1-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008 www.TML1.org

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 59, Number 8 April 30, 2008 Education, air quality, reducing fire Revenue projections related deaths top speakers’ concerns worse than expected BY CAROLE GRAVES & BY CAROLE GRAVES “I do think we are in a reces- VICTORIA SOUTH TML Communications Director sion. The first two quarters we have seen negative sales tax Providing some eye-opening State administrators have growth. Consumption spending is statistics about the state’s education been bracing for the worst, but the down,” said Fox. system, state Comptroller John Mor- economic news delivered to the “New home sales in March gan linked below average attainment State Funding Board this week 2008 sunk to their lowest level in levels with low household incomes was more dramatic than ex- nearly two decades,” said Kevin during his presentation at TML’s pected. Krushenski, legislative research Legislative Conference recently On Tuesday, revenue experts analyst with the state Comp- held in Nashville. told the funding board that the troller’s office. He urged city leaders to be con- governor and the legislature will County building permits for cerned about the problem and to par- have to agree to more than $400 the first quarter of 2007-08 were ticipate in the policy-making deci- million in adjustments to down on average by 52 percent. sions when it comes to investing in Bredesen’s proposed 2009 fiscal Realty transfer and mortgage tax education. year budget before the 105th Gen- collections have dropped some 25 “Education offers the promise eral Assembly adjourns. percent. Consequently, sales tax of improved quality of life for the The plummeting housing revenues generated from building family, greater competitiveness for Comptroller Morgan Deputy Commissioner Sloan market, high oil and gas prices, materials saw more than a 10 per- business, and a more vital economic the years ahead — such as com- and inflation, which combined af- cent decline with furniture and base for local communities,” said puter software engineers, physi- fect discretionary consumer home furnishing down by 4 per- Morgan. cian assistants and home health spending, have all had a negative cent. Among Morgan’s key points: aides — will require more edu- impact on the state’s current fis- Automotive sales have also • Tennessee is below average cation and training than was re- cal conditions. been hit by the economic downturn when it comes to school fund- quired in the past. “Clearly, the economy has and are reporting a 13-year low. ing, educational attainment, “A better educated workforce turned much worse than anyone Employment rates have also been graduation rates and test scores, means greater regional prosperity. had anticipated a year ago or even affected with March employment as well as income and many other One of the most obvious benefits of four or five months ago,” said Dr. rates less than they were a year ago. quality-of-life measures. education is greater personal earn- Bill Fox, director of the UT Cen- According to Dave Goetz, • Tennessee’s high school gradu- ing potential,” said Morgan. ter for Business and Economic commissioner of Finance and Ad- ation rate has shown improve- Paul Sloan Research. ministration, the current budget ment but still trails the national TDEC Deputy Commissioner In addition, economists are was based on sales tax growth of average by more than 10 per- Assuring local officials that projecting the state will have to slightly more than four percent, but cent. Only seven out of every 10 Tennessee’s cities and TDEC are spend $270 to $380 million less the actual growth rate has been teenagers who entered ninth partners in providing a clean, safe than budgeted for in FY 2008, below two percent. grade in 2004 will graduate in environment for citizens across the which ends June 30. This figure is Forecasts for the upcoming May 2008 with their classmates. state, Paul Sloan, deputy commis- addition to the $180 million in year are equally as bleak, with • The shortage of skilled workers sioner with the Tennessee Depart- adjustments that have already economists only projecting a .02 is real and will continue to grow. ment of Environment and Conserva- Commissioner Newman been made to this year spending to a 1.8 percent growth rate in Many of the occupations ex- tion, discussed several environmen- plan. revenues. In comparison, the state pected to see strong growth in See SPEAKERS on Page 9 Since March 2007, sales tax enjoyed growth rates of some 6 to revenues have shown a steady de- 7 percent during the past previous Successful cities, handling cline. This month’s decline of 5.5 four years. percent marks the most signifi- As to when the economy will cant drop in monthly revenues return to more moderate times, community opposition the since 1960 and reflects $140 mil- projections ranged from the end of lion less in sales tax collections the calendar year to another year or focus of Memphis keynotes than the state budgeted for. See BUDGET on Page 7 The formula for successful cit- Design at IIT. She is frequently in- ies and overcoming community op- terviewed as an expert on urban is- position on public projects will be sues by national media and is an New immigration program the focus of two highly acclaimed active speaker on the success for- speakers during TML’s Annual mula for cities and creative commu- fuels request for local judge Conference in Memphis, June 22- nities. This year she was named one 24. of the world’s 50 most important BY VICTORIA SOUTH processed in Nashville must report Carol Coletta, president of urban experts by a leading European TML Communications Coordinator to Memphis or Oakdale, La., for an CEOs for Cities and host and pro- think tank. immigration hearing, a 13-hour bus ducer of the nationally syndicated Patrick Slevin, an award-win- Growing pains mark the one- ride at a cost to local taxpayers. public radio show Smart City, will ning, nationally recognized public Carol Coletta year anniversary of Davidson “It makes no sense to pay to send discuss how strong cities make a relations consultant with years of County’s successful immigration these individuals to Louisiana when strong America – taking an in-depth experience in winning high profile, enforcement program, 287(g), as there are 400 empty beds in Nash- look at urban life, the people, places, some times controversial public lawmakers and elected officials ap- ville that have already been ap- ideas, and trends shaping cities. campaigns, will present a workshop peal the federal government for a proved by Immigration and Customs Coletta will serve as the keynote on Monday afternoon on How to local immigration judge to help pro- Enforcement,” Alexander said. speaker on Sunday, June 22, during Overcome NIMBY (Not In My Back cess the nearly 3,000 illegal aliens Immigration advocates further the opening general session from Yard) Opposition on Public passing throughout the Davidson note that the current process could 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Projects. County legal system. take up to six weeks for a bond Previously, Coletta served as Getting a project approved and In April 2007, Nashville/ hearing with individuals released on executive director of the Mayors’ completed can be an expensive un- Davidson County became one of bonds expected to make their way Institute on City Design, a partner- dertaking, and NIMBYism only four municipalities in the country to back to Nashville on their own. ship of the National Endowment for compounds the costs with delays, participate in the program spon- “Everything in Nashville is in the Arts, U.S. Conference of May- concessions, and lawsuits. Most sored by the Department of Home- place to start processing this alarm- ors, and American Architectural elected officials have experienced land Security (DHS). ing number of illegal immigrants Foundation. She was a Knight Fel- the public hearings or council meet- Proponents of the program, except a judge, and I think it’s time low in Community Building for ings, where community activists Davidson County Sheriff Darron for the federal government to recog- 2003 at the University of Miami have packed the chambers with an- Hall and Reps. Jim Cooper and nize this and send an immigration School of Architecture and is cur- gry citizens while members of the Marsha Blackburn, met last year in judge to Davidson County,” rently a candidate for a Master of media delight in writing the David Washington, D.C. with U.S. Sena- Alexander said, speaking to U.S. Design Methods at the Institute of See MEMPHIS on Page 7 Patrick Slevin tors Lamar Alexander and Bob Attorney Gen. Michael Mukasey be- Corker to discuss implementation fore a Senate subcommittee hearing. and training issues for the program. After one year of implementing Greenways showcasing Tennessee’s history 287(g) provides federal train- the program, Davidson County will ing to Davidson County Sheriff’s have processed more illegal immi- deputies authorizing them to check grants than any other country east of the immigration status of individu- Phoenix, A.Z., according to als held in the county jail and initiate Alexander and Hall. deportation proceedings, if the de- “Nothing definitive has hap- tainees are determined to be in the pened regarding the request,” said country illegally. Karla Weikal, Davidson County Since its inception, the number Sheriff’s Department spokesperson. of illegal aliens found in Nashville According to Weikal, Alexander has risen dramatically from 150 to plans to host a meeting in Washing- 3,000. Currently, in the absence of a ton to continue working toward the local immigration judge, all persons proposal. William Snodgrass dies Former Tennessee Comptrol- assessments and property tax ad- ler of the Treasury William R. ministration, debt financing, policy Snodgrass, 85, died at home April research and education accountabil- 20, 2008, following a short illness. ity. At the time of his retirement, the Snodgrass was first elected as General Assembly bestowed Comptroller of the Treasury in Snodgrass with the title of Comp- January 1955. He served for 22 troller Emeritus, a role which he consecutive two-year terms until actively filled until his recent illness. his semi-retirement in January Snodgrass is the only state constitu- 1999—a career that spanned the tional officer to ever receive emeri- terms of seven different governors tus status. The legislature also and 23 General Assemblies. named Tennessee’s largest state of- As Comptroller, Snodgrass fice building, the William R. Photo By Victoria South presided over an office that grew in Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, in his Shelby Bottoms at historic Shelby Park in Nashville is the centerpiece of a greenways and trails system that importance and responsibility in honor. will run throughout Davidson County. Greenways are becoming vital links to Tennessee’s historic sites. See the areas of governmental auditing, Snodgrass had been an accoun- story on Page 3. local government finance, property See SNODGRASS on Page 7 www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008

of the university’s 12,000 students holds when the last special census in search. Named for the gargantuan voted. The fund will pay for more 2005 recorded a population of sea monsters Kraken, NSF Director energy-efficient vehicles and build- 81,393. Since January, about 19,000 Arden L. Bement said the possibili- ings, solar panels and education pro- households have responded to two ties in scientific and engineering grams. A committee of student gov- mailings and through the city’s Web advances it enables are enormous, ernment members, other students site, but about 22,000 have not. limited only by the confines of hu- BY TML STAFF REPORTS located its first U.S. operation in the and staff advisers will decide how to Based on the numbers indicated by man imagination and vision beyond Cleveland/Bradley Industrial Park. spend the money. Several other pub- single- and multi-family residential the frontiers of science. The BLOUNT COUNTY The company cut the ribbon on a lic and private universities in the building permits issued since 2005 supercomputer will be built through The opening of a fourth Denso 57,000-square-foot facility on a 12- state have similar programs. Last and a growth in the number of house- a partnership between the National Manufacturing plant in Tennessee in acre site and will hire 25 associates year students voted against raising holds, city leaders believe Science Foundation, the Depart- Blount County represents an added in the first year of operation. Slated athletic fees to return football after it Murfreesboro population has grown ment of Energy’s Oak Ridge Na- $185 million investment. The auto to open in early 2009, the plant is a was dropped in 2003. to some 100,000 people. tional Laboratory, the University of parts maker employs about 3,000 $10 million investment for the com- Tennessee and other partnering uni- people in the county and plans to pany and is anticipated to create 40 KNOXVILLE NASHVILLE versities. continue hiring through 2010. new jobs. Knoxville has been selected as one Nashville has been selected as the Denso Corp. has invested more than of 12 Solar America Cities by the site of the 34th Annual Joint Meeting ROGERSVILLE $1.1 billion in its 189-acre location COLLIERVILLE/UNION CITY U.S. Department of Energy and will of the Japan-Southeast U.S. Asso- A celebration marked the grand in the Blount County Industrial Collierville and Union City were receive a grant of $200,000 plus ciation and the Southeast U.S.-Japan opening of the Sam Dong Company Park. Earlier this month the com- both featured in the April edition of technical assistance to increase use Association in October 2010. The Limited in Rogersville. The 80,000- pany announced a new president for Southern Living magazine. Busi- of solar technology. TVA has com- associations are made up of leaders square-foot plant, which manufac- its Tennessee operations. Atsuhiko nesses located in the downtown mitted to matching DOE’s grant in business and government from tures specialty wire products used in “Art” Shimmura is succeeding commercial district were featured in with an additional $100,000 over the Japan and from the states of Tennes- the electrical transformer, motor and Masahiko “Mack” Hattori, who has both cities. In Collierville, a restau- 2-year project period. In addition to see, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, generator industries, began produc- been president since 2004. Hattori is rant that has been located on the the funding, DOE will also provide North Carolina, South Carolina, tion in March 2008 and currently credited with guiding Denso Ten- town square of downtown since technical assistance to help the se- Virginia and Florida. The organiza- employing 60 people. Company ex- nessee through capital improve- 1996 and Union City is represented lected cities build local capacity to tion was created in 1975 to promote ecutives say the facility will add up ments, including the new, 214,000- by a photograph of Kiwanis Park and facilitate the use of solar technology. trade, investment, understanding to 40 additional jobs as it becomes square-foot, $185 million plant in- its fountain, which is listed in the Knoxville will use the Solar Cities and friendship between Japan and fully operational. It is the South Ko- vestment, increased sales and stable National Register of Historic Places. grant and technical assistance to re- the organization’s member states. rean company’s first location out- employment. duce barriers to solar deployment in Gov. Bredesen and ECD Commis- side the country, with a facility sit- COOKEVILLE four main areas: informational, tech- sioner Matt Kisber attended the ting on 10 acres in the Rogersville CHATTANOOGA/KNOX- The Cookeville Police Department nical, financial and business devel- 2007 conference at the Imperial Ho- Industrial Park. Sam Dong has been VILLE has attained accreditation for the opment. tel in Tokyo and participated in a a producer of magnet wire in South Chattanooga and Knoxville are fea- fourth time from the Commission on series of panel discussions on U.S.- Korea for 30 years and exports prod- tured in the April 7 issue of Forbes Accreditation for Law Enforcement LAWRENCEBURG Japan trade relations. The confer- ucts globally. The company is rec- magazine’s Best Places section. Agencies (CALEA). The accredita- Gov. Bredesen has approved a ences are traditionally chaired ognized as an industry leader, serv- Chattanooga’s growing economic tion is for a period of three years, at $23,000 Main Street Innovation jointly by a Japanese business leader ing a broad North American cus- development and favorable business the end of which the police depart- Grant for the Lawrenceburg Main and an American counterpart. Japan tomer base. climate were the subjects of a feature ment will be required to undergo Street Program. A portion of the is Tennessee’s 5th largest trading article. Several local businesses another extensive self-evaluation $20,000 grant will be used to de- partner, purchasing more than $800 WHITE HOUSE were highlighted, along with the and assessment by police officials velop new enhancements to down- million dollars in Tennessee goods City leaders have reached an agree- city’s many revitalization efforts. from other areas in order to maintain town, and $3,000 will fund profes- and services in 2007. ment in principal to purchase prop- Knoxville was ranked 10th on the the accredited status. Chief Terry sional development for Main Street erty in the center of town as the site for a new library. The 1.4 acre parcel Best Places for Business and Ca- said the CALEA accreditation pro- staff. The Main Street Innovation OAK RIDGE cess “is a proven modern manage- of property has been purchased for reers list, noting business costs are Grant encourages Tennessee’s 21 The University of Tennessee re- ment model that strengthens an $279,000, pending the finalization 14 percent below the national aver- Main Street communities to explore ceived a $65 million grant from the of the formal agreement by attor- age. The Forbes rankings cover the agency’s accountability, both within unique projects, programs, activities National Science Foundation (NSF) neys. The money will be taken from 200 largest metro areas with popula- the agency and to the community.” and technologies that shape best to build the Kraken supercomputer. the parks impact fees and parks sales tions over 240,000. For the complete practices in downtown revitaliza- The state-of-the-art supercomputer tax fund. The new location should list, visit www.forbes.com/ HENDERSON tion. Grants can be used to enhance will enhance the computational Arvin Sango broke ground for its serve as a magnet for revitalizing the bestplaces. the downtown district’s appearance, power of the TeraGrid, which the new manufacturing facility in town center. The Library Board promote local business development foundation described as “the formed a focus group several CHATTANOOGA Henderson. The automotive parts or market a community through world’s largest, most powerful and months ago to begin preparing a plan The Environmental Protection manufacturing company will build printed materials or a Web site. comprehensive distributed cyber- for the new facility as the current Agency (EPA) has selected the city exhaust systems for the Toyota infrastructure for open scientific re- of Chattanooga for a $200,000 Highlander SUV model slated for MILLINGTON library has outgrown its space. brownfields cleanup grant. Hazard- production at Toyota’s newest as- The board approved two purchases ous substances grant funds will be sembly plant in northern Missis- totaling about $95,000 to bring the used to clean up the 8.2-acre Ohls sippi, currently under construction. Police Department further into the Avenue brownfields site. The site Arvin Sango supplies more than 65 electronic age. The city is spending was home to small foundries, tire percent of the exhaust systems used $57,000 to purchase handheld de- repair facilities, and a disposal site by Toyota Motor Company plants in vices that allow officers to file re- BY TML STAFF REPORTS sistance responsible for providing for the former Chattanooga Glass North America. The company’s ports electronically from the field. recommendations regarding ben- Company. Chattanooga was also se- plants also manufacture stampings, The devices are designed to elimi- Congressman efits and other issues associated with lected for a brownfields assessment manifolds, converter systems, in- nate much of the paper and redun- Bart Gordon the Criminal Injury Compensation grant from the EPA. Grant funds strument panels and door impact dant labor it now takes when officers received the Fund. In 2004, Conte launched a will be used for performing Phase I beams for the automotive industry. write reports and police clerks type “Spirit of Enter- walk across the state to raise aware- and Phase II environment site as- Slated to open in early 2009, the them into the computer system. The prise Award” ness of child sexual abuse. Her jour- sessments, conducting human plant is a $10 million investment for city also is spending $50,000 to pur- from the U.S. ney took her more than 600 miles health monitoring, and supporting the company and is anticipated to chase digital video-recording sys- Chamber of and raised more than one million community outreach activities in the create 40 new jobs in Henderson. tems to install inside 12 police cars. Commerce for dollars. city’s urban core. More than 900 automotive assembly his work sup- Gordon and component parts manufacturing MUNFORD/ATOKA porting legislation to grow the Charles “Chuck” Suttles has been companies operate in Tennessee, The Munford-Atoka Fire Depart- economy and create jobs for hard- hired as Dayton’s new fire chief re- CLEVELAND employing more than 85,000 Ten- ment will soon hire another much- working Americans. placing former Chief Jack Arnold, City employees and their families nesseans. needed firefighter with the help of a who retired . Chief Suttles has been have a voluntary opportunity for federal grant. U.S. Rep. John Tanner First Lady An- an officer with the Dayton Police health and fitness. The Wellness JACKSON announced that the department will drea Conte re- Department since 2002. Before that, Steps program is free to city and Jumpstart Jackson hosted its largest receive a $185,425 homeland secu- ceived the Na- he was fire and police chief in Look- Cleveland Utilities employees and event as part of Jumpstart Jackson rity grant to be used for hiring and tional Crime Vic- out Mountain for 16 years. their dependents 14 and older. Month. The Wellness Walk was an recruitment. Munford-Atoka Fire tim Service Award Wellness Steps is a 12-week pro- all-day event at the Jackson Fair- Chief J.R. Bonson said he hopes to from U.S. Attor- Bill Youree, 60, a Brentwood city gram that has received statewide rec- grounds led by Mayor Jerry Gist, hire a firefighter who is already a ney General commissioner, passed away re- ognition. The program was launched Superintendent Nancy Zambito and licensed inspector and experienced Michael Mukasey Conte cently. Youree spent his career in in January 2007. During the first two state Health Commissioner Susan in fire investigation. at a ceremony in the nation’s capital. health care management, develop- 12-week programs, more than 200 Cooper. Cooper, a West Tennessee The national award honors “ex- ing Rehability Corp., manager and people recorded a total weight loss native, is the first nurse to serve in MURFREESBORO traordinary efforts in direct service owner of rehabilitation clinics na- of 3,300 pounds. The program was this position. Teams of Murfreesboro Fire Depart- to crime victims.” Conte, a former tionwide. made available through a grant from ment personnel are canvassing victim of violent crime, is a leading Cigna, the city’s insurance provider. JOHNSON CITY neighborhoods to record the names victims’ rights advocate in Tennes- Joe Jackson, former mayor of East Tennessee State University stu- of remaining household residents see and around the country. Conte Murfreesboro and former president CLEVELAND/BRADLEY dents voted 1,416 to 282 in favor of for the city’s 2008 special census. has made victim advocacy and jus- of the Tennessee Municipal League COUNTY imposing a $5 fee per semester to The fire department was successful tice issues a priority. As First Lady, passed away April 22. Mr. Jackson Starplex Scientific, a Toronto-based create the Campus Environmental in securing a large amount of infor- Conte worked to create a statewide also served as former Chairman of pharmaceutical plastics company, Stewardship Fund. About 14 percent mation from non-responding house- Commission on Crime Victims As- the TN Municipal Bond Fund.

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BY VICTORIA SOUTH park and trailhead for the Hermit- TML Communications Coordinator age side of the Stones River to Downtown Nashville greenway and Guided by a full moon, a group a nature center to serve the of hikers trek acres of field and Donelson, Hermitage and Old floodplain bordering the Cumber- Hickory communities. land River. Resonating with the Purchased with the assistance sounds of song birds, frogs, and nu- of a $400,000 TDEC grant, merous wildlife, this primitive wet- $300,000 from non-profit land is only three miles outside Greenways for Nashville and downtown Nashville inside historic $475,000 in Metro Parks land ac- Shelby Park. quisition funds along with transpor- In Murfreesboro, a spur trail of tation funding through the Tennes- greenway leads pedestrians to see Department of Transportation, Cannonsburgh, a recreated pioneer the 1918 colonial style mansion de- village interpreting 19th century life signed by 20th century architect in Rutherford County, while bikers George Waller and the adjoining tour a cache of historic homes along log cabin on the bluff overlooking the Holston River and Greenbelt in the river, Eversong, will be a beau- Kingsport. tiful and educational stopping point As cities across the state empha- for travelers for generations to size healthier modes of transporta- come. tion and historic preservation, As a condition of acquisition, greenways are becoming an alterna- Stone Hall landowner, Stroud tive, yet traditional, means of touring Merritt, took steps to permanently local historic sites. Designed for protect the historic property from walking, skating or biking, the outside development by granting a greenway system of linear parks and conservation easement to Land trails not only provide an attractive Trust for Tennessee. A conserva- venue for exercise and recreation, tion easement is a voluntary con- Photo by Victoria South but connect neighborhoods to shop- tract between a landowner and a Built in 1918, Stone Hall in Donelson, a suburb of Nashville, will provide a midway park and trailhead for the ping areas, offices and parks, nature land trust, government agency, or Hermitage side of the Stones River to Downtown Nashville greenway and a nature center to serve the reserves and historic areas. another qualified organization in Donelson, Hermitage and Old Hickory communities. Beginning in the mid-1500s, which the owner places permanent with Hernando De Soto’s discovery restrictions on the future uses of lachian Trail National Trails, the while crossing the Tennessee Val- some or all of his property to protect Overmountain Victory National ley, greenways and trails have been scenic, wildlife, or agricultural re- Historic Trail, the Trail of Tears around long before the state was sources. Land Trust works with National Historic Trail and the Natchez Trace Parkway National Historic Trail. Communities along these trails can promote the trails as part of their cultural heritage.” The National Historic Trails System, established by the National Trails System Act of 1968, com- memorates historic routes and pro- motes their preservation, and devel- opment for public use. “Congressman Zack Wamp has been instrumental in providing fed- eral dollars for the Trail of Tears NHT along with the state, local and private investment dollars for both the Riverfront development and the Tennessee Riverpark,” Richards said. Wamp was one of several state The Chattanooga Riverwalk Photo courtesy of the River City Company and local officials at Point Park to celebrate a 382-acre expansion of scene of the Battle of Murfreesboro “Few people are greatly inter- the Chickamauga and Chattanooga of July 1862, according to Van ested in preserving and developing A national landmark, Long Island in Kingsport was the sacred land and National Military Park. West. culture,” said McClurg. “Our treaty ground of the Cherokee nation and can be reached by suspen- “We should leverage our “Stones River was always the mayor, Johnny Piper, is a visionary sion bridge across the Holston River. senority and our clout and our energy town’s first key resource in the pio- who recognizes the importance of to do this,” Rep Wamp said. “This is neer days,” Van West added. “The city beautification and preservation named Tennessee. As noted in the communities and individuals to what makes the quality of life in National Park Service maintains the of historical treasures.” Tennessee Parks and Greenways identify natural and historic assets Southeast Tennessee what it is to- battlefield and Stones River while Twenty years of cooperation be- Foundation website, the system of and protect important lands as well day.” the city’s Parks and Recreation De- tween the city and The Kingsport trails, centuries old buffalo traces as sites. According to U.S. Sen. Lamar partment shoulders the upkeep of the Greenbelt Committee has produced and Indian routes spied by De Soto, A lesson in partnerships Alexander, there is reluctance by greenway along with the Cannons- exciting developments along the later became pathways and wagon From building bridges and lawmakers to spend money on the burgh property.” river. Development and operation of roads for explorers and early settlers, markers, to fundraising and cleanup, preservation of history and land, but A Civil War fortress will be- the Kingsport greenbelt is guided by and ultimately the roads and high- volunteers, partners and activists are the concept is something the major- come a pedestrian-friendly spot a citizen advisory committee and the ways of today. the life’s blood of greenways. ity of Americans support. along Clarksville’s downtown city’s Parks and Recreation “Most greenways and trails are “Volunteers use and take own- “The American people have a greenway connector, according to Department.The greenbelt mean- started by a community activist,” ership of them,” marvels Renee high value for history and we have a Ron McClurg, grants manager, ders through marshlands, open said Robert Richards, Tennessee Bates, board member for the high value for the outdoors,” Clarksville Grants Department. meadows, and borders privately Department of Environment and Greenways Commission and Alexander said. “We want to spend a Conservation (TDEC) Greenways Greenways for Nashville. reasonable amount of money to and Trails coordinator. “Through the Trail Watch pro- make sure it is here for our children “The proverbial little old lady in gram, people who use the trail note and grandchildren.” tennis shoes or maybe a bird watcher what maintenance needs should be In Murfreesboro, “Congress- wanting to preserve green space, a focused on and make us aware of man Bart Gordon, working with teacher who understands how im- them.” former Mayor Joe B. Jackson and portant it is to instill the natural con- “It has been an amazing jour- Dr. James K. Huhta, retired Special nection in children or young people ney,” agrees John Norris, chair, Projects Committee Chair of the who understand about global warn- Metro Greenways Commission. MTSU Center for Historic Preserva- ing and want to do their part by “Ten short years ago, tion, had the vision of a recreational walking or riding a bicycle to work.” greenways were barely on the public path that would connect the city’s “The process continues with the radar screen. Mention of the word primary heritage resources and cre- development of a Comprehensive “greenway” to a group was likely to ate an alternative way for residents Master Plan,” Richards continues. elicit more puzzled looks than nods and visitors to experience those heri- “This is where the historical/ cul- of approval. What a difference en- tage assets,” said Dr. Carroll Van tural resources fit into the puzzle. lightened political leaders, dedi- West, director MTSU’s Center for Each community has to ask itself the cated staff, hard-working volunteers Historic Preservation, Tennessee question “Is this feature important to and generosity from the private sec- Civil War National Heritage Center. us, and do we commit the resources tor have made. Now that greenways Photo by Victoria South The resulting greenway con- Eversong cabin was formerly used as guest house and painter’s studio to protect it?” are seen as an important amenity, nects the Stones River Battlefield, Protecting historic sites nearly every neighborhood is clam- which interprets the Dec. 31-Jan. 2, The city, in conjunction with the owned historic homes and sites of “It is up to each city or town to oring for one.” 1863 battle between the armies of River District Commission have ap- significant historic value. preserve, protect and promote these Chattanooga has a strong em- Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg plied for transportation grants and “We work as an oversight com- historic sites which takes capital and phasis and connection with the Trail and Union Gen. Williams S. have created a master plan to beau- mittee reporting back to the board of human resources,” Richards ex- of Tears National Historic Trail Rosecrans, the second bloodiest tify the greenway and create pedes- mayor and aldermen, working with plains. (NHT) and has spent millions of battle in Tennessee during the war, trian access to Fort Defiance. Built the city engineers, networking with As the developer of Shelby Bot- dollars on their riverfront, the to Fortress Rosecrans, which the high above the Cumberland River, the community to see that develop- toms, the centerpiece of a future former Ross’ Landing, the starting Union army built in 1863 as a major the fort was once employed by the ments are built and operated as they greenways/trails system that will run place for the Trail of Tears water military base for its march to Atlanta, Confederates as a means to stymie should be,” said Tom Parham, throughout Davidson County, the route detachments. and then to the town square of the transport of supplies by the Greenbelt Committee chair. acquisition of historic Stone Hall by “Tennessee is fortunate to have Murfreesboro, where the Rutherford Union army. The Union subse- Parham is excited about the Greenways Commission of four National Scenic and Historic County Courthouse was the Union quently, utilized the fort following a Kingsport’s riverwalk development Metro Parks will provide a midway Trails,” said Richards. “The Appa- occupation headquarters and the Conferederate surrender. currently in the works; a major project promoting the arts, history, recreation and culture of Kingsport. Parham said the city has met with three Cherokee tribes to discuss plans for their segment of the project. Long Island was the sacred land and treaty ground of the Chero- kee nation and can be reached by suspension bridge across the Holston River. “Kingsport is the only city in the U.S. that has restored land back to the Cherokee Nation by returning the island and its future develop- ment,” said Parham. For more information about greenways, visit the TDEC website http://state.tn.us/environment/rec- reation/presentations/. www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008 TML addresses the issues at the 2008 Legislative Conference in Nashville

Charles “Bones” Seivers, president /CEO Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund, and House SpeakerJimmy Naifeh and Tommy Bragg, Murfreesboro mayor Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey

Harold Craig, Bells mayor; Tommy Green, TML president and Alamo mayor; Rep. Fitzhugh; and Bob Kirk, Dyersburg alderman Karl Dean, Nashville mayor, and TaJuan Stout Mitchell, Memphis intergovenmental relations Memphis

Tom Beehan, Oak Ridge mayor and TML vice president Keith McDonald, Bartlett mayor

Mitch Moore, Athens city manager, and Chad Jenkins, TML deputy director Johnny Piper, Clarksville mayor

John Proffitt, Athens mayor and Jean Davis, Cookeville vice mayor Eddy Ford, Farragut mayor

Photos by Victoria South 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008 www.TML1.org

Lt. Gov. Ramsey, Ed Haley, Arlington town superintendent, and Bubba Pleasant, Avery Johnson, Cleveland councilmember, and Dot LaMarche, Farragut alderman Bartlett alderman

Sally Oglesby, Crossville city clerk, and Royce Davenport, McMinnville mayor and Rick Emmett, Knoxville urban growth manager, Kay Rose, Shelbyville councilmember, TML vice president and JoAnn Holland, Shelbyville councilmember

David Robinson, Selmer mayor and Webb Banks, Brownsville mayor Dr. Ken Moore, Franklin alderman; Dean Dickey, Columbia councilmember; and William Gentner, Columbia mayor

David Gordon, Covington mayor, and Terry Jones, Millington mayor Charles Rahm, Jackson councilmember, and Johnny Dodd, Jackson councilman

Janice Cagle, Soddy-Daisy city manager, and Sara Burris, Soddy-Daisy city recorder Walter Winchester, McKenzie mayor, and Charlie Beal, McKenzie city clerk/recorder

Photos by Victoria South www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008 www.TML1.org State’s Republicans win Walk Around the Capitol Challenge

BY TML STAFF REPORTS File sharing and illegal downloads may not be worth a run-in with the Tennessee students are better law. Fear of lawsuits has frightened writers than they were five years some students into mending their ago, especially those from poor or music-trading ways. Others have troubled homes, according to na- not, and those scofflaws are at the tional test results. On an average center of a Tennessee legislative scale, students from the Volunteer debate on copyright infringement State increased scores on the Na- and universities’ responsibility to tional Assessment of Education monitor their students’ online ac- Progress writing assessment by tivities. The state Senate last month eight points, from 148 in 2002 to 156 passed legislation that could prevent in 2007. The assessment was admin- college students from using campus istered to nearly 140,000 eighth- Internet resources for illegal down- graders nationally, including a sam- loads. The bill requires universities pling of students from Middle Ten- with public funding to have a policy nessee and in districts across the on copyright infringement and to state. Nationally, the proportion of report to the Tennessee Higher Edu- kids scoring at or above the basic cation Commission when they have level rose from 85 percent to 88 more than 50 copyright infringe- percent. Seventy percent of Tennes- ment violations. Global music pi- see students scored at or below the racy costs the music industry $12.5 basic level. North Carolina was the billion every year, according to a only state to see scores go down report by the Institute for Policy In- compared with 2002. novation, a public-policy research State Republican and Democrat senators wrapped up six weeks of friendly competition in the Walk Around institution in Texas. The Motion the Capitol Challenge, a BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee-sponsored program promoting the health State officials say roadside memo- Picture Association of America re- benefits of walking. The Republican party won with the competition with more than 1 million steps. A rials pose safety risks. Hundreds of ports that in 2005 studios lost $2.3 $10,000 check from the BlueCross Community Trust was presented to Coordinated School Health on makeshift tributes dot roads and billion worldwide to Internet piracy. behalf of State Senator Diane Black, whose party won the challenge. Pictured: Sen. Diane Black and third- highways across Tennessee. Every graders at Richard Hardy Memorial School in South Pittsburg lead a walk around the Capitol. one is illegal. State officials say the The Tennessee Board of Regents memorials jeopardize motorist has changed its decision to deny safety and make roadside mainte- honorary degrees to 13 Tennessee nance harder, but they turn a blind State University students who eye to them out of respect for mourn- were expelled for participating in ers. The Tennessee Department of Freedom Rides of the 1960s civil Transportation will launch a plant- rights movement. The board voted ing program this summer that they unanimously to change its March The U.S. Government has cleared Illegal immigrants are paying come from filing a return, even if hope will serve as an alternative. vote, which brought criticism from the way for a new, nationwide taxes to Uncle Sam, experts agree. they might qualify for a refund. Families will be able to buy trees, civil rights activists. The Freedom emergency alert system. The sys- Just how much they pay is hard to shrubs or flower bulbs that will be Rides were bus trips designed to tem will send notifications warning determine because the federal gov- The American medical system is planted in memory of those who challenge segregation in areas of the people of natural disasters and ter- ernment doesn’t fully tally it. But woefully unprepared for the flood have died. deep South that were unwilling to rorist attacks, or be used to aid law the latest figures available indicate of aging baby boomers, according accept a Supreme Court order inte- enforcement find missing children. it will amount to billions of dollars to a federal study which predicted The Tennessee Housing Develop- grating interstate travel facilities. As more than 250 million Ameri- in federal income, Social Security, crisis-level shortages in healthcare ment Agency has created a free Board members who opposed the cans, or 85 percent of the country, and Medicare taxes this year. One workers and serious gaps in training. Web site for owners and manag- idea had explained their decision by use cell phones, the government rough estimate puts the amount of The Institute of Medicine report es- ers of rental property to list hous- saying honorary degrees are meant stresses the effectiveness of the sys- Social Security taxes alone at timates that there currently is only ing, TNHousingSearch.org. Once to recognize a lifetime of achieve- tem. Under the plan, with the push of around $9 billion a year. Paycheck one physician certified in geriatrics the site has a significant selection of ment, not a one-time action. Those a button, local or state governments, withholding collects much of the for every 2,500 older Americans and properties; THDA will promote its who asked the board to reconsider its even the president, can send the mes- federal tax from illegal workers, that turnover among nurse’s aides use as a search engine to housing vote included the faculties at Austin sage. An increasing number of uni- just as it does for legal workers. The averages 71percent annually. Al- seekers. Letters have been sent to Peay State University in Clarksville versities already have text messag- Internal Revenue Service doesn’t though the institute’s study focused thousands of management compa- and Middle Tennessee State Univer- ing alert systems to communicate track a worker’s immigration sta- on the national picture, a state legis- nies found through Internet search- sity in Murfreesboro, both governed during emergencies.The major wire- tus; yet, many illegal immigrants lative report estimated that there is ing, the executive directors of all of by the Board of Regents. less companies are all on board and fearful of deportation won’t risk the only one geriatrician for every 4,000 Tennessee’s public housing authori- customers who aren’t can opt out. government attention that will Californians age 65 and older. ties and to developers with the Low The number of murders in Ten- Income Housing Tax Credit, and nessee is down for the second year Annual Conference slated for June 22-24 MultiFamily Bond Authority pro- in a row and the total number of MEMPHIS from Page 1 variety of issues, including: clude: a 5K walk / run scheduled for grams. Listings on TNHousing crimes reported has fallen almost vs. Goliath stories. • changes in the Open Meetings / Sunday morning; a special spouse’s Search.org are not targeted to any 1 percent since 2005, according to Slevin, a former mayor of Safety Open Records laws; program that includes a guest rent levels. Using the site, owners the annual “Crime in Tennessee” Harbor, Fla. and founder of Smart • a panel presentation that focuses speaker, lunch and a trip to Mem- and managers can list such features report released by the Tennessee Growth Solutions, specializes in on annexations, court rulings, phis’ Botanic Gardens; the host city as number of baths, bedrooms, lev- Bureau of Investigation. According grassroots public relations consult- and pending cases; reception; the annual TML Risk els, accessibility and utility history. to the report, 632,540 crimes were ing. His unique knowledge of • disaster training and lessons Management Pool Party; door Other resources include Chambers reported in Tennessee in 2007, NIMBYism will offer city officials learned in Jackson; prizes; awards; plus much more. of Commerce, school districts, com- 4,212 more than the 628,328 re- tips for overcoming community op- • leadership training; and For more information and to munity services and a rent ported in 2006, but 5,311 less than position through a proactive, con- • Municipal Urban Forestry and register online, go to TML’s web site affordability calculator. the 637,851 reported in 2005. sensus-building approach. becoming a Tree City USA. at www. TML1.org. Deadline for Other workshops will focus on a Other conference highlights in- advanced registration is May 30. The state has already diverted Current seventh-graders will be more than $26 million this year in the first batch of kids under a new Snodgrass legend in government finance tax refund payments going to Ten- requirement to take an extra half- nessee residents who were behind in credit of physical education, ap- SNODGRASS from Page 1 quality of government finance and child support payments. State gov- proved recently as part of the state’s tant working at the University of accounting. Snodgrass was instru- ernment officials expect to nearly sweeping high school revisions to Tennessee’s Municipal Technical mental in the creation of the National double the amount of child support combat the childhood obesity epi- Assistance Services when he was Council on Governmental Account- seized from delinquent parents in demic. About 43 percent of students hired as a budget director for Gov. ing and its subsequent evolution into coming weeks. More than 20,000 in the state are obese, state officials Frank Clement in 1953. the Governmental Accounting Stan- refunds were seized under the Fed- said. Throughout his service, dards Board. From 1990-95, he eral Income Tax Offset Program. Snodgrass was at the forefront of the served as a member of the board of governmental accountability move- trustees of the Financial Accounting Budget takes $800 million hit ment at the local, state and national Foundation, the group that appoints the accounting standards setters for BUDGET from Page 1 cal year. level. He served on the executive two of slow economic growth. Tennessee is not alone in its committee of the National Legisla- both private sector and governmen- In addition to Fox’s projections, declining fiscal situation, however. tive Conference from 1970-74, staff tal accounting in the United States. the funding board also heard from According to the National Confer- chairman in 1973-74, and went on to In addition to his family, Will- Department of Revenue and the ence of State Legislatures, 22 other serve on the first executive commit- iam R. Snodgrass is survived by General Assembly’s Fiscal Review states are facing the same two-fold tee of the newly-formed National many government finance and pub- Committee. Combined, their projec- problem: keeping their current bud- Conference of State Legislators in lic policy practitioners who learned tions are used by the funding board gets in the black and enacting a bal- 1974-75. from him the importance of integrity to estimate revenues for the new fis- anced budget for 2008-09. Always concerned with the and the value of public service. Snodgrass Good Risk Management is just Good Management Cities and municipal agencies have joined together to create in the TML Pool what has grown to be the largest municipal insurer in Tennessee. The extent of the coverage provided for municipal exposures is staggering.

The Pool insures: • 40,575 municipal employees for workers’ compensation including 6,450 firefighters (2,263 full-time, 240 part-time & 3,947 volunteers), representing more than $951.7 million dollars in annual payroll exposures; and provides liability coverages for some • 18,960 municipal vehicles with total insurable values of some $350 million.

5100 Maryland Way • Brentwood, TN • 800-624-9698 Your Partner in Risk Management since 1979. www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008 Tennessee Municipal League 2007-2008 Officers and Directors MTAS welcomes new PRESIDENT Tommy Green Mayor, Alamo staff members in 2008 VICE PRESIDENTS Tom Beehan The Municipal Technical Mayor, Oak Ridge Advisory Service is pleased to Royce Davenport announce the addition of six Mayor of McMinnville Dale Kelley new staff members in 2008: TENNESSEE Mayor, Huntingdon Gail Cook, Ken Cox, William DIRECTORS Haston, Leigh Lawson, Kay Stegall, Alan Barker FESTIVALS Mayor, Humboldt and Dale Wolfe. Linda Bennett Beginning her career with the Nashville office, addressing the Gail Cook May 9-10: 29th Annual Red Bank Councilmember, Chattanooga (District 3) MTAS in March as a Finance and administrative front desk duties and Jammin’ Jubilee Ed Craig Live entertainment, crafts and City Manager, Shelbyville (District 6) Accounting Consultant in the Knox- acting as the administrative assistant Jean Davis ville office, Gail Cook assists cities for nine MTAS consultants. She homemade foods. The community Vice Mayor, Cookeville with finance, accounting, budgeting, also provides clerical assistance for celebration begins with an auction at Karl Dean Meeks Auction, 5006 Dayton Blvd., Mayor, Metro Nashville and related questions or problems. such programs as the Tennessee Johnny Dodd, Cook will also be assisting with Cer- City Managers Association and at 6:30 p.m. May 9. Catch the parade Councilman , Jackson tified Municipal Finance Officer Tennessee Association of Munici- along Dayton Blvd. May 10, at 10 Eddy Ford, training. Previously, she was the pal Clerks and Recorders. a.m., enjoy the Stratoblasters on the Mayor, Farragut th David Gordon, director of accounts & budgets for Kay Stegall has worked at the BI-LO stage, the 6 Annual Car Mayor, Covington Anderson County for nine years and Martin office since March consult- Show and Kidz Korner . Activities Bill Haslam received her undergraduate degree in ing with West Tennessee munici- are centered in the Red Bank City Mayor, Knoxville W.W. Herenton Accounting from Tennessee palities concerning finance and ac- Park. Mayor, Memphis Wesleyan College, where she has counting issues. In addition, she will Ken Cox Ron Littlefield also taught accounting classes. be participating in the development, May 13 – 17: 67th Annual Middle Mayor, Chattanooga Ken Cox Tennessee Strawberry Festival Keith McDonald (District 8) Cook hold certifications as a review and presentation of the new Mayor, Bartlett Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Municipal Finance Officer Portland. Fresh homegrown straw- Mitch Moore Certified Government Finance Man- certification program. berries and various events all week City Manager, Athens (TCMA) culminating in Saturday’s Annual Jane Myron, ager and is a member of the American Stegall graduated from the Uni- Vice Mayor, Johnson City (District 1) Institute of Certified Public Accoun- versity of Tennessee at Martin and Parade and a free Ronnie McDowell Tommy Pedigo tants, Tennessee Society of Certified started her professional career at the “Elvis” Concert and ‘grand finale’ Mayor, Sparta (District 4) Public Accountants, Association of State of Tennessee Comptroller’s fireworks display that night. For Johnny Piper Mayor, Clarksville Government Accountants, and Gov- Office in the Division of State Au- detailed information contact the John Proffitt ernment Finance Officers Associa- dit. While there, she participated in Portland Chamber of Commerce at Mayor, Athens tion. numerous audits of state depart- 615-325-9032 or visit the website Charles Rahm Councilmember, Jackson (District 7) Ken Cox came on board as a ments and colleges and universities. www.portlandcofc.com, or call the Charles “Bones” Seivers Training Consultant with MTAS and Prior to relocating to West Ten- William Haston City of Portland at 615-325-6776 or President-CEO, Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund UT Institute for Public Service in nessee, she worked for the Nash- www.cityofportlandtn.gov. Kay Senter Vice Mayor, Morristown (District 2) January. He holds BS and MS de- ville/Davidson County Metropoli- Ron Washington grees in Adult Education at UTK tan Government as an internal audi- May 16 & 17: Dyer/Dyer Co. Old Councilmember, Murfreesboro along with an associate degree in tor where she supervised or partici- Time Bluegrass Festival Ken Wilber Dyersburg at the Dyer County Fair- Mayor, Portland ( District 5) Electronic Technology and Journey- pated in audit projects involving PAST PRESIDENTS man credentials as both a Computer parks and recreation operations and grounds. Featuring old time string, Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro Electronics Technician and an Indus- fire department operations also as- bluegrass, and gospel music. Free Duke Franklin (2005) Councilman, Chattanooga trial Electronics Technician. During sisting the external auditors in per- admission. Friday gates open at 5 Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland his 30 years in the training and devel- forming the annual audit of the gov- p.m. with music at 7 p.m. Sat. open Sam Tharpe (2001) Vice Mayor, Paris opment field, Cox has worked with ernment and the Division of Ac- at 9 a.m. Antique tractors, cars, Dan Speer (1997) Mayor, Pulaski adult learners in Technical Educa- counts with preparation of the com- crafts and concessions. For more in- tion, Industrial Training, Appren- prehensive annual financial report. formation, contact Freeman Dudley TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS Leigh Lawson (Ex-Officio Directors) ticeship Programs, Team Effective- Stegall spent the last 12 years in at 731-285-2681. Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. ness, and Management Develop- public accounting with Alexander Barbara Lapides, Millington Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference ment. His private sector experience Thompson Arnold PLLC serving as Ewing Sellers, Murfreesboro as a training manager includes eight the Senior Manager responsible for Tennessee Chapter, American Public Works years with Westinghouse Electric government audits and financial re- Richard Whaley, Maryville and 10 years with Mead Paper. Tennessee Government Finance Officers porting. Her duties involved the re- John Troyer, Knoxville A middle Tennessee native, Wil- view of audited financial statements Tenn. Assn. of Housing & Redevel. Auth. liam Haston was born and raised in and audit work papers. The duties Marilyn Medley, Morristown Fayetteville. His work with MTAS as required extensive research related The TML Risk Management Pool Tennessee Building Officials Assn. regional workshops “Maximizing Jim Brown, Bartlett a Finance and Accounting Consult- to numerous accounting and audit Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. ant, began in March helping city offi- topics. Over the past several years Your Risk and Insurance Knowl- Richard Martin, Lenoir City cials use and manage available fiscal she has worked with a variety of edge.” Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports Larry Cox, Memphis resources effectively and develop federal grants and has gained expe- May 6: Knoxville Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police new revenue sources along with ac- rience with various federal grant Kay Stegall Cedar Bluff Kim Wallace, Dover counting, purchasing, budgeting, regulations. Holiday Inn Select Tennessee Water Quality Management Assn. May 7: Kingsport Jack Graham, Maryville debt service, and other finance-re- Stegall has also developed and Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. lated issues. Prior to joining MTAS, presented training classes for firm Meadowview Dennis Suiter, Martin Haston worked with the city of personnel related to government ac- May 8: Chattanooga Tennessee Chapter, American Planning Assn. Kingsport for 14 years serving as counting and audit standards. The Chattanoogan Steven Neilson, Brentwood Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. assistant city manager/budget officer Dale Wolfe serves as the Busi- May 13: Cookeville Vicki Burton, Jackson and also served as town recorder for ness Manager for MTAS in the Leslie Town Centre Tenn. Assn. of Municipal Clerks & Recorders the town of Jonesborough. Knoxville office. Having moved May 22: Montgomery Bell Connie Kittrell, Gallatin Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing Leigh Lawson, joined MTAS in from Anchorage, Alaska in 1990, May 29: Henry Horton Susan White, Jackson March bringing previous adminis- Wolfe previously worked as a June 10: Jackson TN Section, Institute of Transportation trative experience to her position as Prudhoe Bay production and rev- Holiday Inn Jackson Engineers Greg Judy, Nashville New Program Resource Specialist. enue accountant for Atlantic June 11: Bartlett Lawson is the first point of contact at Richfield and as finance manager Performing Arts & Tennessee Public Transportation Association Dale Wolfe Tom Dugan, Chattanooga with Hodge Engineering. Conference Center Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Tommy White, Sevierville Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools Wayne Miller, LenoirCity Rain or shine, TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS DIAMOND LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Does your city sleet or hail, Bank of America GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP every day is perfect Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. ING Financial Advisers, LLC SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP for a GovDeals sale! AT&T Kendall Metering Systems & Solutions need money for Redflex Traffic Systems Sensus Metering Systems BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Adenus Technologies Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC Charter Communications capital projects? LaserCraft, Inc. Rare Element, Inc. Thompson Engineering Vaughn & Melton Williams Equipment Online Government CORPORATE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP AMEC Earth & Environmental If your pipes are calling, call the Tennessee Municipal Bond Surplus Auctions—24/7 Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Associates, LLC Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, & Cannon, Inc. BellSouth Telecommunications Fund for all your financing needs. Bulli Ray Visit GovDeals.com today Buxton or call 1-866-377-1494 Christopher Burke Engineering, LTD CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. We offer: Comcast Cable Communications Concrete Paving Association of Tennessee TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF DBS & Associates Engineering • low rates, Margaret Mahery, Executive Director Education Networks of America Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. • lowest costs and Carole Graves, Communications Director & Florence & Hutcheson, Inc. Editor, Tennessee Town & City Geothermal Utilities, LLC Edna Holland, Government Relations, TML/RMP Johnson Controls • best service. John Holloway, Government Relations Jordan, Jones & Goulding, Inc. Debbie Kluth, Dir. Marketing & Member Services J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers, Inc. Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Local Govt. Corporation Denise Paige, Government Relations The Malone Company Victoria South, Communications Coordinator Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc. Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning McGill Associates, P.A. TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 Nashville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. — Official publication of the Tennessee Mu- Phoenix Tank Services We’re making great cities even better. nicipal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery Rush Truck Center, Nashville (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole Graves Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255-6416. SSR Ellers Inc. One loan at a time. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to re- Stowers Machinery ject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax Tennergy Corporation (615) 255-1561 classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. Lawrence at 615-255-4752, or e-mail Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation [email protected]. Fax advertising copy to Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, Thompson & Litton, Inc. or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions ex- Thompson Machinery pressed non League officials or staff do not TLM Associates, Inc. necessarily reflect policies of TML. Tennessee Utility Service Co., Inc. Town & City is published, semi-monthly, 20 Volkert & Associates times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Waste Management Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals postage Wiser Company, LLC paid at Nashville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Postmaster: Send changes of address to Ten- nessee Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008 www.TML1.org Conference speakers’ address top concerns SPEAKERS from Page 1 lion in Clean Water and $64 mil- 13,000 students, fire fighters, codes lion in Drinking Water loans over officials and members of other law Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No charge quired. Work experience in a range of eco- tal issues, including new stricter to TML members. Send advertising to: TT&C nomic development issues including commu- EPA air quality standards. the last five years for planning, enforcement agencies. Classified Ads, Mona Lawrence, 226 Capitol nity development, leadership development, en- Sloan commended city govern- design and construction. Battles between two code coun- Blvd. Suite 710, Nashville TN 37219; e-mail: trepreneurship development, or technology de- ments for the work they have already • The creation of the Tennessee cils – the NFPA and the ICC have mlawrence@ TML1.org; or fax: 615-255 4752. velopment is preferred. Demonstrated experi- been waged over the adoption of the ence in seeking and successfully securing grant done in meeting federal ozone stan- Storm Water Association that CHIEF PLANNER funds is preferred. This person must be familiar dards through the participations of will encompass five different state’s fire code. The State Fire COLLIERVILLE. The town is seeking applica- with the latest economic development trends; Early Action Compacts, adoption of regions to improve overall pro- Marshal’s Office has decided to be- tions for the position of chief planner. This have demonstrated experience and knowledge a vehicle emissions testing program, gram effectiveness for storm- gin another public hearing process position performs responsible, complex pro- of the industrial site selection process includ- fessional work in a variety of current and long ing recruitment, proposal development, and and reducing speed limits for 18 water pollution permits with many cities either already range planning studies. It requires a Bachelors working with industrial prospects or site selec- wheel trucks. Commissioner Leslie Newman adopting the International Fire Code degree in planning, landscape architecture or a tion consultants. Strong verbal and written “But before we could even un- Commerce and Insurance or have written letters urging the closely related field supplemented by 6 years communication skills and strong listening Fire prevention education, State to do so. previous experience in a planning office at a skills are required. This position also requires cork the champagne to celebrate the professional level; or a Master’s Degree in the applicant to possess a B.A. or B.S. degree. success of these local communities, building and fire codes enforcement, Newman cited the benefits and planning and 5 years experience; AICP certifi- The completion of IEDC (International Eco- EPA has now proposed a new, regulation, investigation and law en- low cost of home sprinkler systems, cation may be substituted for one year of pro- nomic Development Council) basic core cur- stricter ozone standard that will al- forcement were some of the primary not only lowering homeowner insur- fessional experience, or any equivalent combi- ricula or additional economic development re- ance but, resulting in significantly nation of education, training and experience. lated course-work is preferred. This position most certainly result in several Ten- topics governing Commissioner Must possess and maintain a valid operators requires a person that is highly motivated with nessee counties – and several other Newman’s remarks. less smoke and water damage than license. Salary range is $46,437.000 - a high level of integrity. Current priorities of states in the nation – being desig- Newman stressed that nearly 80 when fire pumpers are used. How- $72,115.00 (DOQ) plus full benefits package. the Southwest Community Development Au- percent of firefighters are volunteers ever, current residential codes do not Applications may be obtained at the Human thority include building relationships with eco- nated ozone nonattainment.” Resources Department, 500 Poplar View Park- nomic development partner organizations, de- Sloan said a final designation with no added subsidy for training require the use of automatic systems. way, Collierville, Tennessee, 38017, Mon- Fri. veloping strategies to position our region for announcement will probably not programs and that the state currently From 2002-2006, 378 residen- Applicants must fill out the official Town of future growth, building the skill level of the come until March 2010, and that has no mandatory training require- tial fire deaths were reported to Collierville application to be considered for workforce, retaining and assisting existing in- ments for volunteer firefighters. TFIRS, the Tennessee branch of the this position. Applications and resumes are dustry to expand, and building awareness for TDEC will begin meeting with local subject to disclosure. This position will remain economic development within the general pub- officials this fall as this season’s air With developmental assistance by National Fire Incident Reporting open until filled. EOE lic and enhancing tourism opportunities. Sal- quality data is finalized and more the Municipal Technical Advisory System (NFIRS) 65 percent occur- ary: DOQ & Exp. plus excellent benefits. To information becomes available on Service and County Technical Advi- ring in one or two family dwellings. CITY ADMINISTRATOR apply, send cover letter stating salary require- BOLIVER. The city is seeking applications for ments to Jeff Huffman, Tipton County execu- the milestones associated with the sory Service fire consultants, NFPA’s study shows that certain the position of City Administrator. Salary is tive, P.O. 686 Covington, TN, 38019, Attn. new, stricter ozone standards. Newman’s office will be proposing factors are indicators of high resi- market competitive and negotiable DOQ. Economic Development Specialist Search. Commissioner Sloan also listed legislation for a minimum 16-hour dential fire death rates including: Mayor and 8 member council with 110-115 Deadline is May 1, 2008. training program, which will be poverty, lack of education (people full-time employees. Strongly prefer degree in several state programs in place to public administration and demonstrated suc- PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR assist local governments with envi- made available to all volunteer over 25 years old without a high cess as chief administrative officer in full- ASHLAND CITY. The city is seeking a Public ronmental issues. firefighters. school diploma), high smoking rate, service municipal government. Require mini- Works Director to be responsible for the Water, • TDEC works closely with local The division has a state of the art and extensive rural areas. NFPA mum bachelor’s degree in business/public ad- Wastewater and Street Departments of the city. concluded that effective fire and life ministration/political science/closely related Candidates must possess or be soon eligible for governments to identify projects Fire Services and Codes Enforce- field. Looking for accomplished, assertive, and the required operating licenses; should have a and make grant applications that ment Academy located in Bell safety education, a wider use of forward thinking; strong emphasis on current minimum of 5 years of appropriate related secure federal grant dollars for Buckle, that provides in-the-field” home fire protection systems, along knowledge of municipal finance, economic de- experience with personnel management skills. training. Since opening, the Fire Ser- with a strong consensus code with velopment, growth management, and transpor- The department currently has 16 employees. brownfield redevelopment tation issues; strong interpersonal and commu- Ashland City operates a council approved sal- • State Revolving Loan Fund has vices and Codes Enforcement Acad- strong enforcement, can reduce fire nication skills. Prefer experience managing in ary plan and benefits program. The salary for provided more than $446 mil- emy has held classes for almost death rates in any state. city council/manager form of government; beginning this position is $42,800. Contact served as city manager of similar size organiza- Phyllis Schaeffer, City Recorder, P.O. Box 36, tion, or as deputy director in larger organiza- 101 Court St. Ashland City, Tennessee 37015 tion. Reports directly to council and respon- for full job description. EOE sible for oversight of departments, administra- tion, finance, planning and community devel- STAFF ENGINEER opment, utility, public works, police, fire, LAKELAND. The Staff Engineer has a key role parks and recreation and library.Equivalent in assisting and working closely with a licensed educational qualifications or experience will City Engineer in providing professional engi- be considered. For more information, call 731- neering advice and assistance on matters per- 658-2020. Send cover letter, detailed resume taining to the growth of Lakeland in the devel- and references to City of Bolivar, Attn: Mayor opment of commercial and residential subdivi- Bobby Sain, 211 N. Washington Street, sions; implementation of Lakeland’s storm Bolivar, TN 38008. EOE. Tennessee Drug Free water phase II program; and the design, con- Workplace. struction, and maintenance of its street, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems. The posi- DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF tion is responsible for planning, reviewing, JACKSON. Will serve as principal assistant to designing, and inspecting a variety of munici- the chief in organizing, directing, supervising, pal civil engineering projects of moderate com- disciplining and coordinating activities associ- plexity. In performing these duties, the Staff ated with the department, ensuring effective Engineer confers with a wide range of individu- Bank of America and efficient daily operational practices, als and groups including engineers, contrac- Bank of America firefighting techniques and procedures. Spe- tors, developers, and public officials in addi- cific job duties include: supervising, directing, tion to coordinating projects with the City of and evaluating fire prevention officers, train- Lakeland’s staff. Salary Range $41,414 is proud to support ing officers, and emergency medical services to$49,689. The position’s requirements in- is proud to support officer; handle employee concerns and prob- clude a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering lems; direct work; counsel; discipline and com- and an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) license. We plete employee performance evaluations; di- offer excellent salaries and benefits, including Tennessee Municipal League. rect personnel, apparatus, equipment and prop- insurance (medical, dental, life, short- and Tennessee Municipal League. erty of the department at emergency scenes, long-term disability), a retirement plan, paid ensuring strict compliance with rules and regu- sick leave and vacation, educational reim- lations of the department, as designated by the bursement, training opportunities, and a merit fire chief; assist the chief in the development, pay system. For a detailed job description and implementations, and monitoring of opera- information, see www.lakelandtn.gov or call tional and administrative procedures and poli- 901.867.2717. E-mail resumes or applications cies; assist fire chief with the preparation and to: [email protected]; or fax to presentation of annual budgetary evaluations 901.867.2063; mail to: City of Lakeland, and related analysis to appropriate individuals; 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, TN 38002. EOE review the financial operations of the depart- ment and make recommendations on annual WASTEWATER SPECIALIST operating budget and capital improvements. LAKELAND. The city of Lakeland, located in Associate’s degree in Fire Science preferred, the metropolitan Memphis area, is seeking ap- with a minimum of three years’ experience as a plicants for the position of Wastewater Special- Captain. Must have State of Tennessee or ist. The Wastewater Specialist will assist in the National certification as a Firefighter II, Fire maintenance, operations, and/or repair of the Instructor, Fire Officer I and II. Must possess a recently built wastewater treatment plant and minimum of medical First Responder’s certifi- the City’s collection system. The position’s cation from a Department of Public Health. requirements include a high school degree or Generous benefit package; salary is G.E.D; minimum of two-years related experi- Visit us at www.bankofamerica.com. $61,000.00. EOE/M/F/V/D. Minorities are ence; the ability to use hand and power tools encouraged to apply. Job description on city and operate equipment; a valid driver’s license web site: www.cityofjackson.net. Contact the and CDL with tanker endorsement within time City of Jackson, Personnel Department, 127 E. frame determined upon entry into the position; Main Street, Suite 303, Jackson, TN 38301: mechanical and construction knowledge; the phone 731- 425-8252: Fax: 731-425-8673. ability to respond to emergency call-out on a 24/7 basis; and wastewater certification within ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT two years after entering the position. Salary SPECIALIST range is $27,278 to $32,730 negotiable based HAYWOOD/TIPTON COUNTY. The South- on experience. We offer excellent salaries and west Community Development Authority is benefits, including insurance (medical, dental, seeking applicants for the position of Eco- life, short- and long-term disability), a retire- nomic Development Specialist to lead the ment plan, paid sick leave and vacation, edu- agency. The duties of this position include cational reimbursement, training opportuni- coordinating regional efforts to assist with the ties, and a merit pay system. For job descrip- creation, retention, and expansion of high qual- tion and additional information, visit ity job opportunities for the people of south- www.lakelandtn.gov or call 901.867.2717. e- west Tennessee. The position will be based in mail resumes and applications to Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Haywood or Tipton Counties. A minimum of [email protected]; or fax, 901.867.2063 ©2004 Bank of America Corporation. SPN-41-AD five years professional work experience in an or mail to: City of Lakeland, 10001 Highway economic development environment is re- 70, Lakeland,TN 38002. EOE

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KNOXVILLE Phone: 865/539-8209 Fax: 865/694-0848 www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 30, 2008 Jim Tracy, NCAA hoops ref, brought education, insurance know-how to Senate

BY GAEL STAHL insurance evolve? JT: I was chairman of the National Last year, Sen. Jim Tracy’s Federation of Independent Busines- time-consuming work in the legisla- ses’ leadership council in 2003 be- ture moved him to discontinue his fore I ran for the Senate. The NFIB 25-year career as an NCAA official. represents small business folks from The life-time athlete/coach/official Johnson City to Memphis. A study retired reluctantly. It was something conducted by NFIB 15 years ago he really enjoyed, something he showed 75 percent of its members picked up from Huntingdon Mayor offered health insurance. Results of Dale Kelley, also a long-time NCAA the same poll last year showed a drop basketball referee, who had offici- to only 45 percent of members offer- ated his high school basketball ing coverage, with businesses hav- games in Savannah, Tenn. Later, ing smaller number of employees Kelley helped Tracy get started at being less likely to offer insurance. NCAA. I co-sponsored the legislation At Savannah High, Tracy this year to let more small business played three sports and at college, owners join together to negotiate baseball all four years – two at lower health insurance rates. The Freed Hardeman University, a four- Senate has given final approval to year, liberal-arts college at bill SB 4014 designed to encourage Henderson, and two years at the more small employers to purchase health insurance and give them pre- University of Tennessee at Martin Photos by Gael Stahl where he received his degree in Ag- dictability and stability in health- riculture Education. “ My philosophy, going back to “I hated unfunded mandates when I “One of my goals, if I get reelected insurance rates. I’m an insurance Certified to teach science and when I was on the Board of was a school board member, and I this November, is to spend some time agent myself and know how impor- ag classes, he taught both for six and Education, is to always check back know that mayors, city councils, and over the next four years working to tant it is for the many Tennessee a half years and also coached. He with those affected by what we do.” county commissioners don’t like change the laws so families can help employees and families that are em- spent two years in Dalton, Ga., two unfunded mandates either.” their relatives with mental ployed by these businesses. years in Mobile, Ala., and two years disabilities.” in Columbia, Tenn. Liking the feel of TT&C: What political philosophy being back home in Tennessee, wife be scheduled to concur with state where she was mayor before com- senior citizens? have you embodied during your Trena put down her foot, looked at elections, or not) and state elections ing to Nashville and knows first- JT: The governor’s plan to give four years as senator? Jim, looked at their two young boys, (whether to use back-up paper bal- hand how those centers improve choices to seniors is important. That JT: I met Gov. Buford Ellington at and said, “I’m tired of moving. You lots) has been on-going. the state’s work force. She’s ob- is important to citizens. Both of my 4H Boys Camp when I was about need to get settled.” Tracy knew she served your interest in career and parents feel it’s important to them to eight years old. That made an impact spoke the truth. He gave up his TT&C: Who were major influ- technical education, GEDs, and be able to continue to live at home as on me. I never forget it’s an honor to dream to become a college coach, ences during high school? adult education. long as possible and I’m supportive be one of 33 senators in Tennessee settled into the insurance business in JT: Estill Mills, my high school JT: I didn’t realize that was her of all who want to live at home as and that I represent District 16 in 1984 at Columbia, and has been at it principal, who later became assis- specific role; only that she was in- long as they can. Everyone does, Rutherford, Bedford, and Moore ever since. tant commissioner of Education. volved in education. Well, let’s talk really. I was on that Study Commit- counties. My philosophy, going In 1989, the family moved to Department Commissioner Charles about adult education. Last year, I tee last summer that studied these back to when I was on the Board of Shelbyville when he took over an Smith, during the McWherter ad- received the Legislative Award from issues. There will always be a place Education, is to always check back insurance agency that he still owns. ministration, pushed me to try the Adult Education Task Force, for nursing homes for people at a with those affected by what we do. I He also has an office in things I wouldn’t have otherwise. I which has to do with the folks that certain stage of life, but the call my city council-person or Murfreesboro. He has developed as became student body president dur- may drop out of school, not get their governor’s proposal to expand county commissioner or school many connections there as in ing my senior year. I also played diploma, and go to work for a couple home care options is something I’m board members or law enforcement Bedford County from attending three sports and had some influen- of years. All of a sudden, they decide very much for. officials about what proposed laws Middle Tennessee State University tial coaches. Football Coach Rick this isn’t their deal. They want to go say. It may sound wonderful up here events and serving on the Barker and baseball Coach Mike back and get their education. TT&C: You’ve said that folks but may negatively affect the folks Murfreesboro/Rutherford Chamber Fortin also pushed me and helped We have a group of teachers that with mental disabilities are too back home. It may even be an un- of Commerce. In Shelbyville, he was make me be a better person and do an outstanding job across the often left behind. Any progress to funded mandate. I hated unfunded elected to the Bedford County Board leader than I thought I could be. state helping those young folks get report? mandates when I was a school board of Education and served nine years Later, Coach Barker hired me to be their GEDs and sometimes their di- JT: We don’t intentionally leave member, and I know that mayors, beginning in 1996. His first elected his assistant coach at Columbia ploma. Since those folks who go them behind. It’s just that we have so city councils, and county commis- position, it rewarded him with the when he became coach there. He back to get their GEDs are going to many other things we’re working sioners don’t like unfunded man- useful chance to learn about edu- called me in Alabama where I was improve their work chances, Adult on. I passed a bill two years ago to dates either. cation from the other side. He al- coaching to see if I would be inter- Education is under the Department fulfill a promise to some day help ready knew the classroom teacher ested in returning to Tennessee. I of Labor and Work Force, not under people with mental disabilities. This TT&C: Do you have any hobbies side from having been one, his absolutely was and have been back the Department of Education. year, I am sponsoring Senate Bill or past-times other than NCAA mother also, and his wife who in my home state ever since. 2651 which will put more funding in officiating that you’ve enjoyed? worked in education. He learned TT&C: In this tight budget year, there to try to fulfill that promise. JT: All my life I’ve enjoyed how funding formulas are created TT&C: You’ve been on the Edu- any new education money will One of my goals, if I get reelected volunteering, whether coaching at and has served on the Senate Educa- cation Committee all four years in have to come from excess lottery this November, is to spend some the Little League level or the Babe tion Committee for four years. the Senate? funds, won’t it? Tracy’s West Tennessee parents JT: Yes. In my opinion, education, JT: Because of that, I have Senate were both from Crockett Mills and (pre-K, K-12, and higher education) Bill 277 to make about $100 million both were teachers. His father, is about the most important thing we of the $460 million total we have in There are education issues [in James Tracy Jr., was teaching there do in state government. It is our best excess lottery funds available for when he met Tracy’s mother, Betty. way to improve the quality of lives capital outlay. The $100 million is to corrections], too. It is depressing that we When Tracy’s dad became an assis- and helps citizens become produc- be divided up on a county or school tant county agent for the University tive. system basis based on the number of spend $22,500 or more per year to keep of Tennessee, the family moved to I’m also on the Corrections students in each school system. The Savannah. His dad became Exten- Oversight Committee, which over- capital improvements include build- sion Leader, a position that was sees all the prisons in the state. ing new classrooms to replace por- citizens housed in a prison when for a lot then, and still is, an important job There are education issues there, table classrooms, upgrading energy and an “especially big deal in rural too. It is depressing that we spend efficient lighting, getting new heat- less we can get them educated, into the West Tennessee.” While growing $22,500 or more per year to keep ing and air facilities, or getting a new up, Tracy went all over the county citizens housed in a prison, when for roof or windows. work force, and putting something back tagging along with his father enjoy- a lot less, we can get them educated, ing himself and learning a lot. But, into the work force, and put some- TT&C: As chair of Senate Trans- into society. I was told at a facility in his main lifelong sideline has been thing back into society. I’ve visited portation, were you able to find athletics, starting with Little a lot of Tennessee prisons and was any money for the state’s trans- League, continuing through college told at a facility in Nashville last portation needs? Nashville last year that about 75 percent on up to the marathons he’s been year that about 75 percent of the JT: Our budget problems increased running lately. prison population hasn’t finished when we learned that Tennessee is of the prison population hasn’t finished Tracy met Trena, originally high school. getting $66 million less from the from Alabama, at Freed Hardeman. federal government this year – our high school. They married while he was in col- TT&C: And even fewer of them share of the federal cutbacks in road — lege. Trena worked for the Depart- college material? funds to all 50 states. Transportation Sen. Jim Tracy ment of Education as a teacher as- JT: Correct. That’s where career is a vital cog in the state’s economy, time over the next four years work- Ruth level or coaching football. I sistant until she retired last year and technical education comes in. and we do have quality roads today. ing to change the laws so families serve on the board of directors of the after 16 years. She now has a real It’s important to me because my But roads not maintained deterio- can help their relatives with mental Rutherford YMCA and try to stay estate license and practices that. degree is in vocational agriculture. rate. We also need money to handle disabilities. Often, parents can’t do involved with the Boys and Girls Their three sons range in age Our Education Committee’s em- the tremendous growth in Tennes- much to help their own adult chil- Club. from the oldest, 28, who has a degree phasis this year is to improve gradu- see. Our quality of life attracts more dren if they won’t take their medica- I’ve enjoyed anything athletic. in P.E. and journalism at MTSU, ation rates, something the governor and more people and we have to tion. Golf used to be a big passion. I love which he practices as a part-time talks about all the time. One way to build new roads for all the new de- getting out to golf, to hunt, and just sports writer for the Shelbyville keep young folks in school is velopments. My district includes TT&C: What does the bill you are be out in open spaces. I’ve done Times Gazette, to supplement a full- through career and technical educa- Rutherford County, the fastest co-sponsoring to improve educa- some fishing but prefer hunting, time job. Their middle son works for tion. Not all students go to college growing county in the state. If we tion benefits for veterans do? especially bird hunting and rabbit a Shelbyville contractor, and their and so need a career path to follow. don’t have roads to get increasing JT: The Senate committee approved hunting with beagle hounds when I youngest, 17, is a junior at Our technology centers all over the numbers of people in and out, it my subcommittee recommendation was growing up. Shelbyville High School. state provide that kind of education stymies everything. to set up a $25 million endowment Most recently, I’ve gotten into School Board member Jim after high school. Already at the This year, I sponsored legisla- fund for Tennessee veterans who running. I made it a goal when I was Tracy ran for a House seat in 2002, high school level they can begin tion to fully fund the Road Fund with have served in Iraq and 49 to run a marathon when I turned lost to Rep. Curt Cobb of aiming for a technical career in heat- our designated gasoline tax for Afghanistan. The bill would pro- 50. It’s more of a mental test than a Shelbyville, and chalked it up to an ing/air contracting, auto mec- transportation purposes. In the past, vide a scholarship of up to $1,000 physical challenge. You have to enjoyable experience. But, when an hanics, carpentry, plumbing, elec- some of that money was taken out of per semester for veterans. Total ben- train yourself to do it. I ran three opportunity came up two years later trical work, or computer training. the Transportation Fund, but not last efits would be capped at $8,000, marathons in the last two years, the to run for a Senate seat against in- For example, my oldest son planned year or the year before. which education experts believe Marine Corps Marathon last cumbent Sen. Larry Trail, Tracy on going to college all along. My A priority is to finish the 11-mile would bridge the scholarship gap October where you have all the won. Up for re-election in Novem- middle son did not. He wanted to stretch of 840 between veterans face with the GI bill to com- Armed Service folks manning the ber, Tracy chairs the Senate Trans- work with his hands and he’s now Murfreesboro/Franklin and I-40 plete their degree. Since we have water stations. I’d just turned 51 and portation Committee and is a mem- working for a contractor and loving west. That will tremendously help to more than 12,000 Tennesseans who did it in 4 hours, 47 minutes. The ber of the Senate State and Local it. Young people like that may de- get heavy traffic to skirt Nashville have been deployed to Iraq and Af- year before, I did the St. Jude’s Government Committee. He serves cide not to go along a college path of and divert tens of thousands of ve- ghanistan, this could lift the quality Marathon in Memphis in 4:29:40. as a member of the Tennessee Advi- study but take a technical path. I hicles every day to the southwest of life for many across the state. Our The Marine Corps race was a sory Committee on Intergovern- have several bills that deal with pro- loop between I-24 east and I-65 veterans served on the front lines for tougher course and I wasn’t in quite mental Relations made up of legis- viding additional money specifi- south and I-40 west. TDOT Com- our country. The least we can do is as good shape as I was the year lators, city and county officials, and cally for equipment at career and missioner Nicely met with our com- provide an affordable way for them before, but I got through all 26 miles private citizens who help the legisla- technical education centers. It’s a mittee and said his goal is to get this to get a college education upon re- and 385 yards of it. A buddy about ture study common problems and bipartisan effort. $250 million project finished as turning home if they have not al- the same age and I trained for six recommend legislation to the House quickly as possible. ready graduated. months to work our way up to do it. and Senate. During Tracy’s first TT&C: TML Executive Director We got it done, and I’m still running year at TACIR, a major study of Margaret Mahery was director of TT&C: You are involved in get- TT&C: How did the bill to help and working out today. local elections (whether they should the Technology Center at Athens ting more home-based care for small businesses provide health