An open letter from Blount County Democratic Party Chairman Dave Finch

As Chair of the Blount County Democratic Party I couldn’t help but notice the County Mayor’s comments as reported by the Daily Times on the front page of last Friday’s paper. "Cunningham calls Commission Democrats monkeys." Catchy headline! According to Tuesday’s Knox Sentinel the Mayor claims he didn't say that at all or at least he didn't mean it in a bad way. Yeah right, whatever. Now that the Daily Times has posted a recording of the event on their website suddenly the Mayor doesn't want to talk about it any more. Imagine that!

At the same event the Mayor also implied the Democratic Commissioners dropped into Blount County from someplace else. On this, I’m sure he knows otherwise.

Fact is there are no Johnny-come-lately-to-Blount-County Democrats on the commission. Commissioner (Dr. Bob) Proffitt’s family goes back several generations in Blount County. I'm guessing he’s been practicing family medicine in Blount County longer than the Mayor has been practicing law. The Mayor knows this. Commissioner Dave Ballard is a life long Blount Countian and his family before him. The Mayor knows this also. Perhaps he was thinking of Commissioner Reeves who moved here from Knoxville some twenty years ago. I'll grant you Knoxville is kinda far away. It's actually in a different county.

These commissioners are doing an excellent job representing their districts and helping to manage Blount County business for all citizens. Don't believe otherwise. On the other hand, the Mayor apparently prefers his personal agenda rather than supporting the rights of all Blount County residents. I have no personal bone to pick with the Mayor. He and I simply disagree on the obligations of his office. For others however, it's become a matter of trust.

I believe all citizens of Blount County are better served by a healthy and vocal opposition party. Monopolies of any kind are inefficient and create excessive costs. We all know who pays for that. Competing ideas produce a better product at a lower price for everyone. Business certainly knows this. Most reasonable Republicans know this. Apparently the Mayor does not. The Mayor wants Blount County Government to operate as a Republican monopoly. No Democrats. No opposition. No questions asked. On what planet is that a good idea?

If you believe as I do that 'one party rule' is fundamentally wrong, sit up and pay attention to this. Judge Mike Meares is currently the only Democrat judge in Blount County. Democrats have held this seat for many years. The Mayor has made it clear. He now wants only his Republicans in the courthouse. His Republicans!

The people of Blount County must not allow that to happen. Contact Judge Mike Meares campaign at 865-681-0553 and check his website at www.mearesforjudge.com. He is, without a doubt, the most qualified candidate for the job. Talk with Mike. Learn the facts. Volunteers are needed now. Vote for Mike August 7th. Mark your calendar today. Talk with your friends and neighbors. Explain what the Mayor is trying to do. Ask them to Vote for Mike August 7th. We know what the Mayor wants. It's up to all of us to see that citizens of Blount County get what they want. "An informed active voter is the best guarantee for good responsible government."

If you would like to know more about the Blount County Democratic Party and how you can help in the November election please let me know. I'd appreciate your help and support.

Thank You,

Dave Finch, Chair
Blount County Democratic Party
865-379-8683
PO Box 6552
Maryville, TN 37802
www.blountdems.org

Read all about it here.

The Daily Times has a follow up with remarks from the monkeys.

Also, an audio recording of Cunningham's remarks.

What's more troubling than the "monkey" and "loon" and "hog" remarks is that he refers to "my commission" and "my circuit judge."

And that "not from around here" stuff, that's a great recruiting tool for jobs and industry, especially the new R&D park.

The Knoxville News Sentinel covers for Cunningham.

The Maryville Daily Times reports on Mayor Cunningham's remarks at the Blount County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. He apparently can't talk about policies and progress in Blount County. Instead, he lowers himself to name calling.

He referred to Blount County Democrats as "far-left loons" and called three sitting County Commissioners (who he did not name) "monkeys." Speaking of Judge Meares and his "handlers," Cunningham said that "when you wallow with the hogs, you're going to get a little mud on you."

Contrast this with remarks at the Democrat's Roosevelt Day Dinner*, such as Commissioner Wendy Pitts-Reeve's talking about Eleanor Roosevelt's fight for "equal rights, equal justice, and equal dignity."

Or Mark Padgett's remarks that "small business is the fabric of our economy" and that his Dad was committed to helping small businesses grow our economy and create jobs.

Or Joe Gallagher talking about the progress Democrats are making in Blount County and calling for an independent panel to conduct a top to bottom audit of county finances.

Or Judge Mike Meares' remarks about his extensive background and experience in criminal law, and the Constitutional system of checks and balances including an independent judiciary. Or his remarks about citizens getting involved in better government and elected officials being responsive to citizens.

The contrast is pretty clear. Blount County Democrats have a progressive message of better government for a better Blount County.

Mayor Cunningham has a tin ear when it comes to politics, so all he can do is go negative. He doesn't have anything positive to offer, and compensates by hurling insults at thousands of good, honest, hard-working Blount County voters. It's not clear how this helps his candidates, and it will be interesting to see if they reject his remarks and distance themselves, or if they share his low regard for Blount County voters.

It's difficult to understand how Mayor Cunningham got elected with nothing more to offer than name calling and a local version of "cowboy diplomacy." But he has actually done Blount County a huge favor by lowering the bar in local politics. The lesson for Blount County is that if this is the best Republicans have to offer, Democrats can do a lot better.

(*You'll have to read about the Democrat's FDR dinner here, because as far as I know the Maryville Daily Times didn't cover it. That should tell you a lot about the local paper and how cozy they are with the local political machine. EDIT: But give them credit for not glossing over these shocking remarks. I suppose they didn't have much choice, though, because lots of people herad them.)

Ed. note: Comments have been enabled for approved users.

KNS: McCord admits violating state law

State Rep. Joe McCord acknowledged today that he and others have been smoking in his legislative office suite, violating a state law that he supported.

Read the whole thing for some other interesting finds.

What is an "elite click?"

UPDATE: A reader writes "Isn't it a shame that a journalist can't spell or understand the word clique? Maybe next time someone should give him a copy of the speech so that he can spell the words right. The burden also falls on the editor. They are supposed to edit the paper to make sure it is right. This paper had four days from the time of the event to the press time. And we wonder why our businesses are saying the schools are not doing a good enough job."

Link...

Political background seen as detriment

Dear Editor:

As a result of Judge David Duggan’s request to check out his web site in the April 17th Daily Times, I did. To my surprise I found out that the Judge is most proud of a Republican judiciary. I always thought that justice was blind and did not include political affiliations.

I also noticed that Judge Duggan belongs to the Federalist Society. This, I do know, is an elitist, radical group of judicial activists who are determined to revolutionize American law, as we know it.

As an informed voter, I decided to research Judge Duggan’s career, both politically and professionally. He states that he is a Republican based upon “limited government” although his present job is a direct result of growth in Blount County government. I found that as a result of being an active member of the Blount County Republican Party, Judge Duggan has been appointed to several profitable positions, those of which include the City Attorney for Alcoa and Townsend, Alcoa and Blount County School Board Attorney and his present position as judge. It is clear that Judge Duggan has made most of his living off of the taxpayers of Blount County. I do not think that his vast Republican Party involvement has any bearing on his qualifications to be elected judge.

My point is this: do we as Blount County Voters want to see someone who has made it through the system based upon appointments, and not electability? Do we want someone who, I assume, feels he is entitled to this new position based upon what he has done for the Republican Party? Again, I always thought that justice was blind. And lastly, do we want someone who is going to take that type of ideology into his courtroom? I do not.
Sincerely,

Lee Ramsey
607 Front St.
Maryville, TN 37804

More than a hundred Blount Co. Democrats gathered at the Airport Hilton last night for the second annual Roosevelt Day Dinner, presented by the Blount County Democratic Women's Club and the Blount County Democratic Party.

Thanks to Events Chair Gerrae Messer for putting on a great program, and to Party Vice-Chair Tony Webb, our gracious host and master of ceremonies.

Read all about it after the jump...

Don't forget, the Blount Democratic Party Roosevelt Dinner is tonight.

(Note: We are told that Bob Tuke and Mike Padgett will not be able to attend after all due to a conflicting DSCC fundraising event scheduled in Nashville. There will be other speakers, though, and it will be a great program and a great opportunity to meet fellow Blount County Democrats.)

From the Knoxville News Sentinel, Mayor Cunningham names County Commissioners Wendy Pitts Reeves, David Graham, and Monika Murrell.

According to the aricle, Mayor Cunningham says they accompanied a "citizen activist" to Nashville yesterday for a meeting with the State Comptroller's office to discuss "perceived irregularities" regarding county finances.

UPDATE: Edited to correctly identify David Graham and "citizen acitivist." Follow the link to the article by Robert Wilson for full details.

UPDATE: WBIR has more:

"They completely side-stepped the legislative process," Cunningham said. "It's a vigilante witch-hunt process. I'm angered by it."

When asked what he thought would come of all of this, Graham responded "Nothing, because it wasn't a meeting."

UPDATE: The Maryville Daily Times files this report, with more details and comments from several individuals involved in the controversy. The article also quotes state law on meetings coverted by the open meetings act. The article fails to mention this part:

Nothing in this section shall be construed as to require a chance meeting of two (2) or more members of a public body to be considered a public meeting. No such chance meetings, informal assemblages, or electronic communication shall be used to decide or deliberate public business in circumvention of the spirit or requirements of this part.

As was debated ad absurdum in the Knox County case, the key part is "deliberate."

Featured speakers: Bob Tuke and Mike Padgett
Both are Democratic candidates for Lamar Alexander's US Senate seat, in Lamar's hometown... Priceless.

Also speaking will be Blount County's favorite son Judge Mike Meares.

Commissioner Wendy Reeves will invoke FDR for us... and don't forget, there's (good) food !!

It should be well worth anyone's time and money ($50.00 per ticket).

Saturday April 26th at the Airport Hilton.
Doors open at 6:30, Dinner at 7:00.

For tickets contact any Blount County Democratic Party member, Democratic Women's Club member or call 865-379-8683. Leave a message, they will call you back.

UPDATE: We have been told that Tuke and Padgett will not be able to attend.

The intermittently weekly Tennessee progressive blog roundup is here.

According to Metro Pulse, a citizen has filed a formal complaint with the Blount County Election Commission stating that Rep. Doug Overbey cannot serve as both a sitting judge and a state legislator at the same time, and is therefore not qualified to run against Sen. Raymond Finney for State Senate or hold his current seat in the House.

Here's a database of every candidate for the Tennessee August state and federal primaries:

http://www.tennviews.com/tn08aug

You can filter the list by office, district, and/or party. Candidate listings include links to district maps, campaign websites, emails, and campaign finance disclosures that we could find, along with links to search Google news, websites, and blogs.

We will be updating it over the next few weeks. If you have any updates, additions or corrections please submit them to rneal@rviews.com.

Commission chairman, Dr. Bob Ramsey is announcing his bid for the Tennessee House of Representatives seat being vacated by Doug Overbey. Here's what Ramsey says he plans to do for us:

"If elected, I will try to support the moral and ethical principles of Blount County citizens, our educational system, the protection of the physical and economic well-being of our citizens, the equitable and efficient responsibility for revenues, law and order and the protection of our natural surroundings."

His quote rings hollow. Chairman Ramsey, what have you done for us lately? Ramsey, like many of his mild-mannered Republicans, have allowed the thug-Republicans to rule. Rather than purging the party of the elected officials he KNOWS are sinister souls, he's done NOTHING. He's looked the other way while citizens have been followed home, harassed and intimidated. He's turned a blind eye to conflicts of interest. He's never taken elected officials to task over questionable expenditures.

If he can't represent us here at home, there's no reason for us to believe he will do justice to the job in Nashville.

Friday, April 4 will be a dynamite "First Friday Luncheon."

There will be a roundtable discussion featuring Howard Kerr, one of Blount County's most distinguished citizens. Howard Kerr has served our community in many ways, including terms in the State Legislature. He competed for the Republican nomination for Mayor in 2006, finishing 2nd in the primary to Jerry Cunningham.

Others on the panel will be: Jim Folts, Chair of "Citizens For Better Government." Mr. Folts retired after founding several computer companies; Arnold Klugman, an engineer who retired as head of Worldwide Manufacturing for Motorola. Mr. Klugman is active in community affairs and is trying to bring industry to Blount County; and Commissioner Wendy Pitts Reeves.

The panel will lead a discussion dealing with "Blount County's Future."

The First Friday Luncheon meets at Ryan's Buffet Restaurant, Hunters Crossing, Alcoa--near Wal-Mart. We meet at 11:30AM for lunch. The dynamic program will begin at 12Noon.

Remember--this Friday, April 4 at Ryan's.

Blount County Ethics Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
6:00PM
Blount County Court House
Room 433 (County Commission Room)

Be there!

Maryville Daily Times: Deputy files action against official

French confirmed that Pitts Reeves told him outside of a commission meeting on Feb. 21 that "she wouldn't talk to me because I was probably wearing a wire." He said his complaint states that Pitts Reeves also made a statement to him concerning "a Mr. McTigue," who was allegedly followed home one night after a commission meeting.

The article says Chief Deputy Jeff French filed the complaint against Commissioner Wendy Pitts Reeves with the Blount County Ethics Committee on Tuesday.

Doesn't Blount County government have more important business to take care of? And why is Wendy Pitts Reeves such a lightning rod for controversy regarding local establishment politics? Is it because she asks questions?

BIG UPDATE: More on the "other" ethics complaints, with some actual, like, reporting and stuff.

While driving to and from Virginia last week I stumbled across some radio programs on a public radio station WETS at 89.5 MHz.
I can get the station here in Maryville, but just barley. If I had not saved the channel frequency while I was still up in north east Tennessee I am sure I could not have found it again.

I really liked the 6:00 PM program from Democracynow.org.

I listed to over an hour of testimony from the Winter Soldiers.

Forrest Erickson

The League of Women Voters of Blount County is sponsoring a program on "Selecting State and Local Judges: Election, Appointment, or Other Alternatives?" on Monday, March 24 at 7:00 pm in Lawson Auditorium.

Dr. Otis Stephens, U.T. Dept of Political Science, and Professor Penny White, U.T. College of Law and former member of the State Supreme Court, will lead a discussion on this topic.

Come prepared with questions and participate in this important discussion.

Lawson Auditorium is in Fayerweather Hall at Maryville College.

Diebold Accidentally Leaks Results Of 2008 Election Early

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!

The Blount County Democrats will hold their monthly First Friday Luncheon meeting on Friday, March 7, 2008, at Ryan's in the Hunter Crossing shopping center, Alcoa.

Blount Democrats, Friends: We have a very special program for next Friday's (March 7) "First Friday Luncheon." Buzz Thomas, well known in our community as a Lawyer, Minister, Educator, Writer and Public Speaker will provide the program.

Buzz is the author of an outstanding book published last year by St. Martin's Press, New York. The title: "10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You (But Can't Because He Needs The Job.)" Oliver "Buzz" Thomas is a Baptist Minister and a constitutional lawyer, qualified to argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Buzz currently serves as Executive Director of the Niswonger Foundation at Tusculum College. He also writes columns for U.S.A. Today.

As usual, we meet at Ryan's, Hunters Crossing--near Wal-Mart--in Alcoa. We assemble at 11:30AM for lunch. The program begins at 12Noon and we conclude at 1:00PM for those on a schedule. We also will have an update from Judge Mike Meare's Campaign for Blount County Circuit Court and hopefully, a report from County Commissioner Wendy Pitts-Reeves.

UPDATE: Buz Thomas will not be able to attend the First Friday Luncheon due to an illness in his family.

Professor Justin Green, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Villanova University will be your substitute. Professor Green promises to offer tips on how we can get those who voted in the February 5 Primary to go to the polls on August 7.

Is it embarrassing to be a member of the TNGOP right now?

Every member of the TNGOP that does not believe in this tactic of racial mudslinging should pull out of the TNGOP, and denounce any affiliation to them; that is unless, of course, you do believe that way.

It would seem to me that the TNGOP does not want to move forward, but backward. Backward to a time where narrow minded people could not accept someone was of a different race or religion. Is this the value of the “moral Tennessee GOP?”

I have lived in Blount County my entire life and rose up in a Southern Baptist Church of which I am still a member. And I can not say that I understand the mindset of a Tennessee Republican.

Blount County is one of the most Republican counties in the US of A, and gives much money to the TNGOP and the RNC. I would urge every Blount County Republican to rethink how you think America should be, and become a progressive member of a forward moving Democratic Party who is inclusive.

We met up with lots of really nice folks who came out to support Judge Mike Meares at the grand opening of his campaign headquarters today, and there was some great food, too.

Brandon Cook, Judge Meares' campaign coordinator, estimated somewhere between 200 and 400 people had been through between 10AM and 1PM today. Local media was there, too.

A few more snapshots after the jump...

If you're still burning al-Qaeda Juice in your Flivver, do yourself a favor and ONLY buy Citgo Gasoline. Citgo again this year is helping poor New Englanders with Heating Fuel discounts. Citgo is owned by Venezuela, with refineries in texas. Friday, Exxon-Mobil filed a lawsuit in some court to freeze Venezuela's assets in this country. With the Political and Monetary clout that Exxon wields, this Kangaroo Court sided with them and froze $12 billion. Venezuela responded by cutting off Exxon-Mobil from their Oil sales.

So let's think this through. A multi-national Corporation (the same corporation that convinced Darth Cheney to commit our troops to the former Nation of Iraq), in a Captitalist Nation is suing a Socialist Nation for the Socialist Nation's resources. How does that make sense? When Hugo Nationalized their Oil, how does it matter what a Capitalist thinks, since the Nation is Socialist (Democratic Socialist i.e.)? How will this affect you and I? The price at the pump will go up. But only at Exxon stations, right? Wrong! They all look out for each other, and all will follow lead. So how and why does our Judicial System have any reason at all to consider this case? Didn't W say that he's against frivolous lawsuits? So, if it's one of his buddies, the lawsuit is not frivolous.

Corporations hi-jacked the Constitution back in the 1880's alluding to the 14th amendment. They achieved the legal fiction of Corporate Personhood. Maybe it's time Obama offer to amend the 14th amendment. Merely add Section 6 "Corporations are NOT People, and therefore are not protected by the US Contitution." In Today's environment, I'd think this amendment would pass with huge public support.

County mayor gives state of the county message

"There's a mind-set that business here is done by good old boys in dark, smoke-filled back rooms, and it's going to take a while for us to change that, but we're trying to make government as open and transparent as possible.

"Openness drives accountability and we're going to keep it open and look for ways to make it more open."

Mayor Cunningham gave his "state of the county" remarks to 50 members of the Blount County Chamber of Commerce. The guy is tone deaf when it comes to politics, and it overshadows what was an otherwise favorable report.

(I do find it curious that he seems to be satisfied with Blount County school performance as compared to Maryville and Alcoa. But the Mayor appears to measure it in terms of bond ratings rather than achievement, graduation rates, and the like.)

Link...

JUDGE MEARES TOURS BLOUNT COUNTY

By Submitted Reports
published: January 29 2008 10:00 AM updated:: January 29 2008 11:00 AM

Blount County Circuit Court Judge Mike Meares kicked of his “Tour of Blount County” at Bob’s Mountaineer Restaurant, on January 26th. Greeted by supporters of both the Shook’s Gap and Oak View communities, and others eager to meet him, Judge Meares took the time to meet each person in attendance.

Judge Meares had a reception at Bob’s Mountaineer Restaurant after visiting some of the residents of Hinkle Estates. “I am the best person for the job, and I will guarantee each person that comes before me will get equal justice. I am fighting for a fair judiciary, independent of political control; a judiciary that fights prejudice and favoritism.”

Judge Mike Meares was appointed by Governor Bredesen who selected him out of a prestigious list of candidates to fill the position of Circuit Court Judge that was vacated by D. Kelly Thomas who was appointed to the State Criminal Court of Appeals. Meares is a graduate of Duke University and Vanderbilt Law School, and has 23 years experience as an attorney. Judge Meares adds, “I know first hand how to handle the tough criminal cases I now hear as Judge. I believe in individual rights, our jury system and strict enforcement of the law.”

Judge Meares will be on the ballot in the August 7th Blount County general election. A grand opening is scheduled February 16th at 10am at his headquarters located at 212 High Street in Maryville and the public is encouraged to attend.

Judge Meares’ “Tour of Blount County” will continue at the Chilhowee View Community Center on March 29th, at 1pm.

To view upcoming events or learn more about Judge Meares and his campaign, visit Link... or call 865-681-0553.