with.
Now supposedly, the commission isn't going to hold a public hearing during its work session next Monday to talk about it, but we all know how well that worked during today's so-called workshop.
Yup.
Turned into a public hearing.
So, even if they make it through next Monday – without everyone saying the same thing over, and over, and over, and over and whatever again – there's still April 25.
That's ostensibly when they'll vote.
But, let's be real.
There will be a public hearing. Then it gets tabled. Commissioners will want to hold a workshop with their counterparts in the city. Then there will be more workshops.
Whatever.
Eventually, this sucker is going to get shot down. At least by the commissioners. (I don't cover the city so I don't care what the council does. And yes, they can approve different plans.)
Once it's voted down, the commission will then amend the whole plan, or rather have county law director Joe Jarret do it.
Or the board will form a subcommittee.
Actually, that makes more sense. The commission – and the mayor for that matter – they all just love these subcommittees.
By the way, how is that subcommittee charged with coming up with alternatives to the business park in East Knox County working for you?
Heh.
Thought so.
Anyhoo, here's my predictions on how the commissioners are going to vote on the hillside protection plan based on comments made today at the workshop.
And remember: I'm never wrong.
Because if I was, I wouldn't admit it.
It's going to flop, more than likely 8-3.
Here ya go:
Sam McKenzie: He votes for the plan. During the meeting, McKenzie said he figures “something will happen, but I'm not sure what.” He also stressed that he's tired of the opponents complaining about how long the plan took to create (three years) and how much it costs (something like $350,000). “If it's a quality plan then it's going to take some time,” he said.
Tony Norman: Oh man, I don't even have to respond to this one. It's his freakin' baby. He's voting a big “Hell Yeah!” against those “rascals”. (In other words, he votes for the plan, too.)
Jeff Ownby: He's voting against the plan. Ownby is a big “property rights” guy. Plus he made some comments questioning whether the county needs more regulations.
Richard Briggs: The good doctor votes against the plan, too. He said there are “plenty of laws in this country (or county – can't read my handwriting) and it's just a matter of enforcement.” He also suggested that developer put up a “significant bond requirement” when a project starts, so if the builder “does go bankrupt or something untoward happens . . . then there's a way to compensate the people or communities that have been harmed.” He added: “I'm not necessarily in favor of more rules, but I am in favor of more enforcement.”
Mike Hammond: The chairman votes against the plan. He was already hinting at it today. Just the manner of his questions to Metropolitan Planning Commission officials. He wanted to know if had to be voted up or down. And whether it could be amended. He was told yes for both questions. He smiled. He's ready to say no.
R. Larry Smith: Ha ha. As easy as Tony Norman. But the opposite. Put him down for a big “Hell No!” In fact – in between taking shots at the developers for “leaving the table” during negotiations and the MPC for including what he described as misleading pictures in the plan – he said so. “It's a property rights issue,” he said. “I'm not going to beat around the bush. I'm going to vote against the plan. But I'm going to vote 'yes' for more enforcement.”
Dave Wright: He's voting against the plan even though he said “I have been extremely on the fence on this.” He said most of the people affected under it live in East Knox County. Those are his folks out there. And a lot of them don't want it. Plus, a lot of them know that one day they might want to sell all that land out there and a developer isn't going to buy something he/she/it can't build on. He was, however, curious about what the current administration wants to do. Which, I overhead someone say what Wright really meant to say was: “What does Steve Hunley (mortal enemy of county Mayor Tim Burchett and publisher of The Focus) want the current administration to do.” (Burchett is against the plan by the way, but he doesn't vote, so what does it really matter.)
Mike Brown: He's voting against it. He stuck his finger in the air; felt the direction public opinion is blowing (at least vocal public opinion) and decided he's against it. “The No. 1 solution to the problem is better enforcement,” he said, adding that 95 percent of the phone calls and emails he's received have been from folks against the plan. (Of course, the same people are sending the same emails over and over and over and whatever again. But I digress.)
Amy Broyles: She's voting for it. Broyles wasn't at the meeting. I'm going through experience on this one. She likes to go against the grain on major issues.
Brad Anders: The vice chairman is voting against it. Anders wasn't at the meeting. He's a big “property rights” guy, too.
Ed Shouse: He's voting against it. Shouse also wasn't at the meeting. He had a prior appointment. I can't remember what it was. I also can't remember why I said he's voting against it. But he is.
By the way, here's a link to the MPC plan, so you can make your own decisions about it.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Voter league upset with hire
Apparently some folks aren't too happy about the latest appointment to the Knox County Election Commission.
You know? Rob McNutt? The fellow who managed to vote a few times outside his precinct? He replaced Paul Crilly. That's the fellow who voted outside his political party.
Heh.
Here's the story right smack here.
After it ran, I asked some folks later about whether it would be an issue – whether the state would sign off on the Republican's pick. (Of course it did.)
No one seemed to mind. Even the members of the local Legislative delegation who didn't vote for him. (Here's the scorecard.)
Apparently, though, the League of Women Voters of Knoxville-Knox County care.
And now they're taking it to the state.
I have copies of emails sent to Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett – one from Jamey Dobbs, president of the local league, and another from Lillian Burch, a member of the organization.
Neither is very happy about the situation.
I'd scan then in, but I'm pretty busy, so I'll just paste them in this post. (Note that the delegation and election commission members were copied on the letter, but I took that out because of length.)
Here's the first, titled “League of Women Voters of Knoxville-Knox County concerned about Election Commission”:
Here's the second, titled “Knox County Election Process”:
I'm not really sure what the emails will do. Or if they'll count for anything.
But, it's good to see people engaged every now and then.
I expect the league to be at the Knox County Election Commission's first meeting Friday.
They don't sound very happy right now.
You know? Rob McNutt? The fellow who managed to vote a few times outside his precinct? He replaced Paul Crilly. That's the fellow who voted outside his political party.
Heh.
Here's the story right smack here.
After it ran, I asked some folks later about whether it would be an issue – whether the state would sign off on the Republican's pick. (Of course it did.)
No one seemed to mind. Even the members of the local Legislative delegation who didn't vote for him. (Here's the scorecard.)
Apparently, though, the League of Women Voters of Knoxville-Knox County care.
And now they're taking it to the state.
I have copies of emails sent to Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett – one from Jamey Dobbs, president of the local league, and another from Lillian Burch, a member of the organization.
Neither is very happy about the situation.
I'd scan then in, but I'm pretty busy, so I'll just paste them in this post. (Note that the delegation and election commission members were copied on the letter, but I took that out because of length.)
Here's the first, titled “League of Women Voters of Knoxville-Knox County concerned about Election Commission”:
The Honorable Tre Hargett
Tennessee Secretary of State
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
Secretary Hargett:
As a citizen of Knox County, Tennessee, and president of the League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County, I am deeply concerned about the selection process which led to the most current appointment to the Knox County Election Commission. Election commissioners are entrusted with our election process,which is at the very heart of our democracy. I understand that Tennessee’s process for choosing election commissioners requires that we trust our elected officials to vet the candidates to ensure that they are qualified both ethically and legally to serve in the position.
It was shocking to read in the March 26, 2011 Knoxville News Sentinel that our newest commissioner voted outside his voting precinct in at least six elections, apparently committing two counts of voter fraud each time. When asked about it, our legislators told the newspaper's Mike Donila the following:
“The lawmakers added that he [Candidate McNutt] contacted them to join the commission, and they talked to him a number of times. They didn't think about vetting his voting record."
"I think it would be extremely unreasonable for us as legislators - as we make a recommendation - to go through voting records and analyze addresses," said state Rep. Ryan Haynes, chairman of the delegation. "I don't think anyone would
imagine that we would do that. But it sounds to me that it's something we should correct." Haynes, who wouldn't say whether he nominated McNutt, added: "It sounds to me like whoever was running the election screwed up - having him in the wrong district. It's possible that it could have been an error. Maybe a little old lady punched the wrong keypad."
(Line to online article:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/mar/26/election-commission-pick-moved-didnt-change-his-ad/?partner=popular)
First, I feel strongly that a process that is so central to our democracy should not be taken so lightly. I urge you to put safeguards in place to ensure that election commissioners have not violated any voting laws in letter or spirit.
Second, I ask that you immediately take steps to ensure that the Knox County Election Commission meets those same standards.
Sincerely,
Jamey Dobbs, President
League of Women Voters of Knoxville-Knox County
Here's the second, titled “Knox County Election Process”:
The Honorable Tre Hargett
Tennessee Secretary of State
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
Secretary Hargett:
I am concerned about the integrity of the election process and the current Knox County Election Commissioner appointment of Candidate McNutt.
How can a candidate be appointed when he violated the rules of voting himself? McNutt committed voter fraud at least 6 elections.
When he contacted lawmakers, they didn't think about vetting his voting record (Knoxville News Sentinel, 3/26/11). Our elected officials did not vet this candidate to ensure that he was qualified ethically and legally to serve in this highly important position in our community.
Please put safeguards in place to ensure that election commissioners have not violated any voting laws in letter or spirit.
Please ensure that our Knox County Election Commission meets the same standards.
Sincerely,
Lillian Burch, MA
Executive Director and LWVKKC member
disABILITY Resource Center
I'm not really sure what the emails will do. Or if they'll count for anything.
But, it's good to see people engaged every now and then.
I expect the league to be at the Knox County Election Commission's first meeting Friday.
They don't sound very happy right now.
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