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Sunday, September 30, 2012
Muslims required to adopt a peaceful approach toward blasphemy
In light of the recent wave of violence against Americans and Europeans across the Muslim world, many in America and the West are tempted to paint all Muslims with the same brush. It is easy to jump to the conclusion that all Muslim think the punishment for blasphemy of the prophet Mohamed should be death.
We should keep in mind that those engaged in violence are a very small minority of those engaging in protest and those engaging in protest are a very small minority of the population of their country.
Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan has written an article in which he cites verses from the Koran and argues that Prophet
Muhammad and his followers are required to adopt a peaceful approach
toward cases of blasphemy.
The following are excepts:
"The Koran Mentions... Words Of Abuse Used By
Prophets' Contemporaries But Nowhere Does The Koran Prescribe The
Punishment Of Lashes, Or Death, Or Any Such Deterrent Punishment"
"This clearly shows that 'abuse of the Prophet' is not a subject of punishment, but is rather a subject of dawah [preaching].
That is, one who is guilty of abusing the Prophet should not have
corporal punishment meted out to him: he should rather be given sound
arguments in order that his mind may be addressed. In other words,
peaceful persuasion should be used to reform the person concerned,
rather than attempting to kill him."
"Another important aspect of this matter is that at no point in the
Koran is it stated that anyone who uses abusive language about the
Prophet should be stopped from doing so, and in case he continues to do
so he should be awarded severe punishment. On the contrary, the Koran
commands the believer not to use abusive language directed against
opponents: 'But do not revile those [beings] whom they invoke instead
of God, lest they, in their hostility, revile God and out of ignorance.'
(6:108)"
I hope that sane voices like this are being heard in the Muslim world and I hope that in the west we are aware that there are reasonable and sane Muslims. If one gets their news from the anti-Muslim activist in America, one would not know that reasonable and sane Muslims exist. For a link about the article go here or to read the article in full go here.
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Saturday, September 29, 2012
"DOTS on Walls"---A riduculous way to plan that weakens citizens
DOTS For Dolts
by Bruce Wood
 |
| Bruce Wood |
Public decision making has never recovered. Now, we go to Planning meetings, sit at tables, and talk earnestly to our random table mates before sticking the dots expressing our 'votes' on sheets of paper. I know where I would like to stick the dots but it is not worth a felony
A classic example of the weakness of "DOTS"---a few years ago during Fair Ground Planning 4--6 people from all over middle Tennessee committed to racing came to every session. They tilted the results.
This seems democratic and a full expression of citizen views. Baloney. The only people
who talk to the body of the whole are the pay check officials and they are fully committed
to the status quo and getting home. Really, this is a vanilla homogenization of view points---I
want to hear the people who know the most, are the most angry, who have a point of view.
Counting and sticking "DOTS" is for "DOLTS". Look at the Fair Ground---they are killing this
event by sabotage. Why was it moved to the back away from the flat area? Why the uphill
hike to to the Mid-Way?
Let's ask for honesty: (A) The Fair is going to be killed off in its present location for one
reason---because the people who have the power can do it. (B) As an alternative to total death---look at businesses which can co-exist with the 2--3 week Fair and go in that direction .
Bruce Wood
The above was posted in a neighborhood chat group and I am taking the liberty of reposting. Bruce Wood is a long time citizen activist and Chairman of the environmental group B.U.R.N.T. I agree with Bruce's observation.
I often feel like public meeting by consultants and planning department and TDOT and most government agencies are a ruse to create the impression that the agency is gathering citizen input. I believe that most of the time, decisions have been reached before the meetings ever take place. There is never a place to put a dot that says, "strike the whole damn thing and start over," or "do nothing." When an agency talks about all the meetings they had and all the citizen input they incorporated into their plan, it does not convince me. The means by which government agencies conduct meetings is really an attempt to placate the public and claim that the process is democratic but control the outcome. Bureaucrats are arrogant. Rod
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FORMER REPRESENTATIVE BEN WEST, JR. ENDORSES ROBERT DUVALL
Respected Democrat calls Duvall “uniquely qualified” to represent District 59
ANTIOCH, TN – Former State Representative Ben West, Jr. today endorsed District 33 Metro Councilman Robert Duvall in his campaign for State Representative in House District 59. A respected figure in the Nashville political community, West served areas of Donelson, Hermitage, and Southeastern Davidson County in the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Democrat from 1985 until 2011.“It is my great pleasure to offer support to Robert Duvall in this campaign,” West said. “I have had the opportunity to work with both individuals seeking this seat in the Legislature and I know Robert Duvall has the background, understanding and commitment to the people of Antioch and southeast Davidson County needed to represent the community well. I know Robert Duvall is a man who cares deeply about this community and its future. His in-depth understanding of the particular challenges and opportunities here make him uniquely qualified to serve as a strong voice in the legislature. Robert doesn’t view service as a personal privilege. He views it as an opportunity to positively impact the people who call District 59 home. He will be a great advocate for everyone, regardless of their party or political background.”
Duvall thanked Representative West for his endorsement and noted West’s standing in Nashville’s political history. “Over the years, our city has been blessed with community leaders who have had a hand in leading Nashville forward. Ben West, Jr. and the entire West family rank at the top of that list of leaders. I am fortunate to have his support in this effort and thank him and his wife Phyllis for their personal endorsement. I have consistently said I want a positive campaign that allows us to express our contrasting views about the future of District 59. Having members of both parties come together behind my candidacy shows my desire to be a community representative is resonating across south and southeast Davidson County. Representative West’s endorsement is a sign to all that we can work together to make our home a better place to live.”
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Friday, September 28, 2012
Parton Ends Plans For Nashville Water Park
Parton Ends Plans For Nashville Water Park
Singer Dolly Parton
has announced her plans end her partnership with Gaylord Opryland Hotel
and will no longer be building an amusement park in Nashville. more
Back in April, the Metro Council approved a 60% tax break for the water and snow park
Gaylord and Dollywood were to have received a tax break for 12 years.
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People must rally to save the fairgounds. That battle is not over!
From:
Helping Save
The
Tennessee State Fair
and
Fairgrounds
Hello Rod Williams, Friend of the Fairgrounds!
We (Still) Need Your Support For The Fairgrounds!
Once again dear friends, the Fairgrounds needs your help and support.As part of Metro's waste of public money, spending over $135,000 on a master plan study, the Planning Department sent the following notice:
State Fairgrounds neighbors, stakeholders, and the general public can
learn about possible uses for the Fairgrounds and share their thoughts
and opinions at an open house from 5-8 pm Monday, October 1, at the
Fifty Forward Knowles Center, just outside the Fairgrounds gate at the
corner of Wedgwood and Rains. This will be a "drop-in" session;
visitors can come and go at any time with no need to stay for the entire
event.
Phase 2 of the Fairgrounds Master Plan Study examines the marketability, economic impact, and physical characteristics of potential mixed-use development on the Tennessee State Fairgrounds site; the Master Plan webpage has more information about the process.
Phase 2 of the Fairgrounds Master Plan Study examines the marketability, economic impact, and physical characteristics of potential mixed-use development on the Tennessee State Fairgrounds site; the Master Plan webpage has more information about the process.
Firstly, we can't say often enough that this whole process is pretty much unlawful from the git-go. The Metro Charter gives "complete charge and control" of the Fairgrounds to the Fair Board of Commissioners, which means that neither the Planning Board nor the Metro Council itself has the authority to implement a master plan for the Fairgrounds. However, that is not the battle we're fighting at the moment, we just would like to keep reminding people about that.
But please note that this part of the study is for the purpose of developing a plan for mixed-use development of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. However, many people do not realize that "mixed-use" is a specific term used by real estate developers and zoning boards to designate buildings that are part commercial and part residential.
The city of Lenexa, Kansas recently approved an area for mixed-use development and here is a picture of what it will look like:
It has businesses located on the ground floors of the buildings and condos on the upper floors.This is also the type of development that has recently been approved for 12th Street South.
And this type of development is fine if you're starting with an empty lot, or bringing residential usage to a currently commercial area.
But this obviously is not something that can co-exist with the current purposes of the Fairgrounds, and would result in the destruction of the property.
We also need to keep in mind that "highest and best use" is a real estate development term that usually is not applied to public property because it means "how can we squeeze the last penny out of this property?" If this standard were applied to all public property, there would be none remaining. What would be the "highest and best use" of Percy Warner Park or Centennial Park?
So once again, we must tell these plan contractors, the Planning Department, the Fair Board, the Metro Council, the Mayor, and anyone else, that the people have already decided that the purpose of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds is the same purpose it has had for over 100 years-- it's a fairgrounds!
While there is certainly both a need and room for new and different events at the Fairgrounds, they should be events that support it's current purpose as the "Common Man's Convention Center." We do not need condos, we do not need a Starbucks, and we certainly do not need any "fern bars" like they have over in the gulch.
So once again, please get your neighbors, co-workers, church members, friends, enemies, and your mother-in-law to come to the meeting, preferably wearing a red shirt, and once again overwhelm them with numbers of people united in the purpose of preserving our Fairgrounds-- just like we overwhelmed city council when this issue came before them.
The last meeting had "ok" attendance, but it was not overwhelming. This time let's pack the house. Show them that same unity of purpose that passed the Fairgrounds Charter amendment. Make them realize that we will not go away, and we will not be worn down by their antics.
We also have one other item that needs your effort and support.
It seems that Buck Dozier has it in his head to change the name of the
Fairgrounds to the "Nashville Expo Center." He has already begin to use
that on letter heads and uses the expo center web site now instead of
the Tennessee State Fair domain, which belongs to the Fair Board. While
its not noted on the agenda, it was announced in the newspaper that
Buck will request the Fair Board to make this "official" at the meeting
on Tuesday, October 2.
We're not sure why he thinks that attempting to re-brand this 100-year old historic facility is a good idea. What would any other company give for an established 100-year old brand name? Why slight the many citizens of Davidson County outside of Nashville who also are stake holders in the Fairgrounds?
So please let them know that the people also want the Fairgrounds to continue to be called the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, just like it has for the past 100+ years! It's a well-established name with a good and widespread reputation. Let's keep it that way!
You can contact Fair Board Chairman Ned Horton at ned@hortongroup.com and you can contact the other commissioners at FairCommissioners@nashville.gov
Write them and let them know how you feel about it!
Together, we CAN make a difference.
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Thursday, September 27, 2012
Meet and Greet with Yvonne Donnelly, National 9-12 Project Chair
Reposted from Linda Napier
Saturday at 11:00am at Millenium Maxwell House Resort
FREE EVENT! (LUNCH AND BEVERAGES AVAILABLE AT YOUR EXPENSE)
Yvonne is the powerhouse behind the 9-12 Project from the beginning!
This is a chance to talk to her as she is visiting Nashville and wants to meet all of our incredible members!
Please feel free to bring a guest..maybe someone who wants to join us but wants to know what the 9-12 Project is all about.
SEE YOU ALL THERE!
ABOUT YVONNE
Yvonne Donnelly is the Chair of The 9/12 Project. She took on the
responsibility early on to coordinate volunteers and groups across the
nation and provide them a way to connect with one another. Little did
she know that a little over one year latter she would continue to
develop a movement through this venue. With the amount of emails coming
in to the original site it was apparent that she needed help. With
help from fellow volunteer Mike Opelka, Yvonne answered emails by the
hundreds to ensure that people got involved locally. Through those
emails other individuals emerged as leaders. You will see listed the
names of our Advisory Board members. These individuals are now acting
in a capacity of directing, developing and consulting through their
experience and great talent
Disclaimer:
From time to time A Disgruntled Republican may post announcements of
interest to the conservative, libertarian, or greater community. Such
announcements are posted as a public service to spread awareness and do not
necessarily constitute an endorsement.
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Chris Christie fends off right wing nuts
Wall Street Journal
An obscure Christie administration regional planning document called the State Strategic Plan has fueled opposition among a faction of the state's staunchest conservatives who said the proposal usurps property rights.
.....
Some called it part of "Agenda 21,"
a nonbinding U.N. resolution from 1992 that encourages conservation and
strategic planning. The resolution has become a flash point for
tea-party groups across the country, and the Republican Party added language against Agenda 21 to its convention platform....(Christie Fends Off Right)
My Comment: I have not provided recent updates but the Anti-Agenda 21, John Birch Society led campaign continues. All across America, at city council meetings and at meetings of county governing bodies and at planning commissions, people are denouncing codes and planning and zoning and wide shady sidewalks and bike lanes and small apartments and traffic roundabouts and mass transit and numerous other things as part of a vast conspiracy to take away our property rights and enslave us. The nuttiest of the nutty content all of these things they don't like are part of a vast conspiracy to kill 97% of the world's population by poisoning them with aspartame and fluoride. (To read more on this strange topic follow this link.)
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Vote for Obama because he gives a free Phone
Protester outside of Romney rally explains how Obama gives all
minorities free phones and that is why they should vote for him.
Cleveland Ohio, September 26, 2012.
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Democrat State House Candidate advocates Income Tax, Death Tax, Living Wage
NASHVILLE, TN, TNGOP
– At a candidate forum on Monday, the Democrat nominee for State
House in District 25 promoted the implementation of a progressive
income tax and a living wage, and keeping in place the death tax.
The comments came from the Democrat nominee in District 25 at a Pleasant Hill, TN forum."Tennesseans have to wonder if the Tennessee Democrat Party has encouraged their candidates to adopt this extremist, big government agenda which would amount to some of the largest tax increases in our state's history," said Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney.
"While many Democrats in our state desperately attempt to disassociate themselves with the failed economic policies of Barack Obama, it appears the President's big government philosophy has taken solid root within the Tennessee Democrat platform. Are these the far-left ideological policies that Democrat House Leader Craig Fitzhugh wants his party's nominees to unite around? Will Craig Fitzhugh denounce this radical legislative agenda or will he remain silent?
"Tennessee Republicans, working with Governor Haslam, have made tremendous progress in reducing the size of government by eliminating unnecessary regulations and enacting more tax cuts in this year's budget than any other in our state's history. That's the path we need to stay on; not return to the path of more taxes, more debt, and massive government," concluded Devaney.
Audio of the comments made by the Democrat nominee in State House District 25 can be heard HERE.
My comment: The Democrat candidate challenger advocating a State income tax, a living wage, and the death tax is Flo Matheson. The incumbent is Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville.
My comment: The Democrat candidate challenger advocating a State income tax, a living wage, and the death tax is Flo Matheson. The incumbent is Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville.
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Race is tight for Senate's District 20
Race is tight for Senate's District 20
Sep 27, 2012, The Tennessean-
Steve Dickerson and Phillip North are casting themselves as
'common sense' leaders and sticking to the issues in the Senate District
20 race, where both major parties covet an open seat. (link)Help Steve Dickerson: Knock door, contribute money, make calls, get a yard sign. Go to http://www.votestevedickerson.com.
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012
GOP Nashville Debate Watch Party
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 7:30pm at
Wear your Romney/Ryan gear, and come and
join your republican friends to watch the first presidential debate.
This is a perfect opportunity to cheer and boo the candidate responses
and to have a great time among friends. The menu will include 10
different flavors of jumbo wings at $.50 each and the daily specials.
Remember to bring your friends and neighbors.
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Call for Romney-Ryan from home
Here
is an opportunity to help the Romney-Ryan campaign. You can make calls
from home. Just click a link below and follow the instructions.
If
you prefer, you can go to the Green Hills Storefront and call using the
computer phones. Volunteers are calling Ohio, an important
battleground state. The GOP storefront office is 4108 Hillsboro Rd..
next to McDonalds. Here is a link to the local GOP: www.GOPNashville.org
Hello Team Romney-Ryan,I hope you are as excited as we are for the final stretch of this campaign. With only 42 days left before the election, we want to thank you for your support and encourage you to help put Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan in the White House!
Last week, the campaign was proud to announce that the Republican Team has contacted over 20 million potential voters. We still have a lot of work ahead.
The race is tight, and the difference this year is going to be our volunteers who make phone calls and go door-knocking. We encourage you to take a moment and visit the Romney for President Action Center to learn more about how you can get involved.
One of the best ways to help the campaign right now is by signing up to participate in the Call from Home program. Just follow the link to register and begin making calls. Starting today, the top 10 callers between now and Tuesday, October 2nd, will get the opportunity to join a conference call with Jason McBride, our Deputy Political Director! Jason is one of Governor Romney's top advisors and implements our nationwide strategies. All you have to do to participate is sign up for the Call from Home system and start making calls for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.
You can be a part of the victory effort!
Thanks again for your continued support. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Lamar Echols
Regional Political Director
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Someone needs to watch the Farmers Market Commission
The new September 27, 2012 Farmers Market Commission meeting agenda is now available. You can find the agenda at the link:
Farmers Market Commission Agenda
There are several agencies that need to be watched like a hawk. The Farmers Market is one of them. This department has been terribly mismanaged, lost lots of money, and yet got a budget increase last Metro Budget.
If you are a citizen of Nashville concerned about waste and corruption, please consider adopting an agency to watch. With a shrinking daily newspaper and fewer reporters to keep and eye on government, there is a greater need for citizen watch dogs than ever before.
While citizens need to keep tabs on all of government, these are the agencies that I think need very close scrutiny:
- Farmers Market
- Transportation Licensing Commission
- Fair Board
- Human Relations Commission.
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Every Soulsville Charter School Graduate Going to College
MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Drums, trumpets, and diplomas. The school known for its musical prowess is now known for its academic success.Follow the link and watch the video. You will not see a single white face among the students. This excellent school that is changing lives would not be legal in Nashville under the proposed diversity plan. Many in Nashville would rather condemn Black children to a life of poverty, ignorance and probably prison rather than let them get educated in a school that was less than 50% white.
The Soulsville Charter School, which opened in 2005, held its first ever graduation Thursday night. More than fifty students walked across the stage and each one is headed to college. (link)
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Metro Nashville school board to tackle diversity plan
Sep 25, 2012, The Tennessean
The Metro Nashville school board will take the first step toward creating an official diversity plan tonight by considering a proposal drafted by Director of Schools Jesse Register and consultant Leonard Stevens.(link)
One of the proposals is that no school be more than 50% of any race or ethnic group. This would apply to charter schools also. Some of the miracles in education improvement have taken place in inner city charter schools that are majority Black. A good example is The Soulsville Charter School in Memphis which is almost all Black student body. Students are excelling and they are not sitting next to whites to do it. There is nothing magical about sitting next to a white kid.
Do we want to sacrifice giving a child a great education to some politically correct mathematical formula?
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Obama’s Top Ten Failed Policies
The Top Ten They Won’t Show At Obama’s Appearance On Letterman
1. OBAMA’S ECONOMIC POLICIES HAVE FAILED TO PRODUCE A RECOVERY (link)
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Monday, September 24, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
2012 Nashville End the Fed Rally.
There was an End the Fed rally in Nashville today. I was not there, but from the video it looks like about 16 people took part. I know some of these people from Liberty on the Rocks and other political activity. There is Daniel Lewis, who is a candidate for State House District 52, and Scotty, and several others who I recognize but don't know their name.
I am not in the Libertarian camp but I am fellow traveler and sympathizer on occasion. Regarding ending the fed, I am not quite there. I think a nation needs to be able to have monetary policy as well as fiscal policy. Anyway, unless one bans fractional-reserve banking one can still have inflation no matter the nature of the currency. Fractional-reserve banking is a natural occurrence that would exist in the absence of government. Most growth in the money supply is due to fractional reserve banking and a result of private sector decision making; not government action. Would Libertarians want to ban this free market practice?
Whether
or not we need the Fed or something like it is an issue I am not ready to take a stand on. I am just not persuaded by the arguments. Having said that however, when Bernanke announced quantitative easing of $40 billion in mortgage-backed securities each month with no end in sight, it moved me more in the direction of the wisdom of the libertarian argument. I fear that at any time we may enter a period of rapid inflation that will make my life savings vanish. I do not see how the government can create out of nothing $40 billion a month in new money and not lead to catastrophic inflation. I am slowly being radicalized by the actions of the Obama administration and the Obama Fed.
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Council committee Meeting on the poll book issue
To really understand what goes on in the Metro Council, one needs to know what goes on in committee. It is in committee that the hard work of the Council is done. Here is a joint meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Rules Committee, where the controversy over the electronic poll books are exploded. This hearing takes place on Monday prior to the Tuesday night September 18th council meeting. This meeting is an hour long.
Albert U. Tieche, Administrator of Elections, makes the presentation on the controversy surrounding the electronic poll books. How some voters accidentally got a Republican ballot and how this problem has already been resolved is fully explained. It is clear that the Election Commission had no control over the default to the wrong option. If in doubt about this issue, please watch this committee meeting. There was no conspiracy and no shenanigans. Tim Garrett makes an excellent point in explaining that the default would have been to Democrats had Democrats had a majority in the State House. In this committee meeting, Jerry Maynard is much more reasonable that he is the next night on the Council floor.
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Finally, it is OK to admit General Hospital is a loser.
I about fell out of my chair this morning when I read Gail Kerr's Tennessean article, It's way past time for change at Nashville General. I have read Gail Kerr for many years and she usually follow the liberal line of the Tennessean denouncing any government economizing as an attack on the poor, or at least that is my impression. I would bet that if someone searched the archives they could find Gail Kerr extolling the virtues of General. Anyway, her comments are welcome, if a little late.
As long as I have been paying attention, Nashville General has been a massive drain on the budget of Metro and a hospital no one wanted to go to. When it merged with Meharry twenty years ago, that was going to solve the financial woes of the hospital, but of course it didn't. As Gail points out, poor people no longer have to go to the charity hospital, they can use Tenncare and go to the hospital of their choice. It is past time to close General hospital. Shut er' down.
For an understanding of the financial drain that is General hospital and the reason their is a lack of political will to do anything about it, read Gail Kerr's article.
Gail Kerr: It's way past time for change at Nashville General
Nashville General Hospital had 229 licensed patient beds when it merged with Meharry Medical College in 1994. An average of 85 of them were filled most days. Not good.
Today? It’s worse. General has 150 licensed beds and an average daily patient census of only 46. It is time to have the tough conversation everyone’s avoided for decades: Should Nashville be in the hospital business? (link)
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Saturday, September 22, 2012
Final update: What happened at the 9/18/12 Council meeting: Midtown rezoned, poll books bought
Meeting of the Metro Council on September 18th, 2012
More
Click on the above link to watch the Council meeting. Below are the highlights with notation of where to go in the video to see the more interesting portions of the meeting.
It is announced that Juvenile Judge Betty Adams Green resigned effective the day prior to the Council meeting. The Council will fill the vacancy. Nomination for the office are to be in the clerk's office by September 25, and the Council will fill the position at the Oct 16th meeting. It will be interesting to see who the Council chooses to fill this vacancy. The Council gets lobbied hard on filling vacancies for these plum positions.
Three bills are pulled from the consent agenda. This rarely happens. The three bills are Resolution 412 which would appropriate $400,000 from the 4% fund to purchase electronic poll books for the election commission, Resolution 412 which approves an agreements between TVA, NES and Metro for the purchase, interconnection, and operation of electricity generated by solar units installed at two fire halls, and Resolution 428 which authorizes the parking of vehicles at the former Stokes Middle School property.
Discussion of Resolution 410 (purchase of poll books) starts at 16:10. Budget and Finance had approved unanimously. Charlie Tygerd explains that the issues surrounding the controversy of problems with the electronic poll books were fully explained at the B&F committee and half the books have already been purchased and the new poll books save time and money.
Bo Mitchell who is running for a State House seat, gets a lot of TV face time grandstanding on the issue and says the B&F committee did not get adequate answers. He makes a motion to defer. Duane Dominy Speaks and says the answers to the questions raised by Mitchell were provided in committee. On a machine vote the motion to defer fails, 15 for deferral and 24 against.
Councilman Maynard attacks the integrity of the Election Commission and Charlie Tygerd defends the election commission. (This is good stuff. Maynard starts at 29:45; Tygerd at 33:25.) Tygerd gets frustrated and heated and does a great job responding to Mannard. Councilman Tony Tenpenny also takes to the floor revealing his frustration. Several other members speak on the motion and the resolution passes by voice vote. The way I see it, those who are attacking the election commission are simply not wanting to understand the explanation that were offered and are grandstanding.
Resolution 412 which approves an agreements between TVA, NES and Metro for the purchase, interconnection, and operation of electricity generated by solar units installed at two fire halls is discussed. Thanks to Charlie Tygerd, the questions I wanted asked were asked. (See it at 37:10) The return is a twenty year return on investment. That is a bad deal! Great job Councilman Tygerd!
Councilman Stein points out that the money has already been spend and all this bill does is enter into a contract to recoup some of the money already spend. On a machine vote, the resolution passes 37-2 with the two "no" votes being those of Tygerd and Duvall. If I had been in the Council, I also would have voted no. This measure was nothing more than a feel-good green project that was not in the city's best interest. The Council should have voted against this bill and sent General Services a message to stop the feel-good green stuff and only engage in green projects if they are good investments.
Councilman Evans explains her opposition to Resolution 428 which authorizes the parking of vehicles at the former Stokes Middle School property. (see 42:52) The resolution passes on machine vote 34-4-1
Each proposed charter amendment is considered separately.
- RS2012-279 by Tygard which would have Nashville’s mayoral, vice mayoral and Metro Council elections at the same time was withdrawn following a recommendation against the bill from the Council's Charter Revision committee.
- RS2012-280 by Gilmore that would prohibit the Metropolitan Government from inquiring about a job applicant’s criminal history on the initial job application is withdrawn following a negative recommendation of the Council Committee.
- RS2012-377 by Garrett, which would clarify the duties of the sheriff’s office passes.
An attempt is made by Councilman Clairborne to amend the bill so that going forward, former council members would not be eligible for the subsidized health insurance unless they had served 10 years and then they would pay the same rate as retirees who had served 10 years. (see 1:09:15 for discussion) Councilman Clairborne withdraws the amendment after several council members raise objections that the amendment has not been to committee, but he promises to bring it back as a separate bill.
Prior to term limits there were not that many former council members; with term limits there is growing number of former members of the Metro Council. Claiborne's proposal should be adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-241 by Dominy, on second reading to require the annual contract for services between the Metropolitan Government and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce for the Partnership 2020 economic development program to be approved by resolution of the council and would require 21 affirmative votes to be approved, is deferred for two meetings.
BILL NO. BL2012-195 which would rezone more than 1500 properties over a 450 acre area in Midtown (between Charlotte and West End from I-440 to downtown) passes. The discussion starts at 1:32:50.
Below are news reports regarding this council meeting.
Council approves Midtown rezoning
also. approved purchase of poll books
by Michael Cass,The Tennessean, Sep 18, 2012
The Metro Council voted Tuesday to approve a 455-acre rezoning in Nashville’s Midtown area and agreed to put five proposed charter amendments up for public votes in November.
The council also voted to appropriate $400,000 to buy controversial voting equipment for the Davidson County Election Commission, agreeing to honor a contract with a vendor over objections about the technology’s performance in the August primary.(link)
Metro Council Purchases Controversial Voting Equipment
from NewsChannel5.com
 |
Despite the debate, the council voted to appropriate $400,000 to buy the equipment for the Davidson County Election Commission. The money will purchase 200 machines and upheld a contractual agreement signed last year.
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Friday, September 21, 2012
Fairgrounds informational event coming up Oct. 1
Those who want to save the fairgrounds, need to stay involved. The battle is not over.
State
Fairgrounds neighbors, stakeholders, and the general public can learn
about possible uses for the Fairgrounds and share their thoughts and
opinions at an open house from 5-8 pm Monday, October 1, at the Fifty
Forward Knowles Center, just outside the Fairgrounds gate at the corner
of Wedgwood and Rains. This will be a "drop-in" session; visitors can
come and go at any time with no need to stay for the entire event.
Phase
2 of the Fairgrounds Master Plan Study examines the marketability,
economic impact, and physical characteristics of potential mixed-use
development on the Tennessee State Fairgrounds site; the Master Plan webpage has more information about the process.
Top Stories
Join me in the Walk to End Alzheimer's Oct. 13th
2012 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Nashville Walk - Nashville, TN
October 13, 2012
Registration 8:00 am / Walk 9:00 am
Registration 8:00 am / Walk 9:00 am
Centennial Park (Band Shell Area)
Please join the "Rod and Louella Team" in the walk to end Alzheimer. Click on this link, to sign up for the walk or to contribute.
Any contribution will greatly appreciated. Your donation will support Alzheimer's care services, programs, and vital research. You can click on this link and pay by any major credit card. After submitting your donation you will receive a confirmation message
If you are more comfortable paying by check, make the check out to Alzheimer’s Association and mail it to me and I will turn it in. My address is Rod Williams, 758 Roycroft Pl. Nashville, TN. 37203.
As many of you know, my sweet wife Louella is afflicted with this disease. I would be honored if you would join Louella and me in this walk on October 13. Your words of encouragement, prayers and concern are greatly appreciated.
The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s™ is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites the entire community — family, friends, co-workers, social and religious groups and more --- in a display of combined strength and dedication in the fight against this devastating disease.
Our mission
To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Our vision
A world without Alzheimer’s disease®.
Learn more about our mission-related activities or contact your local chapter for information about programs and services in your community.
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Reagan Vs. Obama - Social Economics 101
This is Great!
If you are a liberal and do not agree with the economic message or apolitical and just don't care, watch it for the humor. The cartoon depictions of Regan, Obama, Clinton, Palin, Nixon, and the Bushes is priceless. The personality quirks and wit and mannerisms of the various personalities is really captured. .
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Metro, not state, hurts students
Metro, not state, hurts students
The Tennessean, Letters.
It is Rep. Jones’ comrades on the Metro board who have acted foolishly
by choosing to break the law and, as they knew it would, deprive
Nashville children of millions in state dollars. Blaming the state
instead is rather like blaming the principal for spanking a student who
clogged up toilets. Both the student and the board knew they would be
punished.(link)
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
Tennessee Public Charter Schools: Get the Facts
The Tennessee Charter School Incubator and the Tennessee Charter Schools Association have partnered to produce a new informational video, "Tennessee Public Charter Schools: Get the Facts."
The video features many prominent community and educational leaders, including Mayor Karl Dean, Tennessee Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, State Representative John DeBerry, Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman and Achievement School District Superintendent Chris Barbic, in addition to testimony from parents of children who attend public charter schools in Tennessee.
For more information on Tennessee charter schools, visit www.tncharterschools.org and www.charterexcellence.org.
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Eroding economic freedom in the U.S.
The Fraser Institute issues a well-regarded ranking of countries by
economic freedom.
The U.S. ranking is sinking rapidly:
Before 2000: #1
2000: #2
2005: #8
2010: #19
2012: #18
We're sandwiched in between Qatar and Kuwait, both Muslim countries, with Qatar an absolute monarchy and Kuwait a theocracy. What a disgrace! (To read more, follow this link)
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Nashville parents explore taking over schools
Never-before-used state triggers law allows public schools to be converted into charters
Sep 19, 2012, The Tennessean
Dissatisfied parents and elected officials from West Nashville are exploring a never-before-utilized state law that would allow a public school to be converted into a parent-controlled charter school.
Under the so-called trigger law, if 60 percent of the parents or teachers at a public school sign a petition, the school board then votes on whether to approve converting the school into a charter. (link)
This is a positive development. Congratulation to Council Member Emily Evans for her leadership roll in exploring this option for education reform.
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Tax penalty to hit nearly 6M uninsured people
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 6 million Americans — significantly more than first estimated— will face a tax penalty under President Barack Obama's health overhaul for not getting insurance, congressional analysts said Wednesday. Most would be in the middle class.
The new estimate amounts to an inconvenient fact for the administration, a reminder of what critics see as broken promises.
The numbers from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office are 50 percent higher than a previous projection by the same office in 2010,... (link)
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Nashville is on hook for millions even if Predators don't play
Nashville is on hook for millions even if Predators don't play
www.tennessean.com
Under terms of Metro government’s agreement with the team, it will still
be on the hook for millions of dollars in subsidies to the Predators
even if the games don’t resume.
..... doesn’t affect Metro’s obligation to provide the team up to $8.6 million a year.
In the past five years, the city has given the Predators $38.6 million.
NHL Lockout Could Cost Metro Nashville Millions
News Channel 5
If NHL owners and
players fail to come to an agreement before the start of the season,
the lockout could cost Metro Nashville millions of dollars.
more>>
In the past five years, the city has given the Predators $38.6 million.
NHL Lockout Could Cost Metro Nashville Millions
News Channel 5
 |
more>>
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Tuesday, September 18, 2012
State Senate Candidate Dickerson commends Governor Haslam’s Decision on Great Heart Academies
“Later today, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman and Governor Bill Haslam are expected to announced that the State will withhold the BEP funding to the MNPS; while this is an unfortunate situation, it is a necessary consequence for a district that has violated state law,” stated Dickerson.
The withholding will be approximately $3.4 million of non-classroom, administrative BEP funding from the school system; the BEP money is the state’s share of the non-classroom components of the state Basic Education Program funding formula. The BEP funding does not affect classroom spending for the school district.
“This issue is one that brings into opposition two of my most deeply held beliefs of maintaining local autonomy and improving education in Tennessee; at times when two principle conflict with each other, we must evaluate each situation on a case by case basis.” Dickerson continued, “In this instance, when you have a school district that has chosen multiple times to not comply with state law, even after advice from their own legal counsel advising otherwise, the State will be making the right decision to step in to ensure that the students of MNPS are afforded the right to school choice.”
Steve Dickerson is a practicing physician and founding partner of Anesthesia Services Associates. Dickerson attended the University of the South in Sewanee graduating with a B.A. in History. He then received his medical degree at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University. Steve Dickerson has been married to his wife Katrina for 19 years and they have three sons, Reid, Evan, and Bennett.
For more information about the Steve Dickerson campaign or to schedule an interview with Dr. Dickerson contact: 615-519-1896 or visit www.votestevedickerson.com
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Nashville schools to lose $3.4M over rejection of Great Hearts
Nashville schools to lose $3.4M over rejection of Great Hearts
Sep 18, 2012, The Tennessean
The money is being withheld “as a consequence of the district’s
refusal to follow state law,” the release said. The department is
punishing the Metro school board because of the board’s refusal to
approve the controversial Great Hearts Academies charter school even
after directed to do so by the State Board of Education.(link)
Comment: This should surprise no one. The State Board of Ed said there would be consequences for failure to follow the directive to approve the Charter school and there are.
Some have tried to argue that Republicans complain about federal mandates and interference but accept State mandates and interference. There is a big difference. All of Metro's authority derives from the State. Metro is a not sovereign; states are. The constitution limits the power of the Federal government and leaves all powers not enumerated to the states or the people. There is nothing in the State constitution establishing a similar relationship between cities and the state.
The five who voted to not approve Great Hearts should be impeached. Unfortunately, they can not be impeached darning the first 180 days in office.
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Monday, September 17, 2012
Update 2: Metro Council Agenda for Tuesday, September 18, 2012
You can get your own copy of the Metro council meeting agenda at this link:Metro Council Agenda. From the agenda you can link to the analysis.
Council meetings can be really,
really boring if you don't know what the Council is voting on. With an
agenda and analysis, they are just really boring.
I read the analysis and agenda for you so you don't have to. Below are
the things that I think are worth being aware of that are on this
agenda.
There are a lot of resolutions that simply accept grants in this agenda.
There are eight resolutions that propose amendments to the Metropolitan Charter for consideration on the November 6, 2012 ballot. All but two are innocuous housekeeping things. Below are the worth being aware of:
- RS2012-279 by Tygard, Proposal seeks to merge all elections: A proposal to save money by having Nashville’s mayoral, vice mayoral and Metro Council elections at the same time as other elections is raising concerns among council members who might not support it enough to give voters a say in the matter.(link to Tennessean story).
-
I have reservations about extending the current term of the Mayor and Vice Mayor and Council without an election. Also, I fear that if the Council is on the same ballot as the federal and state elections, that very little attention would be paid to Council elections. Even more people may just vote for a name that sounds familiar rather than making informed decisions. However, by voting for this resolution, that simply allows the issue to be placed on the ballot, so I might would vote for it despite some reservations. I don't feel that strongly about it and could be convinced it is a wise move. It would save money.
- RS2012-377 by Garrett, proposes an amendment to the Charter to clarify the duties of the sheriff’s office. Currently the Sheriff is the keeper of the jail and has no law enforcement functions. The Sheriff's office has been participating in the 287(g) program, which identifies and processes immigration offenders in our correctional facilities. There was an anticipated challenge to this program, claiming the charter did not permit the Sheriff to perform this law enforcement function. and this amendment would have removed the threat of that potential challenge. However, the term of the 287(g) agreement expires in October 2012, and the sheriff has decided not to seek reauthorization. While there may be a few other things the Sheriff does that constitute law enforcement, I am not sure this is needed if we are not going to do the 287(g). In any event the urgency is gone for doing it. I, at this point, do not have an opinion and want to see what the Public Safety committee recommended. The charter revision commission only recommended approval by a vote of 4 to 3.
RS2012-412 by Matthews, approves an agreements between TVA, NES and Metro for the purchase, interconnection, and operation of electricity generated by solar units installed at two fire halls. These solar units were installed at a cost of $50,000 each and Metro will receive a credit of $0.12 per kilowatt hour generated and generate roughly 15% of the electricity needs of the two fire halls. I want to know, how many years will it be before the city breaks even? Is this a wise investment or a politically correct feel-good measure? I don't know, but would like to know. I hope someone does the math and ask the question.
RS2012-413 by Matthews approves an application for a $144,772 grant to the mayor’s office to implement a program designed to help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. The program will involve partnering with the United Way to provide counseling services that will include various topics such as business ownership, improving credit, increasing employability, and increasing financial literacy. There would be a required in-kind local match of $105,311. Having spend a lot of my career working in programs that teach people better money management skills and similar programs, I am supportive of programs like this. Some programs like this can really help people if they are well designed and well executed. I am in favor of programs that help lift people out of poverty rather than programs that simply subsidize poverty.
ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-237 on second reading amends the Metro Code to implement a number of the recommendations of the study and formulating committee pertaining to employee and retiree benefits and pensions. This ordinance would basically curtail the benefits of employees going forward. This is a wise move. Many cities are going broke because of liberal defined benefit packages and retirement plans.
ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-241 by Dominy, on second reading amends the Metropolitan Code to require the annual contract for services between the Metropolitan Government and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce for the Partnership 2020 economic development program to be approved by resolution of the council and would require 21 affirmative votes to be approved. This is a good bill. Metro pays much more of the government contribution to Partnership 2020 than the other nine governments, but it often appears we do not get the bulk of the benefit. The Council should look at the plan annually to determine if Metro's level of commitment is appropriate.
ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-228 would allow up to 20 hens to be kept on school property for educational purposes on lots of five or more acres in the GSD. There are other restrictions.
BILL NO. BL2012-195 by Council Members Burkley Allen, Erica Gilmore, and Edith Taylor Langster is on third and final reading. This bill would rezone more than 1500 properties over a 450 acre area in Midtown (between Charlotte and West End from I-440 to downtown). (link to what the Tennessean has to say about this.)
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