A Four Year Three Hour Tour
This week as I watched yet another political debate, it occurred to me that the Presidential Candidates that many, including myself, find so distasteful are an accurate reflection of society. Having these two major candidates, and for that matter the off party candidates, did not happen by chance. Their representation is a direct response to […]
Just Like a Dance
Have you ever sat through a meeting, be it a business meeting or one of the government or even your church, and wondered why the talking continues when the substance of the meeting has long since ended? Last week was a week of many meetings and little action, which boils down to a waste of […]
The Turkey Came Early
Is anyone else over the Presidential Election? Personally, I have had about as much of the candidates as I can stomach. And, that is unfortunate since we will be looking at one of them for at least the next four years. This week, I have spent some time pondering on just what it is about […]
Big Steps and Small Steps, All in the Right Direction
White Pine School renovation project has now been fully funded. Well, at least Phase I which addresses the space needs for classrooms and special areas, as well as the kitchen space. School Board Member Potts made the motion to fund the remaining $800,000 needed to complete the architects’ plans from money that rolled into the […]
One of Those Times
So, here is the thing. I have been thinking about the Capital Projects Plan that the School Board submitted to the County Commission. Last School Board meeting, Board Member Potts made a motion to fund $726,188 of the three year plan for projects that would address needs in every school this fiscal year. Her plan […]
Something to Consider
I revisited an old question this week, one that I have asked myself several time over the last few years. Do you support property owner’s rights and where do those rights begin and end? The first time that I really considered the issue it was a very personal situation to me and my family. Dandridge […]
Here We Go Again
If you thought that the Battle of Bristol was the biggest knock down that happened this week, think again. It couldn’t hold a candle to the Battle of Dumplin Valley, and I am not talking football here. Nope. I am talking School Board meeting. It has been years since I have witness such a sight […]
What I Have Learned
It may be ninety degrees outside but I have unofficially declared it to be fall. Though, apparently, it has been a summer devoid of record breaking heat, it has been consistently hot enough to be deemed the second warmest summer on record. I don’t know about you but I have had it with the joys […]
All Things Not Being Equal
This week I have learned some very interesting things. I learned that the Jefferson County Department of Education is more than $2 million dollars richer than anyone, maybe even them, thought that they would be. Of course, this is good news for the DOE and I am glad that the situation is not as dire […]
A Wicked Future
Isn’t the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results? Folks, we are some kind of crazy in Jefferson County. Imagine this. We have just completed a building and renovation plan that cost us more than $50 million dollars. Actually, it comes in closer to $60 million when […]
I Need a Safe Space
I decided that I really need a safe space. Hey, don’t laugh. I am serious. After all, if people that are less than half my age can’t handle life and adversity without a peaceful time out then why is my achy body and spirit expected to tough it out? I want-no, I demand-my safe space. […]
Voters Speak Softly
This was the week of change for Jefferson County and across the State of Tennessee but very few have seemed to notice. Oh, we held an election on Thursday but we probably would have had a better turn out if we had thrown a Tupperware party. After all, who doesn’t like or need Tupperware? We […]
What Happens Now?
So, another month is in the books and we seem to be flying, fast and furious, toward the end of the year. Yes, I know that many things will come between the dropping of the ball on New Year’s Eve and today but time flies when you are having fun. Believe it or not, school […]
Speeches, Cigars, and Such
This week the County Commission met and, in what could only be described as an astounding act, they finished business and exited the building before eight o’clock. Those who have attended County meetings know that this is just short of a political miracle. Anyway, despite the shock of a $29 million dollar capital projects document […]
No Excuse
Where does personal responsibility begin and end? I think that is a fair question. As little as a couple of decades ago, that question was more easily answered but things have changed drastically. Turn on the television and watch for a few minutes. It doesn’t matter if it is a fictional show, reality television or […]
A Large Scale Time Out?
I have to wonder why we expect so much more from kindergarten children than we do from politicians? If a young child lies, cheats, steals, is selfish or aggressive and pushy toward his classmate he is immediately corrected. Since when are adults entitled to acted badly based on age? There is no room for bad […]
