Jim Tracy gets big endorsement over Scott DesJarlais ...

Jim Tracy gets big endorsement over Scott DesJarlais ...

NASHVILLE _ Citizens United Political Victory Fund endorsed state Sen. Jim Tracy in his GOP primary challenge to 4th Congressional District ...

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Wind turbines chop up bald and golden eagles, and other endangered species, like a Cuisinart

TVA's wind power site on Buffalo Mountain near Oak Ridge

If the Department of Energy were to meet its 2030 goal of having 20 percent of the nation’s electricity generated from wind, they project: “a mean annual mortality estimate of roughly 1.4 million birds.”

.... the Obama Administration announced an extension of the existing five-year eagle take permit. Effective immediately, the new rule issued by the Department of Interior (DOI) will grant 30-year permits allowing wind farms to “accidently kill federally protected eagles.” The “rule” is in direct violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act passed by Congress in 1940. Once again, executive action trumps the law.(link)

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Senator Alexander calls for end to Wind Tax Credits: They waste money and distort energy markets.

Washington, Dec. 17 - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and a bipartisan group of senators today sent a letter to Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), calling on them to let wind power “stand on its own” in the marketplace by allowing the wind production tax credit to expire as required under current law.

The bipartisan letter, led by Alexander and Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), states that after more than 20 years and eight extensions, a 1992 tax credit originally intended to boost a fledgling technology is now subsidizing a “mature technology,” wasting taxpayer money and distorting energy markets by “picking winners and losers.” It requests that the Finance Committee exclude the wind production tax credit – which under current law will have provided $22 billion to wind producers between 1992 and 2022 – from any legislation the committee may consider.

The letter was signed by several members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Signatories include Senators Alexander, Manchin, Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Jim Risch (R-Ida.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.)

“Congress is struggling to find $63 billion to spend in the budget agreement, when all we have to do is get rid of the wasteful wind production tax credit,” Alexander said. “For the next 10 years, extending the tax credit one year at a time could cost $60 billion or more. Using the wind production tax credit to pay for all or part of the budget agreement would do this country more good than extending this subsidy for expensive, low-quality wind electricity ever could.”

The senators write, “Our nation’s energy policy must make economic sense for taxpayers and not manipulate markets. Continuation of the wind PTC not only picks winners and losers, it is distorting our energy markets and it's past time to end a temporary tax credit that was put into law in 1992. After more than 20 years, and tens of billions of tax-payer dollars, it’s time to let the wind PTC expire and continue to invest in new technologies.”

In the letter, the senators call for the Finance Committee to let the wind production tax credit expire as scheduled at the end of 2013 and not consider any kind of extension, pointing out that wind producers will continue to qualify for subsidies if the wind facility is placed in service before Jan. 1, 2016. As it stands now, the wind production tax credit will have given $22 billion to wind producers by 2022, according to the most recent estimate from the Congressional Research Service. That doesn’t include additional subsidies to wind as part of President Obama’s federal stimulus bill, which total another $12.9 billion, according to the U.S. Treasury.

The letter also describes how the wind production tax credit is wasting taxpayer money on what the Obama administration has called a “mature technology” while distorting energy markets, putting cheaper and more reliable forms of energy, such as coal and nuclear, at a competitive disadvantage.

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Bill to reduce limo fees moves ahead! Passes second reading

Last night the council passed a bill that cut the minimum fee for limo's or black cars from $45 to $9. 75. This will make it possible for app-based services like Uber, Sidecar, and Lyft to enter the Nashville market. It also means that the long-term effort to stamp out "black sedans" is over.

 In 2010, Nashville passed the $45 minimum to protect luxury limousine companies from the new competition of "Black Sedans."  Black sedans is a service that is something between a taxi and a limousine.  Black Sedans are much cleaner and nicer than the average taxi but they are not as ostentatious as a limo.  When this new type service entered the Nashville market, the city went all out to put them out of business, forcing them to operate like a limo company. Not only did the city impose a $45 minimum fare when black sedans had been charging only $25, they restricted there fares to only one an hour, required central dispatching, restricted the age of vehicles in service and engaged in a policy of harassment and intimidation of black sedan operators. Our shameful effort to protect the limo companies from competition became a national scandal.

With the new convention center, Nashville now needs more transportation and transportation options. Those in the tourist industry realize this and advocated a change in course to remove barriers to entry in the Nashville market. I would prefer that there be no minimum fee. However, a $10 fee is so low, that it will have little effect. I doubt a service like Lyft or a black sedan would provide a fare of less than $10 in any event. I don't think those in the Council who previously supported price-fixing have had a philosophical change of heart, but they are bowing to the practical reality that crony capitalism and price-fixing protectionism can not meet the needs of our booming tourist industry. Whatever their motivation for doing so, they are doing the right thing.

Below is the Tennessean's report on this story:

Bill to reduce limo fees in Nashville moves ahead

A proposal to dramatically reduce the minimum fee to hire limousines and black-car services in Nashville moved closer to approval Tuesday, meaning a national company that uses a smartphone application to connect riders with vehicles could enter the market soon. 

The Metro Council supported the legislation on the second of three required readings. It could win final approval as early as Jan. 7.

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Law enforcement agencies receive a lump of coal for abusive practices

“Policing for profit” draws Tennesseans’ ire in Beacon Center’s annual poll 

NASHVILLE – The Beacon Center of Tennessee today announced that Tennesseans have overwhelmingly chosen the 23rd Judicial District, and Cheatham, Dickson, and Humphreys Counties as the recipients of the 2013 Lump of Coal Award.

The Beacon Center awards this dubious distinction annually to the person or group in Tennessee who, more than any other during the past year, acted as a Grinch to Tennesseans by bah-humbugging the principles of liberty and limited government.

The judicial district and three counties have become infamous for their use of a controversial tactic known as “policing for profit.” Abusing the state’s civil forfeiture laws, the agencies have begun seizing cash, vehicles, and other personal items in traffic stops, forcing the property owner to prove that the cash or property was not related to criminal activity. Innocent victims often spend months attempting to recoup seized property, sometimes to no avail.

An in-depth documentary by Nashville’s NewsChannel 5 revealed troubling facts about the practice, such as substantially more traffic stops on westbound Interstate lanes—where cash proceeds from drug sales frequently flow—while drugs traveling in the eastbound lanes were reportedly allowed to pass unfettered. Officers were also caught on camera admitting that they had little evidence that property was associated with a crime before seizing it anyway.

After the Beacon Center narrowed the list of offenders down to four finalists, the recipient of the Lump of Coal Award was chosen directly by Tennesseans in an online poll. The four law enforcement agencies received the most votes for the not-so-coveted prize, beating out Metro Nashville Public Schools, the Department of Labor & Workforce Development, and Hemlock Semiconductor with 40 percent of the vote.

"Tennesseans have sent a clear message that ‘policing for profit’ will not be tolerated," said Beacon CEO Justin Owen. "This practice turns the Constitution on its head, and it’s time for lawmakers to heed the outcry of law-abiding citizens who want their property rights protected from this abuse, while still preserving the authority of law enforcement to target criminals."

State legislators have indicated that they will study this issue and offer possible reforms to the state’s civil forfeiture laws when they reconvene next month. Earlier this year, the Beacon Center published a policy brief on the practice, which can be found at http://www.beacontn.org/2013/03/the-perils-of-policing-for-profit/.

The Beacon Center of Tennessee’s mission is to change lives through public policy by advancing the principles of free markets, individual liberty, and limited government.

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The Metro Council Budget and Finance Committee meeting of Dec. 16th

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Jim Gotto Fund Raiser tonight.

Jim Gotto

Fund raiser for Jim Gotto on Tuesday December 17th, 2013.

Sponsors: Speaker of the House of Representatives Beth Harwell, Senator Steve Dickerson, Senator Ferrel Haile, Representative Gerald McCormick, and Representative Glen Casada.
When: Tuesday December 17th, 4PM to 6PM
Where: The Cumberland, 555 Chruch St., Nashville
Minimum Contribution: $500

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Alexander, Corker to vote against bipartisan budget deal

Alexander, Corker to vote against bipartisan budget deal Nashville Business Journal (blog)

Lamar Alexander today said he will vote against the bipartisan budget deal that was recently approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Governor Bill Haslam and other dignitaries dedicate Virgin Falls.

To get an idea of the size of this natural wonder, look in the upper left corner of
this picture. There is a person standing there.

I hate I missed it, but last Wednesday Governor Bill Haslam and other dignitaries gathered and endured chilly temperatures to dedicate Virgin Falls.

I have hiked a lot of beautiful places in Tennessee but have never hiked to Virgin Falls.  My sister is planning to lead a hike to Virgin Falls and some other nearby sites some warm day in January. I look forward to the hike. My sister, Kathleen Williams, is Executive Director of the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation and her organization was instrumental in saving this site.

My family has  a deep connection to this area. Both sets of  grandparents on my mothers side, the Carters and the Welches, have ties to this part of the country. The nearby area called "Big Bottom" was once farmed by an ancestor of mine and I have a relative who is buried in a cemetery in the area.

The stream that makes Virgin Falls, runs out of cave then falls 110 feet into the mouth of another cave. The area is also home to several endangered and rare plant species.

Below is a link to news coverage of the Dedication.

Geologic wonder dedicated as Virgin Falls State Natural 

Gov. Bill Haslam, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau, Deputy Commissioner for Parks and Conservation Brock Hill and representatives from the community endured chilly temperatures Wednesday to celebrate the protection of 1,157 acres through the Virgin Falls State Natural Area, which is adjacent to the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness.

Community celebrates preservation of Virgin Falls  

SPARTA — Bundled up nature-lovers gathered at Welch’s Point in Sparta yesterday morning to celebrate the formal dedication of the Virgin Falls State Natural Area.

“We are celebrating getting Virgin Falls into public land, which many of us thought it was already,” said Mary Lynn Dobson, vice president of the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation.

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Rest in Peace Ray Price

Ray Price was one of my favorite singers of all time. I have had several of his albums and have enjoyed him all of my adult life. I got to see him in performance several times. Once, was about 25 to 30 years ago when I was in the Metro Council and attended a League of Cites convention in Houston (or was it Dallas). He was the entertainment for the final night's banquet. Being the entertainer for the League of Cities convention must be a tough gig for anyone. You have such a diverse group of people that half of the audience may never have heard of you no matter how big you are. The audience is not there to see you.  He did one set in the more traditional style of honky tonk and Western Swing with just a small band. He then took a break and came back and did a set backed up by the Houston Symphony that featured all of the lush string arrangements. I got right down front and was thrilled by the show. It was one the most memorable concerts I ever attended.

I saw Ray Price most recently about five years ago when he played a show at the Ryman for a WSM appreciation concert. He was great! Some great singers can't hit the notes anymore as they age. I like Willie Nelson, but if you listen to Willie Nelson now, compared to thirty years ago, he has lost a lot of his vocal range. Not with Ray Price. When I saw him at that Ryman show, his rich baritone voice was as smooth and as strong as every. Ray Price helped me deal with a lot of tough times in my life and brought me a lot of pleasure. He was one of the all time greats.

Goodbye Mr. Price. Thank you for all the good music.

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Jim Tracy for Congress Christmas Breakfast, Dec. 21st

Friends,

Christmas is about family, friends and the traditions that bring us all together. This year, I want to celebrate the Christmas season with you.

Please join me for a Christmas family breakfast this Saturday, December 21st at The Doubletree Hotel Murfreesboro. (1850 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129)

 RSVP by joining our event page on Facebook.

We will be collecting toys for the local Toys for Tots program, please consider bringing a toy to donate. Your gift will help to bring joy to a less fortunate child this Christmas.

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US Senator Rand Paul is coming to First Tuesday!

From Tim Skow of First Tuesday: 

 

Dear 1ST TUESDAY members and friends,

First, let me start by saying " MERRY CHRISTMAS " to each of you & your family. 

I come to you with many reasons to be in the spirit of the Season ... and ... as you will see ... to be especially excited about 2014 !! 

More details will come in the days and weeks to follow, but I wanted to get the following news, notices & invites on your radar screen.

1] My sincere thanks to each of you who took our 1ST TUESDAY offer of contributing to the Nashville Republican Women's annual toy drive in exchange for waiving 2014 dues. [it could improve VERY important for some of you shortly]   At last week's NRW lunch, Susan Wall advised her members over $2,100 came from 1ST TUESDAY members.

2] Jim Gotto's first campaign fundraiser is Tuesday, Dec 17th. Jim is already bringing together support from all facets of the Republican Party and those involved in TN politics. Event details are attached, please join us if your schedule allows. If you cannot join us, let me know if you too would like to help Jim. I certainly am going to help Jim and will be delighted to make sure he can count on you too !

3] Our next 1ST TUESDAY lunch event will be JAN 7th and will focus on Mayor Dean's controversial $174,000,000 public transportation proposal known as AMP. Prior 1ST TUESDAY guest speaker, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President Ralph Schulz will join us to tout why the NACC is supporting AMP. A leader from those opposing AMP will be there to tout their concerns and reasons.

Sen. Rand Paul

4] For our FEB meeting .... 1ST TUESDAY welcomes US Senator RAND PAUL - [R-KY]

Needless to say, this 1ST TUESDAY event will be every bit as "in demand" as our prior events featuring former Speaker of House, Newt Gingrich and TN Gov. Bill Haslam.  

Given our limited seating.... those who have paid 2014 dues will be given 1ST opportunity to secure a seat and  join us for the special 1ST TUESDAY event !           

IF you HAVE already paid  2014 dues for 1ST TUESDAY.... then let me encourage you to visit the 1ST TUESDAY site [ http://www.1sttuesdaynashville.com/ ] and secure your seating for our JAN 7th event and/or our [Monday] FEB 10th event with Senator Rand Paul. 

IF you HAVE NOT already paid 2014 dues for 1ST TUESDAY, the let me encourage you to visit the 1ST TUESDAY website [ www.1sttuesdaynashville.com ] -- click on Shopping Cart. Then you can not only pay 2014 dues, but you can also secure you seat for our JAN 7th event and/or our [Monday] FEB 10the event featuring US Senator Rand Paul.

If you prefer to pay by check rather than the website, reply to this invite ASAP. 

Then make your check payable to 1ST TUESDAY and send it to my PO Box at

Tim Skow

Box 1233

Brentwood, TN 37024

In closing, let me say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you!

Please join us for Jim Gotto's Tuesday event if you can. If you cannot make it, let me know if you'd like to help in the days to come !

See you soon !

Tim Skow

Host of 1ST TUESDAY

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