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Sunday, May 03, 2015
Friday, May 01, 2015
GREEN HILLS GOP MEETING: METRO COUNCIL RACES— AND MORE!
SPECIAL PROGRAM FEATURING:
THE CANDIDATES FOR METRO COUNCIL
DISTRICTS 23 &34
---PLUS—
INCUMBENT COUNCIL MEMBERS EMILY
EVANS (23) & CARTER TODD (34)
---PLUS---
A PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION
OF THE PROPOSAL TO REDUCE THE SIZE
OF METRO COUNCIL & CHANGE THE TERM
LIMITS
---PLUS---
YOUR QUESTIONS!
JOIN US SATURDAY, MAY 9
COFFEE &PASTRIES AT 8:30 A.M.
PROGRAM AT 9 A.M. SHARP
MEETING ROOM AT ST. PAUL SR. LIVING
5031 HILLSBORO PIKE, NASHVILLE 37215
(ACROSS FROM BURTON HILLS COMPLEX)
PETER VOYSEY,
GREEN HILLS GOP SUMMIT
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Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce honors Council Member Megan Barry
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce packed the Wildhorse Saloon with a Who's Who of corporate leaders, small business owners, civic leaders, and professionals at its annual Excellence in Business Awards ceremony April 28. .... There was no shortage of elected officials and candidates in the room. Representatives included Judge Melissa Blackburn, Jason Holleman, Sarah Martin, Brett Withers, Nancy VanReece, David Briley, Steven Butler, Bob Mendes, Jim Shulman, and Megan Barry. ....Ally Award - Megan Barry, Metro City Council Member, At Large (link)
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Fact Sheet - Highlights of the Metro Nashville Fiscal Year 2016 Budget
From Nashville.Gov, NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Mayor Karl Dean today unveiled Metro's Fiscal Year 2016 proposed operating budget and highlights of the capital spending plan.
"As with past budgets, we have funded our priorities of education, public safety and quality of life," Mayor Dean said. "In this budget, we stay true to the principles that have kept Nashville moving forward by saving where we could, investing in our priorities, keeping taxes low and maintaining our reserves."
Finance Director Rich Riebeling presented the budget proposal to members of the Metro Council today, following Mayor Dean's State of Metro address.
Operating Budget
- Recommended budget of $1.968 billion, representing a 4 percent increase over FY 2015. Budget is $76.6 million larger than FY 2015.
- No proposed increase in property taxes. Nashville's property tax rate is lower than in 2007, when Mayor Dean took office. It is the lowest combined city-county rate of the four big cities in Tennessee.
- Projected revenue growth of $75.2 million, largely driven by $35.6 million in additional local sales tax revenue. Sales tax revenue has grown 36 percent - nearly $100 million -- since the FY 2009 budget, propelled by a growing population and an increase in visitors.
- Debt service, as a percentage of the budget, is slightly lower than when Mayor Dean came into office at 10.5 percent versus 10.94 percent in 2007.
- Metro Schools will continue to receive the largest portion of the budget at 41 percent, and public safety will get the second largest portion at 21 percent.
- Metro Schools will receive $810 million for operations, which is $36 million more than the current fiscal year, allowing them to make the improvements that were recommended by Schools Director Jesse Register and approved by the school board.
- With this increase, schools' operating budget will have grown by $219 million since Mayor Dean took office, a 37 percent increase. Since FY 2009, the schools budget has grown 30.5 percent.
- Investments in the budget proposal also include improvements for Metro employees and direct services to citizens:
- Employee compensation, $24 million: All employees would receive 2.5 percent cost-of-living raises. The budget also would fund increment pay, provide appropriate funding for those who aren't eligible for increments and offer a solution to the salary compression issue that affects some public safety employees.
- Metro Transit Authority, $3.64 million: MTA would fund a full year of bus rapid transit (BRT) lite operations on Charlotte Pike and begin BRT lite operations on Nolensville Pike. BRT lite is also available on Gallatin Pike and Murfreesboro Pike.
- Nashville Public Library, $1.4 million: Regional branches would open on Fridays for the first time in more than 10 years, with branches at Bellevue, Southeast and Madison starting Friday hours on Sept. 1 and branches at Bordeaux, Hermitage, Edmondson Pike and Green Hills starting Friday hours on Jan. 1. Funds would also create a joint electronic card catalog for the city library system and libraries at Metro Schools as part of the Limitless Libraries program.
- Metro Parks, $1.4 million: With added park and open space, the department has seen an increase in maintenance, mowing and custodial needs.
- Metro Public Works, $1.26 million: A new convenience center for residential waste and recycling would open in southern Davidson County. Additionally, funds would cover operating costs for a new downtown recycling program, which would add 175 recycling receptacles downtown. Recycling infrastructure in public spaces makes it easier for tourists, business people and anyone in the downtown area to make the right choice for the environment and the community.
- Metro Public Health, $319,800: Dental services at Lentz Public Health Center would expand. Metro Animal Care and Control would increase its staff and fund a community spay-and-neutering project.
- Creation of the Office of Family Safety to coordinate domestic violence services and manage the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center. The new office would institutionalize work that is already taking place in Metro and would require a budget enhancement of $205,600. Current expenditures are at $535,900, and the new office estimates a $741,500 operating budget.
- With this budget, the largest single investment in affordable housing during Mayor Dean's term will take place with a $6 million investment in the Barnes Fund for Affordable Housing and $4 million for the Metro Development and Housing Agency to advance affordable housing initiatives.
- Barnes Fund: $1 million in operating funds, including revenue from AirBnB tax collections, and $5 million from the sale of the Nashville Convention Center.
- Most departmental operating budgets are status quo and received no reductions.
- Reductions in the budget include:
- Metro's operating budget will see $15.2 million in budget savings, from reductions in costs regarding health benefits, injury on duty and pension costs and from departmental savings. More than $75 million has been saved through budget reductions and organizational efficiencies since FY 2009.
- As in FY 2015, there is no operating subsidy budgeted for the Farmers' Market, Municipal Auditorium and State Fair.
Capital Spending Plan
The proposed $520 million capital spending plan would be Mayor Dean's seventh and would continue the city's focus on its priorities of education and public safety, improving infrastructure and maintaining a high quality of life. This amount includes $44 million in self-funded items, which generate revenue to cover their costs, and a previously announced $149 million public safety investment to relocate the Criminal Justice Center.Education
The plan includes $131 million for Metro Schools.- These investments would build on the $389 million in capital spending for Metro Schools since Mayor Dean took office.
- Capital dollars would be used for the following:
- Renovating Overton High School and Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School.
- Building a new elementary school in Cane Ridge.
- Planning funds to begin the process of moving Hillwood High School to Bellevue.
- Planning funds for the future of Hillsboro High School and Nashville School of the Arts.
Public Safety
The largest portion of capital dollars would cover a previously announced, $149 million public safety investment to relocate the Criminal Justice Center. This plan would consolidate Davidson County Sheriff's Office operations and relocate Metro Nashville Police Department headquarters to Jefferson Street.The plan also would build a new Family Justice Center on Murfreesboro Road.
Quality of Life
- Public Works, $73 million, including $25 million for sidewalks, the single largest infusion of dollars for sidewalks in any of Mayor Dean's capital spending plans. Approval of the plan would bring Mayor Dean's capital spending on sidewalks over the past eight years to $82 million, more than any other administration has spent on sidewalk construction in Metro history.
- Parks, $50 million, including funds for new community centers, open space, greenways and public infrastructure at the Nashville Zoo.
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House duo reintroduce Protecting Rights of Musicians Act
Rep. Marsha Blackburn
U.S. Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), the House Energy and Commerce Committee vice chairwoman and Communications and Technology Subcommittee ranking member, respectively, reintroduced the Protecting the Rights of Musicians Act on Thursday.
The legislation would tie retransmission-consent payments to broadcasters on whether radio stations they own pay performers for their music.
“Broadcasters have repeatedly told us that retransmission-consent payments are fair because cable and satellite stations make millions by retransmitting local broadcast...
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Thursday, April 30, 2015
Mayor Presents Vision of "City of Opportunity"
Final State of Metro Address Says Education, Safety, Jobs Will Always Be Nashville's Top Priorities
Mayor Dean gave the speech in Nashville Public Library's Grand Reading Room, the same location as his first State of Metro address in 2008, to emphasize that "education and learning must always come first."
"Education is what our city has to focus on first and foremost if we want to keep growing and getting better," Mayor Dean said. "Education is the key that will open the door of opportunity for our children, and it's the key for Nashville."
Throughout his eight years in office and his two campaigns, Mayor Dean has made the case that education, public safety and economic development are the "three pitches" the city has to hit consistently. In today's speech, he said that will always be true.
"These three priorities are really one priority, woven tightly together in a fabric of civic fortune, and it never changes, no matter who the mayor is," he said.
Mayor Dean, who thanked the Metro Council, Gov. Bill Haslam and former Mayor and former Gov. Phil Bredesen for working with him on key initiatives, also laid out the principles he's governed by since 2007. Those principles include making strategic investments, based on the city's priorities, to inspire private investment; spending capital dollars "broadly but wisely" in neighborhoods throughout Nashville; boldly embracing new ideas and tackling tough issues; and leaving the city in better shape financially than when he took office.
Speaking almost five years to the day after the devastating 2010 flood, he said public-private partnerships, collaborations and what he called "the spirit of Nashville: neighbors helping neighbors - and helping strangers" have been critical to the city's success.
"I appreciate the citizens of Nashville for giving me this opportunity to serve and lead. The state of our city is very good, and we've accomplished a lot together over these past eight years. But we can't afford to take our eye off the ball and stop hitting those three pitches. This is Nashville's time, and we have to lean into it and give it everything we have so we can live the future we see: a city on a hill, a city of opportunity," he said.
During the address, Mayor Dean announced his proposed operating budget would include the following:
- Operating funds for Metro Schools to make all the improvements the district's leadership has identified.
- Funds for employee compensation so that all Metro employees would receive a 2.5 percent cost-of-living raise, while the city also would provide increment pay for eligible employees; appropriate increases for those not eligible for increment pay; and funds for public safety employees who face salary compression issues.
- $131 million for Metro Schools, including funds to renovate Overton High School and Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School; build a new elementary school in Cane Ridge; planning funds to begin the process of moving Hillwood High School to Bellevue, and planning funds for the future of Hillsboro High School and Nashville School of the Arts.
- $149 million to relocate the Criminal Justice Center, plus additional funds to build a new Family Justice Center, which would provide critical services to crime victims and their families in times of need.
- $25 million for sidewalks. Approval of the plan would bring Mayor Dean's capital spending on sidewalks over the past eight years to $82 million, more than any other administration has spent on sidewalk construction in Metro history.
- $2 million to help Nashville State Community College build two new satellite campuses in Donelson and Madison.
An annual State of Metro address by Nashville's mayor has been mandated by the city's charter since Metro Government was established in 1963.
Twelve-time Grammy-nominated artist Dierks Bentley was the special musical guest at the hour-long event. Bentley's critically acclaimed and No. 1 selling album, Riser, has already produced three No. 1 hits: "I Hold On," "Drunk on a Plane" and "Say You Do." His six previous studio albums have sold more than five million copies and notched 13 chart-topping singles. Bentley will be kicking off his headlining summer tour on June 5. For more information visit www.dierks.com.
Lagnajita Mukhopadhyay, Nashville's first Youth Poet Laureate, read her poem "The City That Never Stops Giving," which celebrates the bustling Nashville that converges at 6th Avenue and Broadway, capturing the unique elements that make us feel both alive and at home in our city. Mukhopadhyay is a junior at Hume-Fogg Magnet High School. Born in India and raised in Nashville, the young poet, singer, and songwriter is heavily influenced by her vibrant roots and her Western upbringing. She has won competitions in writing, visual art, and film. She plays guitar, fiddle, piano, ukulele and mandolin.
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Which candidates for Metro Council have the $ and Who is contributing to the Council District races (District 13-23)
I have reviewed the campaign financial disclosure reports of candidates for Metro Council for districts one through 23. I previously reported on what I found of interest in districts 1-12 and you can find that report at this link.
One thing I found that is very interesting is that there are a lot of progressives running for Metro Council. Nashville has always been a Democrat town. Years ago, when I served on the Council, I had to keep my Republican identity a secret. So, on the one hand, things are better than then; a few Republicans can get elected. On the other hand, some of the Democrat's of that day were conservative Democrats. Most people may have been Democrats but they were not very ideological. The Council is a non-partisan body and although almost all members of the Council may have identified themselves as Democrats, they were not very partisan. Now, I see lots of people running for office who are being supported, not by friends and neighbors, but by individuals and organizations with a very progressive agenda. Several of the candidates are supported by the GLBT (gay) movement. Several of the candidates are having lots of money funneled into their campaign by state-wide Democrat PAC's. Apparently the State Democrat establishment is determined to keep their stronghold of Nashville.
Another interesting thing is that their are lots of real estate agents, developers, lobbyist and attorney's contributing to candidates. I don't know that that is new, but it is very obvious. What are the contributors expecting to get for their money?
Another thing I find interesting is that Republican PAC's and Republican activist are not funding hardly anyone. Republicans are not taking this Council race seriously. I feel that Nashville is destined to become the "San Francisco of the South" unless Republicans get in the the game. We can expect more and more public policy that is politically correct and more and more reckless spending unless conservatives and moderates engage. We are on the verge of having the most progressive, ideologically liberal council in our city's history. It is not too late for people to still get in the race. In fact, the race has hardly begun. There are lots of State Republican senators and State Representatives with their own PAC's. Republican activist and the Party needs to quickly recruit some good candidates and those with money, need to fund those candidates.
What I found that is of interest to me in districts 13- 23 is reported below. Please know that I do not know everyone who is significant and do not know all of the political connections. I encourage you to review the reports for yourself if you are interested. You can find the reports at this link. If you find a connection that you think is noteworthy, please leave a comment.
Also, some people share the same name. If I listed a John Doe as contributing to a candidate and assumed it was a particular John Doe but got it wrong, please correct me.
The "initial" report is for the period prior to January 16 and that report was to be filed by February 10. If a candidate had raised any money prior to January 16th they were supposed to file an initial report. No candidate was permitted to raise money prior to the appointment of a campaign treasurer. The "First quarter" is the period January 16th through March 31st and that report was to be filed by April 10th.
Please check back. I will be reporting on the rest of the district campaigns shortly.
District 13
- Futesha Carter: She filed no initial report. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $1,124 which includes a loan from the candidate to her campaign of $1,000 and an ending balance on hand of $854. There are no itemized contributions reported.
- Keven Rhoten: The initial report shows $5,900 receipts and the 1st quarter shows receipts of $3,145 for an ending balance on hand of $5,650. Contributors include Geraldine Rhoten, $1,000; Kenneth Rhoten; $1,000; Bethany Rhoten, $200; and Kevin Rhoten contributed $700 to his own campaign. Garland Knott of Hermitage contributed $1,500; Floyd Shecter whose occupation is real estate, $1,000; Elizabeth Millspaps, a lobbyist with Southern Strategy Group, $200; Waller Lansden PAC, $150; Robert Mathews, President of The Mathews Company, $250; CORPAC (Corporate PAC) located at 511 Union St, Ste 1400, whose chairman is Brackney Reed, who is also the COO of Gresham, Smith and Partner, $250. He got an in-kind contribution from John Hobbs for $250 for beverages for the campaign kick-off. Hobbs is active in Democrat politics and is former owner of The Nashville Palace and owner of John A’s on Music Valley Dr. He got an in-kind contribution of $335 from Joslin Sign Company and an in-kind of $1,392 from Jeff Halfacre for campaign kickoff catering.
District 15
- Jeff Syracuse: Initial report shows a beginning balance on hand of $10,795 and receipts of $6,714 (plus in-kind contributions of $6,280). The first quarter report shows receipts of $685 for an ending balance on hand of $14,149. Thomas and Adele Syracues contributed $1,000. Don Jordon, owner of Jordan Properties contributed $700; Waller Lansden PAC, $250; CORPAC, (Corporate PAC) located at 511 Union St, Ste 1400, whose chairman is Brackney Reed, who is also the COO of Gresham, Smith and Partner, $250.
- Michael Freeman: He filed no initial report. The 1st quarter report shows unitemized receipts of $200 and no expenditures.
- Chris Cotton: He filed no initial report. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $21,304 and a balance on hand of $14,906. He shows in-kind contributions of $4,610, Expenditures show $2,065 for staff. Contributors include Sean Overbeeke whose occupation is TV Producer who contributed $1500. Ronald Castro, a retired investor contributed $1500 and Linda Castro, retired, of the same address as Ronald Castro, contributed $1,500. Matt Moran, a corporate trainer from Milwaukee WI contributed $1500. Other contributors are several people in the entertainment industry such as TV producers and directors and people employed in video production and a bunch of attorneys. Joni Priest, $400; George Gruhn, owner of Gruhn Guitars, $100; Mary Frances Rudy of the Rudy Sausage family, associated with some Music Valley enterprises and supporter of Democrats, $100.
- Paula Foster: Her initial report shows she raised $10,481. In the 1st quarter she raised $7,036, ending with a balance on hand of $13,086. Anne Carr a lobbyist with Smith and Carr donated $200; Ms Foster donated $501 to her own campaign; George Gruhn, CEO of Gruhn Guitars, $1,000; Jessica Hoke, a social worker with Nashville Cares donated $1,000; and Rusty Lawrence, Executive Director of Urban Housing Solutions donated $250. Jenny Ford, a lobbyist whose firm is J. Ford Government Strategies whose clients include Tennessee Equality Project which advocates for GLBT causes. donated $150. Tony Carlew of Nashville Cares donated $250; Women for TN Future, $300; Lanny West, a self-employed Health Coach donated $1,500. Several people who work at Vanderbilt Medical Center made donations.
- Colby Sledge: In the initial report he shows receipts of $20,330! In the 1st quarter he raised $10,095 leaving a balance on hand of $27,302. He donated $820 to his own campaign. Sean Braisted, the Communication Director of Megan Barry for Mayor donated $50; Jeff Teague of Planned Parenthood, $50; Councilman Peter Westerholm, $50; Council member of candidate for Mayor Megan Barry, $50; Matt Anderson, Press Secretary, Senate Democratic Caucus at the Tennessee General Assembly donated $100; Metro Councilman Sean McGuire donated $100; Matthew Carney, owner of Smokin Thighs on Wedgewood donated $100; Kathleen Coffen, a media consultant for Democrat candidates donated $100; School Board member Will Pinkston donated $250; Mike Stephens, Chief of Staff Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus donated $250; Michael Pigott of McNeely Pigott & Fox, $500; State Senator Jeff Yarbro, $500; Zak Kelly. Policy and Research Analyst for House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, $525; Mark Deutschmann owner of Village Real Estate Service, $1000; Britnie Faith Turner of Aerial Development Groups, $1500. Will Cheek, $250; Katy Varney with McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations donated $1000; David Shepard, Democrat Tennessee State Representative representing District 69 donated $1000. Three Star PAC donated $1,000. Three Star is a PAC founded by State Sen. Andy Berke of Chattanooga that supports Democrats and mayoral candidate Charles Robert Bone is treasurer.
- Tony Watson: He did not file an initial report. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $540 and a balance on hand of $315. Former Metro Councilman and developer Roy Dale contributed $250.
- Burkley Allen: The initial report shows a “balance on hand last report of $1,551 and $12,300 raised. The 1st quarter report shows she raised $9,165 for a balance on hand of $21,268. Jeff Eskind contributed $1000 and Donna Eskind of the same address, $1,000. Lobbyist Anne Carr, who you will note also contributed to Paula Foster's campaign in District 17, contributed $250. Ms Allen donated $1,000 to her own campaign. Gayle Ray contributed $100; Jan Bushing, $250; former Councilman, lobbyist for environmental causes and member of the Planning Commission Stewart Clifton, $100; and Peter Heidenreich, former Director of public works and lobbyist with Hall Strategies, $100. Judge Claudia Bonnyman contributed $100. Mark Deutshman, owner of Village Real Estate, who has contributed to multiple campaigns contributed $500. HG Realty PAC contributed $500.
- Freddie O’Connell: In the initial report period he raised $22,335! In his 1st quarter report he raised $13,370, ending the reporting period with $28.467. His expenditures include $3,000 to Emily Ogden for campaign management. He contributed $1500 to his own campaign; Beatrice O’Connell contributed $200; Tim O’Connell, $150; and Patrick O’Connell, $300. Marian T. Ott, member of the MTA Board contributed $250; Mark Deutschmann owner of Village Real Estate Services contributed $250 and Sherry Deutschmann of the same address contributed $250; former candidate for Councilman-at-large Renard Francois, $250, Abby Trotter of Hall Strategies, $250; Democrat State Representative Jason Powell, $250; Waller Lansden PAC, $150; Robert Mathews of The Mathews Company, $250; Thomas Negri, the Director of Metro Human Relations Commission, $250; Democrat State Senator Jeff Yarbro, $500; Jonathan Wing an attorney with the Public Defender’s Office, $250; Britnie Turner, CEO of Aerial Development Group, $125; Michael Schatzlein, CEO of St. Thomas Hospital, $1500, and Elizabeth Schatzlein of the same address, $1500. Joni Priest, $200; Elbert Ventura of Washington D. C., managing editor of the progressive journal Democracy, $300.
- Bill Shick: His Initial report shows $100 raised and the 1st quarter report shows $8,274 raised with a balance on hand of $5,334. He loaned his campaign $5,150. Rusty Lawrence, Executive Director of Urban Housing Solutions contributed $250 and Laura Ward, a CPA with Urban Housing Solutions contributed $200. Several attorneys whose names I do not recognize made contribution.
- Marisa Frank: She had no initial report. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $15,150 with a balance on hand of $14,350. A loan is shown or $5,000 and the entity shown making the loan is MNPS of Bransford Ave. This cannot be correct! The Metro Nashville Public Schools cannot loan a candidate money. This has to be an error. Also shown is a loan of $5,000 from the candidate. A total $4,000 is shown coming three different people with the last name “Frank.” Candidates are only required to list by name people who contributed amounts in excess of $100. Several people gave $100 and are not identified by name.
- Mary Carolyn Roberts: She filed no initial report. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $27,875, $15,000 of which is a loan from the candidate to her campaign. Michael Hodges, President of Advance Financial gave $1,500 and Tina Hodges, CEO of Advance Financial, of the same address as Michael Hodges contributed $1,500. Rick Williams who owns Nashville Limousine Service and also the government relations company Rick Williams and Associates contributed $500; Joseph Hall, owner of lobbying firm Hall Strategies, contributed $250.
- Frank Stabile: He filed no initial report. The 1st quarter shows receipts of $5,205, $2,000 of which is a loan from the candidate to his campaign, showing an ending balance of hand of $4,983. Jeff Estepp, a self employed builder contributed $1,000; Mark Deutschmann, owner of Village Real Estate, who has contributed to multiple campaigns contributed $250.
- Leah Dupree: No initial report. The 1st quarter shows receipts of $2,600 and a balance on hand of $2,137. The candidate contributed $200 to her own campaign, Treachery Price, Vice President of College Crib contributed $1000.
- Edward Kindell: No initial report. The 1st quarter shows receipts of $1,660 and a balance on hand of $1.210. Council member Edith Langster donated $250.
- Sheri Weiner: Initial report shows a “Balance on Hand Last Report” of $929 and receipts of $14,250. The expenditures include $13,000 as “Bank Transfer Errors” of $13,000. I do not know what that means. The initial report ending balance on hand is $1,386. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $6,100, with an ending balance on hand of $6,448. Contributors include Loren Black, who’s occupation is “entertainment,” employed by Larry’s County Diner, $1,000; Waller Lansden PAC, $300; James R Mitchell of “Friends of Bo Mitichell,” $250; former Metro Councilman Erick Crafton, $1,000; Mary Wester, a real estate investor, $100; former Metro Councilman and recent candidate for judge Adam Dread, $25: Metro Councilman Charlie Tygard, $100; Rod Willliams (that’s me), $100; Tootie Haskins, $100.
- Thom Druffel: He had no initial report. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $10,715. Father Joseph Breen retired priest of St. Edwards contributed $100; Frank Ghertner formerly of Ghertner Properties, $250; Ron Franks, Chairman of Hart, Freeland, Roberts, Inc, $100; Senator Douglas Henry, $100; George Armistead, $300; The Greater Nashville Hospitality Association, $1,000; Joan Raskin of Raskin Holdings, $750; Edwin Raskin of Raskin Holdings $750; Jack Corbin, retired, of North Conway, N.H, $1,000; Jennifer Murphy, a lobbyist with Murphy and Associates, $100.
- Mina Johnson: Her initial report shows no receipts or expenditures. Her 1st quarter report shows receipts of $14,950, which includes a loan from the candidate to her campaign of $10,000. Gavin Johnson contributed $1,500 and Shizuka Suzuki of the same address also contributed $1,500.
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Wednesday, April 29, 2015
A Great Opportunity for a young conservative!
Do you know someone who is interested in saving America's universities?
You or someone you know can become one of the nation’s best-trained, most effective, conservative leaders through the Leadership Institute’s 2015 Fall Field Representative Program.
Each year LI’s National Field Program sends out across the country a team of motivated, highly trained field representatives. LI field reps help students promote and defend their conservative principles on campus.
Currently, LI’s Campus Leadership Program includes 1,604 active campus groups.
Now, you or some other dedicated conservative you know can join LI as a full-time fall field representative.
The pay is generous. The experience is priceless.
Opportunities for full-time, paid jobs fighting for your beliefs do not come along very often.
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- Grassroots activism
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- Lobbying
- Conservative non-profit organizations
As a field rep, you will travel to the campuses in your assigned region to identify, recruit, organize, and train conservative students to win battles against the radical left on their campuses.
LI will fly you to the Institute’s Arlington, VA, headquarters for a week of intensive training in August and provide you with the tools and techniques necessary for success.
If you know of others who might like to join LI as a field rep, please pass this email along.
Be aware that these positions fill up fast, so time is of the essence.
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P.S. Become one of the best-trained young conservative leaders in the nation through LI’s field representative program. As an LI field rep, you can start your political career in the conservative movement. Apply online at http://leadershipinstitute.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ef1cb315431d75736e721df7c&id=06f62483e4&e=02072568a1!
My Comment: If I was a young person and had my life to live over, I would jump at this opportunity. Rod
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Sunday, April 26, 2015
Final public meetings for NashvilleNext to be held Monday
Final public meetings for NashvilleNext to be held Monday #Nashville
(WKRN) – Monday night will be the final night of public meetings for Nashvillians to learn about NashvilleNext, a plan for the city's next 25 years....Both meetings will run from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. One will be held at the Bellevue Library, and the other at the Madison Police Precinct.
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Which candidates for Metro Council have the $ and Who is contributing to the Council District races (District 1-12)
I have reviewed the campaign financial disclosure reports of candidates for Metro Council for districts one through 12 and what I found that is of interest to me is reported below. Please know that I do not know everyone who is significant and do not know all of the political connections. I encourage you to review the reports for yourself if you are interested. You can find the reports at this link. If you find a connection that you think is noteworthy, please leave a comment.
Also, some people share the same name. If I listed a John Doe as contributing to a candidate and assumed it was a particular John Doe but got it wrong, please correct me.
The "initial" report is for the period prior to January 16 and that report was to be filed by February 10. If a candidate had raised any money prior to January 16th they were supposed to file an initial report. No candidate was permitted to raise money prior to the appointment of a campaign treasurer. The "First quarter" is the period January 16th through March 31st and that report was to be filed by April 10th.
Please check back. I will be reporting on the rest of the district campaigns shortly.
District 1
- Ruby Baker: Her initial disclosure shows $1,200 raised, and $2122 raised in the 1st quarter, ending with a balance on hand of $1,007. Her contributors are not names I recognize. Her largest contributor is Leslie Susan Chiles who contributed $1000.
- Loniel Green: He raised $3.752 in the initial disclosure period and $3,200 in the 1st quarter. He loaned his campaign $3,000 and got a contributors from Tricia Simmons of Fayetteville NC who gave $1000.
- Nick Leonardo: He did not file an initial report. He raised $2,950 in the 1st quarter. He received $1000 from Brendan Hawthorn of Lorain, OH and $1,000 from Odell Binkley Jr. Balance on hand is $2416.
- Jonathan Richardson: No initial report, only raise $350, and balance on hand is $335.
- Melvin Black: He has withdrawn. He filed an initial report but raised no money and did not file a 1st quarter report.
- Danavan Hylton: No initial report. 1st quarter raised $550, balance on hand $303.
- Carrie Searcy: $1,512 raised in the initial report period, $8,998 in the 1st quarter, Balance on hand of $6,069. She loaned herself of $3891. Leslie Susan Chiles donated $1000. Notice that Leslie Susan Chiles also donated $1,000 to Ruby Baker. Duayne Bells, Sr donated $1000; John Canthon owner of Jacks Barbeque $250; Judge Rachel Bell, $750.
- Robert Stockard: He began with a balance on hand of $460. Received $925 in the initial period and $1710 in the 1st quarter, ending with a Balance on hand of $331. UAW TN PAC (United Auto Workers) contributed $250; Senator Thelma Harper gave an in-kind contribution $100. He loaned his campaign $880.
- Timothy Coleman: No initial report. No money raised or spend.
- Robert Swope: No initial filing, In the 1st quarter he raised $3,985, with a Balance on hand of $1,275. Endre Zongor of Franklin gave $1000; Dr. Ming Wang, $1000, Rod Williams (that’s me) $100.
- Peter Tugle: No initial filing. In the 1st quarter the candidate loaned himself $15,0000 and he has a balance on hand of $14,822.
- Scott David (The incumbent): He has filed a really screwed up financial disclosure report. It shows a balance on hand at the start of the 1st quarter of $4,142 and shows 1st quarter report receipts of $15,200, disbursements of $5,256 and a balance on hand of $19,045. Something does not add up. It is my understanding that if you start the report with a balance on hand there had to be previous report, but there is no “initial” report. Also I cannot tell if the Balance on hand is $10,045 or $19,045 due to sloppy writing. However, either way if one takes the “balance on hand last report” adds $15,300 and subtracts $5,226. It does not add up to ether $10,045 or $19,045. Also on line 12 b, “total receipts this period” the number is $15,300 and yet in the “Receipts” section, lines 15 - 18, nothing is shown. Under the “itemized receipts” section however, the report does show receipts. The report shows $1,500 from a dentist named Larry Davis, $1,500 from a M.D with the last name of Davis, and $1,500 from an Annie Davis. It shows $1500 from Mike Hodge of 1311 Church St, Nashville TN, 37219. There is no building at 1311 Church St according to Google maps and the zip code at that location is really 37203 not 37219 as shown on the report. Mike Hodge’s profession is listed as “business owner.” There is a “Mike Hodge” who is the community organizer currently with NOAH, formerly with The Neighborhood Resource Center, but I do not know if this is that Mike Hodge or not. He shows contributions of $1,500 from the CFO of Grand Avenue, which is the luxury limousine company. Another dentist gives $1500, the Waller PAC gave $250, lobbyist Dave Cooley gave $250, and two other people with the last name Davis gave $1500 each. Several of the contributions show a name only and no address. If this is the best the candidate or the candidate’s treasurer can do in completing a campaign disclosure then maybe the candidate does not have adequate skills to serve in the Metro Council. I am not going to pursue inquiring what is the procedure for challenging the validity of a finance report that obviously does not add up and is full of errors; I will leave that to someone else, I am just reporting.
- Sarah Martin: She did not file an initial report. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $10,420, which includes a loan from herself of $5,000, and a balance of hand of $9,6662. Daniel Horwitz who is an attorney and an occasional contributor to this blog and an opponent of price fixing and regulations designed to inhibit competition, but who is also a Democrat and serves as an attorney for the Davidson County Democrat Party contributed $101. Renard Francois, who himself sought an at-large Council seat in 2011 and who is an attorney contributed $1,500. Bob Tuke, an attorney who was the Democrat candidate for U.S. Senotor in 2008 challenging Lamar Alexander contributed $250. Nashville attorney Patrick Frogge, who frequently represents indigent federal defendants gave $250.
- Peter Westerholm (incumbent): In the initial period he raised $9,525 and in the 1st period raised $4,794 ending the period with $13,966. He loaned his campaign $500. Candidates are not required to itemize contributions of $100 or less, and while many do anyway, he did not. Contributors include former Nashville Mayor William P Purcell III (Bill Purcell) who donated $150; Hank Helton of Pathway lending, $250; Mark Deutschmann of Village Real Estate, $500. He only received two of what I would call large contribution and that was $1500 from Britnie Turner who is founder of Aerial Development Group and $1,000 from Johnny Westerholm.
- Stephen Clements: In the initial reporting period he had recipients of $1,260 which included a $1000 loan from himself, and in the 1st quarter period he had receipts of $3550. Contributor include Dawn Clements who gave $1000; Paul Kuhn of Woodmont Investment Counsel and a long-time advocate for Mariujunna reform and a board member of NORML, $600; Rod Williams (that’s me), $500; Ed Smith, $1000.
- Anthony Davis (incumbent): He did not file an initial report. He shows receipts of $8632 and a balance on hand of $7,595. Contributors include Representative Bill Beck who contributed $500; School Board Member Will Pinkson, $250; Tennessee Laborer’s PAC, $500; Dan Heller a real estate developer, owner of Flatiron Holdings, $1000; Anthony Viglietti, Senior Energy Services specialist with Nashville Electric Services; $1000; and several attorneys who I do not know who gave $250 each.
- Ramona Gholston: She filed no initial reports. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $63 and a balance on hand of $63. However this report is not filed out correctly because she shows total receipts (line 18) of $150.
- Robert Sawyers, Sr: He filed an initial report but it shows no receipts or expenditures. The 1st quarter report also shows no receipts or expenditures.
- Chris Swann: He filed no initial report. The 1st quarter report shows receipts of $1,200 and a balance on hand of $428. Tennessee State Representative Timothy Hill of Blountville, TN contributed $500. James C. Swann loaned the campign $700.
- Nancy VanReece: She filed an intial report that shows receipts of $3998 and a 1st quarter report that shows receipts of $3702 for an ending balance on hand of $7,104. Metro Council member and mayoral candidate Megan Barry contributed $100; David Taylor, owner of Tribe, Play Dance Bar and other gay businesses contributed $250; Waller Lansden PAC, $250; Women for TN’s Future, $300; She got a considerable amount of in-kind contributions including photography by Chad McClarnon valued at $750, and hair care and make up for a photo shoot by Lauren Turner valued at $200 and she valued her own consulting services for website design and ads at $1038.
- Bill Pridemore (incumbent): He filed no initial report and the 1st quarter report shows no receipts and no expenditures.
District 11
- Larry Hagar (incumbent): He filed no initial. The 1st quarter report shows a starting balance on hand of $5353, no receipts and an ending balance on hand of $5014.
- Steve Glover (incumbent): He filed no initial report. The 1st quarter report shows no receipts and no expenditures and no balance on hand.
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