Update: What happened at the Aug. 21st Council meeting

To follow the agenda and analysis and see my previous analysis of the agenda.

Election of President Pro Tempore. Councilman McGuire nominates Councilman Carter Todd to the position of President Pro Tempore. Councilman Harmon nominates himself.  Council lady Moore nominates herself. President Pro Tempore conducts the Council meetings in absence of the Vice Mayor. It is an honorary position and only rarely does the President Pro Tempore get the opportunity to preside. Councilman Todd is elected by a vote of Todd 20, Harmon 14, and Moore 5. (see 12:24-17:48) Most of the councilmen I most often agree with voted for Todd.

As anticipated and necessary, the two proposals to amend the charter are deferred. With Sheriff Hall announcing his office does not intend to continue the 287(g) program, I am not sure that RS2012-377 is any longer necessary.

ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-214  by Councilman Tygard which would restrict the Metropolitan Government’s maximum contribution to the Partnership 2020 economic development program to no more than twice what all other governmental entities contribute combined is withdrawn. Tygard explains why he is withdrawing the bill. To see Tygard's explanation see 32:46 in the above video.

To me, it seems Metro pays the bulk of the expense of business recruitment but new development goes to Cool Springs or other communities. I think the Council should take a hard look at this program. Are we getting what we are paying for?  I was glad to see Tygard introduce this bill and am disappointed he withdrew it. Apparently the Mayor exerted pressure and Tygard did not have the votes to pass the bill.

ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-215, on second reading, by Councilman Stites which prohibits the use of Metro funds to purchase or erect signs that identify the name of an elected or appointed official passes. This is a good bill. Unfortunately, it is amended to exempt infrastructure signs. Infrastructure signs are those that are erected naming the Mayor and district Councilmen when, for instance, a section of sewer is replaced or a sidewalk is built. I am glad to see this bill pass, but the Mayor and district council members should not be exempt from the bill. No elected officials should get free adverting at taxpayers' expense.

ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-218  which provide for a temporary reduction of sewer charges for customers within the area of the combined sewer overflow (CSO) having green roofs on their buildings passes. (see 41:10) The combined total of the cap is limited to $500,000 a year. A proposed amendment submitted by Metro water services would make the credit available only for privately-owned properties. Several Council members wanted government buildings to also be eligible for the credit and they can be heard voting "no" on the voice vote on the amendment but no one called for a recorded vote.  The way I see it, the amendment was a wise amendment. Since government has no bottom line, how can you incentivize government to save money?  Water and sewer is a part of Metro government.

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Support Daniel Lewis in District 52

In House District 52, I am supporting Daniel Lewis running on the Libertarian ticket against liberal Democrat Mike Stewart. There is not a Republican on the ballot. I would love to see Mike Stewart defeated and we need one Libertarian in the State House.

I recently contributed to the Lewis campaign. To volunteer or contribute follow this link: Daniel Lewis.

Why I am Running for Office
by Daniel Lewis

I am running for Tennessee State House 52 because the size, scope and power of Tennessee State Government must be reduced. Since 1796 (the year Tennessee became a State), the size, scope, and power of government has steadily grown. Increases in the size, size, scope, and power of government mean one thing – a reduction in individual liberty. Ultimately every issue comes down to individual liberty. Since 1796 individuals in Tennessee have enjoyed the protection of not having a fine of over $50 imposed without a jury.  Many legislators do not think protecting rights such as these is important.  

In 2010 Mike Stewart sponsored HB 3659 that removed that protection for zoning and code violation and allowed local governments to use and administrative hearing to impose fines of up to $500 without a jury.

The Tennessee legislature largely seeks the best interest of the collective. Some legislators defend individual freedom on select issues, but none of them advocate consistently for the rights of the individual against an ever advancing tide of collectivism. The world’s smallest minority, the individual, lacks any real representation in the Tennessee Legislature. As a Libertarian I actually call for reducing the size, scope, and power of government, thus increasing individual liberty. I seek to roll back the growth in the size, scope, and power of government. If you want less government, less taxes, and more freedom, then support my candidacy for Tennessee House District 52.

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State Senate Candidate Dickerson names Mayor McMullen Treasurer

 Oak Hill Mayor to Head Finances

NASHVILLE, TN. - Dr. Steve Dickerson, the Republican candidate for the State Senate in District 20, has announced that his new campaign treasurer will be Oak Hill Mayor, Austin McMullen.

“I am extremely proud to announce that our Campaign Treasurer for the General will be Mayor Austin McMullen. We are very pleased to have Austin join our team and help us ensure that Senate District 20 will have a strong voice in the State Senate.”

Dr. Dickerson announced the change in his treasurer just weeks after his victory in the Republican Primary, which took place on August 2nd. The State of Tennessee requires that all campaigns appoint a campaign treasurer before they are allowed to collect any contributions.

“We are very proud of the excitement that carried our campaign throughout the primary, and look forward to the same level of energy leading into the General.” Dickerson continued, “Austin has been a proven leader within the community and has been an excellent Mayor for the City of Oak Hill.”

Beyond being a devoted husband and father, Austin McMullen is a practicing attorney and graduate of Vanderbilt Law School.  McMullen was recently re-elected to his second term on the Oak Hill Board of Commissioners  and is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Oak Hill.

“I am excited and looking forward to serving as the treasurer for Dr. Dickerson’s campaign,” McMullen stated. “As a Mayor, I understand the importance of having qualified leaders to serve in the General Assembly and believe that Dr. Dickerson is the best candidate to represent the 20^th District in the State Senate.”

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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Green Hills Breakfast Summit- Saturday, August 25th, 2012

 Rise & Shine

Join Your Fellow GOP'ersGREEN HILLS GOP SUMMIT

 LET'S HEAR FROM THE WINNERS 

Saturday, August 25, 2012
Hampton Inn - Green Hills - 2324 Crestmoor Road 37215
Top Floor Conference Room
Coffee, Pastries and Fellowship at 8:30amProgram Begins at 9 am

***Please Be Considerate Of Sleeping Guests In The Hotel***

Brad Staats

GOP Nominee

Congressional 5th

Steve Dickerson

GOP nominee

TN Senate 20

   **PLEASE RSVP TO: GREENHILLSGOP@GMAIL.COM**

 Event Chairmen - Peter and Gail Voysey
 Kathleen Starnes, DCRP Chairman
This event sponsored by the Davidson County Republican Party

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