Here's some breaking news from the DT - Link...

“If you want to talk to somebody, sure, you don’t have to run that through me,” Cunningham said. “I don’t have time to fool with every citizen’s requests and reporters should have access, but if you want a lot of data that is going to take a lot of persons to find, that should flow through me..."

Alrighty then. Wonder if some of the other candidates for County Mayor might have had more time to "fool" with that pesky public? Most of the article is reporting on Mayor Cunningham's placement of the Sheriff's vehicle info on-line, and a little about a brand new procedure to funnel all requests for information from departments under his authority through his office. Even those questions from commissioners, who might be requesting it on behalf of their pesky constituents.

But back to the cars:

Members of some local citizens groups have claimed that about 25 vehicles were missing from the Sheriff’s Office inventory, compared to the number listed in previous audits. Auditors from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s Office found deficiencies in the paperwork tracking the disposition of about eight Blount County Sheriff’s Office vehicles, according to the 2007 audit report released Dec. 28, but made no mention of actual missing vehicles in the report.

Here's a link to the Sheriff's vehicle info: Link...

Cunningham has declared the issue a “closed matter.”

'Nuff said.

Lost since Saturday March 1st, Ellie is a Min. Doberman Pin. She weighs about 20lbs and is Chocolate with Rust markings. She escaped out of the fence and was last seen with Bulldog and a little red dog with a curly tail. She is very friendly. She has three children very upset that she is gone.

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Cross posting this from R's post at Knoxviews Link... because Blount County folk need to understand how and what records they have a right to view.

Free Workshop for Public & Journalists: Open Records – Open Meetings - March 6, 2008

Citizens and working journalists are invited to a free workshop designed to teach them what records and meetings are open to the public under Tennessee law and what they can do if denied access. In partnership with the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, the East Tennessee chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (ETSPJ) is pleased to present this freedom-of-information workshop, which is open to the public and all working journalists.

Diebold Accidentally Leaks Results Of 2008 Election Early

Senate Bill 1408/House Bill 1829 mandates deposits for recycling of drink containers.

It will result in less litter along our roadways, less waste in the landfills, money saved on litter crews, and improved scenic quality of Tennessee.

Once assigned by the government operations committee, Senate Bill 1408 will go to the Senate Committee for Environment, Conservation and Tourism for a vote, probably next week. If approved, it will go to the full Senate. Once there, its chance of passage is deemed excellent.

Senator Raymond Finney is one of the key votes on the Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee and is apparently undecided about this bill.

Call Senator Finney this week and next week, 1-800-449-8366 extension 12427 and urge him to vote "yes" on SB1408 when it comes before the Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee.

For more info visit the Tennessee Bottle Bill Project website.

LOST: YORKIE PUPPY 10 months old from Summerfield Subdivision off William Blount Dr. Her name is Ella and she is a VERY friendly and social puppy. She is a silky yorkie and has two front canine teeth in the bottom left side of her mouth. She has a four year old little girl at home that is heartbroken over her loss! PLEASE PLEASE call with any info. 806-2101 or
977-7878

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I don't pretended to understand Democratic politics nor do I ponder very often what the reasons behind the actions are, but I do have a question.

How could someone win a majority of the "pledge" delegates and not receive the nomination of the party?

I would appreciate a local perspective.

Thanks!