Republicans Take the Reins at the State House Bill Haslam Became the 49Th Governor of Tennessee on Enacted to Jan

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 62, Number 1 January 24, 2011 Changes Republicans take the reins at the state house Bill Haslam became the 49th governor of Tennessee on enacted to Jan. 15, promising to set the state on a course toward economic recovery. Red Flags “As we slowly reverse the negative trends of the economic downturn that gripped our state and nation, we will be diligent in watching the weight of state government, regulations going on a diet of efficiency and effectiveness,” Haslam BY JOSH JONES pledged during his inaugural address. MTAS Legal Consultant Given before an estimated crowd of more than 3,000 who gathered outside the state Capitol, his speech, covered On the last day of 2010 and his three biggest priorities: job, education and managing the after numerous delays in implemen- state’s budget, tation the Identity Theft Red Flag Earlier that week, the 107th Tennessee General Assem- Rules of the Fair and Accurate bly convened, to take the oath of office, elect officers, and Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) organize the business of the 2010-2011 legislative sessions. became effective. It marked the first time since 1869 that Republicans These rules, aimed at identify- control both chambers of the legislature as well as the ing and preventing identity theft, governor’s office. caused much consternation among In the Senate, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey was re-elected to local governments upon their initial his third term as Senate speaker. And in the House, it was an release. Central to that worry was historic moment when Rep. Beth Harwell was elected the the question of applicability. Some first female speaker in Tennessee history. of this uncertainty was alleviated by The Senate welcomed four new members – all Repub- the Red Flag Program Clarification licans – increasing the majority party to 20 - 13. In the Act of 2010, passed during the re- House, 22 new freshmen took the oath of office, giving the cent lame-duck Congressional ses- Republican party a 64-34 advantage over the Democrats. sion. The legislature’s organizational week ended with the Under the new Act a municipal inauguration of Gov. Haslam. The General Assembly now service or utility is subject to the Red stands in a brief recess to allow for office assignments. Flag Rule requirements if it meets Coverage of Gov Haslam’s Cabinet, the Inauguration, Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam give a thumbs up following the opening day of the 107th General Assembly, and legislative the definition of “creditor”. The inauguration. new Act defines “creditor” as an committee assignments begins on Page 4. Photos by Victoria South and Carole Graves entity that regularly in the course of business: 1)Obtains or uses consumer reports, directly or indirectly, in connection with credit transactions; 2)Furnishes information to consumer reporting agencies in connection with credit transactions; or, 3)Advances funds to or on be- half of a person, based on an obligation of the person to repay the funds or repayable from pledged property (as in the case of payday lenders or check cashers) A municipal utility who does not regularly engage in the afore- mentioned activities may be exempt from the law and thus not subject to its policy, training and reporting requirements.Before a city acts upon this information, a thorough examination of its policies and procedures and consultation with the city attorney is recommended. For further information go to www.mtas.tennessee.edu or con- Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey is re-elected to his third term of office as Rep. Beth Harwell is sworn in as the first female speaker of the tact your MTAS Management Con- Speaker of the Tennessee Senate. Tennessee House of Representatives for the 107th General Assembly sultant. Kelley resigns; Tharpe ECD program helps citizens learn named interim TML president the basics of downtown revival On Dec. 20, Governor-elect Bill tee felt it would be imprudent to enter Haslam appointed Dale Kelley, pre- a year marked by a new administra- siding TML President and tion and an historic legislative ses- Huntingdon mayor, as his special sion absent a president. advisor for legislation, a Cabinet- The executive committee con- level position. sidered several different possibilities To avoid any suggestion of a and after giving consideration to conflict of interest, Mayor Kelley several factors including preserving submitted and the executive com- the rotation of the office of the presi- mittee accepted his resignation as dent among the grand divisions and president of the Tennessee Munici- respecting the terms of ascending pal League. officers. The executive committee Under the League’s by-laws, the unanimously voted to recommend president is to be elected at the annual that Sam Tharpe, current mayor of Sam Tharpe conference. As such, Mayor Paris, TML board member, and soned that as a former TML presi- Kelley’s resignation creates the pos- former TML president, be appointed dent, Mayor Tharpe is familiar with Main Street Collierville sibility of a six-month period in to serve out the remainder of the role and responsibilities of the gram according to various criteria: which the League would be without Mayor’s Kelley’s term. League’s president. Moreover, as BY VICTORIA SOUTH historic resources (economic and a president. The executive commit- The executive committee rea- See TML on Page 8 TML Communications Coordinator physical), demonstrated local effort, There’s a science to reviving overall presentation and probability Congress clarifies stormwater fee assessments the downtowns of yesterday and of success. Each community is rep- Tennessee’s citizens are eager to resented by volunteer steering com- BY DENISE PAIGE from rain or other precipitation to be on the matter and met with the U.S. learn it. Tennessee Downtowns, a mittees; five citizens committed to TML Legislative Staff absorbed into the ground. As a Environmental Protection Agency highly competitive, educationally- attending the monthly meetings and result, rainwater carries pollutants and the Department of Justice on tiered training program sponsored working incrementally through the Earlier this month, President from these hardened surfaces into several occasions. “The fact that the by The Department of Economic 18-month program. “It’s humbling Obama signed S. 3481 into law, bodies of water, creating health haz- federal government was claiming it and Community Development to watch dedicated citizens put their clarifying that federal agencies are ards and damaging the environment. was exempt in some instances made (ECD), supplies guidance and infor- time and sweat into the communities required to pay local stormwater Local governments with it very hard for us to explain to mation about sustainable downtown they love,” said Andrea Fanta, Ten- fees used to fund programs that stormwater programs are permitted churches, nonprofits, and even state revitalization and historic preserva- nessee Downtowns program man- reduce pollution going into commu- to charge fees to fund their pro- government that this was a fee that tion to citizens from all walks of life. ager. “The common thread is that nity lakes, streams, and rivers. grams for the benefit of everyone in everyone was required to pay,” “The Tennessee Downtowns they are fully invested and care about Stormwater utilities require most the community. Services may in- Mayor Littlefield said. The legisla- program provides communities an creating a sense of place and a qual- property owners to pay fees based clude flood control, development tion will ensure that the federal gov- opportunity to explore all the mov- ity, livable place.” on the amount of impervious sur- regulation, and pollution prevention. ernment pays its fair share for its ing parts of revitalizing a traditional Each group will ultimately de- face area like rooftops, parking lots, Since everyone benefits from the contribution to the pollution prob- downtown commercial area,” ex- vise project plans for their down- and compacted soil located on their services, all property owners, in- lem. plains Kimberly Nyberg, ECD Main towns based on the national method- parcels of land. The bill was intro- cluding churches, nonprofit organi- As a result of the bill’s passage, Street director. “Some communities ology, which emphasizes four key duced to resolve disagreements over zations, and homeowners share to- local governments nationwide will just want to find out what the down- areas: organization, promotion, de- whether agencies like post offices, wards the overall cost of the be able to more adequately fund their town revitalization commitment sign and economic restructuring. power authorities, and federal build- stormwater management program. stormwater treatment and manage- means before making the transition While the methodology is the same ings were exempt from payment of In Tennessee, only farmers and per- ment obligations. The measure was into a full-time downtown manage- across the U.S., each community these fees. sons whose storm water runoff is a bipartisan effort and passed with ment program like Main Street.” decides how to wield this approach Stormwater runoff is one of the not discharged into or through the the support of the National League of Based on the National Main to meet their specific needs. The fastest growing sources of pollution stormwater or flood control facili- cities (NLC), the National Confer- Street Center approach, the Tennes- program provides technical assis- in water today and includes bacteria, ties are exempt from the payment of ence of State Legislatures (NCSL), see Downtowns program requires tance, workshops and $15,000 in sediments, chemicals, trash, pesti- this fee. the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and eligible commercial districts to be at grant funding for the projects. cides, and motor vehicle fluids. Im- The city of Chattanooga was the National Association of Coun- least 50 years or older. They are “What it comes down to is not pervious surfaces prevent runoff instrumental in seeking clarification ties. selected to participate in the pro- See DOWNTOWNS on Page 11 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 www.TML1.org

BY TML STAFF REPORTS during peak season. The new fulfill- ational area with hiking and bike ment centers are expected to be trails. Additionally, 54 percent of the ALCOA operational before the 2011 holiday students at Anderson County High Alcoa held a ribbon cutting cer- season. School posted advanced scores on emony to celebrate the long- state criterion referenced tests, awaited opening of the $1.5 million CHATTANOOGA beating the state average of 41 per- Alcoa Greenway Pedestrian Bridge The city was recently awarded the cent. and West Hunt Road trail extension. Entrepreneurial Livable Community After more than a decade of plan- Award by Washington-based Part- COOKEVILLE ning, the bridge linking the existing ners for Livable Communities. The When the city offices shut down for 10 miles of the Alcoa and Maryville award recognizes the community’s the Christmas holiday, every light, greenway trails to the western side entrepreneurial spirit in its transfor- computer, and non-essential elec- Former ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber speaks along with Asurion of Alcoa, are complete. The bridge mation to become a model for sus- tronic item operating there did as President Gerald Risk and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, at the Asurion spans the U.S. 129 Bypass between tainable development and pros- well. The effort is part of an energy announcement on Dec. 16. the Alcoa Municipal Building in perity. “The unique partnerships be- efficiency project dubbed the Springbrook Corporate Center and tween city and citizenry, public and “Cookeville Unplugged Challenge,” year extension to Cookeville to host solar facility is expected to help lure Anderson Lumber Company. Sup- private entities, to improve local which targets items that are com- the games through 2012. The 2011 other industries to the site. ported by two concrete abutments, quality of life have transformed monly left on overnight, during the BlueCross Bowl is confirmed and the bridge is 225 feet long, rises 21 Chattanooga into a national model of weekends and over holiday breaks. scheduled for Dec. 1-3. LEBANON feet above the highway, and is ac- sustainable growth and regional The hope is that it will help cut costs Two companies plan to lay off a total cessible by approach ramps on ei- prosperity,” said Partners for Liv- in terms of energy usage at the DYERSBURG of 93 workers. Menlo Worldwide ther end. Aluminum letters spelling able Communities president Bob approximately 20 city buildings Dyersburg’s Roger Hawkins Water Logistics will close its Lebanon loca- out “City of Alcoa” adorn each side McNulty. scattered throughout town. The city Treatment Plant was awarded the tion laying off 68 employees. The of the bridge, backlit by LED fix- is partnering with Cummins Filtra- Tennessee Water and Wastewater trucking and supply chain company tures. The project was fully funded CLINTON tion, which has implemented a simi- Association’s 2010 Julian R. is part of industry giant Conway. In by state and federal grants. Clinton is Tennessee’s best small lar environmental challenge pro- Fleming Award for Outstanding Murfreesboro. B&W Wholesale town for raising children, according gram company-wide and has saved Water Treatment Plant at a Nov. 18 Distributors LLC plans to lay off 25 CHATTANOOGA to Bloomberg’s BusinessWeek, the nearly $1 million at 54 sites by re- awards banquet in Parsons. The people. The company is touted as Amazon.com, Inc. has finalized its financial news publication’s fifth ducing electrical and natural gas prestigious statewide award is pre- Middle Tennessee’s largest distribu- commitment to establish two fulfill- annual ranking of areas to raise kids usage. Cummins is helping sented to one water treatment plant in tor of tobacco products, health and ment centers in Tennessee, one at focused on small communities. Fac- Cookeville officials fine-tune its the state each year. The award is beauty products and candy. the Enterprise South Industrial Park tors considered in the evaluation of new program by providing the city presented in honor of Julian R. in Chattanooga and the other along the 5,418 places included a with technical assistance and train- Fleming, a Tennessee native noted MEMPHIS State Route 308 in neighboring Bra- community’s number of schools, ing for a team of “energy leaders.” for his pioneering work in the field. Electrolux will build a $190 million dley County. Amazon.com.dedc, academic rankings, cost of living, Those energy leaders, 20 city em- manufacturing facility in Memphis LLC plans to invest a combined total job growth, air quality and access to ployees chosen from all city depart- GALLATIN with a work force of more than of up to $139 million to construct recreational and cultural facilities. In ments, will begin a 10-week training A state road grant approved by the 1,200. State officials said that with the two new facilities, with up to awarding top billing to Clinton, the module in mid-January. Currently, Gallatin City Council could lead to construction, procurement and ad- 1,400 jobs expected to be created in publication noted the city of 9,224 combined utility cost for all city more jobs for Sumner County ditional supply chain activity, the the next three years, in addition to residents is planning to develop its facilities including the Municipal residents. The state Department of project could result in 2,260 more hundreds of additional seasonal jobs Clinch River waterfront into a recre- Building, fire and police stations is Transportation has agreed to pay jobs and $550 million in additional approximately $85,000 a month. $1.9 million for a road into the city’s capital investment in the region. The new industrial park, with the stipu- 700,000-square-foot facility will COOKEVILLE lation that the first tract of land must make major cooking appliances in Approximately 516 volunteers be sold within three years of the the Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial signed up for duty during this year’s project’s completion. If the city Park. Construction is to begin in TSSAA BlueCross Bowl held Dec. doesn’t have a commitment from a early 2011 with production to begin 2-4 at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker new firm by that time, it must in mid-2012. Electrolux said Mem- Stadium.“Two years in a row these reimburse the state. The 207-acre phis was chosen based on its skilled games have been a tremendous suc- second phase of the industrial park, labor pool, central location and cess, and there is no way we could purchased in 2007, is adjacent to the closeness to another company plant have done it without the 500-plus first phase. in Springfield. That plant is 200 miles volunteers,” said Bob Luna, chair- to the northeast and employs about man of the Cookeville-Putnam GOODLETTSVILLE 2,900. County Chamber of Commerce. The tobacco company Common- According to TSSAA, the estimate wealth Brands Inc. is moving its NASHVILLE for total attendance is 45,962. The headquarters from Bowling Green, Executives of Asurion announced an event is such a success that repre- Ky. to Goodlettsville in the spring of agreement which will keep the sentatives from Tennessee Tech, 2011. The company, which sells company’s corporate headquarters Cookeville and the Highlands region USA Gold cigarettes among its eight in Davidson County and expand the plan to make a presentation to the brands, has a 4 percent market share presence of one of the nation’s lead- Dyersburg’s Roger Hawkins Water Treatment Plant was awarded the TSSAA Board of Control in January of the cigarette industry. An esti- ing technology protection compa- Tennessee Water and Wastewater Association’s 2010 Julian R. to host basketball as well. The mated 83 employees have indicated nies in Tennessee. Under the agree- Fleming Award for Outstanding Water Treatment Plant. TSSAA Board has granted a two- they’ll make the move with Com- ment, Asurion has committed to add monwealth from Kentucky, and the more than 500 jobs to its current firm could add a few more jobs once Tennessee work force of 2,400 em- here. Commonwealth, formed in ployees over the next five years. The Bowling Green in 1991, also has a company originally began with a cigarette manufacturing plant in business model focused on provid- Reidsville, N.C. and is a subsidiary of ing roadside rescue services to the British company Imperial To- stranded motorists, then expanded BY TML STAFF REPORTS The National League of Legislators, based in bacco. into insuring, recovering and repair- Cities (NLC) has se- Washington. Sched- ing mobile phones and home elec- Former Sen. Dewayne lected the 2011 leaders uled to take office in GOODLETTSVILLE tronics. Today, those services are Bunch, Cleveland, for NLC steering com- 2012, Armstrong has Goodlettsville-based Dollar General provided to more than 90 million was recently appointed mittees, councils and been active in the or- Corp. plans its largest expansion in customers around the world. as an administrative panels. Among those ganization since first four years opening 625 new stores Asurion operates out of headquar- law judge by Secretary selected were Farragut LaMarche being elected to the Armstrong nationwide this year. The discount ters facilities in Grassmere Park in of State Tré Hargett. Vice Mayor, Dot Legislature in 1989. store chain plans to create 6,000 new Nashville and operates two technol- Bunch will be based in Bunch LaMarche, vice chair jobs, including 250 in Tennessee, ogy and logistics centers in Ruther- East Tennessee. of the Human Devel- South Fulton city man- which will get about 25 new stores. ford County. opment (HD)Policy ager Jeff Vowell has The company also plans to remodel Nashville Mayor and Advocacy Com- resigned his position to or relocate 550 stores. SMYRNA Karl Dean has been mittee; Nashville return to the banking Nissan’s Smyrna assembly plant Wilhoite selected as “Tennes- Councilmember profession. Vowell, JACKSON will be producing yet another sean of the Year” by Vivian Wilhoite, vice who is from the Twin Construction of a new solar power new vehicle, beginning sometime in the readership and chair of the Informa- Cities, has a background Vowell system in Jackson is nearing 2013, as the automaker moves pro- editorial board of the tion Technology and in banking and produc- completion. The one megawatt solar duction of the compact Nissan Tennessean newspa- Dean Communications tion and was hired as power system with a 47-kilowatt Rogue crossover to the US from a per. Dean was pri- (ITC) Policy and Ad- city manager in Decem- solar array located in Madison Indus- plant in Japan. The Smyrna plant marily lauded for his leadership dur- vocacy Committee; Steine ber 2007. South Fulton trial Park, will take up nearly 20 acres also will be the site of North Ameri- ing the historic May flood. Dean was and Nashville Councilmember At Mayor David Crocker of the 55-acre site. One megawatt can production of Nissan’s new also recognized for the $585 million Large Ronnie Steine, vice chair of will serve as the city’s Crocker provides enough energy to power Leaf electric car, beginning in 2012, Music City Center, one of Dean’s the Council on Youth, Education, interim city manager until the posi- 1,000 houses. Meridian Develop- which will add about 1,300 pet projects, and a deal with Omni and Families (YEF). tion is filled permanently. ment Partners purchased the prop- jobs to the plant. Most of those Hotels under his administration, the erty in 2008 and negotiated with positions will be at future $273 million headquarters State Rep. Joe Armstrong, who Genevieve Cohen, the mother of Natural Energy Group, a group of the adjacent $1 billion lithium-ion hotel across Fifth Avenue South represents Knoxville’s inner city, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, passed Tennessee investors formed to help battery plant, which is under con- from the convention center. has been chosen president-elect of away recently in Memphis. launch large-scale solar projects, to struction. the National Black Caucus of State bring the project to fruition. The

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BY VICTORIA SOUTH listed by the plan as a top candidate Communications Coordinator for light rail or bus rapid transit in the next decade. Already in limited use, Once upon a time, before the bus rapid transit puts buses in dedi- ‘American Dream’ became a giant cated lanes on major thoroughfares suburban house, with a fenced in and is generally cheaper than light yard and two cars in the driveway, rail, but has less capacity. running an errand meant putting one Currently, the area is served by foot in front of the other along tree- express bus service, 91X Franklin/ lined sidewalks that led to nearby Brentwood, and the Regional Trans- grocery stores, the barber shop, or a portation Authority (RTA) recently quick fix of double chocolate chip. expanded the service to Vanderbilt Streetcars moved with ease along University in Nashville. major downtown arteries, commut- “Ridership is up,” said ing by train was commonplace and Brentwood Mayor Betsy Crossley. there was a bus stop on every cor- “We’re working with businesses ner. like Vanderbilt for partnerships to While it doesn’t include time help decrease traffic on the road.” A travel or jet packs, the long-range board member of the Nashville Regional Transportation Plan, re- MPO, Crossley eyes a future RTA cently adopted by the Nashville Area route between Clarksville and Metropolitan Planning Organization Murfreesboro. A native of Atlanta, (MPO), is set to propel Middle Ten- she recalls a simpler time when her nessee “back to the future” by adapt- father would commute to ing much of the transportation infra- work by electric bus. “It was structure and services our ancestors the norm. We’d drop him off once relied upon. in the morning and he’d be Drawing upon four basic princi- there at night,” she said. “In pals: livability, prosperity, the 30s, there was also an sustainability and diversity, the plan interurban train point between is designed to serve the transporta- Franklin, Brentwood and tion needs of an additional million Nashville.” people across a seven-county region While the actual cost of of Middle Tennessee within the next 2035 Plan projects is likely to 25 years utilizing nearly 6 billion in double or triple in the next 25 federal, state and local funding. years, the plan offers strate- “Diversifying our transporta- gies that could be imple- tion investment strategies to more mented to reduce the gap of seriously support alternative modes what the region can afford such as transit, walking and biking and what it actually needs. will help us to conserve open space “It will be up to locals in and fuel, manage congestion, and the future to oversee how connect people with the places they much we will all want to in- want to go (such as) work, school, vest in the pie, with decisions about must explore how to address the shopping or entertainment,” said infrastructure, yet it is inevitable for lack of dedicated local and regional Nashville MPO director Michael all localities. We can’t just keep lay- funding for mass transit, in order to Skipper. “We’re now better pre- ing down concrete,” said Crossley. bolster the stability of future and pared to absorb the population The 91X Franklin/Brentwood route existing levels of transit service and growth that accompanies continued is funded with federal funds through enable the region to compete for efforts to grow our local econo- the American Recovery and Rein- grant funding against other U.S. mies—bringing new jobs and addi- vestment Act (ARRA). metro areas. tional prosperity—without sacrific- Dave McGovern, in the article “We have the plan, now we ing Middle Tennessee as we know it “America’s Most Walkable Cities,” need the political will to fund the today.” sums up the return of walkable com- vision,” said Mary Beth Ikard,” To view the 2035 plan in its entirety, visit the Nashville Area Under the plan’s “bold new vi- munities across the nation. “People communications director, Nashville MPO website at www.nashvillempo.org. sion for mass transit,” part of a are longing to be part of a commu- Area MPO. three-prong policy initiative struc- nity again, rather than feeling iso- ture for transportation projects, lated from their neighbors,” he Three Major Policy Initiatives of the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan Middle Tennessee will see a revival writes. “Being able to amble around of former transit options by 2035, town on foot can be a big part of that Transportation projects selected for 2. INCREASED SUPPORT FOR 3. PRESERVATION & EN- light rail or bus rapid transit lines, sense of community.” inclusion in the 2035 Regional ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION HANCEMENT OF STRATEGIC modernized with today’s technol- With a suggested 1100 plus Transportation plan fall under AND WALKABLE COMMUNI- ROADWAY CORRIDORS ogy. miles of on-road bicycle accommo- three policy initiatives: TIES. “As we grow and as we attract dations and expansion of A regional, comprehensive vi- A regional, comprehensive ap- more and more people to Nashville, greenways, the 2035 Plan bolters the sion for future walking and bicycling proach to long-term transportation they’re going to want to have a mass trend of walkability with the cre- 1. A BOLD NEW VISION FOR facilities; Infrastructure recommen- programming; guidance for local transit alternative, the ability to get ation of sidewalks on all major thor- MASS TRANSIT. Under this dations include expansion of implementation of “complete around the city without using a car,” oughfares. policy initiative, the plan provides: greenways, regional network of streets” policies; more than $3.2 Mayor Karl Dean observed. Accord- Today, “concerns about con- A first-of-its-kind vision for 1100+ miles of on-road bicycle ac- billion in Roadway Projects: $2.7 ing to the Nashville MPO, the cost of gestion and environmental compo- transit services across Middle commodations, and the creation of billion for roadway widening; congestion to the Metro-Nashville nents is driving the dynamics of the Tennessee’s 10 counties to com- sidewalks on all major thorough- $291 million for interchanges/ in- area alone in lost fuel and productive real estate industry and fostering municate the region’s intentions for fares; guidance for roadway design tersections; $100 million for new time could be as much as $10.6 increased interest and investment in the long-term; Funding for upcom- standards to accommodate non-mo- roadways; $85 million for road- billion between now and 2035. Ac- downtowns and mixed use neigh- ing corridor and circulator studies torized modes of transportation; way reconstructions; $24 million cording to the plan, downtown borhoods,” notes Charla Long, ex- to layout more specific strategies to support for ongoing education of for Intelligent Transportation Sys- Nashville would see the return of a ecutive director of Lipscomb implement the vision; a call to re- local law enforcement and the public tems (ITS) and other enhance- streetcar system that hasn’t been in University’s Institute for Law, Jus- organize the existing RTA to take to increase safety of walking and ments, with five percent of all operation since 1941. One of the tice, and Society and a member of advantage of new legislation; a call cycling; a new emphasis on accom- future urban roadway funds flexed first cities in the nation to install a the board of directors for the Transit to establish dedicated funding for modations for non-motorized to improve the efficiency of the public trolley system in 1889, the Alliance of Middle Tennessee. transit to improve operational ca- modes, with: 75 percent of proposed transportation system through in- suggested starter route would begin In an editorial to The Tennes- pacity of existing agencies, and to roadway projects submitted by novative management and opera- at Broadway, forming a two-way sean, Long observes the changing help build out the vision; $950 mil- MPO member jurisdictions having tions upgrades; seventy percent of spine from 1st Ave. to beyond 31st, face of Middle Tennesseans, a de- lion in federal transit funds for the included a sidewalk, bicycle lane, or the MPO’s future allocation of ur- very close to the I-440 exit, the new mographic shift: increased diversity, continued maintenance and modest shared-use lane (due to new MPO ban roadway funding will be convention center and the commuter aging Baby Boomers, more young expansion of urban transit, project scoring criteria); 15 percent awarded to projects that expand rail station. professionals. “Households are ridesharing, and vanpool services; of future funding for urban roadway the multi-modal capacity of the Williamson County is expected evolving from mostly families to be $30 million for continued support projects flexed to support active regional roadway system, in order to more than double its population by older, smaller, more ethically diverse for the JARC and New Freedom transportation facilities; guidance to manage congestion, accommo- 2035. Almost 30,000 people com- and majority single, writes Long. programs; and 10 percent of future for utilizing other available grants date a growing population, and mute daily to Davidson County from It is the vision of the 2035 Plan funding for urban roadway projects such as Safe Routes to School and address goals for increased safety the south corridor between Nash- that in response to shifts in popula- flexed to support transit projects. Transportation Enhancements. and security. ville and Franklin. The corridor is tion and demographics, the region Good Risk Management is just Good Management

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5100 Maryland Way • Brentwood, TN • 800-624-9698 Your Partner in Risk Management since 1979 www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 Special Coverage: New State Leadership takes the Helm Gov. Haslam makes additions to Cabinet Governor Bill Haslam has an- Lansden Dortch and Davis, practic- Jim Henry nounced additional members to his ing in the area of environmental and Henry will serve as the Commis- cabinet. regulatory law, and he has extensive sioner of the new state Department Huntingdon Mayor Dale Kelley experience working with companies of Intellectual Disabilities. has been named senior advisor for on the development and implementa- Henry, 65, is a former Kingston Legislative Affairs. Franklin Mayor tion of corporate environmental mayor, state House minority leader John Schroer was named as Com- management programs and auditing and Tennessee Republican Party missioner of the Department of programs. At Waller Lansden, he chairman. He is the president and Transportation. East Tennessee ex- regularly assists clients in assessing CEO of Omni Visions Inc., which ecutive and attorney Richard Rob- the impacts of proposed legislative serves adults with developmental Kelley Davis erts has been selected as the Com- or regulatory initiatives at the federal disabilities and families in crisis. missioner of the Department of Rev- and state level and developing policy In 1973, at age 28, Henry be- enue. Robert “Bob” Martineau has positions with respect to those initia- came mayor of Kingston, and he was been named Commissioner of the tives. For six years, he served as elected to the state House in 1978. Department of Environment and senior counsel in the Office of the Two years later, he became House Conservation. General Counsel of the U.S. Envi- Republican leader, helping guide Business executive Bill Hagerty ronmental Protection Agency. then-Gov. Lamar Alexander's edu- has been named as the Commis- Martineau is a member of the Air and cation reforms through a Democrat- sioner of the Department of Eco- Waste Management Association and controlled legislature. nomic and Community Develop- a former council member of the Kathryn O’Day ment. Nashville insurance regulatory Section of Natural Resources, En- O’Day has dedicated her entire attorney Julie Mix McPeak has been ergy and Environmental Law of the professional life to children. She be- named Commissioner of the Depart- American Bar Association. gan her career as a youth counselor ment of Commerce and Insurance. Bill Hagerty with the Broward County Sheriff’s Schroer Schofield Susan Whitaker will continue as Hagerty was a founder and man- Office in Florida. Before becoming Commissioner of the Department of aging director of Hagerty Peterson president and CEO of Child & Family Tourist Development. & Company, LLC, a merchant bank Tennessee, she was vice president Karla Davis has been named and private equity firm. Previously, of Program Development and Evalu- Commissioner of the Department of he worked with Trident Capital, ation for Children’s Home Society of Labor and Workforce Development. L.P., a private equity investment Florida and director of Program Ser- Georgia Department of Corrections firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, vices for Covenant House of Florida. Assistant Commissioner Derrick and with the Boston Consulting At Child & Family Tennessee, Schofield is Commissioner of the Group, an international management O’Day created a business-like man- Department of Corrections. Former consultancy. Hagerty has served in a agement team and organizational Hamblen County Mayor David number of executive positions dur- model to ensure fiscal and program- Purkey has been named the assistant ing his career including CFO, COO matic accountability, which has commissioner for Tennessee Home- and CEO of both U.S. and interna- helped the organization meet goals. Roberts Purkey land Security. Jim Henry of Kingston tional companies. Hagerty worked O’Day is a graduate of Leadership has been named as the Commis- on the White House Domestic Policy Knoxville, a co-chair of the Commu- sioner of the Department of Intellec- staff during the George W. Bush nity Coalition for Domestic Violence tual Disabilities. Kathryn “Kate” Administration as a member of the in Knoxville, founding chair of the O’Day has been tapped for the Com- President’s Council on Competitive- Juvenile Court Assistance Board in missioner of the Department of ness. He also served as a National Knox County, a former panel chair Children’s Services. Dr. Raquel Hat- Finance Chairman for Romney for for the Foster Care Review Board in ter has been named as Commissioner President in 2007-2008. Knox County and a member of the of the Department of Human Ser- Julie McPeak Executive Women’s Association. vices. Major General Terry “Max” McPeak, 41, is an insurance She has a master’s degree of social Haston will continue as Adjutant regulatory attorney at Nashville’s work from Florida International Uni- General of the Tennessee Military office of Burr & Forman, LLP. She versity. Department, commonly known the has more than 12 years of legal and Raquel Hatter Tennessee National Guard. Mental administrative experience in state Hatter served the last three years Martineau Henry health non-profit executive Doug government, recently serving as ex- as the president and CEO of Family Varney has been named Commis- ecutive director of the Kentucky Of- & Children’s Service, an organiza- sioner of the Department of Mental fice of Insurance (KOI). Prior to tion dedicated to improving the lives Health. COL Many-Bears Grinder becoming executive director, she of families, children and individuals. with the Tennessee Army National spent nine years as an attorney for Hatter worked for 17 years in Flint, Guard as Commissioner of Veterans KOI, including five as general coun- Mich. at the Whaley Children’s Cen- Affairs. sel. She received her J.D. from the ter where she held several clinical Dale Kelley University of Louisville and a and administrative roles from front Kelley, 71, has an extensive bachelor’s in Business Administra- line practitioner to president and public service career, including cur- tion with a focus in Marketing from CEO of the center. She currently rently serving his fifth consecutive the University of Kentucky. serves on the Tennessee Council on four-year team as Huntingdon’s Susan Whitaker Children’s Mental Health, Alliance mayor. Kelley was a three-term state Whitaker is a Chicago native and for Children & Families Public Representative from 1979-1985. He a direct descendant of Tennessee’s Policy Committee, the National Hagerty was the Commissioner of Employ- first governor, John Sevier. She has Building Bridges Initiative Cultural O’Day ment Security for then-Gov. Lamar a bachelor’s degree in communica- and Linguistic Competence Com- Alexander and he also served tions from Northwestern Univer- mittee and American Association of Alexander as the Transportation sity, and before serving as commis- Children's Residential Centers Board Commissioner, overseeing the sioner, she was vice president of of Directors, among others. Governor’s road program. Kelley Marketing for Dollywood. Major Gen. Terry “Max” Haston also has an extensive career beyond Karla Davis First appointed in January 2010, the public sector. He was inducted Since 2006, Davis has been Di- Haston supervises the Military De- into the Tennessee Sports Hall of rector of Urban Strategies Memphis partment, which includes the Army Fame in 2003 for his basketball offi- Hope, managing and overseeing the National Guard, Air National Guard, ciating career, which included offi- Community and Supportive Ser- Tennessee Emergency Management ciating Final Four games 1978-1980. vices Program for three U.S. De- Agency and the Tennessee State He also spent time as the NCAA partment of Housing and Urban De- Guard. Before his appointment, McPeak Division I Coordinator of Officials velopment (HUD) HOPE VI public Haston served as the assistant Adju- Hatter President and on the National Asso- housing redevelopment projects and tant General, and as the deputy chief ciation of Sports Officials Board of two HUD ROSS Grant projects in of staff for Training and Operations Directors. Memphis.Davis previously worked J-3 for the Joint Forces Headquar- John Schroer in the U.S. Environmental Protection ters, Tennessee. Haston is a Schroer was sworn in as Agency for 16 years, rising to be- McMinnville native and has a Franklin Mayor in 2007 and is a come an Environmental Justice pro- master’s degree in Strategic Studies member of the Middle Tennessee gram manager covering six states. from the United States War College Metropolitan Planning Organization As program manager at the EPA, she at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania. and the Regional Transit Authority. focused on environmental and hu- In May 2005, he mobilized and de- He spent a decade working in com- man health improvements and com- ployed as the Chief of Reserve Com- mercial real estate finance before munity revitalization in distressed ponents, Multi-National Corps Iraq. starting his own development busi- urban areas. Davis has a bachelor’s Doug Varney ness. Prior to his election, he served in Bioengineering from the Univer- Varney has spent his profes- Whitaker on the Franklin Special School Board sity of Illinois at Chicago. sional career with Frontier Health, a Haston for 13 years, and he also has served Derrick Schofield community mental health center on the board of the Tennessee Schofield, 50, will oversee the serving families and individuals af- Previously announced School Board Association. Schroer state’s corrections system com- fected by behavioral health, sub- Cabinet members include: has a bachelor’s degree in business prised of 14 prisons, more than stance abuse and intellectual deficit •Hamilton County Mayor from Indiana University and an MBA 20,000 inmates and more than 5,000 issues. He worked his way up from Claude Ramsey as deputy gov- from the University of Tennessee employees. Schofield was named psychological examiner, counselor ernor and chief of staff; (UT). He was a founding board Georgia Assistant Commissioner of and therapist to president and CEO. • Campaign manager Mark member of Franklin Tomorrow. Corrections in 2009 and has 19 years Col. Grinder Cate as special assistant to Richard Roberts total experience in the field. COL Grinder was the director of Roberts, 56, will oversee the Schofield received a bachelor’s logistics for the Tennessee Army the governor; Department of Revenue, which is degree in political science from Fort National Guard in Nashville. She • Knoxville attorney Herbert responsible for the administration of Valley State University. He then served previously as the director of Slatery as chief legal counsel; state tax laws and motor vehicle title spent eight years with the U.S. Army Personnel, overseeing actions from • Mark Emkes, former head of and registration laws. Roberts cur- and reached the rank of Captain. He the time that an individual enlists in Bridgestone Americas, as rently serves as a director of Miller also has a master’s degree in public the National Guard to the retirement Commissioner of Finance and Varney Industries, Inc., the world’s largest administration from Georgia’s Law process. As director of logistics, Administration; manufacturer of towing and recov- Enforcement Command College and Grinder supervised more than 340 • Julius Johnson, the chief ad- ery vehicles. Previously he was Gen- Columbus State University. personnel across the state. She was eral Counsel and senior vice presi- David Purkey responsible for a more than $35 mil- ministrative officer for the Ten- dent with Forward Air Corporation, Purkey, 51, was Hamblen lion budget and is a certified Defense nessee Farm Bureau, as Com- and he also held the same positions County Mayor from 1995-2010. Financial Manager, the defense missioner of the Department with Landair Corporation. Both are Before becoming mayor, his career equivalent of a certified public ac- of Agriculture; Greeneville, Tenn.-based transpor- included stints as a state trooper, countant. Grinder has master’s in • Shelby County prosecutor tation companies. Before working at TBI special agent, and Hamblen strategic studies from Army War Bill Gibbons to lead the De- Forward Air, he was a corporate County Director of Emergency College and a master’s in human partment of Safety and Home- securities attorney with the regional Management, and he served in the resource management from UT land Security; and law firm Baker, Worthington. Rob- U.S. Army Reserve and Tennessee Knoxville. She is a Bronze Star Medal erts has a bachelor’s degree from Army National Guard. The state Of- recipient, and she is an Operation • Greg Gonzales, appointed UT and a JD/MBA from UT College fice of Homeland Security serves as Enduring Freedom combat veteran. by Gov. Phil Bredesen, as Grinder of Law. a liaison between federal, state and Grinder’s first name was originally a commissioner of the Depart- Bob Martineau local agencies and the private sector nickname that stuck, so she legally ment of Financial Institutions. Martineau is a partner at Waller on security matters. changed her name. 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 www.TML1.org Special Coverage: New State Leadership takes the Helm

Gov. Bill Haslam takes the oath of office with his son William, and his wife and two daughers by his side.

In his inaugural address, Gov. Haslam promises to set the state on a course toward economic recovery.

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander

Gov. Phil Bredesen and Andre Conte, escorted by state Reps. Lois DeBerry and Jimmy Naifeh

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist and state Sen. Rusty Crowe

Above: U.S. Congressman Jimmy Duncan (stand- ing), Sam Harwell and TN House Speaker Beth Harwell

Below: Gov. Haslam’s Cabinet is sworn in. Among those pictured include: Dale Kelley, senior legislative advisor; Claude Ramsey, chief of staff; Julius Johnson, Agriculture Commissioner; and (back Above: Gov. Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam kick off the row) Doug Varney, Mental Health Commissoner. inaugural parade. Below: Members of the Tennessee Society of the Lt. Gov Ron Ramsey and Russell Humphrey, Senate Sons of the American Revolution participate in the parade. chief clerk, review final details before the inauguration. Photos by Carole Graves and Victoria South www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 Special Coverage: New State Leadership takes the Helm 107th General Assembly convenes; Senate elects officers

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey takes the oath of office. Sen. Mark Norris, Republican Leader

Sen. Jamie Woodson, Speaker Pro Tem

Sens. Jack Johnson and Jim Tracy

Sen. Bill Ketron, Republican Caucus Chair Sen. Douglas Henry

Sen. Joe Haynes Sen. Thelma Harper

Sen. Bo Watson Sen. Beverly Marrero

Photos by Victoria South 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 www.TML1.org Special Coverage: New State Leadership takes the Helm Tennessee House makes history with Speaker Harwell

Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (left) won the post of House Minority Leader, a position formerly held Newly-elected House Speaker gives her acceptance speech. She was elected by Rep. Gary Odom (right). unanimously by her fellow representatives.

Rep. Glen Casada. Newly-elected Republican Caucus Chair Debra Maggart

Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh

Below: Reps. Mark White and Phillip Johnson Rep. Judd Matheny is sworn in as the new House Speaker Pro Tem.

Far left: Reps. Dale Ford and Jimmy Matlock take the oath of office. At left, Rep. Barret Rich signs the oath of office.

Photos by Carole Graves www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 Special Coverage: New State Leadership takes the Helm Legislative Leadership – 2011 - 2012

SENATE HOUSE

Speaker/Lt. Gov. Speaker Pro Tem Republican Leader Democratic Leader Speaker Ron Ramsey Jamie Woodson Mark Norris Speaker Pro Tem Majority Leader Democratic Leader Jim Kyle Beth Harwell Judd Matheny Gerald McCormick Craig Fitzhugh

Officers and Members of the Officers and Members of the Tennessee Tennessee Senate Committees House of Representatives Committees COMMERCE, LABOR, AND AGRICUL- TURE: Chairman Johnson, Vice-Chair AGRICULTURE: Chairman Niceley, Vice- Faulk, Burks, Beavers, Gresham, Souther- Chair Ford, Halford, Bass, Butt, Faison, land, Stewart, Tate, and Woodson Forgety, Holt, Keisling, McDaniel, Sanderson, Shaw, Weaver, and Windle EDUCATION: Chairman Gresham, Vice- Chair Tate, Kelsey, Berke, Burks, Crowe Republican Caucus Chair Democratic Caucus Chair CHILDREN AND FAMILY AFFAIRS: Summerville,Tracy, and Woodson Bill Ketron Lowe Finney Chairman H. Brooks, Vice-Chair K. Brooks, Republican Caucus Democratic Caucus Swann, Alexander, Casada, J. DeBeny, Chair Debra Maggart Chair Mike Turner ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION, AND Chair Bell, Overbey, Barnes, Campfield, Ford, Forgety, S. Jones, J. Turner, Richardson, TOURISM: Chairman Southerland, Vice- Kelsey, Marrero, and Yager White, and K. Williams Chair Johnson, Summerville, Bell, Faulk, Haile, Herron, Marrero, and Stewart STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: COMMERCE: Chair McManus, Vice-Chair HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES: Chair ChairmanYager, Vice-Chair Tracy, Finney, Lundberg, Marsh, Curtiss, Elam, Favors, Casada, Vice-Chair Hill, Evans, Armstrong, FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS: Chair Campfield, Faulk, Harper, Haynes, Ketron, and Gilmore, Haynes, Hardaway, Harmon, C. Campbell, Dennis, Favors, Halford, Harrison, McNally, Vice-Chairman Henry, Watson, Norris Johnson, P. Johnson, Matlock, Miller, Mont- Hensley, Odom, Pruitt, Ramsey, Richardson, Finney, Haynes, Kelsey, Ketron, Kyle, Norris, gomery, Pitts, Pody, Powers, Ragan, Roach, Sexton, Shepard, Sparks, M. Turner, and R. Overbey, and Woodson TRANSPORTATION: Chairman Tracy, Sargent, Sexton, Shepard, Sontany, Swann, Williams Vice-Chair Southerland, Yager, Barnes, Bea- Todd, Towns, K. Williams, and Wirgau GENERAL WELFARE, HEALTH AND HU- vers, Berke, Gresham, Henry, and Ketron JUDICIARY: Chair Watson, Vice-Chair MAN RESOURCES: Chairman Crowe, Vice- CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT: Coley, Dennis, Bass, Camper, Elam, Faison, Chair Watson, Haile, Campfield, Ford, RULES: Chairman Norris, Vice-Chair Chair Hawk, Vice-Chair Lollar, Floyd, Butt, Gotto, Lundberg, Maggart, Matheny, Moore, Henry, Herron, McNally, and Overbey McNally, Henry, Kelsey, and Kyle Curtiss, Gilmore, Holt, Kernell, Marsh, Rich, Sontany, Stewart, Warnick McDonald, Niceley, Swann, and Tidwell GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS: Chairman CALENDAR: Chairman Faulk, Vice-Chair STATE AND LOCAL: Chair Todd, Vice- Watson, Vice-Chair Bell, Harper, Crowe, Norris, and Kyle CONSUMER AND EMPLOYEE AFFAIRS Chair Ramsey, Haynes, Brown, Cobb, Dean, Haile, Johnson, Kyle, Summerville, and Tate Chair Eldridge, Vice-Chair White,Matlock, Dunn, Evans, Gotto, McCormick, L. Miller, ETHICS: Chair Woodson, Vice-Chair Burks, Casada, Hardaway, S.Jones, McManus, Pruitt, Tindell, M.Tumer, Watson, and K. JUDICIARY: Chairman Beavers, Vice- Haynes, Ketron, and Norris Moore, Pody, Towns, J. Turner, Wirgau, and Williams Warnick TRANSPORTATION: Chair P. Johnson, EDUCATION: Chair Montgomery, Vice- Vice-Chair Dean, Ford, Weaver, Camper, Chair Hensley, Carr, H. Brooks, K. Brooks, J. Cooper, Floyd, Ford, Harmon, Hill, Hurley, Deberry, L. DeBerry, Dunn, Fitzhugh, Keisling, McDonald, D. Miller, Sanderson, State’s constitutional officers Forgety, Lollar, Maggart, Naifeh, Pitts, Pow- Shipley, Sparks, Stewart, and Tidwell ers, Ragan, R.Williams, Windle re-elected to second term CALENDAR AND RULES: Chair Dunn, FINANCE: Chair Sargent, Vice-Chair Vice-Chair Roach, McDaniel, H. Brooks, Harrison, C. Johnson, Alexander, Armstrong, Casada, Cobb, Eldridge, Fitzhugh, Harwell, By unanimous voice votes, the Tennessee H. Brooks, K. Brooks, Brown, Campbell, Hawk, Haynes, P. Johnson, Maggart, General Assembly re-elected Treasurer David Carr, Coley, L. DeBerry, Eldridge, Fitzhugh, Matheny, McCormick, McManus, Montgom- H. Lillard, Jr. and Comptroller Justin P. Wil- Hall, Hawk, Matheny, McCormick, McDaniel, ery, Naifeh, Niceley, Sargent, Sexton, Todd, son to new two-year terms in office. L. Miller, Naifeh, Odom, Roach, Shaw, Tindell Towns, M. Tumer, and Watson Under Tennessee’s Constitution, the state Treasurer and Comptroller are elected jointly GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS: Chair ETHICS: Chair C.Johnson, Vice-Chair by the state Senate and House of Representa- Cobb, Vice-Chair Rich, Shipley, Cooper, Camper, Coley, Curtiss, Dean, Elam, Eldridge, tives, as is the Secretary of State. The Trea- Fitzhugh, Hall, Hurley, Kernell, Maggart, Ford, Halford, Ramsey, Shaw, and Shepard surer and Comptroller serve two-year terms, Matheny, McCormick, and M. Tumer while the Secretary of State serves four-year ...: terms. Comptroller Wilson and Treasurer Lillard took their oaths of office for their new terms immediately following the legislature’s vote. Both of the constitutional officers were initially elected to their respective offices in January 2009, along with Secretary of State Wilson Tre Hargett, who has two years remaining in his current term. The constitutional officers oversee a variety of functions in state government. Among other duties, the Treasurer manages the state’s investments and oversees the state pension fund. The Comptroller is responsible for auditing state government agencies and local governments throughout Tennessee. Bank of America “I am humbled by the confidence shown in me by members of the General Assembly is proud to support and the honor of serving as Treasurer of the is proud to support great state of Tennessee,” Treasurer Lillard said. Tennessee Municipal League. “I also want to thank the General Assem- bly for its vote of confidence,” Comptroller Wilson said. “We have a lot of work to do – and I am anxious to move forward with it.” Lillard Tharpe named interim TML president

from 21 of 30 board members. The final tally was 21 board members concurring with the executive committee’s recommendation that Mayor Sam Tharpe be appointed to complete Visit us at www.bankofamerica.com. the unexpired term of Mayor Kelley as president; 1 abstention (Mayor Tharpe); and 8 TML from Page 1 members not responding. the mayor of Paris, his appointment preserves “I know that you join me in expressing our the regular rotation of the office of the presi- gratitude to Mayor Kelley for his exemplary dent. Finally, appointing Tharpe will leave the leadership as our president. While I regret his regular order of ascension undisturbed and premature departure from the League presi- allow ascending officers to serve their full dency, I am pleased that he will be afforded terms, absent additional modifications to the such a terrific opportunity and I know you join by-laws. me in wishing him the best in this endeavor,” As the next scheduled board meeting is not said TML Executive Director Margaret to occur until March 7, 2011, the executive Mahery. “We would also like to congratulate Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. ©2004 Bank of America Corporation. committee directed the staff to poll the full Mayor Tharpe and thank him for his brief SPN-41-AD board of directors. TML received responses return to the presidency.” 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 www.TML1.org

report. The figures are based on information submitted to the Workforce Development Board, which provides oversight of the workforce development system in Tennessee. Those jobs included BY TML STAFF REPORTS among states for early childhood private and government funded po- immunization in the last five years, sitions. Census, state grows and children are benefiting. The Census figures show Tennessee’s achievement, measured by Traffic fatalites on the rise population grew by 11.5 percent America’s Health Rankings, is the Traffic deaths are up in Tennessee since 2000, which wasn’t enough to result of a partnership between the for the first time in five years. But add any seats to the state’s Congres- state and family doctors to better state officials say that’s because sional delegation. The population educate parents and to make free Tennesseans are spending more data is used to reapportion the 435 vaccinations readily available. time on the road. Although 2009 seats in the U.S. House among the 50 marked the first time in decades the states, as well as legislative district Tree scourge, firewood link state posted less than 1000 fatalities boundaries within the states. Cur- Don’t buy firewood from an area on its roadways, Tennessee will rently, 6.3 million people live in Ten- more than 50 miles from where it jump back more than a 1000 deaths nessee, making it the 17th biggest came from, warns the Nature Con- when officials close the books on state in the country by population. servancy of Tennessee. A variety of 2010, according to projections. Nissan North America Inc. recently delivered the state’s first all-electric That’s down by one spot from the insects and other pests infesting and “While the average mile of driving is Nissan LEAF to Tennessee to the Jeff Heeren family at Action Nissan 2000 Census after Arizona moved devastating trees in other areas could getting safer, people are driving of Nashville. The moment represents the state’s first delivery of an ahead of Tennessee by about 50,000 be transported into your commu- more,” said Kendell Poole, of the affordable, mass-market, all-electric car. people. nity. Past invaders have destroyed Governor’s Highway Safety Of- native species of American chest- fice. “There are more cars driving percent from the $594.4 million of tion Nissan of Nashville. The mo- Major cities report drop in crime nut, hemlock, and American elm more miles – that means our fatality one year ago. The value of nonresi- ment represents the state’s first de- Middle Tennessee’s three largest trees. “Here in Tennessee, it is in- rate will actually go down as a dential, residential and nonbuilding livery of an affordable, mass-mar- cities reported continuing declines in credibly important to the health of result, so there will be less deaths contracts were all down. The big- ket, all-electric car. In July 2008, crime for the first half of 2010, our forests and economy that people per vehicle-miles traveled this gest dip however was seen in the Nissan announced that it was enter- according to a new FBI report. know moving firewood is danger- year.” residential sector, which tumbled 16 ing into a partnership with the state Nashville, Murfreesboro and ous and, in certain areas, illegal,” percent, to $201.2 million. Nonresi- and the Tennessee Valley Authority Clarksville had overall drops in vio- said Alex Wyss, with the Conser- Jailers must check citizenship dential contracts dipped 8 percent, to foster the development of electric lent and property crimes in the report vancy. The “Don’t Move Firewood” Tennessee jailers must now check to $127 million, while nonbuilding vehicle-friendly policies and an EV that highlights cities with 100,000 campaign did a poll recently show- every new inmate’s citizenship to construction dipped 7 percent, to charging infrastructure. This col- residents or more. The release docu- ing that fewer people are moving make sure he or she is not in the $201 million. Through November, laboration was the first of its kind in ments the continuation of a similar firewood, but it was still around one country illegally. The new immigra- the year-to-date value of construc- the United States and has served as a nationwide decline. in 20 Americans. tion rules consist of two questions tion contracts awarded in Tennessee model for other markets across the to be asked by authorities: Where is up 14 percent, to $7.8 billion. nation. “Just as Nissan has been Governments net finance awards State sues over swipe fees were you born, and are you here Through the first 11 months of working to put electric vehicles on The state and 17 local governments The state is suing most of the major legally? The law applies to every jail 2010, residential contracts were es- the roads of Tennessee, TVA has have been honored for their budget credit card companies. Tennessee is in the state and every person jailed. sentially flat, increasing 2 percent. been helping develop the infrastruc- preparation work. The Government now one of 18 states in a civil anti- Supporters of the bill say that it’s Nonbuilding and nonresidential con- ture and technology to fuel them,” Finance Officers Association gave trust lawsuit. Attorney General Bob simply a new tool for local law tracts increased 19 and 25 percent. said Anda Ray, TVA’s senior vice its Distinguished Budget Award for Cooper is challenging rules that enforcement to help deter illegal president of Environment and Tech- high quality budget documents. The American Express, MasterCard and immigration, while critics such as Nissan delivers 1st LEAF to TN nology. Early in 2011, TVA will cities recognized were Bartlett, Visa have in place that allegedly cost the American Civil Liberties Union Nissan North America Inc. recently unveil the first of its many planned Brentwood, Chattanooga, Cleve- the consumer more money. The of Tennessee worry that the new delivered the state’s first all-electric solar-assisted charging stations in land, Collierville, Franklin, case challenges the so-called “swipe law could lead to racial profiling and Nissan LEAF to Tennessee. The car the state. Germantown, Kingsport, Knoxville, fees” card companies charge mer- other abuses. Law enforcement of- was delivered to Jeff Heeren at Ac- Memphis and Oak Ridge along chants for the use of their cards. ficials have also expressed concern with six counties Bradley, Hamilton, General Cooper alleges those fees that the law could flood an already Knox, Davidson, Shelby and keep merchants from offering con- overburdened immigration system. Weakley. The budgets had to meet sumer discounts. The state also feels ICMA censures former city guidelines established by the Na- such fees increase merchants’ cost Construction contracts drop tional Advisory Council on State and of doing business. Across the board, the value of con- manager for ethics violation Local Budgeting and conform to the tracts for future construction finance association’s best prac- Grants, training provide jobs dropped in Tennessee during No- Robert Rizzo, former city man- 3. Mr. Rizzo obtained a personal tices. Grants and training efforts through vember. According to data released ager, Bell, California, was publicly loan using public funds without the Tennessee Department of Labor by New York-based McGraw-Hill censured and expelled from mem- proper authorization and provided Childhood immunization upswing and Workforce Development en- Construction, $529 million worth bership in ICMA, the International loans of public funds to other city Tennessee has moved from the abled 19,296 Tennesseans to get of construction contracts were City/County Management Associa- employees and elected officials that middle of the pack to the top spot work in 2010, according to a state awarded in November, down 11 tion, by the ICMA Executive Board also lacked proper authorization and at its Dec. 11, 2010, meeting. any justification that the loan pro- The board found that Mr. Rizzo gram served a public benefit. personally benefitted from misuse 4. Without approval of the city of city funds; failed in his fiduciary council, city funds were used to responsibility to ensure that public repay a personal loan Mr. Rizzo “Forever” stamp debuts in 2011 the end of last year to respond to funds were legally and properly made from his retirement accounts Beginning in January, all new stamps several serious outbreaks of E. coli used for the public’s benefit; did not of approximately $94,000. good for one ounce of first-class and salmonella poisoning in peanuts, fully and accurately disclose his 5. Mr. Rizzo failed to follow cus- mail will be marked as “forever.” eggs and produce in the past few compensation in a transparent man- tomary and legal purchasing require- The move is designed to help cus- years. The law will be the first major ner; and failed in his obligation to ments which resulted in the payment tomers cope with postage increases. overhaul of the U.S. food safety ensure that city matters were trans- of $10.4 million over 15 years to a When the Postal Service unveiled its system since the 1930s. The federal parent and fully communicated to firm that had no valid contract with first-class commemorative stamps Centers for Disease Control and Pre- the council and public. the city. Mr. Rizzo personally ap- for 2011, all were marked “forever” vention estimates that 48 million The board found that Mr. proved invoices issued in incre- instead of the current rate of 44 The Indianapolis 500, is included people — or one in six Americans — Rizzo’s conduct violated Tenets 1, ments of $10,000. cents. in the 2011 US postage stamps are sickened each year by foodborne 2, 3, 4, 9, and 12 of the ICMA Code 6. Mr. Rizzo failed in his fiduciary collection. illnesses. Of that, 180,000 are hospi- of Ethics as follows: responsibility to properly secure, New limits on unemployment talized and 3,000 die annually. The 1. The manner in which Mr. segregate, and manage bond pro- So many Americans have been job- the true average duration’ — but new law will require larger farms Rizzo’s compensation was estab- ceeds resulting in a loss of $1.7 less for so long that the government they won’t know by how much until and food manufacturers to prepare lished did not follow normally ac- million in interest earnings as well as is changing how it records long- they raise the upper limit,” according detailed food safety plans and tell the cepted practices and lacked both the improper depositing of funds. term unemployment. Citing what it to Linda Barrington, an economist FDA how they are striving to keep transparency and adequate public ICMA members are expected to calls “an unprecedented rise” in who directs the Institute for Com- their food safe at different stages of disclosure leading to excessive adhere to the highest standards of long-term unemployment, the fed- pensation Studies at Cornell production. It also emphasizes pre- compensation not supported by fair ethical conduct in order to maintain eral Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) University’s School of Industrial vention to help stop outbreaks be- and reasonable market-based the trust and confidence of the pub- will raise from two years to five and Labor Relations. fore they happen. metrics and performance stan- lic they serve. years the upper limit on how long dards. The action to publicly censure someone can be listed as having been Law targets foodborne illnesses Fee free National Parks 2. A portion of Mr. Rizzo’s com- and expel Mr. Rizzo is the strongest jobless. The move could help econo- A $1.4 billion overhaul of the food The National Park Service plans to pensation was improperly charged action available to the ICMA Board. mists better measure the severity of safety system gives Washington waive admission fees for all national to special district funds, which is The Board’s consideration of the the nation’s prolonged economic new power to increase inspections parks on 17 selected days this year. not permitted under California law case followed a thorough investiga- downturn. The change is a sign that at food processing facilities and Remaining dates run April 16-24, and is contrary to standard munici- tion by the ICMA Committee on bureau officials “are afraid that a cap force companies to recall tainted June 21, Sept. 24 and Veterans Day, pal financial practices restricting the Professional Conduct. of two years may be ‘understating products. Congress passed the bill at weekend Nov. 11-13. use of special agency funds.

Engineering | Surveying Knoxville Tri-Cities P.O. Box 2968 (865) 546-5800 (423) 467-8401 Murfreesboro, TN 37133-2968 www.VaughnMelton.com (615) 895-8221 www.griggsandmaloney.com Your Project... Our Promise

Tom Spencer Territory Manager

570 Beechgrove Way Burns, TN 37029 USA

T (615) 973-0367 [email protected] www.sensus.com www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 December 2010 Municipal Cost Index

Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No charge to TML members. Send advertising The Municipal Cost Index, to: TT&C Classified Ads, Mona Lawrence, developed by American City & 226 Capitol Blvd. Suite 710, Nashville TN County magazine, is designed 37219; e-mail: mlawrence@ TML1.org; or to show the effects of inflation fax: 615-255 4752. on the cost of providing municipal services. State and lo- CITY MANAGER GALLAWAY. The city is now accepting cal government officials rely resumes for City Manager. Candidates on the Municipal Cost Index to must have a minimum of bachelor’s degree, stay on top of price trends, preferably a master’s or advanced degree in help control price increases Political Science and Urban Planning or for commodities, make in- Law. Two years experience managing a formed government contract business and must be able to pass a back- decisions and intelligent bud- ground check. Starting salary between $34,000 to $42,000 depending on qualifi- get planning. cations or at least five years of city management experience could be qualified without a degree. Please mail resumes to: City of Gallaway; PO Box 168, Gallaway, TN 38036.

CODES INSPECTOR/STORM WATER MANAGER LEWISBURG. The city of Lewisburg, Tennessee is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Codes Inspector/Storm Water Manager. The position is responsible to the city manager, but must work independently with others. Job functions include technical work in the enforcement of Planning and Zoning Codes and Storm Water management. The job requires a very dedicated self motivated individual to implement policy and procedures. A Bachelor’s Degree and/or five years of relevant work experience required. Suc- cessful candidate must have ability to obtain Storm Water Certification from State of Tennessee within 12 months of employment date. Applicant shall be proficient in Microsoft Office. This would include but not limited to Microsoft, Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word. Must also be capable of learning any other computer applications deemed nec- essary or applicable to the position. The successful candidate must reside within five miles of the corporate limits of the city of Lewisburg in Marshall County within 90 days from date of hire. The position has an excellent benefit package. Salary: For more detailed information $25,000 - $45,000 DOQ. The city is an EEO employer. An application, resume about the cost indexes, includ- and salary requirments should be submit- ing the history of the municipal ted to: City of Lewisburg, P.O. Box 1968, cost index, formulas and an 131 East Church Street, Lewisburg, TN archive of past cost index, visit 37091 Attn: City Codes Inspector/Storm American City and County’s web Water Manager Application/Resume or site at www.americancityand must be received in Lewisburg City Hall by county.com 4:30 p.m., Feb. 25, 2011.

FINANCE DIRECTOR / CITY RECORDER SODDY-DAISY. The city is accepting applications for the position of Finance Director/City Recorder. This position manages and serves as Chief Financial Of- ficer and as the City Recorder. The city currently has an Annual Budget of $7,000,000 +, has 52 full time employees and a population of 14,000. Minimum requirements are a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university or five years of experience and training in related field. Salary is dependent upon qualifications. Please apply by resume to the City of Soddy-Daisy, Attn: City Manager, 9835 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee 37379. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 31, 2011 at noon.

FOREMAN II, PUBLIC WORKS UNION CITY. The city is seeking applications for the postion of Foreman II for their Public Works, Water/Sewer Depart- ment. The salary range is $13.55 - $19.05. Applications and job descriptions can be Rain or shine, obtained by mail at the City of Union City, City Hall, P. O. Box 9, Union City, Tn sleet or hail, 38281 or at 408 Depot St, Union City, Tn 38261, phone 731 885-1341, fax 731- every day is perfect 885-7598. The city of Union City does not discriminate based on race, color or national for a GovDeals sale! origin, age, sex or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, acess to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities.

POLICE OFFICER OBION. The town will be taking applications for a police officer until Feb. 1, 2011. Applications may be picked up at city hall, 137 East Palestine, Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Preference will be given to certified officers. Online Government Surplus Auctions—24/7

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TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF Margaret Mahery, Executive Director Jan. 19-22: 20th Annual Practical Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Tools & Solutions for Sustaining Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Family Farms Conference pre- Carole Graves, Communications Director & Editor, Tennessee Town & City sented by the Southern Sustainable John Holloway, Government Relations Agriculture Working Group at the Debbie Kluth-Yarbrough, Director of Marketing / Member Services Chattanooga Convention Center. Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst For more information, visit Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Denise Paige, Government Relations www.ssawg.org/conference- Victoria South, Communications Coordinator reg.html. Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning

TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Jan. 25 - 26: TML District Meet- (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 ings. Jan 25: District 8, Covington — Official publication of the Tennessee Mu- 9 - 11am. Jan 26: District 7, Medina nicipal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole 10 am - 12 noon. For more informa- Graves ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255- tion contact TML at 615-255-6416. 6416. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona March 7 - 8: TML Legislative Lawrence at 615-255-4752, or e-mail Conference, DoubleTree Hotel, [email protected]. Fax advertising copy Nashville. Go to www.tml1.org to to TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255- 4752, or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opin- download a registration form. Group ions expressed by non League officials or staff do hotel rates are available until Feb. 10: not necessarily reflect policies of TML. Tennes- see Town & City is published, semi-monthly, a special room rate of $122 a night, 20 times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite until sold out. To make a reservation 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals call 1-615-244-8200 and reference postage paid at Nashville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmem- the TML group rate. For more infor- bers, $1 a copy. Postmaster: Send changes of mation contact TML at 615-255- address to Tennessee Town & City, 226 Capitol 6416. Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. 11-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 www.TML1.org

Tennessee Municipal League 2010-2011 Officers and Directors Citizens learn the basics of downtown revival DOWNTOWNS from Page 1 Street Program mentors to assist program can provide an excellent PRESIDENT right or wrong, but what makes them, providing “in-the-trenches” “toe-in-the-water experience” to- Sam Tharpe ward becoming a certified Tennes- Mayor, Paris sense for the communities,” said expertise as seasoned Main Street VICE PRESIDENTS Fanta. “It’s what they can do in a professionals. Main Street see Main Street community. Kay Senter local ownership and self reliant way Dandridge and Main Street Cleve- “We haven’t considered it at this Councilmember, Morristown that makes sense.” land served as mentors for the point. We’re going to see where we Ken Wilber Mayor, Portland Now in its second year, steering Sweetwater committee. are after we complete the program,” Allen Barker committees from a total of twenty- “They have been phenomenal in said Jennifer Morris, Paris Commu- Mayor, Humboldt two communities have completed getting us contacts and provided nity Development director. “We TENNESSEE DIRECTORS have a Downtown Paris Association Bryan Atchely the lengthy application process and priceless input into what our chal- Mayor, Sevierville engaged in activities such as walking lenges might be,” said Morgan. that’s very good at events and pro- FESTIVALS Angie Carrier their downtown areas, counting the “With the economic downturn, this motions and our city government City Administrator, White House ( District program helped us do some things has been very proactive with infra- 5) number of empty buildings and esti- Jan 28-29: Bellbuckle Vance Coleman (District 7) mating the average downtown rent we wouldn’t have been able to do structure, but we came to a point 2nd Annual Rollin’ Round Robin Mayor, Medina per square foot. Applicants must also otherwise.” that we needed help to go further. Wheelchair Basketball Classic Betsy Crossley petition the city council to adopt a The discussion elements of the We didn’t realize until we got in- Held at Webb School. Two games Mayor, Brentwood (District 6) Karl Dean resolution that they are participants program have proved to be invalu- volved with the Tennessee Down- Fri. 6pm – 9pm in the Barton gym Mayor, Metro Nashville of the program with an endorsement able for cities. “Tennessee Down- towns Program that there were cer- and Sat. 8 am - 6 pm. Hoop shooting Chris Dorsey from the city. “Basically the applica- towns allowed us to open a dialogue tain aspects that we were not doing, contest, home cooked food, family City Manager, Red Bank (District 3) some of the points highlighted by the David Gordon tion is a learning process,” notes with downtown property owners fun. For more information, call Carla Mayor, Covington (District 8) Fanta. “It forces people to think and the city where sometimes there 4-point system of Main Street.” Webb at 931-389-7107. J.H. Graham III about what is the historic business is a huge disconnect,” said Michelle For their project, the Paris com- Mayor, Crossville district. Committees focus on four Williams, executive director of the mittee has decided to place three Bill Hammon Feb. 3-6: Townsend Asst. City Manager, Alcoa (District 2) areas of revitalization with equal en- Mount Pleasant Community Devel- informational kiosks along the Winter Heritage Festival Curtis Hayes ergy instead of only one or two, opment Corporation. “This program courthouse square. “We can adver- Celebrate human history, natural Mayor, Livingston which can lead to frustration when gets everyone around the table tise events, promotions, sales, and beauty and cultural traditions of Richard Hodges include a directory to show shop- Mayor, Millington their downtown still isn’t a where we can improve by working Townsend, Cades Cove and the Dot LaMarche, sustainably vital area.” together.” The Mount Pleasant com- pers the types and locations of stores Great Smoky Mountains National Vice Mayor, Farragut “There’s more excitement sur- mittee plans to implement frontal along the district,” said Morgan. Park. Activities include tours, talks, Ron Littlefield rounding this program than anything façade improvements for its historic “We’ve gotten so much out of this Mayor, Chattanooga hikes, music, storytelling and exhib- Keith McDonald I’ve participated in,” said Jessica buildings, install welcome signage at that we have the basis for planning in its. An officially sanctioned event of Mayor, Bartlett Morgan, Sweetwater city recorder. the downtown entrances and sup- the future.” the 75th Anniversary of Great Bo Perkinson “Our merchants had already done a port the Scarecrow Festival in the For more information about Smoky Mountains National Park. Vice Mayor, Athens Norm Rone lot of work on their storefronts, so fall. Tennessee Downtowns, visit For more information, call 800-525- Mayor, McMinnville (District 4) we’re going to focus more on pro- Communities may choose to www.tennesseemainstreet.org or 6834. Charles “Bones” Seivers motion.” The city’s project plans move forward into making an appli- contact Andrea Fanta, Tennessee President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund cation to be a part of Tennessee Main Downtowns program manager at Randy Trivette include a downtown farmer’s mar- Feb. 11-13: Nashville City Recorder, Erwin (District 1) ket led by a committee member who Street following their participation in 615-253-6720 or e-mail andrea. 21st Antiques & Garden Show A.C. Wharton is a local farmer. Throughout the Tennessee Downtowns. Admission [email protected]. or contact Kimberly Nashville Convention Center. Fri- Mayor, Memphis program, Tennessee Downtowns into the Tennessee Main Street Pro- Nyberg, Tennessee Main Street pro- Bob Wherry Sat 10-7, Sun 11-5. View spectacu- City Manager, Lakeland are assigned with Tennessee Main gram is neither required nor guaran- gram director at 615-532-3595 or lar gardens, hear lectures and see President (TCMA) teed, but Nyberg said the starter [email protected] and purchase rare and beautiful an- Doug Young tiques. For ticket and other informa- Council member, Murfreesboro PAST PRESIDENTS tion, visit the website Tom Beehan, (2008) Mayor, Oak Ridge www.antiquesandgardenshow.com Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo Elected Officials Academy Schedule Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro Feb. 12-13: Knoxville Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg completed in order to complete Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland MTAS will be hosting Elected Knoxville, UT Conference Center The 2011 Dogwood Arts House and Officials Academy sessions Level 1. Goodlettsville, The Goodletsville Garden Show TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS across the state this year. Dates and locations Fire Station Held at the Knoxville Convention (Ex-Officio Directors) Martin, Boling University Center Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. Level 1 sessions include: Jan. 28-29 Chattanooga Center. More than 200 commercial Ken Krushenski, Oak Ridge • Foundations & Structure of Jan.28-29 Jackson To obtain a registration form reg- exhibits featuring innovative home Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference Municipal Government, and garden products. Professionals John T. Gwin, Mount Juliet Feb. 4-5 Cookeville ister or for additional information Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works • Introduction to Charter, Feb.18-19 Knoxville please visit the MTAS website at will be on-hand to provide ideas and Calvin D. Clifton, Little John Engineering • Codes & Open Records Law Feb. 25-26 Goodlettsville www.mtas.utk.edu under the assistance. Shop and save on the Tennessee Government Finance Officers • Municipal Finance Overview March 4-5 Martin training tab or contact MTAS at newest and most innovative home Daisy Madison, Chattanooga • Economic Development and garden products and services Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. 865-974-0411. Melba Johnson, Lexington • Ethics and Open Meetings for indoor and outdoor design. Feb. Tennessee Building Officials Assn. Training Facilities 12 from 10 am to 8 pm and Feb. 13 Steve Mills, Hendersonville These sessions will be informative Chattanooga, Chattanooga Zoo from 11 am to 5 pm. For more Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. Jerry W. Crawford, Collierville for both the seasoned and the Jackson, West TN Center for Agri- information, visit the website Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports newly elected officials in Tennes- cultural Research www.dogwoodarts.com or call Larry Cox, Memphis see. All sessions in level 1 must be Cookeville, Leslie Town Center 865-637-4561. Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Gil Kendrick, Jackson Tennessee Water Quality Management Feb. 19: Greeneville Jack Graham, Maryville Certified Municipal Officer Schedule 4th Annual Antique Appraisal Fair Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. and Show George Brogdon, Germantown Offers local and regional antique Tennessee Chapter, American Planning The Certified Municipal Finance municipal finance officials as pro- • Feb 16 Martin dealers showcasing and selling trea- Karen Hundt, Chattanooga Officer (CMFO) is a certification vided for in the Municipal Finance Boling University Center, Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. sures. Six certified appriasers for program offered by MTAS. It is an Officer Certification and Education 61 Mt. Pelia Rd. Alan Jones, Metro Knox Airport items brought in by the public. For Authority 11-course program that includes Act of 2007. Completion of the en- • Feb 16 Lebanon more information, call 423-638- Tenn. Assn. Municipal Clerks & an exam at the end of each course. tire series takes about 24 months. Jimmy Floyd Family Center, Recorders 4111. Lanaii Benne, Franklin Courses are offered in a sequence 511 N. Castle Heights Ave. Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing beginning with the Government The schedule of session 1 of the • Feb. 24 McMinnville Feb. 26: Rogersville Rex Gaither, Smyrna Environment. Approximately ev- Certified Municipal Finance Officer City Hall, 101 East Main St. TN Section, Institute of Transport. Engineers ery other month (beginning Febru- Program is as follows: Young Musicians Bluegrass Contest Kevin Cole, Knoxville Open to musicians ages 18 and un- ary 2011) a course will be offered • Feb. 8 Morristown To register for this class, please Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. der. For more information, contact Rebecca Harris, Cookeville in several locations across the Holiday Inn Conference Ctr., visit the MTAS website at Patricia Humbert, at 423-272-1961 Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors state. 5435 S. Davy Crockett Pkwy www.mtas.tennessee.edu or con- Tommy White, Sevierville or e-mail rogersvillefiddle.com Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools • Feb. 8 Jackson tact Michelle Buckner at (865) Reecha Black, Alamo Each course is a day-long event West Tennessee Center for Agricul- 974-9851 or michelle.buckner@ Feb. 26 :Sevierville TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS beginning at 8:30 am local time and tural Research, Extension and Public tennessee.edu PLATINUM LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Service, 605 Airways Blvd. Rose Glen Literary Festival Bank of America concluding at 5:00 pm. More information on the course location • Feb 8 Columbia Local authors and those who have First Tennessee Bank written about Sevier County provide GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP and schedule is provided below. LGC corporate office, Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. This program is a valuable re- 714 Armstrong Lane lectures and book signings. Held at SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Walters State Community College. AT&T source to gain in-depth knowledge • Feb 16 Lenoir City ING Financial Advisers, LLC of municipal accounting and fi- Hampton Inn, For more information, call 1-888- Sensus Metering Systems nance and is required training for 585 Ft. Loudon Medical Ctr. Dr. 738-4378 or visit the website SpeedFix www.VisitSevierville.com BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC Alliance Water Resources Collier Engineering Co., Inc. Johnson Controls Lee Company No loan is too McGill Associates, P.A. Sophicity CORPORATE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP A To Z MUNI-DOT Company Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Assoc., LLC large or too small Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. Comcast Cable Communications Concrete Paving Assoc. of Tennessee DBS & Associates Engineering Desktop Risk Manager See us for your special projects needs. (615) 255-1561 Education Networks of America Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. Florence & Hutcheson, Inc. Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers,Inc. LaserCraft, Inc. Local Govt. Corporation Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc Nashville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. OHM(Orchard, Hiltz, & McCliment, Inc. One Source Document Solutions, Inc. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Rare Element, Inc. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Statewide Insurance Group of America Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities Thompson & Litton, Inc. Thompson Engineering Thompson Machinery Third Rock Consultants,LLC TLM Associates, Inc. Tri Green Equipment, LLC Tysinger, Hampton and Partners, Inc. URS Corporation Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton Volkert & Associates Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. Waste Management The city of Murfreesboro closes a $103 million loan, The town of Nolensville closes a $21,000 loan. Wiser Company, LLC the largest in TMBF history. www.TML1.org 12-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JANUARY 24, 2011 Special Coverage: New State Leadership takes the Helm House Speaker Beth Harwell says it’s time to let the GOP’s light shine

BY GAEL STAHL try. She was 31. In 1992, she married influence from other groups, and we Sam Harwell, a toy manufacturer. A certainly have a lot in common with Since 1798, the Tennessee House year later she was the first female the Tea Party, this is a Republican has met for 107 two-year sessions. House member to have a child while caucus. Our caucus’s voting record Until last week there had been 74 serving in office. and legislation proves it will continue House speakers in those 212 years. In 2001, Rep. Harwell was to be a strong supporter of the Sec- All male. This month, 1/11/11 be- elected chairman of the state Repub- ond Amendment. I have a very good came a memorable date in Tennessee lican Party and for four years trav- record when it comes to the NRA history when Rep. Beth Harwell was eled the state county by county be- and have always received an A or B elected the first female speaker of the tween sessions, searching for Repub- rating from them. I differed with Tennessee House of Representatives licans capable of winning House them on just one vote (Note: It was for the 107th General Assembly. seats. The candidates she found, sup- the vote on the bill to allow the taking Four days later, Gov. Bill Haslam ported, and promoted would lay the of loaded guns into restaurants and was inaugurated giving Tennessee groundwork that saw the General bars, which was opposed by police for the first time since the 1870s a Assembly slowly but steadily turn the chiefs. I can differ on votes at times Republican governor along with Re- Republican minority in the General and still have enough in common for publican House and Senate speakers. Assembly into the majority. As of last us to work well together. Harwell won the nomination of November, the GOP won majorities the House Republican Caucus in No- of 19-14 in the Senate and 64-34 in TT&C: This being the first time in vember, and on Jan. 11 was formally the House. Many of the House mem- almost 140 years that Tennessee nominated by Rep. Steve McDaniel bers she recruited helped nominate Republicans have had a majority on the House floor. Rep. Glen her for House speaker. in both chambers as well as a Casada seconded the nomination. She was co-chair of Gov. Republican governor, what does She won every vote of her colleagues. Haslam’s gubernatorial campaign that mean for the party? They know her well. Harwell is and worked in President George W. BH: I think it may be a time for the beginning her 23rd year in the Bush’s re-election campaign. She GOP to let its light shine and prove it House, making her the third longest has served on 16 boards and councils can govern. This is an historic mo- serving House member. As state including Lipscomb’s. A friend of ment for Tennessee Republicans that party chair from 2001-2004 she re- small business, Harwell was after what, 140 years, we captured cruited many of the candidates that awarded the coveted Guardian of the governorship, state House and in 2005 gave Republicans majority Small Business Award from the Na- state Senate. control of the Senate for the first time tional Federation of Independent in 105 years. In 2009, they won a Businesses. TT&C: What is your relationship one-vote House majority. When she Beth and Sam Harwell have a with Gov. Haslam and Lt. Gov. was elected to the House in 1988, 40 daughter and two sons, Allie and Ron Ramsey? of the 99 House members were Re- Sam, who are in high school, and BH: I have a good working relation- publicans. This year there are 64. Tucker, who is in fifth grade. ship with both of them. I am so proud Harwell was born Beth of Bill Haslam. I think he is going to Halteman in 1957. She was raised in TT&C: Did you ever meet Howard House Speaker Beth Harwell be a terrific governor. He has a won- Pottsville, Pa., 40 miles west of Baker and Sam Ervin as prom- derful demeanor. He will listen. He Philadelphia along with two older ised? will learn. A stable, good man. I’ve brothers and two older sisters. Her BH: When I was doing graduate known Ron Ramsey since we were parents wanted her to attend a work at Vanderbilt one of its pro- tional reform that we started. Those education and balancing the budget in the House together and have a Church of Christ college and her grams, IMPACT Symposium, are the essential things that we can’t at a time that we are going to have a good friendship with him. We served chiropractor father, who was willing which brings prominent guests on let other issues distract us from. The billion dollar shortfall. We’re going to together, but not on the same com- and able to pay her way through campus to speak, invited Sam Ervin. fact is that we and the rest of the have to make difficult budget deci- mittee. I think we’ll work well to- undergraduate and post-graduate After he spoke I was able to tell him country are recovering from the sions. gether. studies, let her pick her school of the story about him being my Great Recession. That is the priority choice. Nashville’s David Lipscomb grandma’s hero. He was such a concern for state Republicans. TT&C: Those are issues that rep- TT&C: How would you describe College (University since 1987) was gentleman; when he got back home We look forward to supporting resent your focus as House your relationship with Minority the nearest four-year college and the he sent me a letter to her in care of the Gov. Bill Haslam and what he has in speaker. Going back over your Leader Fitzhugh? one she liked most. Her mother was Political Science Department. As I store to create an environment con- career, what legislation was im- BH: Craig Fitzhugh is a member I born and raised in North Carolina, so got involved in Republican Party ducive for job creation, to pass a portant to you that you passed as truly admire. He’s another man that she figured she had good Southern politics in Tennessee, I met Howard balanced budget without raising a member of the House? is calm under pressure. He certainly blood running in her veins to bring to Baker at various political party events taxes, and to achieve my third and BH: I sponsored, of course, the understands the budget and played neighboring Tennessee. She quickly and was able to tell Grandma that final priority which is keeping us 2009 landmark charter school legis- an integral part as a member of the fell in love with the campus, the sure enough I’d met both of our moving forward on education relation that enabled more students to Commerce Committee that I chaired students and faculty, the city, and the heroes. form and improving great strides attend public charter schools in Ten- last session. Besides being wonder- state. we’ve made in that area. nessee. Secondly, legislation was ful on Commerce, he chaired the Her bio lacks a high school TT&C: How did you get into elec- brought to me by constituents that Finance Committee last session. I graduation date because she didn’t tive politics? TT&C: What areas of reforming I’m proud that I was able to pass in watched and admired him. He will graduate. Instead, as she neared the BH: I had been involved in party and improving charter schools in- my earlier years. I sponsored and bring good leadership to the Demo- end of her junior year, school advi- events and campaigns and then a terest you most? passed legislation requiring more cratic Party. sors asked if she might like to skip House seat that had always been held BH: We want to have quality public time behind bars for rapists, senior year. She had already fulfilled by a Democrat came open in 1986. charter schools in Tennessee. We’re strengthening Tennessee’s laws for TT&C: Besides a new House college requirements and the small That was when incumbent Steve not going to make it easier for charter rape of a child, clarifying and tough- speaker’s endless housekeeping town school had no more classes to Cobb stepped down to run for Con- schools. We want the best charter ening the penalties against stalkers, responsibilities, she also makes offer that would challenge her as a gress. I ran for it and was unsuc- schools. As the state grows and the and building crime prevention coop- committee assignments. What’s college could. Thus, it was that in cessful. I came back two years later, needs of inner city areas grow, we eration among the states. your philosophy on that? 1974, a month after Richard Nixon ran against the Democratic incum- want more charter schools available Over my many years, I’ve spon- BH: A lot comes through the resigned the presidency, she began bent, and won. to children that could benefit from sored a lot of bills. For instance, I Speaker’s Office; enough to keep us her undergraduate studies and them. They’re not right for every was the prime sponsor of Gov. Don on task. I’d love to see the legislature earned a bachelor’s in political sci- TT&C: Who were some of the child, but are right for some. So, we Sundquist’s Families First welfare run efficiently from the mundane job ence from Lipscomb in 1978. The legislators you worked closely might be upping the number of char- reform legislation. of finding parking spaces to schedul- same year, she began graduate work with who had an impact on your ter schools that could be allowed to ing committee rooms. I’m going to earning first an M.S. degree from career over the last 22 years? be in Tennessee. TT&C: Now that you will be in work hard every day. George Peabody College and then a BH: Rep. David Copeland was an state history books forever, how Certainly, the voters gave us PhD in political science from early friend and mentor. He was the TT&C: Rep. Vince Dean, a Re- does it feel? You’ve made little Republicans a mandate. They gave Vanderbilt. She taught full-time at House’s fiscal guru, a Republican, a publican and former mayor, mention of your being the state’s us a 30-vote margin, the biggest Belmont University for four years man who helped me significantly shared your legislative office last first female House speaker. ever, and 22 new Republican fresh- and part-time at Lipscomb, Trevecca during his final years in the House by session. He says you are methodi- BH: It hasn’t gone unnoticed by men. Voters wanted to see what College, Volunteer State Community taking the time to help me better cal with an ability to think things people. Any number of men and Republican leadership could do for College, and at the UT Center for understand the tax structure and through. Rep. Mike Turner, the women, many not particularly inter- the state. Committee chairmanships Government Training. budgeting. You don’t forget when Democratic caucus chair, pre- ested in politics, have come up to me will all be in the hands of Republi- She spent high school and col- somebody helps you that way. dicted you’d be a good speaker if and said they think it’s great that a cans. I quickly add that there is a role lege summers either as a camp coun- I couldn’t begin to point out all you stay true to who Beth Harwell woman is getting to do this. I will for the minority party. They can selor or taking extra courses. While the many good people here that I is and not let fractious colleagues certainly try to live up to people’s offer suggestions to make legislation at graduate school, she was a gradu- have learned from. I work well with pull you in other directions. What expectations and be worthy of the better. I think they need to live up to ate assistant and taught one summer. and admire Steve McDaniel’s wis- does that mean? job. that role. I want them to know that I She also pursued political interests dom. He’s steady, has a depth of BH: I didn’t know he said that. I have I might add that it’s nice when will be fair and open and treat each and worked in campaigns. knowledge of state government that always liked Mike Turner. He’s a your teenage daughter thinks it’s member with respect and dignity Not being from a political fam- is remarkable. That’s true of many personal friend. I’d like to think Mike cool that her mom is the first female whether they are Ds or Rs. The ily, Harwell gets asked how she got people on both sides of the aisle that knows that I’m honest, that if I tell speaker in Tennessee history. It’s an bottom line is that I know that we interested in politics. She says that I treasure and grew close to. I’ve you something I’m going to try to do historical precedent that I’m proud have partisan differences but I also while a high school sophomore and always been able to work well with it. I’ve always tried to be honest and that I could be part of it, but I don’t know that the House is made up of junior, her grandmother became ill my Davidson County delegation and fair with my colleagues. It serves the think I was nominated by my caucus statesmen who are ready, when it and came to live with the family. She enjoyed serving on committees with state of Tennessee better to do that. because I am a woman. comes down to it, to do what’s best was bedridden, and when her day- Democrats and Republicans alike. There is a time for politics. But then for the state of Tennessee. time nurse took a lunch break, it was I’ve learned from so many. there is a time for governing. We’re TT&C: You have been a Republi- Beth’s job to sit with her. The only now into January. It’s time to gov- can in the Howard Baker mold, TT&C: Do you see local govern- thing on TV was the Watergate hear- TT&C: What major challenges do ern. There will be time in two years that is representing the fiscally ment involved in helping solve ings. They were riveted to the screen. you face as speaker, especially for another set of elections. But right conservative, pro-business, mod- some of those challenges? For Harwell, following the debates the first six months? now it’s all about governing. erate wing of the state Republican BH: Absolutely. In my years of ser- and questioning of witnesses was an BH: My first challenge is that it’s a Methodically thinking things Party rather than the social con- vice in the General Assembly I wit- introduction to the political process. new job with a steep learning curve. through means staying focused on servative wing. You won the nessed over and over strong respect Both picked their favorites. Beth’s So many diverse responsibilities conservative principles, being true to House speaker nomination from for local governments on the part of was Sen. Howard Baker of Tennes- flow through the Speaker’s Office. my party, true to me, and true to all your caucus despite lobbyists for state legislators. They want and need see, his smooth Southern scrappy but Speaker Naifeh and Speaker Will- the people of our state. Jobs, the the NRA and the Tea Party move- a good working relationship with gentlemanly way of talking and iams have been generous with their budget, and not sliding back on edu- ment opposing you. How did you their local officials. I think we’ve had probing. Her grandmother’s hero time and helpfulness. They too want cation improvements face us. If overcome that? that over the years. That is vital. was the folksy Sen. Sam Ervin of to see a smooth transition. I appreci- other issues are important to the BH: I have had a long history of We’ve been very conscientious North Carolina who, called himself a ate that. Republican caucus, we’ll address loyalty to this party, of helping people about not doing to local governments country lawyer, set the tone of the Another big challenge is helping them. over many years. I was state party what the federal government does to proceedings. At one point, Harwell 22 new legislators learn the legisla- We’re in a serious position. The chairman when we took the state states, that is, sending you unfunded said, “Grandma, some day I’m going tive process. My Republican leader- economy is fragile. We need to be Senate. I have been working in cam- mandates. We certainty want to to meet those people.” “Well you just ship team will be doing a large part of careful of what we do while always paigns for a long time helping a lot of avoid anything like that. Keep in mind do that,” she said. “That would be that. being true to conservative Republi- good people get elected, and proud that I am a Republican, which means good.” Not many weeks later, That will prepare the way for us can principles. The Republican Party and happy to do it. In 2008, I was the I believe that the best government is Harwell chose political science for to meet our most important chal- is the party that says we don’t need co-chair of the Tennessee for John that which is closest to the people. As her college major. lenge, which is keeping us on task. a lot of laws regulating people’s lives. McCain presidential campaign. It much authority that can remain at the Ten years after graduating from We’ve got to stay focused on the I see us being reasonable in what we won nearly 57 percent of the vote. local level is, I think, a good thing. Lipscomb, in 1988, she was elected to economy, job creation, balancing the present this session. Right now it’s This was a Republican caucus the Tennessee House on her second budget, and continuing the educa- time for us to focus on jobs and decision. Although we welcome the