Bo Mitchell stealing yard signs caught on camera

Video footage shows Democratic State Rep. Bo Mitchell stealing yard signs for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn and State Rep. candidate Judd Cowan in Davidson County.

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Desperate Bo Mitchell attacks Judd Cowan for his youth

Incumbent State Representative Bo Mitchell has gotten desperate in his campaign to hold on to power. He has put out one of the most childish, ridiculous, attack campaign pieces I have ever seen. He mined challenger Judd Cowan's Facebook page and put together a collage of pictures from when Judd was a freshman in high school and attacked Cowan for his youth.  Maybe Bo Mitchell never went to high school.  Maybe Bo Mitchell was never young. Judd Cowan is 26 years old and has an impressive list of accomplishment and qualifications.  We need his kind of maturity in the State House.

Meet Judd

---

About Me:  

My name is Judd Cowan, and I am proud to be a Nashville native and a product of Davidson County public schools. I attended high school at Hume Fogg. Upon graduating, I went to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where I earned my degree in mechanical engineering. In order to pay for my education, I owned and operated a small business, gaining valuable experience as a small business owner in the process. I also founded a newspaper on campus and served as the editor-in-chief for three years.

After graduating from college, I began practicing as an engineer in Nashville. Currently, I am a machine designer and project manager, and I oversee the production of manufacturing equipment. I also work part-time as an aerospace engineer at the Smyrna Airport for Resource Air Charter. I am a self-taught machinist, a hobbyist woodworker, and an amateur historian.

I grew up in a religious household and now attend St. Henry's Catholic Church. In high school, I earned recognition as an Eagle Scout and continue to be involved with the Boy Scouts.

I look forward to hearing your concerns, your questions, and informing you of my vision for Tennessee. I am available at your convenience and can be reached by email on the "contact me" page.

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You Don’t Know Bo. The Bo Mitchell link to Barry Stokes, mastermind behind most destructive Ponzi scheme in Tennessee history.

TNGOP releases documents, unveils YouDontKnowBo.com revealing a disturbing link between Bo Mitchell and one of the most destructive Ponzi schemes in Tennessee history

Press release, NASHVILLE, Tenn.- When $19 million dollars goes missing, people ask questions. When an elected official has a connection to the company that lost it, voters get mad.

Metro Councilman and State Rep.
Bo Mitchell

The Tennessee Republican Party today made public a series of court documents and personal correspondence, as well as various media reports, that reveal a disturbing link between current State Representative Bo Mitchell (D—Nashville) and Barry Stokes, a shadowy figure behind one of the most destructive Ponzi schemes in Tennessee history.

Stokes was the mastermind who, as CEO and sole owner of 1 Point Solutions, LLC, a Dickson, Tennessee-based company, “engaged in the business of third party administration for various types of employee benefit plans such as 401(k) retirement plans, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)” for numerous companies and government entities. A U.S. Department of Justice press release reveals Stokes was charged with 78 counts of embezzlement, wire fraud, money laundering, and mail fraud. He embezzled “over $19 million from thousands of victims’” accounts. Stokes pled guilty to the charges.

A deeper look through court filings and rulings reveal a familiar name was connected to Stokes: Bo Mitchell. In a personal memo, Mitchell admitted to being “hired (to 1 Point Solutions, LLC) by Stokes…to establish a market share of sales within the public sector.“ In other words, Bo Mitchell was hired to target taxpayer-funded government entities. Later in the memo, Mitchell takes credit for securing “over 17,000 participants and…billing in excess of $60,000 per month.” In April of 2006, both the Stokes Ponzi scheme and the fact that 1 Point Solutions was a front company for the scheme were uncovered. Soon thereafter, Stokes and 1 Point Solutions, LLC, filed for bankruptcy. With the scheme’s house of cards caving in, Mitchell parted ways with the company and appears to have pursued a career in political consulting.  Ironically, 2006 was also the year Stokes made his largest single contribution to the Tennessee Democratic Party to the tune of $20,000. Bo Mitchell—Stokes’ just-departed employee—worked as a consultant for the TNDP. Mitchell collected almost the same dollar amount Stokes contributed to the TNDP as detailed in 3rd quarter, pre-general election, and 4th quarter financial disclosures.

Barry Stokes, the politically
ambitious con man died
in prison in 2010

In 2007, Mitchell was elected to the Nashville Metro Council.

In 2008—two years after the shocking revelation of the Ponzi scheme and the sudden downfall of both Stokes and 1 Point Solutions, a Nashville City Paper profile of Mitchell confirms he “had the unfortunate distinction of working for 1 Point Solutions” and being connected to Stokes. In fact, it states Bo Mitchell was introduced to political insiders by Stokes. From the article, “more than one councilman said their initial introduction to Mitchell came through Stokes.”
 
Then in 2009, two years after he was elected to Metro Council and a year after Stokes pled guilty to the charges, Bo Mitchell filed two separate claims. One showed he cashed out his entire 401(k) Account in 2006—just prior to 1 Point Solutions filing for bankruptcy—taking the employer contribution to the account with him.

The second claim was for $40,000—money Mitchell claimed was owed to him by the bankrupt Ponzi scheme company for signing up 17,000 people. He asserted this was post-employment commission money that he should be paid. Keep in mind, this was well after it was made public the company was a front organization for a Ponzi scheme and after Mitchell should have learned he brought people into it. The second claim was rejected by the court for “insufficient documentation.” A review of the filings show Mitchell took credit for signing up Nashville Metro schools, Metro government, Hamilton County schools, and several other school systems, government entities, and companies. All told, Mitchell's clients’ losses accounted for nearly one million dollars of the $19 million lost in the Ponzi scheme, a substantial portion of which was taxpayer money.

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney stated, “These documents reveal an alarming connection between Barry Stokes, the Bernie Madoff of Tennessee, and Bo Mitchell. Representative Mitchell’s actions raise serious questions about his judgment and integrity as an elected official in charge of taxpayer dollars. How does one learn that he’s responsible for signing 17,000 participants into a Ponzi scheme and then, in good conscience, attempt to go back and get more money that was obtained in such a destructive way? The voters of Nashville should be very concerned.”

To provide documentation relating to the case, the TNGOP has posted the documents and a timeline at: www.YouDontKnowBo.com.

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Representative Councilman Bo Mitchell got a full page puff piece in the most recent issue of The Nashville Scene.

In case you missed it, Representative Councilman Bo Mitchell got a full page puff piece in the most recent issue of The Nashville Scene. Mitchell is profiled as a maverick who enjoys voting no. He is applauded for voting against the cost-saving privatization of Metro schools' janitorial services and  against privatizing the Bordeaux nursing homes. A vote he took to disallow limited commercial sponsorship of events in Metro Parks is also praised.

In the article, Mitchell states he is against Amendment 1 which will be on the ballot in November. Amendment 1 is the proposed amendment to the State constitution that would allow the State legislature the ability to regulate abortion clinics the same way they are regulated in other states. Tennessee abortion clinics have no waiting period and do not have to be licensed as they are in other states and this has made Tennessee an abortion destination. Mitchell says, "I'm never gonna come between a person and their doctor."  To read this article, follow this link.

Bo Mitchell is being challenged for his seat in the General Assembly in the General Election in November by Troy Brewer, a Bellevue accountant. In 2010, Mitchell came within 156 votes of being defeated by challenger Charles Williamson.

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Troy Brewer seeks State House District 50 Republican nomination to challenge Bo Mitchell

Troy Brewer

Bellevue native and local businessman Troy Brewer today announced his intentions to run for the Tennessee State House in District 50. Bringing new jobs to the district, strengthening education and preserving Tennessee’s traditional values will be his top priorities.

“I was born and raised in Bellevue, raised my family here, and have experienced the growth of this community. I’m excited about the challenge ahead, but I understand they’re a lot of our neighbors still struggling financially right now. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and do my part to create a better workforce environment for the next generation,” Brewer said.

Brewer, a 1987 graduate of Mississippi State University, received his B.S. in Finance, and was also a manager on the Mississippi State football team. Brewer received his CPA license in 1997 and currently serves as President of Brewer and Associates in Nashville where he has been in business since 2002. In 2011, Governor Bill Haslam appointed Brewer to the State Accountancy Board and in 2012 he was named to the NASBA, a National Accountancy Board, where he serves on the UAA Accountancy Committee. Brewer is a member of the Tennessee Society of Accountants.

“Tennessee deserves representatives who will put the interests of the people first, and push partisan politics to the back burner. I intend on working closely with Governor Haslam and Speaker Harwell to increase our opportunities for success by utilizing my business experience and conservative, common-sense approach in making tough decisions,” Brewer said.

A native of Davidson County, Brewer attended Bellevue High School and graduated from Hillwood High School in 1982. He is a member of the Bellevue and Goodlettsville Chambers, Farm Bureau, and the National Rifle Association. Brewer has been active in the Bellevue community coaching youth baseball and basketball where he also served as Commissioner of the Bellevue Baseball Park. He also previously coached middle school baseball at David Lipscomb.

Brewer has been married for 26 years to his wife Annette Sims and they have two children, Ben, a graduate of University of Tennessee at Martin, and Allison, a senior at Lipscomb Academy. The Brewers are members of Forest Hills Baptist Church where Brewer has served as a Sunday school teacher.

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Robert Duvall disappoints. Votes against slashing transportation price-fixing.

Robert Duvall

Last night shortly after the council voted on the bill to slash the minimum fee for a vehicle for hire from $45 to below $10, I got a call from someone who was there to tell me it had passed. The caller told me of the vote and said, "You won't believe who voted against it."

Who would one think would be the votes against it?  Maybe three of Nashville's most "progressive" council members?  Maybe Bo Mitchell, maybe Ronnie Stein, maybe Brady Banks, maybe Megan Barry?

One would not expect a person who identifies himself as a Republican or calls himself a conservative to vote for against the bill that essentially repealed price-fixing. Conservatives believe in a market economy. They believe in getting government out of the way and letting the market flourish. Conservatives do not believe it is the job of government to protect businessmen from competition. Conservatives believe in competition.  Conservatives know that a free enterprise is essential to freedom.  Conservatives know that over regulation strangles innovation and economic growth. 

The three votes against the bill that slashed the minimum allowable fee for vehicles for hire to an ineffective level and which made it possible for black sedans, Lyft and Uber to ply their trade in Nashville were Bo Mitchell, Steve Clover, and Robert Duvall.

Robert Duvall is often considered the most conservative member of the Council and is chairman of the Davidson County Republican Party.  To say the least, I am very disappointment.

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What happened at the Metro Council Tuesday October 2nd.

Advertising to be allowed in Metro parks 

The Tennessean, by Michael Cass, Oct. 2, 2013 - Metro’s parks will be able to accept sponsorships from businesses and other organizations — and the advertisements those groups will want to erect — under legislation the Metro Council approved Tuesday.

With a 30-3 vote, the council gave final approval to a plan to let the parks board adopt rules and regulations allowing for sponsorships of parks and their programs, events, projects and facilities. Any agreements worth more than $25,000 would require separate council approval.(Read the rest of this to see how Bellevue Councilman Bo Mitchell tried to sabotage this common sense bill.)

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Report on the 11/20/12 Metro Council Meeting

Congratulation to Duane Dominy on his victory and leadership

This meeting is just slightly over an hour long.

The Council is usually opened by a prayer by a local minister who is the guest of one of the Council members. This opening invocation is offered by Michael Hunter Ochs who is the guest of Sherri Weiner and it is not really a prayer but a promo for a concert and the performance of a song co-written by a Jew, a Muslim and a Christian, the Christian being Michael Hunter Ochs. The singer makes a plea for tolerance and the better treatment of Muslims in the Nashville area. The performance is a little long for an opening prayer running 4 1/2 minutes.

Other awards and recognitions take up the first fifteen minutes of the council meeting, including an award to Jane Alvis, Chair of the Metro Arts Commission. This award is used as an opportunity to praise Ms Alvis and government subsidy of public art.

There are no bills on public hearings.

There are thirteen resolutions on the consent agenda. Resolutions are on the consent agenda if no one votes against them in committee. However, any council member may ask a bill be pulled off of the consent agenda. None of the bill on the consent agenda are controversial and in my view are appropriately on the consent agenda.

Two resolutions concerning the HCA deal (488 and 489) had received all positive votes from the Budget and Finance Committee but they are deferred one meeting in order to track the bill on the same topic.

All bills on first reading pass without discussion. This is usually the norm. Bills are not sent to committee until after first reading. First reading is no more than a vote to allow a bill to be considered.

Last council meeting, Council member Moore invoked a council rule that kept Duane Dominy's Bill BL2012-293 from passing so it was back on first reading this time. This bill would require the city to consider Request for Proposals from private developers to operate the fairgrounds. The establishment does not want this bill to see the light of day. I was afraid there would be further attempts to sidetrack this bill, this meeting. All who want to keep the fairgrounds should carefully follow this issue and rally around Duane Dominy. The deck is being stacked to destroy the fairgrounds. For more on this bill follow this link.

Bills on Second reading:

What I thought would be a routine bill (ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-295) establishing rules for handling the eggs and keeping chickens on school property causes several members take to the floor to speak. Charlie Tygard is riled. He says he has been called a "law breaker," apparently referring to the previous comment made by Bo Mitchell. He praises and defends Bellevue Middle School's gardening program and feels that program has been unfairly attacked. Apparently there is more going on than meets the eye regarding this issue. (see 23:18- 29:50)

Councilman Duane Dominy takes to the floor to explain his bill that would require the Council to approve the city's annual contract with the Chamber for the Partnership 2020 program (BILL NO. BL2012-241) which was deferred indefinitely, and BILL NO. BL2012-294 which would require all sole-source contracts over $250,000 be approved by the council.

Bill 294 had failed the B&F committee by a vote of 3 for, 4 against, and 5 abstaining. This bill simply brings a minimum level of accountability and oversight to the purchasing process. I do not understand the opposition except that the Chamber has an enormous amount of influence over some council members. Over the last three years, there have only been eight such contracts. In a move that surprised me, Bo Mitchell sides with Dominy on this issue. Megan Barry speaks against it. It passes by a vote of 23 "ayes," and 14 "nos!" (For the discussion see 34:02- 42:24).

Given that the bill was defeated in the B&F committee, I did not expect this bill to pass. This was a good bill and deserved to pass. Congratulations Duane Dominy! He must have been doing a lot of lobbying his fellow council members to achieve this victory. Here is how the council voted:

“Ayes” Tygard, Banks, Bennett, Pardue, Stites, Stanley, Claiborne, Tenpenny, Allen, Gilmore, Evans, Holleman, McGuire, Harmon, Blalock, Dominy, Johnson, Potts, Bedne, Dowell, Duvall, Todd, Mitchell (23).

“Noes” Barry, Steine, Garrett, Maynard, Matthews, Harrison, Hunt, Scott Davis, Westerholm, Anthony Davis, Pridemore, Moore, Baker, Langster (14). All other bills on second reading and all bills on third reading pass without discussion.

Memorial Resolutions:

Memorializing resolutions do not have the force of law and are often not taken very seriously and often they do nothing more than congratulate a sports team for a victory or a person for being honored or congratulate a person on their retirement. The Council staff does not even analyze memorial resolutions. However, memorializing resolutions do represent the will of the Council and when they advocate a policy position they should be taken very seriously. Last council meeting, unfortunately, some of our most conservative members of the council voted for memorializing resolutions endorsing the EPA's regulation of Co2 which is an authority the EPA was never given but just assumed and which gives the EPA enormous control over the economy, including the right to stop industrial development and dictate power plan and auto emissions. Later some council members told me their vote did not really reflect their view.

There are two memorial resolutions on this agenda both by Councilman Stanley, one urging the school system and the other urging MTA to make "a top priority program the replacement of the entire fleet of public buses powered by diesel combustion engines with hybrid-electric buses." While these bills end up passing, I am pleased that they did not sail through unopposed.

I would prefer all of our buses be electric or hybrid, but replacing buses cost money. I don't like being behind a diesel bus no more than the next person but there may be other things that may have greater priority and in my view, no bus should be replaced until it has outlived its useful life.

Duane Dominy takes to the floor and argues against the resolutions. I congratulate those Council members who took a stand and had their opposition recorded. (To see the discussion see 52:02 - 1:02:10)

Here is the vote on 459, the school bus resolution:

”Ayes:” Maynard, Matthews, Harrison, Hunt, Banks, Westerholm, Stanley, Claiborne, Tenpenny, Gilmore, Evans, Holleman, Harmon, Blalock, Bedne, Todd, Mitchell (17);

“Noes:” Tygard, Scott Davis, Anthony Davis, Bennett, Pridemore, Pardue, Stites, Moore, Allen, Baker, Langster, Dominy, Dowell, Duvall (14);

“Abstaining:” Garrett, Johnson, Potts (3).

Here is the vote on 460, the MTA bus resolution.

 ”Ayes:” Maynard, Matthews, Harrison, Hunt, Banks, Scott Davis, Westerholm, Anthony Davis, Bennett, Stanley, Claiborne, Tenpenny, Moore, Allen, Gilmore, Baker, Langster, Evans, Holleman, Harmon, Blalock, Johnson, Potts, Bedne (24);

“Noes:” Tygard, Pridemore, Pardue, Stites, Dominy, Dowell, Duvall (7);

“Abstaining:” Garrett, Todd, Mitchell (3).

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Bo Mitchell Accosts Newspaper Publisher Candidate Attempts to Block Newspaper Delivery

Nashville, Tennessee (Nov. 5, 2012)  --- Bo Mitchell, city councilman and candidate for Tennessee’s State House of Representatives in District 50, attempted to physically block the delivery of a local newspaper in the Bellevue area today because he was not happy with the contents.

“He screamed at us, shook the paper at us and called it ‘trash’,” says Larry Crim, publisher of The Nashvillian. “Apparently, Bo Mitchell doesn’t understand freedom of the press. This newspaper was fine with him when he placed an ad in it, but now that there is a news item on his opponent, he’s threatening my staff and me.”

At issue is an article published about a letter that is circulating in District 50. The newspaper reports in the subject article that Mitchell's opponent, Williamson, has stated that the letter "is already forgery and mail fraud. If the money for this letter is traced to my opponent or anyone acting on his behalf, it’s also a clear violation of campaign finance law."

According to Crim, Mitchell was "extremely upset about this coverage of his opponent's claims and tried to physically block the newspaper containing this allegation from his opponent from being circulated in Bellevue and other areas."

The letter, signed by one “Glenda R. Williams” contains negative accusations about Mitchell’s opponent, Charles Williamson. The negative campaign piece is very similar to comments made in direct mail pieces by the Mitchell campaign against Charles Williamson. The state election commission has been unable to verify that anyone named Glenda R Williams is registered to vote in District 50.

“We contacted Mr. Mitchell when we received the press release and gave him 40 hours to comment,” Crim says. “We received no response. When someone hides from the media, you have to wonder if the accusations might be true.”

Crim says that Mitchell attempted to block the way with his truck as Crim attempted to deliver newspapers to homes in Mitchell’s Bellevue neighborhood, and threatened the newspaper man.

“He said, ‘Go ahead and keep circulating these and see if it doesn’t cause trouble for you,’” Crim notes.

The Nashvillian, which was launched in 2010, is a free, non-partisan newspaper, covering stories of general interest with a focus on political news and information. The current issue includes a business story on an area wholesaler, a column on environmentalism, and several stories on local candidates both Republican and Democrat.

“The incident of course concerns our newspaper, free press, and my own circulation of information concerning my federal candidacy and that of others when you have a public official threatening or attempting to block a newspaper containing these items from being freely circulated,” Larry Crim says.

 

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Bo Mitchell voted for the property tax hike

Today’s Tennessean featured an article analyzing the House District 50 race between Councilman Bo Mitchell and businessman Charles Williamson.

The Tennessean got one thing very, very wrong in that article. They said, “Mitchell voted against the Metro property tax increase earlier this year, disappointing some of his Democratic allies but protecting his right flank as he looked toward the legislative race.” This is simply not true.

On third and final reading of the McGuire substitute budget bill, eight council members voted against it including Mitchell, but what was the effect of that vote?  Here is what the charter says:

The council shall finally adopt an operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year not later than the thirtieth day of June, and it shall be effective for the fiscal year beginning on the following July 1st. Such adoption shall take the form of an ordinance setting out the estimated revenues in detail by source and making appropriations according to fund and by organizational unit, purpose or activity as set out in the budget document. If the council shall fail to adopt a budget prior to the beginning of any fiscal year, it shall be conclusively presumed to have adopted the budget as submitted by the mayor.

The final vote against the McGuire substitute budget was meaningless. Both the McGuire substitute and the Mayor's budget raised taxes by the same amount. When the final vote on the budget was cast, the effect of the "no" vote was a vote for the Mayors budget as opposed to the McGuire substitute budget. That is a fact. Instead of the Tennessean taking the opportunity to educate the public they are protecting Bo Mitchell and letting him hide behind his vote against the McGuire substitute bill.

Prior to the final vote on the McGuire substitute an amendment had been offered by Councilman Robert Duvall that proposed a budget with no tax increase. His amendment got seven votes and failed. Bo Mitchell did not support the Duvall amendment.

Only the people who voted for the Duvall amendment can honestly say they voted against a tax increase and everyone else who claims they voted against a tax increase is lying. The seven Council members who really voted against a tax increase are Tygert, Bennett, Stites, Standley, Tenpenny, Dominy and Duvall.

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Bo Mitchell Refuses To Answer Who He Supports For President

 

TNGOP, NASHVILLE, TN – At a candidate forum Wednesday afternoon, Democrat State House candidate Bo Mitchell danced around a question from a voter about who he would be supporting for President this November. When it became evident that Mitchell would not give a straightforward answer, the voter pressed him further, but Mitchell still refused to give an answer.

 

“Apparently Bo Mitchell is more concerned about playing politics by skirting the issues than addressing a simple question,” said Tennessee Republican Party Executive Director Adam Nickas. “Bo Mitchell has no problem asking voters if they will vote for him in November, but when he is pressed by a concerned voter about who he will be supporting for President, he refuses to answer.”

 

Voters at the candidate forum were told they would be able to ask the candidates about issues important to them this election, but Mitchell refused to give voters direct answers. Mitchell claimed he would be supporting the candidate that “wants to move this country forward.” Interestingly, Mitchell’s comment mirrors President Obama’s 2012 campaign slogan of “Forward.”

 

“If Bo Mitchell thinks the policies of Barack Obama, which have resulted in 23 million Americans struggling for work, massive budget deficits, and new taxes from Obamacare, will move Tennessee ‘forward,’ then the voters in House District 50 deserve to know. Voters are eager for Bo Mitchell to come clean on a simple question- Who does he support for President?”

 

Video of Bo Mitchell dodging the voter’s question can be viewed HERE. Mitchell is running against Republican Charles Williamson in State House District 50, which includes portions of Davidson County.

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FiftyForward hosts District 50 candidates forum

Tomorrow afternoon, Bellevue's FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center will host a Meet the Candidates Forum for Tennessee House of Representatives District 50 beginning at 1 p.m. at the center, 8101 Highway 100. 

Please join candidates, Bo Mitchell (D) and Charles Williamson (R) as each discusses his candidacy and platform for the job. The Forum also will provide an opportunity to ask questions of each candidate prior to Election Day on Nov. 6. District 50 includes Bellevue, Goodlettsville, Joelton, Madison, Whites Creek and Scottsboro. Both men won their party primary election in August. For more information about the event, or to RSVP, please call Kristin Blackburn, FiftyForward program director at 646-9622.

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Final update: What happened at the 9/18/12 Council meeting: Midtown rezoned, poll books bought

09/18/12 Metro Council Meeting

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. 

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 basically curtails 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. The bill 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

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Metro Council Members exchanged some heated words over controversial electronic poll books during a meeting.

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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Update: What happended at the April 3rd Council Meeting

 The Gaylord-Dollywood Snow-Splash Park tax giveaway and the HCA tax giveaway

Here is the video of the April 3rd Council meeting. See below for a summary of the meeting and the highlights.


The invocation is offered by Pastor Maury Davis of Cornerstone Church who is the guest of Council Member Karen Bennett. This is noteworthy because Maury Davis is an outspoken conservative minister who has his critics in the community.

Mr. Brock Parks is unanimously approved for an appointment to the Beer Permit Board. The only reason this is noteworthy is because Parks lost a close race for council District 26 last year to sitting Councilman Chris Harmon.

Several appointments to Boards and Commission where deferred and no explanation was offered. There may be a very good reason why these votes where deferred. Maybe the nominated appointees had a conflict and could not attend the meeting, but an explanation of why the nominations were deferred would seem appropriate. Also the reappointment of both Mr. Dwight Beard and Mr. Roy Black to the Vegetation Control Board were withdrawn. Why? I don't have a clue but it seem like if they simply did not want to serve they should have asked their name not be put in nomination. I think a simple explanation should be provided if a name is withdrawn. 

Resolution number 2012-203 appropriates a lot of money to various department of Metro Government including $405,000.00 to the Election Commission. Councilman Bo Mitchell takes to the floor (see 8:39) and complains that coming this August two of the early voting sites are closed which are the Belle Meade and Bellevue early voting sites. He says he hopes that the Election Commission will reconsider and open those two sites. CM Mitchell is one of the most liberals members of the Council but this issue has broad and passionate support across the political divide.

Many Republicans feel that failure to have a site in West Nashville will suppress Republican turnout and given that the Election Commission now has a Republican majority and a Republican Director, many Republicans are very disappointed in the decision to close the two westward most early voting sites, sites that tend to vote Republican. Many thought that a Republican majority Election Commission would be more sensitive to Republican interest in matters such as siting early voting locations. It seems no one in the west part of the County is happy with the Election Commission. Davidson County Republican Party Executive Committee Member Lonnie Spivak has been especially vocal in urging people to call and write the Election Commission and try to get a early voting site in the Belle Meade-Bellevue community.

I know that the other Council Members from the west part of the County are not happy with this decision to not have early voting in the western part of the County. I think this is an example of how weak our council really is. When an agency comes before the council seeking funding, that is the time to force the agency to yield to the will of the Council. I know when I served in the Council we often exerted the Council's power of the purse to force agencies to respond to Council concerns. Even if you yourself did not feel strongly about an issue, you may vote to support another Councilman in a matter such as this that was important to he and his constituents. The Council has power and the legislative branch of government in theory should be a co-equal branch of government. I don't know why we so seldom see the Council exert their authority. If may be that the Council is weaker than in the past due to term limits. With no council members serving for long periods of time, the body may simply never develop a sense of identity as a co-equal branch of government. It may be that this particular Council is just not cohesive enough to support each other in getting concessions from the administration and various agencies of government. This would have been a perfect opportunity for the Council to force an agency to do something that was important to a number of the Council Members and was the right thing to do. Unfortunately it didn't happen.


BILL NO. BL2012-118 is the Gaylord-Dollywood snow-splash park tax giveaway bill. (Discussion starts at 16:27.) CM Mitchell makes an argument that the bill needs to include some sort of amendment or accountability mechanism to insure that local workers get the jobs associated with the construction project.

Council Member Josh Stites (22:18) argues against the bill. "I want to make sure my appreciation and adoration of Dolly Parton is not called into question," he says. "I actually have her latest album, Back with Barbie, on my iPod, and I am proud of that. However, I am going to support her with my own money and not someone else's."

He questions the economic impact study data. He says he has a “problem with giving tax incentives to companies that move here.” He questions the promised construction job creation and says it is “disproportionate” with the project’s $50 million price tag. “I don’t think we should be charging other private investors that have large water parks 100 percent taxes, so we can then turn around and essentially subsidize a new water park,” an obvious reference to Nashville Shores.

Councilman Robert Duvall also takes to the floor in opposition (25:02). “The last thing we need to be doing is giving tax incentives to some individuals and then turn around and raise property taxes on people," he says. "What we are doing as a body when we pass this is, we are selectively choosing who will succeed and who won't and it is wrong; it is the wrong thing to do."

Councilman Tim Garrett and Councilman Charlie Tygert, Walter Hunt and others argue in favor of the bill.

After all the good debate, the bill passed by voice vote. Why did not someone demand a roll call? I want to know how they voted. Too often Councilmen hide behind voice votes. The opponents of this bill should have demanded a recorded vote. How do you know who the good councilmen are, if councilmen seldom go on the record? Knowing how their councilman voted on second reading might have given the public a chance to lobby their Council Member between now and third reading and convinced them to change their vote.

BL2012-115 which extends the smoking ban on public property from 50 feet from a hospital entrance to 200 feet from a hospital entrance appears to serve no purpose except to punish smokers for having a nasty habit. This bill passed by voice vote with no audible "no" votes. This was an opportunity for a conservative council member to make a principled argument against government expansion but no one did.

ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-116 on third reading was the HCA tax giveaway bill. This deal gave a 100% tax abatement for the first five years, and a 50% abatement for the next five years on a new regional data center being built in Antioch. Robert Duvall takes to the floor (57:34) and argues against it. He points out that there is no grantee that the 155 jobs supposed to be created by this bill will in fact be created by this development. The jobs may be existing jobs that are simply a transfer of people. All jobs created since Jan. 1 this year by HCA are credited toward the 155 total. Karen Johnson argues in favor of the bill. It passed by machine vote with only Tennpenny, Duvall and Stites voting against it. 

This was a pretty interesting council meeting. Thanks to Councilmen Stites and Councilman Duvall for taking principled stands and speaking out.

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Highlight of the October 18th Metro Council meeting

A Muslim led prayer, Election of Speaker Pro Tem, Fairgrounds, and Storm water.


A cleric from the Islamic Center of Nashville offered the invocation as a guest of Councilman Ronnie Steine. I certainly don't have a problem with that but given the anti-Muslim sentiment in this community, I am sure some are upset. I am pleased but surprised I have heard no one sounding and alarm about "creeping Sharia."

Karen Bennett of District 8, a Republican member of the Metro Council, lost an election to the position of President Pro Tem of the Council to Erica Gilmore by one vote. The vote was Bennett 17 votes; Gilmore 18. Five members were present but did not vote. One of the members not voting who I would have assumed would have been a vote for Bennett had he voted, was Robert Duvall.  A non-voting member who I would have assumed would have been a vote for Gilmore was Bo Mitchell. Those voting for Bennett were Bennett: Garrett, Tygard, Harrison, Anthony Davis, Bennett, Pridemore, Pardue, Glover, Stites, Claiborne, Tenpenny, Baker, Langster, Weiner, Blalock, Dominy, and Todd. Those voting for Gilmore were Gilmore: Steine, Maynard, Matthews, Hunt, Banks, Westerholm, Stanley, Moore, Allen, Gilmore, Evans, Holleman, McGuire, Harmon, Johnson, Potts, Bedne, and Dowell.

President Pro Tem  is not a terrible important position but how members voted can give you some idea of who is aligned with who on the Metro Council. The position of Pro Tem is mainly symbolic. The Pro Tem conducts the council meeting in the absence of the Vice Mayor. To see the speeches view the above video starting at 2:28. If any councilmember who did not vote wants to explain their vote or why they did not vote, I welcome their explanation and will post it.

Steve Glover, nominated by Tim Garrett, was one of two members appointed to the audit committee. A good choice.

Mark Rogers, a well known Republican activist, was reappointed to the Historical Commission. I was unaware he served in that position. Congratulation Mark Rogers. Citizens who serve on the various boards and commissions do so without pay and little recognition. They are to be commended for their willingness to serve.

Robert Duvall spoke out on several issue clarifying metro's legal and financial obligations asking probing and clarifying questions. As an example, see 19:37 in the video. Even if a bill does pass unanimously in the Budget and Finance Committee, I am still glad that issues are raised and clarified on the Council floor. Robert Duvall is a real asset to the Council and one who takes his job very seriously.

A resolution which appropriated funds to buy a dishwasher and other equipment for Corinthian Baptist Church was recommended for a two meeting deferral 12-0 by Budget and Finance and by Health, Hospitals and Social Services. I think this resolution should be defeated. Public funds should not be used to remodel the kitchen of a church.

Fairgrounds. A bill on second reading that would have required the Board of Fair Commissioners to solicit proposals for the partial development of the fairgrounds as a theme park was withdrawn. To see the sponsors comments see 35:16.

Storm Water. Following Committee recommendations, Councilman Bruce Stanley moved to defer a bill on second reading that would require quarterly storm water reports to be submitted to the Metropolitan Council instead of big annual reports. He explains the logic behind this bill. He wants more transparency in Metro's storm water program and wants reporting that will be more helpful to Metro Council in providing oversight. His comments (starting at 42:30) are worth viewing. He convinced me that what he is attempted to do needs doing. I am glad to see someone has a passion for seeing that money being spend on storm water projects is being spent wisely.This is my first impression of Councilman Stanley and I am impressed.

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Councilman Bo Mitchell Violates State Election Law

A constituent of Councilman Bo Mitchell today filed a complaint against the councilman for violation the law relating to the signatures required on the Campaign Financial Disclosure Statement for State and Local Candidates. The Campaign Financial Disclosure Statement requires that someone witness the signatures of the candidate and the political treasurer.

According to Tennessee State Law: “All statements required by this part shall be signed by the person filling such statement in the presence of one (1) witness who shall sign such statements as a witness. The treasurer shall not be authorized to sign as a witness.”

The Disclosure Statement completed and signed by Councilman Bo Mitchell was witnessed by the treasurer of his campaign, Chastity Mitchell. Chastity Mitchell in addition to being Bo Mitchell's treasurer is also his wife.

This appears clear-cut: Bo Mitchell violated the State Campaign Disclosure law. If Mitchell was a new candidate and this was his first time to file, one might be tempted to dismiss this as the simple mistake of a novice. However, this is not the first time Mitchell has violated this section of the law. On Mitchell’s Campaign Financial Disclosure Statements dated 1/25/10, 7/15/10, 1/10/11, and 4/10/11 Mitchell's treasurer, Chastity Mitchell, witnessed each of the statements. She was the only witness; there was no other.

Equally disturbing, as Bo Mitchell's violation of the law in filing his campaign report on these four occasions, is that this violation was never caught by the Election Commission. What is the purpose of having laws if no one polices the law? Why even have people file reports if the reports are not going to be reviewed for compliance?

I would like to know: (1) Why did Bo Mitchell not follow the law, and (2) who at the election commission was responsible for reviewing the Disclosure Statements, (3) why the incorrect filling was not discovered, and (4) what will the election commission  do to insure this does not happen again.

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