I have not watched the meeting yet, check back and I will summarize and point out the important parts. Rod
Below is the Tennessean's report on the meeting:
Plan to boost housing fund with Airbnb tax revenue advances
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Wednesday, April 08, 2015
The Council Meeting of Apirl 7th: Funding the Barnes Fund
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Medical marijuana fails but Steve Dickerson fought the good fight. Maybe next session.
In case you missed it
GOP medical marijuana bill delayed until next year
Medical marijuana would help neediest Tennesseans
 |
| Steve Dickerson |
About one in three Tennesseans will suffer from cancer at some point in their lives and over 30,000 Tennesseans depend on end-of-life palliative care. While medical science is rapidly advancing in both areas, we have a medicine now that could be of great benefit but we are unable to use it.
In numerous studies, extracts derived from cannabis have been shown to have widespread, beneficial impact on these illnesses and a host of others. Among the benefits, these extracts have been shown to decrease nausea, reduce pain and even impair tumor growth. Due to the federal and state laws, however, medications derived from cannabis are in legal limbo.
For several reasons, I am convinced now is the time to give these medications due consideration.
My Comment: I am proud of Steve Dickerson for sponsoring this bill and the support it gained among Republicans. I am disappointing it failed. While it failed, it advanced and will most likely pass next session . Frankly, I think recreational use of marijuana should be decriminalized. It is a relatively harmless drug, much less harmful than alcohol. People on pot do not tend to drive recklessly, commit domestic violence or engage in aggressive behavior. Any substance can be abused but no one overdoses on marijuana. I thing it is criminal that we still send people to prison for possession of small amounts of a relatively harmless substance.
If Tennessee is not ready to decriminalize recreational use of marijuana however, the prejudice against this drug should not blind us to the medicinal properties. The bills sponsored by Steve Dickerson would have allowed medical marijuana for various ailments. There is still pending a separate bill that would legalized cannabis oil which has proven successful in preventing seizures in people with epilepsy. That bill deserves to pass and next session the medical marijuana bill should be passed.
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We Need a Balanced Budget
 |
| Phil Roe |
Like
you, I believe that out-of-control spending is one of the most
significant threats to American prosperity. For too long, lawmakers from
both parties have been irresponsible with tax dollars and put off the
tough choices until the next budget year or the next Congress—really
just leaving them for the next generation. I feel so strongly that we
need to balance our budget that I am a cosponsor of H.J. Res. 2, a
Constitutional amendment to prohibit spending from exceeding revenues
unless three-fifths of both the House and Senate vote otherwise. I voted
for this Constitutional amendment in the 112th Congress, but,
unfortunately, it did not receive the two-thirds vote required to pass
the House. Tennessee has a balanced budget, as do 48 states, and it’s
time Washington live by the same rules.
The budget proposal passed by the House last week cuts spending by $5.5 trillion and brings the budget into balance in less than ten years. It preserves Medicare for future generations, repeals the president’s health care law and provides adequate resources to maintain a strong military and national defense. It paves the way for investment in important things like education and infrastructure, and ensures Americans who are facing hard times have a safety net by funding public housing, unemployment and disability insurance and other programs intended to provide temporary assistance to those who are struggling.
The budget proposal passed by the House last week cuts spending by $5.5 trillion and brings the budget into balance in less than ten years. It preserves Medicare for future generations, repeals the president’s health care law and provides adequate resources to maintain a strong military and national defense. It paves the way for investment in important things like education and infrastructure, and ensures Americans who are facing hard times have a safety net by funding public housing, unemployment and disability insurance and other programs intended to provide temporary assistance to those who are struggling.
The
proposal also eliminates waste and targets fraud and abuse in
government programs. For example, there are 92 different anti-poverty
programs, 17 food aid programs and 22 housing assistance programs. An
Inspector General report found that employees at the Environmental
Protection Agency are taking paid leave after work-related violations. I
believe we can provide important services without dozens of duplicative
programs and there is no reason taxpayers should pay leave for
government employees who are being disciplined. These are just a few of
many examples of ways our wasteful, bloated government is repeatedly
failing taxpayers.
I
was also proud to support the Republican Study Committee’s budget
proposal, which would cut spending by $7.1 trillion and balance the
budget in six years. Unfortunately, this budget did not receive enough
votes to pass the House.
I’m
open to many ideas and proposals that would get our country’s fiscal
house back in order. I believe Congress can work together to introduce
and debate bills that will start the process of shrinking government
while making the government we have work for the American people. Please
rest assured I will continue to support proposals that will cut
spending, eliminate wasteful programs and pave the way for
private-sector economic development and job creation.
Feel free to contact my office if we can
be of assistance to you or your family. Our contact information can be
found on our website, www.roe.house.gov.
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High School students to be required to take a portion of Naturalization citizenship test.
Bill Promoting Civics Education Advances in Senate Education Committee
The bill follows legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2012 which restored the teaching of project-based civics and required the assessment of student progress between grades 4 and 8 and between grades 8 and 12.
The legislation approved by the Education Committee calls on local education agencies to utilize 25 to 50 of the 100 questions posed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the citizenship test. The test, which would be administered during high school, may be taken by the student multiple times until he or she scores at least 70 percent as required for graduation. Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) would be exempt from the requirement under certain circumstances as provided by the bill. Students will continue to receive the project-based civics assessments provided under the 2012 law.
The bill provides that schools where seniors have all made a passing grade on the civics test be recognized on the Department of Education’s website as a U.S. Civics All-Star School.
#
Follow this link to see a the civic questions and answers for the Naturalization test. This is very elementary stuff. I would expect every American to be able to pass this test. I would think that if someone cannot pass this test then they should consider themselves too little informed to vote and I would hope they would abstain from voting. I would like to see no student be allowed to graduate unless they can score a 95% on the test, but at least the state is promoting a minimum level of civic knowledge. That's an improvement. Below are the first five questions on the Naturalization test. Rod
A: Principles of American Democracy
1. What is the supreme law of the land?
▪ the Constitution
2. What does the Constitution do?
▪ sets up the government
▪ defines the government
▪ protects basic rights of Americans
3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
▪ We the People
4. What is an amendment?
▪ a change (to the Constitution)
▪ an addition (to the Constitution)
5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
▪ the Bill of Rights
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Grant Starrett to challenge Scott Desjarlais
In Case You Missed It: National Journal: "Who's the 27-Year-Old Republican Challenging Rep. Scott DesJarlais?"
 |
| Grant Starrett |
Starrett has motive, means, and opportunity to win a congressional seat, though. He's made allies across Republican politics who insist he'll be a formidable campaigner and fundraiser. And DesJarlais, a physician and third-term Tennessee Republican, has faced political trouble since decade-old divorce proceedings became public in late 2012, detailing sexual relationships with patients and coworkers-some of whom he urged to have abortions.
In announcing his campaign last week, Starrett made a passing reference to the fact that DesJarlais was the only member of Tennessee's congressional delegation who wasn't endorsed by National Right to Life, but he otherwise criticized DesJarlais for votes against balanced budgets and on other fiscal issues. When asked how much Starrett's campaign would call attention to DesJarlais's personal issues, spokesman Mark Braden said in a statement that the campaign will focus on how DesJarlais's 'liberal voting record in Washington does not add up to his rhetoric when he is back in the district.'"
Read more at http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/scott-desjarlais-challenger-grant-starrett-20150407
What They Are Saying About Grant Starrett
Paul Mirengoff, Founder of Powerline: "Starrett is a rising conservative star...It's clear to me that Grant is the kind of energetic, talented Constitutional conservative we will need to preserve the House of Representatives as a bulwark against the left's "transformative" agenda and, should circumstances permit, to make it the engine of conservatism transformation." (Powerline, 3.26.15)
Erick Erickson, Editor in Chief of RedState: "Here's what I know: Grant is a man of character and conviction. He is a constitutional conservative of the highest order," (RedState, 4.2.15)
Ramesh Ponnuru, Senior Editor of National Review: "I've met Starrett and was impressed by his intelligence and commitment to conservative causes," (National Review, 4.2.15) ...
Ponnuru: "[Grant] would be a tremendous improvement." (Twitter, 3.9.15)
The Hill: "Starrett's statement notes that in 2014, the National Right to Life group endorsed every Tennessee Republican up for reelection except DesJarlais." (The Hill, 4.2.15)
Powerline: "He would be a welcome addition to the Hill at a time when the world is increasingly dangerous but too many members still do not understand the importance of a strong defense to handle and deter rising threats." (Powerline, 3.26.15)
Huffington Post: "Starrett bills himself as a conservative Christian who intends to run against DesJarlais from his right. He has picked up some support from the conservative blogosphere," (Huffington Post, 4.2.15)
Chattanooga Times Free Press: "[Grant] once worked at the Senate Steering Committee under then-U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, a hard-right Republican who is now president of the conservative Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington." (Chattanooga Times Free Press, 4.2.15)
Nashville Post: "Starrett said that while DesJarlais "claims" to be the the most conservative member of the Tennessee Congressional delegation, the congressman has "voted against legislation that would have balanced our budget, cut wasteful spending, implemented pro-growth tax reform, and put our country on a path to prosperity." (Nashville Post, 4.2.15)
Murfeesboro News Press: "Starrett appears to be running to the right of DesJarlais, whose voting record doesn't match his rhetoric, the challenger said. "We lack people in power with conservative principles," he said." (Murfreesboro News Press, 4.3.15) Associated Press: "[Starrett] said he wants to be elected to Congress to help fight a "moral crisis" facing the country." (Associated Press, 4.3.15)
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Tuesday, April 07, 2015
Budget and Finance Committee meeting of April 6th. $15millon out of 4% deferred one meeting.
This is the meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee meeting of April 6th. The Budget and Finance Committee is the most important committee of the Council. If any real probing of proposed spending occurs it occurs in this committee. If anyone wants a real understanding of Metro's finances and spending decisions, I urge them to watch B&F committee meetings. In addition to learning about Metro's spending, you can see which Council members are thinking and asking the hard questions. Really, the Budget and Finance committee meeting are a lot more interesting than most council meetings.
A lot of questions are asked about the short-term financing of sewer improvements.
On RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1419 there are some good questions about the $15 million request for money from the 4% fund. There especially are a lot of questions about Farmer's Market. In the discussion it is revealed that the Farmers Market has actually been spending money it does not have and the request from the 4% fund would cover that loss. If the council does not approve it, then at the end of the year, their audit would show a loss. It the Council does not cover this deficit out of 4% money then it would have to be covered out of the cities reserve but one way or the other it would have to be paid.
In addition to pushing the flea market vendors of the farmers market, it appears the city has forced a lot of farmers out. I assume this is a result of the policy that prohibits farmers from being retailers and restricting the farmers to selling local or regional produce they grew themselves. As an example, up until now a farmer could sell his produce but also sell some banana's or pineapples or other produce that he did not grow himself. Now that has changed and those vendors who were retailing produce they did not grow are being forced to leave the market. The pushing out of some farmers and the pushing out of the flea market vendors has resulted in a lot of angry people calling councilmen, and it is obvious some of the council members are mad at Farmers Market management. Also, apparently the Farmers Market did not handle this change in policy with the best diplomacy. Jacobia Dowell made a motion to take the money for the Farmers Market out of the bill, but after more discussion the committee recommended to just deferred the whole resolution one meeting. The Committee was running out of time and had not even gotten to some of the other departments requesting money.
On
BILL NO. BL2015-1056 which would take a portion of the Hotel-Motel tax to fund The Barnes Fund, some good questions are asked but the bill gets a positive committee recommendation with no dissenting votes. Steve Cover and Tim Garrett asked questions that indicated they did not think this was a wise thing to do, but then they did not vote against it.
I find it frustrating when someone seems to "get it;" you know they are thinking right, but then they won't cast a "no" vote. I am not speaking of this instance only but I observe that all the time. Everything does not have to be unanimous. Voting alone or in the minority won't be embarrassing or painful. I do not know why we do not have more divided votes in committee or the Council. If 40 people are always going to agree, then we don't need 40 people. You would think out of large diverse body their would occasionally be a dissenting voice.
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Mario Ramos, Hispanic/Latino Activist, Named Campaign Vice Chair
Press Release, NASHVILLE, Tenn. April 7, 205-- Mario Ramos,
long time community and immigration activist, will serve as Vice Chair
of the Bill Freeman for Mayor Campaign. State Senator Thelma Harper has
previously been named Campaign Chair.
“Bill Freeman is the best choice for the future of Nashville, and I am excited to serve as Vice Chair of his campaign,” Ramos said.
“Bill’s experience in building a successful business and his years of
giving back to our community give him the skills to lead Davidson County
into an era of sustainable growth, inclusivity, and job development,” Ramos said.
Ramos formed
his full service immigration law firm in Nashville in 1990. He has a
long history in advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform; he was a
major force in defeating English Only Nashville in 2009, he coordinated
the Nashville stop of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride in 2003, he is
on the Executive Committee of the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, and is the 2009 recipient of the Advocacy Award for
Outstanding Efforts in Support of AILA’s Legislative Agenda.
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Monday, April 06, 2015
Who has the money in the race for mayor how much does it matter?
I have examined the financial reports of all of the mayoral candidates for the campaign finance report period that ended Jan. 15, 2015. That period started when they filed the form appointing a campaign treasurer so it may have been different for different candidates. Some candidates, in the case of Megan Barry and Charles Bone, filed a mid-year disclosure back in July 2014 and had funds on hand at the start of this reporting period. I have not examined those reports for the mid-year filing but have requested them from the election commission and will examine them when I get them.
The first quarter report for the period from Jan.16 though March 30th are due to be filed on April 10. As soon as they are filed and posted by the Election Commission to their website, I will be analyzing them and reported who is supporting which candidate. I think it can be instructive to know where the candidates are getting their money from. It gives you an idea who their friends are and to whom they may be beholding if they get elected and who it is that you know that believes enough in the candidate to financially contribute to the candidate. If someone I admire and respect contributes to a candidate that makes me think they may be worthy of my support.
By all accounts, this will be the most money ever spent on a mayor's race. The seven major candidates are all wealthy and can put mass amounts of money into their campaign. I am not sure how wealthy each are or how much they are willing to risk of their own money but lack of money should not hinder any of them from running a good campaign. Probably by August 7th, we will be sick of TV ads, mail pieces, radio ads and robo calls. But it won't end then unless one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote and with seven major candidates in the race, I don't think anyone will get 50%, so the campaigns will continue a while longer.
Money may not win this race. I assume Bill Freeman is the wealthiest of the candidates and is willing to spend million to win it, but more than an adequate amount of money to spend on the race may not be a big advantage. No one candidate is permitted to buy up all the available advertising spots on TV and freeze out his competitors. I am not exactly sure of the rules, but it is my understanding, that if one candidate has pre-bought most of the available TV spots and another candidate wants to buy a spot, then the candidate who had first purchased them, must release them back to the media outlet and they will be made available at the same price to the opponent.
Also, I don't think that once one has received four or five pieces of mail from a candidate that the sixth, seventh or eighths piece has much impact. I am not a campaign professional, but there must be diminishing returns to saturating the voters with your message.
Another factor that makes me think money will not necessarily win this race is that voter turnout will probably be low. It is amazing how few people care about local politics. Among people I know many of them just can't generate much interest in a local election although they may be passionate about national politics. They may want to complain about the quality of schools, or lack of sidewalks or high taxes but they don't care enough to vote in local elections. If this election coincided with a more high profile race such as a presidential election, then many people would vote for president and then vote for the mayoral candidate who had the most name recognition, but there is nothing to draw people to the polls this election unless they care about local government. Which, in a way, is a good thing. That means the people who do vote are more serious and are not going to be swayed by name recognition alone or a catchy slogan, but are more likely to carefully consider their choices. So, if a candidate has adequate money, more than adequate money may not be of that much help.
Below is the spread sheet of showing the money raised by each candidate. Fox leads the pack now, but that very well may change after the April 10th reports are released. To see what stood out when I examined their financial report, click on their name. If you would like to see the complete report of a candidate, follow this link.
Candidate
|
Balance on
hand at start
|
Funds
raised
|
Funds
spent
|
Balance on
hand at end
1/15/2015
|
$321,967
|
$234,572
|
$109,849
|
$451,609
|
|
$509,742
|
$250,224
|
$268,410
|
$491,556
|
|
Kenneth Eaton
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
$1,303,030
|
$256,666
|
$1,046,363
|
|
0
|
$31,500
|
$30,000
|
$1500
|
|
0
|
$310,381
|
$39,297
|
$271,084
|
|
0
|
$658,463
|
$172,195
|
$486,268
|
I will also soon be reporting on the financial contributions to candidates for Vice Mayor, Council-at-large and council district races. I am in the process of reviewing them now. Stay tuned.
If you are a candidate for office, if you will send me your announcements or press releases or position paper on a topic of interest, I will most likely post it. If I post a candidate's press release I will note it as such and my posting of a press release of a candidate should not be construed as my endorsement. I will be making it clear which candidate I am endorsing. I do not generally post annoncememts of funrd raising events except for candiates I support.
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What's on the Council Agenda April 7th: term limits, a lot of 4% money, diverting Hotel-motel tax, public sector unions.
If you don't know what the Metro Council is voting on and you watch a council meeting, you will find it really, really boring. If you have your own copy of the Council agenda and staff analysis it will still be boring but not really, really boring. To get your own copies, follow the highlighted links.
There are seven appointees to Boards and Commissions. None of them are to the troubled or controversial agencies and I don't know the appointees. The council routinely approves whomever the mayor appoints. Recently the council did reject an appointee to the Fair Board who was an advocate of destroying the fair grounds and selling the property, but it is extremely rare the council ever rejects an appointee to a board or commission.
There is one resolution and 13 bills on Public hearing. Most bills on public hearing are zoning or related issues and are of interest only to nearby neighbors of the proposed rezoning. I don't try to stay informed on zoning issues nor do I try to form an opinion. Here are the ones I find interesting:
- RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1415 This is interesting because it is so silly that the Council has to keep doing this. This resolution allows a particular restaurant that already has a liquor license, an exemption from a portion of the metro beer ordinance so they can get a permit to sell beer. Metro has distance requirements from schools, churches, parks, day care center, in order to get a beer permit. However, the state does not have those distance requirements to get a liquor license. So, if an establishment has a liquor license then the Council can exempt them from the distance requirements in the beer ordinance and let them also get a beer permit, but there must first be a public hearing. I think that the distance exemption should be automatic; that if one has a liquor license they should be allowed to get a beer permit.
- BILL NO. BL2015-1055 is a bill disapproved by the planning commission. The bill is tailored to allow an outdoor amusement called Topgolf to operate in an area now zoned industrial. Rather than changing the zoning, the bill attempts to change the text of the zoning ordinance to permit what is not now permitted.
- RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1419 spends almost $15 million dollars out of the four percent fund. Four percent of the General Fund is set aside to be appropriated throughout the year. The four percent fund is supposed to only fund equipment purchases and repairs. Before the request gets to the Council, it must be approved by the Mayor's finance director.
There is now $28 million in the fund but that includes $5 million of anticipated revenue not yet realized so spending $15 million will leave the fund pretty low. $650,000 is for a new a new "legislative management system," what ever that is, and a new voting system for the Metro Council. Four million dollars is to replace a phone system and other information technology service needs. A half million is for renovation and repairs at General Hospital. In my view, the city needs to get out of the hospital business. When contemplating the future of General Hospital, the next mayor and council should recall that the subsidy to General Hospital is not only the budgeted amount but this half million from the 4% fund. $50,000 is for miscellaneous equipment and repairs at Farmers Market.
Please note that this is all additional money to the departments, money not budgeted for that department. This is a large request from the 4% fund but will probably be the last request this year unless something major breaks. Every penny of request may be justified, but to me it looks like department are getting while the getting is good, not knowing if the next mayor will approve their request or not. The council has no way to determine if a repair or piece equipment would just be nice to have or is essential but sometimes a probing inquiry of the department head can result in somewhat of a determination if the request is necessary or if it is inflated. I hope the Budget and Finance Committee takes a hard look at this request. They need to ask if there is any life remaining in what is being asked to be replaced. They need to ask how long the repair or replacement has been needed. They need to ask what would the agency do if the request in not granted. I suspect some of this is not essential spending.
- RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1420 appropriates $1.85 million to entities that operate as enterprise funds, that is they are supposed to operate off of their own revenue. The Fair Ground request is for $700K, however the funds will come from funds that have been generated at the Fair Grounds. The municipal auditorium request of $550K and the Farmers Market request of $600K is money out of the undesignated fund balance. My view is that perhaps the city should sellthe municipal auditorium if it cannot break even. We have the Bridestone arena and there are numerous other music venues and exhibition spaces in town. The auditorium does fill a niche in a space of that size and that price point, however the property is extremely valuable and if the facility cannot figure out how to cover their operating cost, maybe it is time to sell and redevelop the property.
I don't know what to say about the farmers market. It is really not a farmers market where farmers can sell to retailers such as grocery stores and restaurants. It is a boutique farm-to-table farmers market. I enjoy going to farmers market but we should be able to operate a facility like that and make it covers it's operating cost.
I know the stuff sold in the North shed was tacky junk. I was never in the market for a velvet African princess piece of art or twelve pair of socks for six dollars, but those vendors were providing income to the market as well as making a living for themsleves. I doubt there is enough demand for soy candles and homemade soap and such to fill that shed. Unless it would mean closing the market, I think this appropriation should be deferred and let the next mayor and council decide what to do with farmers market.
RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1433 proposes an amendment to the charter to appear on the November 7th ballot to increase the term limits of the Vice Mayor and Council to three terms. Terms limits for the Council were approved in 1994. Attempts to repeal or extend term limits have been tried several times since. I think term limits are a mistake and it weakens the role of the council and makes for a stronger mayor and more powerful permanent bureaucracy. However, I doubt the public is in a mood to expand term limits so I don't think this ought to go on the November 7th ballot. The Council will defer this to let the Charter Revision Commission make a recommendation.There are a bunch of bills on first reading, but I don't look at them until second reading and I doubt many of the members of the Council do either. First reading is a formality to get the bill on the agenda and all bills on first reading are passed at one time in one motion.
Bills on Second Reading of interest:
BILL NO. BL2015-1056 would designate that revenue received from the hotel-motel tax from short-term vacation rental (such as Airbnb) go to the Barnes fund for Affordable Housing. The State law that created the hotel-motel tax says where the money must go and only one 1% of the 6% tax on rooms goes to the general fund. The other 5% go to debt service on the convention center, tourism promotion and tourism related activity. This bill would divert that 1% from the general fund to the Barnes Fund. but only the portion of that 1% of the tax collected from short-term vacation rentals. I see no logic in why that portion of the hotel-motel tax should fund the Barnes Fund. I also think this is unwise. My view is that money designated, is an appropriations decision the council cannot make. The Barnes Fund should compete with General Hospital, Farmers Market, Schools, police and everything else the city does for an annual appropriations. There are many unmet needs in the city including an ageing infrastructure and a desire for sidewalk and drainage projects. I am concerned about Metro's unfunded and growing pension liability and retiree health care obligations and general debt obligations and do not think any money should be taken off the table. If I were in the Council, I would vote against this bill.
There are only three bills on Third Reading and none of them are of interest.
Memorializing resolutions: There are six memorializing resolutions on the agenda. A memorializing resolution does not have any force in law or do anything, it just expresses the will of the Council. Often memorializing resolutions are used to congratulate a sports team on a victory or to honor a retiring employee or community volunteer. Sometimes however, the Council weights in on State or national issues. Most often when that happens it is to promote some left-wing agenda item and may be part of a nationwide movement to get cities across the nation to urge Congress to take a particular action. The handful of conservatives on the Council have usually rolled over and played dead when it comes to liberal memorializing resolutions and allowed them to pass without objections. I hope the new Council will push back against the trend of putting the Council on record supporting liberal policies. If a memorializing resolution passes the committee to which it is assigned unanimously, then the memorializing resolution becomes part of the consent agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1437 puts the council on record opposing state legislation that would prohibit local governments from recognizing any labor union or employee association as a bargaining agent of government employees. There is a bill pending in the legislature, House Bill 603 and Senate Bill 123 that would do that. Here is the legislative summary of the bill:
This bill prohibits municipal and county governments from:
(1) Recognizing any labor union or employee association as a bargaining agent of the employees or officers of the municipality or county;
(2) Collectively bargaining with any labor union or employee association; or
(3) Entering into any collective bargaining agreement with a labor union or employee association, including, but not limited to, a memorandum of understanding.
Any agreement, contract, understanding, or practice, written or oral, implied or expressed, between a municipality or county and any labor union or employee association in violation of this bill will be deemed illegal, void, and of no legal effect.
This bill authorizes elected and appointed county and municipal public officers to seek injunctive relief in chancery court to prevent the municipality or county from violating this section.
This bill's prohibitions will not apply to:
(1) Collaborative conferencing between local boards of education and professional employees; or
(2) Collective bargaining between transit authorities and workers.I support the bill and oppose the memorializing resolution against it. In government, there are not market forces that mitigate against excessive union demands. In the private sector, a company can go out of business if labor cost raise the price of a product and make the product unattractive to consumers. In the public sector there are no market forces to provide a pushback against union demands. As unionized labor has diminished in the US, unions have focused more and more on unionizing public sector employees. The Supreme Court of Tennessee, in Fulenwider v. Firefighters Assoc. Local Union, 649 S.W.2d 268 (Tenn. 1982), has confirmed the long-standing rule that contracts between municipal corporations and unions representing their employees are unenforceable. This codifies that Court ruling.
This needs to be defeated, deferred indefinitely or withdrawn. I will be very disappointed if any of the Council members who profess to be conservative support this memorializing resolution. The State House has deferred the bill to a summer study committee, which often kills a bill, so it will not be voted on in the remaining days of this legislative session anyway.
RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1438 welcome the National Rifle Association to Nashville for its 2015 Annual Meetings. I would not be surprised if some anti-2nd amendment liberals in the Council attempt to defeat this resolution.
The other four memorializing resolutions should not be controversial.
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Sunday, April 05, 2015
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, speaker at 1st Tuesday, April 7th.
From Tim Skow, host of First Tuesday:
1ST TUESDAY members and friends
Legislative Plaza currently has the activity level of Florida beaches during Spring Break.
Word is the
 |
| Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey |
The 1st friend of 1ST TUESDAY ... TN Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey returns to 1ST TUESDAY next Tuesday, April 7th ! [ at Lt. Gov. Ramsey's 1st 1ST TUESDAY visit 8 years ago .... we had a BIG crowd .... of less than 30 ! ]
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT ??
Is INSURE TN really coming back again in some form?
Is AMP really coming back again in some form ?
Is there going to be GUNS in parks in some form?
Is there going to be a BUDGET that includes what you care about in some form ?
Is your SUV being used by St. Senate Democrats to have Democrat Senate Caucus meetings in ? [ Is there any way of keeping Jeff Yarbro in The SUV and out of The Tennessean ??? ]
WHAT ELSE do you want to hear about ??? NEEDLESS to say... there will be sooooo much more to discuss....and Lt. Gov Ramsey is the man with answers !
As usual, doors will open at 11:00AM at Waller Law - 511 Union Street - 27th floor for Coffee and Social time. Lunch starts at 11:30 and is still $20 for Members and $25 for Guests. Our program will start at Noon with Q & A ending at 1:00PM sharp!
Expect a significant number of "Guests from Legislative Plaza"... and maybe from some notable Departments. Expect a significant number of top-tier candidates for Metro Council you are going to want to meet and help elect !!! INVITE your friends...and SECURE your seats by visiting our website and clicking on " Join US" at www.1sttuesdaynashville.com!!
EXPECT TO MEET MANY of the candidates for Metro Council we want to win in August !
See you on Tuesday, April 7th at 1ST TUESDAY !!
Tim Skow Host of 1ST TUESDAY
PS -- Save the Evening of April 22nd when Lt. Gov Ramsey will be hosting an event for his Special Guest, Sam Brownback, the former US Senator and now newly re-elected Gov of Kansas !!
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Saturday, April 04, 2015
Carol Swain seeks positon of Chairman of the TNGOP
Shortly after Chris Devaney announced he was resigning as Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, I reported that Carol Swain, professor at Vanderbilt University and political pundit and activist, had expressed interest in the position. She is now actively seeking the position along with about half a dozen other contenders. Below is her letter of solicitation of support send to members of the State Executive Committee who will chose Chris Devaney's replacement this week. Also attached is her press release. The only change I have made is to remove her telephone number. I have done this for all the candidates, however, I am sure if you wish to speak to Dr. Swain that you may contact her at her email address and she will return your call. Rod
Carol M. Swain
P.O. Box 1385
Brentwood, TN 37024
(615) xxx-xxxx
March 30, 2015
Dear Republican Leader:
As a tenured Vanderbilt professor with a strong grasp of politics and knowledge of how political power is manifested, I believe I am the right person to take the reins of the Tennessee GOP at this pivotal time. I have strong political connections within Tennessee, as well as nationwide, and I believe there are qualities unique to my background, skills and values that make me particularly well-suited for this role. Most importantly, I am an excellent communicator with more than a decade of significant media experience as a savvy, conservative commentator. Additionally, I am intimately familiar with what it takes to be a consensus builder. It requires impeccable listening skills as well as the knack to recognize when it is time to speak and when not to speak, and when it is time to push and when it is time to take the foot off the gas.
My focus as interim party chairman through 2016 would be on expanding the influence of the Tennessee Republican Party across the nation, not just within our borders. Part of my strategy in doing so would be to continue growing the party by reaching out and bringing in conservative Democrats dissatisfied with the pointedly liberal direction their party has taken under President Obama, and there is plenty of trickle-down of that. Many inside the Democratic Party are seeing their own hopes and dreams of a strong America coming off the rails. There is much potential there for Republicans to connect with disenfranchised Democrats by offering a welcoming hand of reassurance and sincere inclusiveness. In this regard, I am confident I can also help the state GOP broaden its reach into the more urban areas of the state, bolstering our ties with those particular demographics.
One of the challenges facing us as we strive to accomplish all this is making sure the Tennessee GOP is fully funded. I have ample entrepreneurial experience and connections to be able to bring in more-than-sufficient funds as needed to hold the existing seats and expand into new territory. I see this role as part salesperson: I can prospect, I can pitch, and I can close.
In this role as party chairman, I would provide experience, soundness of principles, and a passion for politics and good government. Additionally, I pledge transparency, a promise of more inclusive internal processes when working with the State Executive Committee, and an affinity and comfort level with all brands of media. In essence, I bring a fresh set of perspectives gleaned from being a conservative Christian minority woman who has overcome poverty and achieved the American Dream. One of my first priorities as GOP chairperson would be to work on healing the breach between conservative Republicans affiliated with Tea Party groups and more moderate/traditional Republicans. I have good friends and strong connections in both groups. I have spoken at several Tea Party events and have become acquainted with many of the men and women who have invested themselves in politics as a new vocation. What strikes me most about conservative Republicans is our unifying commitment to God, country, and nation. I count myself among those committed to following the tenets of the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law that it establishes.
I’m one of those people I referred to earlier, who became disillusioned with the Democratic Party, ultimately attracted to the GOP by its adherence to Judeo-Christian values, the sanctity of human life, individual liberty, free market capitalism, traditional marriage, and constitutional government. I can honestly tell others that the Republican Party is the best hope for our nation in order to remain true to its roots. I believe it is essential to elect Republicans who will honor the tenets of the party platform when it comes to social and political issues. In our effort to expand our base, it is essential that we remain true to core values. I also believe that there must be some accountability to ensure that elected leaders remain responsive to the people and the party values.
I bring to this chairperson role more than 25 years of experience studying and teaching courses on politics and campaigns. I am currently a tenured Vanderbilt University professor of political science and law. Before that I was a professor at Princeton University. I have authored six books and numerous published articles. My most recent book is Be the People: A Call to Reclaim America’s Faith and Promise. My first book, Black Faces, Black Interests: The Representation of Blacks in Congress, won three national prizes and was cited several times by the U.S. Supreme Court. I am the host and creator of “Be the People” and I offer weekly commentary on Bott Radio. In 2007 and 2008, President George W. Bush appointed me to the National Endowment for the Humanities Board and to the Tennessee Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. I am a member of the Operation Andrew Board, and I have served on the boards of Teen Challenge, Roanoke College, and Christian Women in the Media.
I have been a frequent guest on “Hannity’s: Great American Panel” on Fox News and appeared regularly on CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight.”I have also appeared on BBC Radio, NPR, CNN’s AC360 (with Anderson Cooper), “Fox News Live,”“Fox and Friends,” PBS’s News Hour, C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal,”“The Laura Ingraham Show,” and ABC’s “Headline News.”Over the next week or so, I will be calling each of you individually and meeting with as many people as possible.
Please feel free to call or e-mail me with your questions and suggestions. I can be reached at 615 xxx-xxxx and by e-mail at carolmswain@gmail.com. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter.
For more about my background, please see my website at either www.carolmswain.net or www.bethepeopletv.com.
* Websites:http://carolmswain.net/ and http://www.bethepeopletv.com
* Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carolmswain
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profcarolmswain
* YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/bethepeopletv
Sincerely Yours,
Carol M. Swain
Swain Seeks Chairmanship of Tennessee GOP
NASHVILLE – Dr. Carol Swain, prominent Vanderbilt University law and political science professor renowned for her conservative political commentary on state and national media, has announced her candidacy for the chairmanship of the Tennessee Republican Party. In seeking to fill the post, Dr. Swain would replace current state GOP Party chairman Chris Devaney, who earlier in March announced he would resign effective April 11 to accept a leadership position with a Chattanooga faith-based nonprofit.
It is expected that the TNGOP State Executive Committee (SEC) will review candidates and select aninterim state party chairperson in time for that person to take office on April 12 and serve out the remainder of Devaney’s term, which ends in 2016.
Dr. Swain, 61, an outspoken Christian conservative who became a Republican nearly 7 years ago after becoming disillusioned with the Democratic Party, believes she can continue and build on Devaney’s successful tenure, which included a record-setting number of Republicans statewide elected to public office, at all levels.
“Chris played a key role in guiding the Tennessee GOP to new heights through such vehicles as the Red to the Roots program, and I would be excited and honored to use my communications skills, fund-rising savvy, and political and community connections to add to what he has accomplished,” Dr. Swain said. “With the 2016 election cycle now here, the new chairperson will have to hit the ground running, and I am prepared to do that.
“My focus as interim chairman through 2016 would be to expand the influence of the Tennessee Republican Party across the nation. This would include reaching out to conservative Democrats discontent with the excessively liberal direction their party has taken under President Obama. Toward that end, I can also help the state GOP bolster its reach into the more urban areas of Tennessee.”
Dr. Swain, the author of six books and a former Princeton University professor, is the creator and host of “Be The People,” offering weekly political commentary on Bott Radio. She has also been a frequent guest on Fox News and CNN, as well as on BBC, PBS and C-Span. In 2007 and 2008, President George W. Bush appointed Dr. Swain to the National Endowment for the Humanities Board and to the Tennessee Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.
To learn more about Dr. Swain’s background, visit her website at carolmswain.net or bethepeopletv.com. Contact her at 615-xxx-xxxx or carolmswain@gmail.com.
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