6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 63, Number 1 Feb. 6, 2012 Legislation filed to address Gov. Haslam to focus on job growth, synthetic drug problem education, efficient state government Over the past several years, a growing number of cities have be- Gov. Bill Haslam delivered his second State of come concerned about the sale and the State address, offering a more detailed outline use of a controlled substance ana- of his legislative priorities for the year. In the logue, otherwise known as a "syn- weeks leading up to speech, the governor has thetic drug." insisted his primary focus remains making Ten- In recent years, the General nessee the No. 1 state in the southeast for high- Assembly has enacted bills that quality jobs. made it a misdemeanor to manufac- The Haslam Administration plans to move ture, sell or possess synthetic closer toward this goal by enhancing economic drugs. The law was based on the development efforts, making additional education chemical compounds in the prod- reforms, improving public safety, and making ucts, and drug manufacturers have state government more efficient and effective. In managed to skirt the law by chang- the coming weeks, they will introduce a legislative ing the chemical compounds package that tackles those items by addressing slightly, making enforcement diffi- these issues: cult. Beavers • Strengthening the Department of Economic TML has been in contact with and Community Development’s FastTrack pro- the Tennessee District Attorneys gram by budgeting more for the grant program and Conference concerning the devel- giving the department more flexibility in utilizing opment of legislation and the forma- those grants to attract and grow Tennessee jobs. tion of an alliance to address syn- • Lowering the state portion of the sales tax on thetic drugs. During those discus- food from 5.5 percent to 5.0 percent over three sions, the Conference staff in- years. formed TML that they were in the • Providing innovation opportunities to local school districts by eliminating the outdated re- midst of developing a legislative ini- Photo by Victoria South tiative. quirement of state and local salary schedules based Senate Judiciary Committee strictly on seniority and training. Gov. Bill Haslam delivers State of State Address. Chairman Mae Beavers has agreed • Taking a first step in reaching the governor’s See Page 9 for more photos goal of raising the state's inheritance tax exemption to sponsor the legislation, SB2172, offenders. which she developed in conjunction from $1 million to $5 million by these agencies. increasing it to $1.25 million to lower • Updating and reforming the with Rep. Tony Shipley and the • Addressing a number of public state’s employment system through the burden on family farmers and Tennessee District Attorneys. safety issues including prescription the TEAM Act (Tennessee Excel- family business owners as these The proposed legislation would drug abuse, tougher sentencing for lence Accountability and Manage- businesses span generations. tie regulation to the relationship to certain types of gang-related crimes, ment) by simplifying the hiring pro- Shipley • Restructuring a number of state See DRUGS on Page 6 tougher sentencing for gun posses- cess, providing flexibility to retain boards and commissions to eliminate sion by those with prior violent duplicative functions and provide and reward outstanding employees felony convictions and mandatory and streamlining the appeals pro- more accountability and oversight of New pension options offered to jail time for repeat domestic violence cess for employees. local governments employees State’s STEM Caucus makes grand debut BY KEVIN KRUSHENSKI their specific needs.” BY VICTORIA SOUTH TML Research Analyst The Treasurer presented the TML Communications Coordinator following options to the Council on In 1972, the state authorized Pensions & Insurance on January Old school clichés ‘Reading, local government subdivisions to 23, 2012: ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic’ have been participate in the Tennessee Consoli- • local governments may take no upstaged by a simple acronym— dated Retirement System or TCRS action and remain in the current “STEM.” The emphasis on Science, as it is more commonly known. This TCRS defined benefit pension plan Technology, Engineering and Math- move was mutually beneficial as it with retirement generally at 30 years ematics, took a major leap forward gave local governments a profes- of service or age 60; or Jan. 23, as bi-partisan members of sional retirement manager and the • local governments may adopt a the House and Senate, along with state increased the fund size for their TCRS defined benefit pension plan leaders from a variety of sectors, investments. As of June 30, 2011, with an annual service accrual rate joined together to launch the nation’s 176 municipalities participated in the of 1.4 percent, with an increase in first state-level caucus on educa- system. retirement age, limits on cost of tional issues, Tennessee’s STEM However, recent economic living adjustments, a cap on maxi- Education Caucus. conditions are driving up the contri- mum allowed benefits and a revised Two years in the making, the bution cost to many municipalities. employee contribution structure; or caucus, co-chaired by Sen. Jim Approximately 42% of local govern- • local governments may adopt a Tracy of Shelbyville and Sen. Reginald Tate of Memphis, and ment participants will face contribu- TCRS defined benefit pension plan Sen. Jim Tracy, co-chair of the state’s first educational STEM caucus, House leaders Rep. David Hawk, of tion rates greater than 10% this fiscal with an annual service accrual rate with Kathleen Airhart, deputy commissioner State Dept. of Education. year. According to the Department of 1% to offer reduced pension ben- East Tennessee and Rep. Brenda of Treasury, this increasing contri- efits, but with a supplemental de- Gilmore of Nashville, will provide a with a degree in Agricultural Educa- level. Another primary goal of the bution is causing some municipali- ferred compensation program; or non-partisan, bicameral forum for tion. “We have chairmen from both caucus is to develop strategy to in- ties to reevaluate their participation • local governments may decide Tennessee legislators and outside parties because this is not a partisan crease the number of students pur- in the TCRS. In order to give local to offer only a deferred compensa- businesses, science, technology, issue.” suing careers in STEM fields in Ten- governments more choices for their tion program as a stand-alone op- and education communities to dis- According to Tracy, one of the nessee and to improve the overall employees’ retirement plans, Ten- tion. cuss challenges, problems and solu- caucus’ main purposes is to serve as ability of the workforce to thrive in nessee State Treasurer David Lillard The proposals were developed tions. an informational platform for the an increasingly STEM-intensive proposed several new options to following open meetings held “We invite all members of the Legislature and the general public workplace. STEM knowledge is state legislators for their consider- throughout Tennessee with more General Assembly to be involved in about trends in STEM policies and required for 27 of the top 30 fastest- ation. than 200 local government represen- this,” said Tracy, a former teacher practices from a state and national See STEM on Page 8 The proposed changes, which tatives last fall. Treasurer Lillard said would require approval by the Gen- that they are “offering these options eral Assembly, are optional for local because we want local governments governments and would only affect to remain part of TCRS…” And, the Study connects online sex trade, new hires. The proposed options do Treasurer believes these options will not affect any current local govern- make municipalities more inclined to ment retirees of TCRS. stay within the system. trafficking in Middle Tennessee A caption bill, SB3216 “Our city and county govern- results as “shock- (McNally) / HB3603 (Sargent) was BY VICTORIA SOUTH ments across Tennessee have to ing,” as he observed introduced before the filing deadline, balance the need to be good stew- The scantily-clad girl in the clas- “Human trafficking and a more detailed amendment that ards of taxpayer money with the sified ad is listed as 19 years-old. She and sex slavery in will make the bill will follow when need to offer fair retirement benefits could indeed be selling herself for Tennessee is more the bill appears before committee. to their employees,” Treasurer cash, or she could be among the 27 common than previ- For a copy of the local govern- Lillard said. “The goal is to make million people across the globe en- ously believed pos- ment pension option proposals and sure pension benefits are affordable, slaved in the brutal world of human sible,” he said. other documents, go to http:// sustainable and sufficient. That’s trafficking. Reflected against the Focused specifi- treasury.tn.gov/tcrs and look at the why I am recommending some backdrop of the nation’s fourth Hu- cally on victims be- tab titled “Proposed Plans for Local choices that would give local gov- man Trafficking Awareness Day, a tween the ages of nine Gov’t.” ernments greater flexibility to meet new study, The Nashville Backpage and 17, results from Report, released by the advocacy the 2010 study impli- group End Slavery Tennessee and cate that children are It is estimated that there are 100,000 children in New form required for public Operation Broken Silence, not only routinely moved from the sex trade in the United States each year. calls for lawmakers to pass tougher city to city across debt report to Comptroller penalties for those convicted of sex Tennessee for the sole purpose of been as successful as the site contin- trafficking and promoting prostitu- human sex trafficking. The study ues to list the ads in their adult The State Funding Board re- tions until they have complied. tion, it provides specific data about cites 78 counties as reporting at least section. cently approved a revised form, A copy of the revised form, the local commercial sex industry, one case of human sex trafficking in Findings from the Backpage re- guidelines and procedures for filing a guidelines and procedures may be drawing connections between the a 24-month time frame. port reflect what the 2010 study Public Debt Report. found on line with more information industry and sex trafficking in In 2010, Tennessee Attorney suggests, that trafficking is not State law requires any public including instructions on how to Middle Tennessee. General Bob Cooper, along with a linked exclusively with certain de- entity issuing debt to file a Public complete and file the CT0253 form. Human sex trafficking became a group of 16 other state attorneys mographics or certain geographic Debt Report (45 days of issuing or Go to www.comptroller1.state.tn. more recognizable buzz word after a general, asked Craigslist to shut areas throughout Tennessee. Ads executing a debt obligation, with a In addition, cities may complete 2010 study, commissioned by the down the adult escort section of its for commercial sex and online pros- copy (including attachments, if any) the Public Debt Report form online Tennessee General Assembly, ex- website, considered by the attorneys titution were listed not only in Nash- filed with the Director of the Office and submit it by email to amined the scope of trafficking to be a magnet for prostitution, sex ville, but the surrounding suburbs of of State and Local Finance. Failure LocalFinance. across Tennessee. Undertaken by trafficking and other related sex Brentwood, Cool Springs, Donelson to file this report will result in the [email protected]. If you the Tennessee Bureau of Investiga- crimes. While Craigslist eventually and Hermitage. “Each of these sub- offending issuer being barred from have any questions, please contact tion and Vanderbilt University, TBI conceded, a similar request by the urbs of Nashville represents varying entering into any further debt obliga- TML or MTAS. Director Mark Gwyn denounced the group to Backpage.com has not See TRAFFICKING on Page 6 www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/FEBRUARY 6, 2011

dustry.

HARRIMAN The city hopes that ghost hunters can raise enough money to restore a historic and reputedly haunted build- BY TML STAFF REPORTS Act permit authorizing the filling-in ing. Ghost hunter Richard Ruland, of slightly more than an acre of of Southern Tennessee G.H.O.S.T. wetlands for the Electrolux plant. Paranormal, wants to use the 121- BARTLETT The decision follows approval last year-old Temperance Building, a Bartlett officials headed out on an year by Tennessee water-quality former jail, to attract both tourists education field trip to the Tri-Cities regulators of a plan to mitigate the and paranormal enthusiasts to the with stops in Johnson City, Bristol wetland loss by restoring wetlands city, which was founded by anti- and Kingsport, to get an inside look to a 3.5-acre parcel near the Wolf alcohol crusaders in the 19th cen- at the operation of schools similar in River Greenway trail north of tury. Ghost Hunters aired footage size to a potential municipal school Collierville. caught during a night spent inside the district. Bartlett and the other Shelby city-owned building on the web- County suburbs are studying COLUMBIA based Paranormal Network. A whether to form their own municipal Columbia State Community College council workshop met to consider school districts to circumvent the has formally claimed land soon to be Ruland’s plans to conduct paid tours unified school system that resulted the new site of the college’s of the building, with half the pro- from the Memphis Board of Educa- Williamson County campus. Now ceeds going toward its restoration. tion surrendering its charter. that college officials have the land, Under Ruland’s plan, ghost tourists Crossville recently received a $7,000 grant from the Nissan Neighbors they hope to get about $1.8 million would pay $299 for all-night visits Foundation to expand its bio-diesel recycling initiative. Pictured L-R CHURCH HILL from the state this year to begin the by up to six people and $30 per front, Crossville City Manager Bruce Wyatt and Ashley Pealer, commu- AGC Glass Company North design process for the campus on person for three-hour tours. The nity development director with Upper Cumberland Development Dis- America announced Monday it plans about 36 acres north of Williamson three-story brick and stone struc- trict. Back row, Steve Powell, city of Crossville; Danny Wyatt, mayor to restart an idled production line at Medical Center, along with $36 mil- ture was built in 1891 by the Tennes- pro-tem; Tom Breeden, Cumberland County Recycling Center, and its Greenland Plant in Church Hill lion the following year to begin con- see Land Co. when it began develop- Billy Loggins, marketing director. and bring back 100 jobs once the line struction. The current site near ing what was to be the “Utopia of becomes operational. The G1 pro- Franklin High School is one of five Temperance,” about 40 miles west by The Brookings Institution. In its court. Phase 2 will cover 76 acres duction line will manufacture float campuses in the system and the of Knoxville. The stately building Global Metro Monitor, part of the and feature a natural area complete glass for the architectural and auto- second largest after the main cam- later became Temperance Univer- Washington, D.C., think tank’s on- with an interpretative center and a motive markets. Construction on the pus in Columbia. School officials sity before serving as city hall, with going research project on metropoli- paved trail encircling the park. line will begin this summer and is say they outgrew the former Claude a jail in the basement. Now it holds a tan areas worldwide, Nashville’s expected to be completed by the end Yates Vocational Center years ago, few offices and the city museum. average per-capita income rose 1.8 ROGERSVILLE of 2012. even after reconfiguring and adding percent last year, compared with a A $1.4 million expansion of the Ware space to the current site and without JACKSON decline of 4.4 percent during the Manufacturing plant in Hawkins CLARKSVILLE this expansion, they could lose en- State and local officials raised the worst part of the recession. Employ- County is expected to bring 33 Fewer than half of the students who rollment. Columbia State must raise University of Memphis flag in the ment grew by 1.2 percent, com- manufacturing jobs. The Hawkins graduated from a two-year chemical a minimum of 10 percent of the cost historic quadrangle on the former pared with a drop of 4.5 percent County Industrial Development engineering program designed for to make the project go forward. Lambuth University campus to during the lowest point of the 2007- Board approved the sale of 1.5 acres Hemlock Semiconductor have been commemorate the deed transfer 2010 period, the report said.The re- to Ware Manufacturing behind the hired by the company. The program CROSSVILLE from the University board of direc- sults put the Nashville metropolitan pet product manufacturer’s existing cost taxpayers more than $6 million. Crossville recently received a tors to the state benefiting the Uni- area in the middle for economic plant at the Phipps Bend Industrial Hemlock announced in 2010 it was $7,000 grant from the Nissan Neigh- versity of Memphis. Lambuth Uni- growth during 2011 for the top 200 Park. The expansion will increase bringing 500 new jobs to Clarksville, bors Foundation to expand its bio- versity closed in June and filed for world cities. the existing 107,000-square-foot fa- as the state gave Austin Peay State diesel recycling initiative. The city is Chapter 11 protection to negotiate its cility by an additional 42,500 square University $6.4 million to develop a producing an average of 50 gallons a debts with its creditors. The campus NASHVILLE feet. Ware specializes in manufac- new program to provide an educated week of bio-diesel fuel for city trans- sold for $7.9 million and the campus Gaylord Entertainment announced a turing products for dogs, cats, small workforce trained with the special portation needs from used vegetable was turned over to the Board of partnership with Dolly Parton to animals and birds — including skills for the solar industry. But cooking oil. The grant will be used to Regents in December. open a family entertainment attrac- chickens. some students who graduated from purchase recycling containers to be tion that will be a water and snow the specially-designed program are placed outside school cafeterias. MANCHESTER park. The 114-acre park is projected SHELBYVILLE disappointed they haven’t been hired Batesville Casket plans to expand its to open as early as spring 2014 with Century Mold Co., Inc., announced by Hemlock. So far, according to DECHERD facility, investing nearly $7 million an expected 500,000 visitors in the plans to expand its Shelbyville facil- APSU, out of 84 students who have Nissan and Daimler will produce and creating approximately 35 jobs first full season. It’s expected to hire ity located at 508 Blue Ribbon Park- graduated in three separate classes, Mercedes-Benz 4-cylinder gasoline during a three-year period. 450 full and part-time employees in way. The company will invest $4.2 about 35 have been hired by Hem- engines together at Nissan’s power- the first phase of development, said million and create 58 manufacturing lock. train assembly plant in Decherd. MCKENZIE officials. It will join her theme park jobs. Headquartered in Rochester, Production will begin in 2014, with Jimmy Sanders, Inc., the Mid- and a water park in Pigeon Forge, N.Y., Century Mold Co., Inc., is CLINTON installed capacity of 250,000 units South’s largest locally and family- about 190 miles away in the foothills primarily an injection molding sup- The closing of 25 Food Lion grocery per year once full ramp-up is owned agricultural input supply of the Smoky Mountains in East plier to the OEM automotive and stores in Tennessee and greatly re- achieved. The Decherd facility will company has expanded its retail op- Tennessee. The planned $50 million heavy truck industry. The com- ducing operations at a distribution produce engines for Mercedes-Benz erations with a new location in the venture will be a partnership with pany’s automotive experience has center in Clinton is displacing about and Infiniti models. The collabora- McKenzie Airport Industrial Park. Gaylord Entertainment, which owns translated into new markets of con- 1,100 workers. Belgian supermarket tion marks the first production of The facility will provide seed, fertil- the Gaylord Opryland Resort & sumer products, emerging energy, chain Delhaize said it is cutting al- Mercedes-Benz engines in the North izer and chemicals to local farmers Convention Center and the Grand military and office furniture indus- most 5,000 jobs in the United States. America Free Trade region. as well as precision agriculture ser- Ole Opry country music show in tries. The closings in Tennessee include vices through Sanders’ award-win- Nashville. some stores in the Chattanooga area, GATLINBURG ning OptiGro Program. Through a SMYRNA Cleveland, Knoxville, Clinton, There’s a thirst in the mountains for web-based platform, OptiGro pro- NEWBERN Topre America Corporation will Crossville, Maryville, Morristown, legal Tennessee moonshine. Devel- cesses, stores and analyzes data Power equipment maker Briggs & open a manufacturing operation in Sevierville, Clarksville, Henderson- opers of the Ole Smoky Distillery across several million acres and as- Stratton has announced a consolida- Nissan North America’s Smyrna ville, Lewisburg, Murfreesboro, Old have bought the Legends Restaurant sists growers in maximizing their tion that will close the company’s facility. The new location represents Hickory, Smyrna, Sparta, Greene- on the Gatlinburg downtown park- return on input investment for each factory in West Tennessee. The Mil- a multi-million dollar investment and ville and Johnson City. way and will distill different spirits cropping season. waukee-based company announced the creation of 25 jobs. Headquar- there. Additionally, Ole Smoky part- the closure of the plant in Newbern, tered in Tokyo, Japan, Topre started COLLIERVILLE ners have bought land in the Glades MEMPHIS laying off about 240 regular employ- out as a manufacturer of pressed IndustryWeek magazine has just arts and crafts community to open a The largest steamboat in the world ees and 450 temporary employees. components for automobile equip- ranked the giant Carrier air-condi- branch of the original distillery. will soon be back in operation on the The plant makes walk-behind lawn ment. Since the company was inau- tioning plant in Collierville as one of Small distilleries have blossomed Mississippi River. The Great Ameri- mowers and snow blowers for the gurated, it has been committed to the 10 best manufacturing plants in since passage of a 2009 statute that can Steamboat Company, newly U.S. domestic market. The work is world-class manufacturing and has the nation. Among the plant’s allows local county commissions to headquartered Downtown in One being moved to a Briggs & Stratton gradually expanded the range of in- achievements was a 60 percent im- decide whether to allow them. Prior Commerce Square, is planning to plant in McDonough, Ga.The com- dustries it serves to include refriger- provement over the past four years to the statute’s passage, only Jack hire more than 300 new employees pany also is closing a Czech plant, ating machinery, air-conditioning for the assembly lines’ “first-pass Daniel’s and George Dickel whis- for “the grandest, most opulent sending that work to its plant in systems, electronic products and quality yield.” Carrier Collierville is a keys and Prichard’s rum were le- riverboat in the world,” The Ameri- Murray, Ky., and ending 77 over- office automation equipment, in ad- 900,000-square-foot plant at the gally produced — all in southern can Queen. A career fair held in seas jobs. According to the com- dition to automobile equipment. junction of Byhalia and Winchester Middle Tennessee. Ole Smokey Dis- Memphis, during the third week of pany, the Newbern plant will be roads that makes residential air-con- tillery opened in Gatlinburg in 2010. February, is to prepare for the arrival shuttered by about May 15. UNION CITY ditioners and heat pumps. of the revived steamer. Built in 1995 Titan Tire plans to create 300 jobs by GREENVILLLE at a cost of $60 million, the 418-foot- PIGEON FORGE year’s end at its Union City plant at COLLIERVILLE J&J Warehousing & Storage, Inc., long American Queen enters service The city broke ground on Wear the location of the former Goodyear A contractor for Electrolux will plant plans to create dozens of new jobs in April. Farm Park, a 116-acre multi-pur- Tire & Rubber facility. The plant will some 1,500 trees and restore wet- over the next three years. The com- pose attraction with athletic facilities produce and redistribute materials to lands near the city to compensate pany was able to expand after an- NASHVILLE geared to expand participation in other company facilities. The plant for environmental damage resulting other Greeneville company out- Nashville showed significant job and youth sports. A 40-acre site will will squeeze rubber onto nylon and from construction of the company’s sourced its welding operations to income growth during 2011, rising comprise Phase 1 with five baseball/ polyester and blend rubber and steel kitchen-appliance plant in southwest J&J Warehousing, rather than send to 89th place from 163rd during softball fields, a concession stand, strands used as tire belts. Titan Tire Memphis. The Corps of Engineers the jobs overseas. The company 2007-2010 among the world’s top football field with bleachers, a multi- purchased the Goodyear plant for $9 plans to issue a federal Clean Water manufactures and assembles welded 200 metropolitan areas in economic purpose field, two playgrounds, two million last September. components for the automotive in- performance, according to rankings shelter buildings and a basketball

Consulting • Design • Project Management JOEL B. SPAULDING TH&P & COMPANY, INC. Solutions for the Future 2402 WINFORD AVENUE NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37217 3428 Bristol Highway PHONE (615) 255-7766 Johnson City, TN 37601 FAX (615) 255-7767 TYSINGER, HAMPTON & PARTNERS, INC. (423) 282.2687 P (423) 282.1621 F CONSULTING ENGINEERS [email protected] • www.tysinger-engineering.com

Your Professional Employee Benefit Company The Malone Company 124 North Main Avenue • P.O. Box 616 Fayetteville, TN 37334 Target Your Advertising Office: (931) 433-6907 FAX: (931) 433-9714 Call Debbie Kluth Toll Free (888) 752-7126 615-255-6416 Email: [email protected] South Fulton documentary to hit PBS airwaves in February BY VICTORIA SOUTH Make plans to attend Legislative TML Communications Coordinator In some cities, the heart takes Conference March 5-6 in Nashville over when the funds run dry. That’s what’s happening in South Fulton, Make plans now to attend the visit with their legislators. Tenn. and bordering state Fulton. Tennessee Municipal League’s The voice of Tennessee’s mu- Ky., as citizens fight to reclaim their Annual Legislative Conference, nicipal governments must be heard community against a cruel economy slated for March 5 -6 at the in the legislative process, and the and the ravages of time. Armed with DoubleTree Hotel Downtown Legislative Conference is a key donations, funding, labor, paint and Nashville. opportunity to communicate that supplies, the Twin Cities, empow- The two-day conference pro- message. ered by a grassroots initiative vides an excellent forum for city To register on line, go to sweeping the nation, are winning the officials to interact with their legis- TML’s website at www.TML1 battle through “Let’s Paint The lators and to be updated on the .org. Contact the TML offices at Town!” many legislative issues currently 615-255-6416 for more informa- The campaign was born in 2006 being addressed by the 107th Ten- tion. in Princeton, Ky. as Sam Koltinsky, nessee General Assembly. To reserve a hotel room, con- owner of Marvo Entertainment City officials are also encour- tact the DoubleTree at 615-244- Group, rallied his neighbors to- aged to use their time in Nashville 8200. To receive the special group gether, ultimately revitalizing 50 to attend Monday evening floor rate, reservations must be made by Volunteers from the Twin Cities, South Fulton and Fulton Ky. revitalize buildings within Princeton’s down- sessions and to schedule time to Feb. 8. 46 buildings downtown as part of the Let’s Paint The Town! initiative town district at no cost to the busi- sweeping small town America. Their efforts have been captured on a ness owners, except for the paint. video Let’s Paint The Town, Twin Cities! which will be aired by the PBS Today, working with such en- network in February. MTAS recognized by TNCPE tities as PBS, the History Channel, and the Documentary Channel, grown lots, crumbling buildings, for Twin Cities are certainly proving this The University of Tennessee ing industry sectors: health care, Koltinsky, a veteran filmmaker, is sale signs and peeling paint. to be the case as they take on eco- Municipal Technical Advisory Ser- manufacturing, service, education, bringing South Fulton and Fulton, “With our community in nomic development through revital- vice (MTAS) is one of four UT government and nonprofit. Kentucky’s story to life as the first shambles, politicians deadlocked ization.” agencies within the Institute of Pub- “Tennessee is competing not of a series of 30-minute documen- over budget cuts and grant monies What does the project hold for lic Service (IPS) that has earned just nationally but internationally for taries chronicling the Let’s Paint dried up, much of small-town other small communities? While he Interest Level Recognition in the an- new jobs, and each award recipient The Town! movement across small America is literally fighting for its can’t disclose the details, Koltinsky nual Excellence in Tennessee recog- contributes to the state’s success at town America. The documentary, economic survival,” said Jeff said he was recently approached by nition program administered by the the regional, national and interna- Let’s Paint the Town, Twin Cities! Campbell, project manager for the a government agency in Washing- Tennessee Center for Performance tional levels,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. is set to air several times beginning Let’s Paint the Town! initiative in the ton, D.C., interested in partnering Excellence (TNCPE). “Tennessee is a better place to live February 26, on PBS affiliate station Twin Cities. “When I left here 28 with Let’s Paint The Town! “Money TNCPE is the only statewide and work because of the commit- KET in Kentucky, and will be part of years ago, I left what I thought in my falls on the right mission,” he en- quality program and is patterned on ment to excellence and continuous a series on PBS airing nationwide mind, was Mayberry. When I came thused. “It certainly would provide the Baldrige Performance Excel- improvement embraced by these later this year. back 18 months ago, the Mayberry I easier access to state and Federal lence Program, the national standard organizations. Strong organiza- A one-time picture of vibrancy, remember no longer existed. I saw a grants.” for recognizing organizational excel- tions, such as these, bring in invest- the heyday of the Twin Cities in- town in distress. I couldn’t bear to Volunteer efforts supported by lence. ment and resources, playing a criti- cluded a thriving downtown and see it that way, so, I decided to step grant money is indeed on the rise, as MTAS, along with the Center cal role in making Tennessee the No. bustling railroad. Ninety percent of up and make a difference.” cities across the nation struggling to for Industrial Services, Law En- 1 location in the Southeast for high the bananas from South America In 2010, Campbell and Twin make ends meet, turn to volunteers forcement Innovation Center, and quality jobs.” moved through the area to be distrib- Cities Chamber of Commerce Ex- to do jobs formerly handled by the Naifeh Center for Effective Organizations like MTAS apply uted and sold. The subsequent Inter- ecutive Director Thea Vowell, someone receiving a government Leadership will accept the award at to the TNCPE program at one of national Banana Festival drew visi- posed an unusual suggestion, rather paycheck, according to an article by the 19th annual Excellence in Ten- four levels. As the levels increase, so tors from all over the world. Long- than wait around and hope, citizens Governing Magazine editor Tod nessee Awards Banquet on Feb. 22, do the depth and complexity of the time community residents remem- would initiate a move to take back Newcombe. 2012. The County Technical Assis- applications. Since the program was ber those days wistfully. the community by joining the Let’s Eligible cities are receiving fi- tance Service also submitted an founded in 1993, only 21 organiza- “The Illinois Central Railroad Paint the Town! initiative. nancing to hire service leaders to application and is waiting for a site tions have attained the excellence ran right through here,” recalls local Nearly 200 residents from the manage large groups of volunteers visit from TNCPE examiners. designation. While there will not be business owner Garrett Hutchins. Twin Cities attended the first town tackling local government problems, “We are very proud of this next an Excellence Award presented this “One thousand freight cars and 30- meeting, and more than $4,000 was Newcombe notes, lauding a $2 mil- step and our ongoing efforts for year, six organizations will be hon- 50 passenger cars a day. More than collected in a single night. As dona- lion grant from the Bloomberg Phi- continuous improvement at ored with the Achievement Award; 1,000 passengers would disembark tions began pouring in, that amount lanthropies, the Rockefeller Founda- MTAS,” commented Executive Di- 17 will be awarded a Commitment every day to shop and eat down- increased to more than $5,500. Citi- tion and other groups, which helped rector Steve Thompson. Award, and five, including MTAS, town.” One such passenger was the zen volunteers of all ages, from local create the Cities of Service program. The inaugural class of the IPS will receive Interest Recognition, legendary gangster Al Capone, who youths to the elderly, even neighbors Starting in September 2009 af- Leadership Academy took on the which is the beginning level for or- passed through frequently on the suffering with cancer or other health ter the Edward M. Kennedy Serve Baldrige Performance Excellence ganizations interested in adopting way to one of his homes in Miami. issues, turned out faithfully each America Act challenged cities to Program application process as a and applying performance improve- “The railroad was the heart, weekend to get the job done. Vowell, think of new uses for volunteers, group project and submitted Level I ment principles. A full list of win- bloodline, the brains; it was every- pregnant and expecting within days, Cities of Service’s purpose is to applications in August. The agencies ners can be found on the TNCPE thing Fulton [The Twin Cities] had was there too. “I’m a very deter- identify local community sectors that were already announced as In- website. to offer,” agrees local historian Bill mined person,” she said. “And when that most need volunteers, match terest Award winners had site visits “This program takes a true Homra. “All bananas would come to people see the progress and excite- service programs with volunteers from examiners in the fall. commitment from leadership and Fulton before they were sold. They ment, they want to be a part of it and share best practices. The pro- “We began the Baldrige appli- dedication by the entire organization would come by ship from New Or- too.” Local business owners gram has grown to include 111 coa- cation as a way to document the to refine their processes, delight the leans loaded on un-refrigerated box chipped in with labor, paint and sup- lition members, including 20 cities work our agencies do, because it’s customers, engage their workforce cars. The train would stop in Fulton plies. that received grants to hire chief useful for the long term strategic and get real results,” said TNCPE to ice down each car, and from “We have restored and reno- service officers. direction of our agencies,” said Dr. President Katie Rawls. “We are hon- Fulton, on to Chicago to be distrib- vated 46 buildings in our community Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Mary H. Jinks, vice president of ored to work with organizations like uted throughout the U.S. without a single dollar of govern- Nutter, vice president of the U.S. public service. “This process also the University of Tennessee Munici- “When the festival was going ment money,” enthused Campbell. Conference of Mayors, joined by 20 allows for us to get outside feedback pal Technical Advisory Service, as on, it seemed like our town was on “Our mantra has been: our town, our other mayors, recently composed a on our agencies from the examiners, they pursue their journey toward fire,” Homra continues. “The inter- pride, and our responsibility.” “Lets letter urging their peers across the and we value that.” continuous improvement and excel- national festival drew in all the south Paint The Town! is going to bring nation to adopt the Cites of Service Through an annual evaluation lence.” American countries that grew ba- these two communities together and model of impact volunteering and to and assessment process, TNCPE TNCPE is a nonprofit, public- nanas. Celebrities like Miss Tennes- make everybody proud of the com- establish or sustain a chief service recognizes high-performance orga- private partnership and is available see and Miss Kentucky would be munity as a whole,” adds Vowell. officer in their administrations, nizations that exhibit continuous im- to all businesses, educational institu- here along with movie stars and Residents are also hoping the The DVD Let’s Paint The Town, provement and best practice pro- tions, health care organization, gov- country music singers. Every night a effort will reflect community pride Twin Cities! is currently available cesses. This year, TNCPE has ernment agencies and other non- Marimba band from South America and re-awaken business oppor- for $15 through the Twin Cities named 28 organizations as 2011 profit entities. would play and there would be danc- tunities throughout the area. So far, Chamber of Commerce. Contact award winners. They represent out- To learn more, visit ing in the streets...” six new businesses have opened Thea Vowell, executive director standing achievement in the follow- www.tncpe.org. But like so many little towns their doors since the Twin Cities Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce, across America, years of manufac- took on the program 18 months ago, 270-627-1400 or e-mail TML requests E-mail addresses: The quickest way to turing layoffs, factory closures, and according to Campbell. [email protected]. keep city officials apprised of legislative happenings is through e-mail or the downsizing of the railroad finally “Our local communities should For more information about the brought the close knit community to fax. Please send any changes in your contact information to Mona be the laboratory for our national Let’s Paint The Town! campaign or its knees. The days of growth and solutions,” notes nationally-known The Cities of Service initiative, visit Lawrence, by fax at 615-255-4752, by e-mail to mlawrence@TML1. org, prosperity had been replaced by economic development expert John www.marvoentertainmentgroup.com or call 615-255-6416. stark images of faded glory, over- Talmadge in a press release. “The or www.citiesofservice.org www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/FEBRUARY 6, 2011 Clean Energy Grant Program open for applications in 2012 The Tennessee Department of tions. The cars have zero emissions formed a strategic alliance with the BY TML STAFF REPORTS business tax collections were Environment and Conservation has and are made in Tennessee. Tennessee Highway Patrol to com- $114.5 million above the budgeted opened the application process for •Tennessee Tower Window bat stolen goods in transit in Tennes- State announces new judge selec- estimate in December. But he said the 2012 Clean Tennessee Energy Film – The Department of General see and surrounding states. State tion proposal typically a quarter of all franchise Grant Program. The pogram will Services will add reflective film to all troopers will use the CargoNet sys- Gov. Haslam, Lt.Gov. Ron Ramsey and excise tax collections are real- provide financial assistance to local exterior windows in the Tennessee tem to disrupt cargo crime net- and House Speaker Beth Harwell ized in the month of April, so future governments, utility districts and Tower to reduce solar radiant heat works, increase recovery rates, and announced a joint proposal to ad- months could be negatively im- private businesses and organizations gain, thereby reducing HVAC en- apprehend criminals associated with dress how judges are chosen in Ten- pacted. State tax collections were in Tennessee for a variety of projects ergy consumption and increasing cargo thefts. State troopers will now nessee. The plan includes a resolu- $12.9 million more than the estimate using innovative technology to re- occupant comfort. The upfront cost have access to investigative support tion to amend the Tennessee Consti- for December and the year-to-date duce energy consumption and emis- for the window film is $610,000. through the 24-hour CargoNet op- tution that would apply to all Su- growth rate is 6.29 percent. Emkes sions. With an estimated annual energy erations center and will receive theft preme Court justices and other ap- also said while sales tax revenues Eligible categories include: savings of $362,000, the project is alerts to patrol units. The CargoNet pellate judges saying that they: Will reflect renewed consumer confi- • Cleaner Alternative Energy – expected to pay for itself in less than database will also allow highway be nominated by a commission dence, Tennessee is still not back to biomass, geothermal, solar, wind two years and reduce greenhouse patrol personnel to analyze shifting based on merit; Be appointed by the pre-2008 collection levels on sales • Energy Conservation – lighting, gas emissions by 2,451 metric tons crime patterns; retrieve real-time Governor; and will be elected in a taxes. traffic deaths in 48 years HVAC improvements, improved per year. The Tennessee Tower was theft trends; and access theft reports retention election as they are today. fuel efficiency, insulation, idling built in 1970, and is the largest state based on day, time, location, com- Legislation will be filed to extend the Traffic deaths drop dramatically minimization building in Tennessee. modity, and other factors. Members Judicial Nominating Commission Tennessee recorded the fewest traf- • Air Quality Improvement – re- • TDEC Nashville Environ- of the THP and other law enforce- and the Judicial Performance Evalu- fic deaths in 48 years during 2011, duction in greenhouse gases, sulfur mental Field Office HVAC – ment agencies will participate in a ation Commission until at least 2015, according to preliminary figures re- dioxide, volatile organic com- TDEC will test, adjust and balance training program to further enhance which allows appropriate time for leased Thursday by the Tennessee pounds, oxides of nitrogen, hazard- the existing HVAC system at its their cargo theft interdiction skills. the constitutional amendment to be Department of Safety and Homeland ous air pollutants Nashville Environmental Field Of- considered. Security. There were 947 traffic- fice to correct deficiencies and opti- State flunks no-smoking report related deaths last year on Tennessee A total of $2.25 million will be mize energy usage. The upfront cost Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama State’s unemployment rate falls roads. It was the lowest number of available in the first round of grants. for the project is $39,000. With an flunked the no-smoking class. The Tennessee’s unemployment rate in recorded fatalities since 941 in 1963. The maximum grant amount per estimated annual energy savings of three states racked up a row of F’s December fell to 8.7 percent, the The 2011 dip was the third time in 48 project is $250,000. Grant applica- $11,100, the project is expected to from the American Lung lowest it has been since December years that crash-related deaths tions are available on TDEC’s pay for itself in approximately 3.5 Association’s annual report card 2008, according to the Tennessee dipped below 1,000. Since 2006, website at www.tn.gov/environ- years and reduce greenhouse gas that grades states on their efforts to Department of Labor & Workforce fatalities have dropped 26.2 percent ment/energygrants and will be ac- emissions by 80 metric tons per curb cigarette usage. The report Development.The state’s revised with truck-related fatalities falling cepted until March 30, 2012. Re- year. looks at four categories: tobacco unemployment rate was 9.1 percent 34.5 percent. Bicyclist deaths fell cipients are expected to be an- • Fall Creek Falls Inn – Ten- prevention, control and spending; in November.The drop in 28.6 percent. Motorcycle deaths nounced by mid-May. nessee State Parks will work with state smoking restrictions; cigarette Tennessee’s rate is largely due to a dropped 19.1 percent and the num- In addition to the energy grant Tennessee Tech to install a heat tax rate; and state cessation cover- notable increase of 11,200 employed ber of pedestrians killed fell 4.5 per- program, TDEC announced a series recovery water heater system at the age. Out of the three states, Tennes- persons from November to Decem- cent. Department officials say 2011 of energy efficiency projects in state Fall Creek Falls State Park Inn and see has the highest number of smok- ber,” Karla Davis, commissioner of arrests of impaired drivers rose 39 government. The state projects, as Conference center in Pikeville. A ers — 20 percent of adults and high the Department of Labor & percent over 2010. Drunken driving well projects for other public and heat recovery water heater utilizes a school students — and the highest Workforce Development, said deaths dropped 31.6 percent from private entities that will be funded dual cycle heat pump to scavenge number of deaths from smoking per 2006 to 2010.But officials said that through the grant program, are de- heat from a recirculating chilled 100,000 population. However, Ala- Revenue collections up for Dec. seat belt usage remains a major con- signed to both increase cost savings water loop to heat hot water, while bama and Georgia are not far behind. Tennessee revenue collections in cern. While data indicates safety- and decrease emissions. simultaneously providing additional Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama all December were $965.7 million, belt usage was 87.4 percent in 2011, Funding for the projects comes chilled water capacity. The upfront spend only a fraction of the recom- $123 million more than the budgeted 56.3 percent of people who died in from an April 2011 Clean Air Act cost for the project is $150,000. mended funding for tobacco pre- estimate, but the state finance com- vehicle crashes did not buckle up. settlement with the Tennessee Val- With an estimated annual energy vention and control spending. In missioner said revenue in future ley Authority. Under the Consent savings of $73,205, the project is addition, the three states have some months may not show the same THP forms CargoNet alliance Decree, Tennessee will receive expected to pay for itself in about of the lowest cigarette taxes in the growth. Finance and Administration CargoNet, a leading source of infor- $26.4 million over five years to fund two years and reduce greenhouse nation. commissioner Mark Emkes said that mation about cargo theft risk, has clean air programs in the state – at gas emissions by 245 metric tons per approximately $5.25 million per year. Local airports receive TDOT Aeronautics Grants year. In the first year, $2.25 million • Fall Creek Falls Cabins – will go to fund air quality grants for Tennessee State Parks will convert The Tennessee Department of $100,000—$90,000 state and changes in the state Airport System local governments, municipalities, 30 cabins to utilize geothermal en- Transportation (TDOT) an- $10,000 local for Communication Plan. The board carefully reviews all utilities, other organizations and pri- ergy at a rate of 10 cabins per year nounced that state aeronautics Center cab window replacement applications for grants to ensure that vate entities. The remaining $3 mil- over three years. The upfront cost grants totaling $209,500 have been The grants are made available the proper state and local matching lion will fund energy efficiency to convert all 30 cabins is $600,000. approved for three Tennessee air- through the Tennessee Department funds are in place and that the grants projects in state government. With an estimated annual energy ports. of Transportation’s Aeronautics Di- will be used for needed improve- The first round of state projects savings of $88,552, the total project Airports receiving grants in- vision. The Division administers ments. was announced today: is expected to pay for itself in just clude: federal and state funding to assist in The TDOT Aeronautics Divi- • Nissan LEAF Purchases – Ten- over 6.5 years and reduce green- • Elizabethton Municipal Airport: the location, design, construction sion has the responsibility of in- nessee will purchase five Nissan house gas emissions by 676 metric $100,000—$90,000 state and and maintenance of Tennessee’s di- specting and licensing the state’s LEAF electric vehicles for the state tons per year. $10,000 local for airport layout plan verse public aviation system. 126 heliports and 75 public/general fleet and will add two charging sta- and preliminary engineering for a Except for routine expendi- aviation airports. The Division also pavement overlay project; tures, grant applications are re- provides aircraft and related ser- •Gibson County Airport: $9,500— viewed by the Tennessee Aeronau- vices for state government and $8,550 state/$950 local for tree tics Commission (TAC), which is a staffing for the Tennessee Aeronau- Firefighter hiring grant trimming and clearing; five member board charged with tics Commission. • Tri-Cities Regional Airport: policy planning and with regulating application period opens On Jan. 30, the Federal Emer- of firefighters are not allowed SEATOA hosts Chattanooga conference gency Management Agency during the grant period. (FEMA) began accepting grant ap- The FY 2011 SAFER Grant From March 12-13, 2012, the fiber-app buzzword; to hear how to graming with experts from regional plications for the FY2011 Staffing Program Guidance and Applica- SouthEast Association of Telecom- build, operate, and integrate social PEG access channels; and for Adequate Fire and Emergency tion Kit is available on the Assis- munications Officers & Advisors media into community video chan- • An update on FCC actions affecting Response (SAFER) program. tance to Firefighters Grant (SEATOA) will hold its annual con- nels; and to learn how the country's PEG and community broadband de- SAFER provides funding to assist website, www.fema.gov/fire ference in Chattanooga at the largest and fastest community- ployment. communities in hiring new grants. Grant applications will Chattanoogan Hotel. owned fiber network is unleashing The two-day conference will firefighters, retaining existing be accepted through Friday, The theme of this year’s confer- innovation and jobs. conclude with a free lunch and tour ones, and rehiring those who have Feb. 24 at 5:00 PM EST. ence is Protecting Community Net- Deena Shetler, associate chief of Chattanooga EPB’s broadband been recently laidoff. SAFER grants were created works: Economic Opportunities for of the FCC Wireline Competition and community video facilities. The grant provides funding to provide funding directly to fire the Future. Participants will have the Bureau will serve as the keynote Full 1.5 day conference regis- over a two year period. departments and volunteer fire- opportunity to share local commu- speaker. tration is $165. Go to http:// For FY2011, there are no lim- fighter interest organizations in nity stories on how to build commu- Other conference sessions will www.seatoa.org/conference.html its on the annual salary of those order to help them increase the nity fiber platforms to reduce gov- include: for more info or call 704-541-5787. hired, and no prescribed cost- number of trained, "front line" ernment expenses; to serve both •Opportunities for public safety Hotel room reservation deadline is share for localities. While there is firefighters available in their public and private uses; to find out interoperable networks; Feb. 7. no retention requirement, layoffs communities why SMART GRID is the biggest • A panel discussion on PEG pro-

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

Target Your Advertising Call Debbie Kluth 615-255-6416 dkluth@ TML1.org. 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/FEBRUARY 6, 2011 www.TML1.org Herron, Tindell step down in 2012

Neither Sen. Roy Herron of BY TML STAFF REPORTS effective Jan. 13. Carter said she Purcell, 58, is a former state House Dresden or State Rep. Harry plans to serve as interim only to the majority leader, and most recently Tindell will run for office in 2012. The Tennessee Regulatory Author- end of 2012. served as a teacher and administra- Herron, 58, announced plans to lead ity (TRA) has announced Tim tor at Harvard University. He will the Ned McWherter Center for Rural Schwarz as chief of communica- Johnson City Po- work with Jim White, former execu- Development in expanded efforts to tions and external affairs. Schwarz lice Chief John tive director of the legislature’s Fis- help young people go to college and has 15 years of government affairs Lowry announced cal Review Committee, and Metro create jobs for Tennesseans. Herron experience in Tennessee having plans to retire from Nashville Councilman Jason will serve as president of the Center, worked most recently in the execu- the force May 17. Holleman. The group will offer stra- a non-profit, non-partisan, chari- tive branch under the administra- Lowry has been tegic and legal advice but doesn’t table organization, that provides tions of Governors Bredesen and the city’s police plan to lobby. scholarships and educational oppor- Haslam. His primary focus will be to chief since 2003 Lowry tunities for the state’s students. lead the TRA’s legislative efforts as and has served as Former Dickson City Administrator Herron, an attorney who had director of legislative affairs. president of the Tennessee Associa- Tom Waychoff has passed away served as a special prosecutor, won Herron tion of Chiefs of Police, secretary/ after a lengthy battle with cancer. A then-Speaker McWherter’s seat Professor Matt treasurer of the 911 Board of Direc- former city councilman, Waychoff, representing Weakley and Carroll Murray, associ- tors, vice chairman of the Peace served the city as mayor from 1983 counties in the Tennessee House of ate director of the Officers Standards and Training to 1993 and city administrator from Representatives in 1986 when Center for Busi- Commission, and as a governance 2001 until 2011. He also was Presi- McWherter ran for Governor. In ness and Eco- board member for the Tennessee dent/CEO of the Dickson County 1996, he ran for the state senate , nomic Research State Fusion Center. Chamber of Commerce from 1993- where he continues to represent at the University 2000. Lake, Obion, Weakley, Henry, of Tennessee, Former Knoxville Stewart, Benton, Henderson, Knoxville, has City Law Director Chris Murray Decatur, and Perry counties. been appointed Debra C. Poplin Bridgewater has “I am blessed to represent the director of the Howard H. Baker was sworn in as been named in- most wonderful people on earth. Center, Jr. Center for Public Policy. clerk of the U.S. terim director of The people who have let me work Murray, the Ball Corporation Profes- District Court for Franklin’s Build- for them as their representative and sor of Business, will begin immedi- the Eastern District ing and Neighbor- senator are my teachers, friends, Poplin ately. He will take the place of Carl of Tennessee. Pop- hood Services and many are like family,” Herron Tindell Pierce, who has directed the center lin, who replaces longtime clerk Department fol- Bridgewater said. “I’m excited about working maker, Tindell formerly chaired the since June 2009. Pierce, who is the Patricia McNutt, has been a practic- lowing the retire- with them and other Tennesseans to House Budget Subcommittee. W. Allen Separk Distinguished Pro- ing attorney for 21 years. She served ment of Gary Luffman, who served help more young people go to college fessor of Law, will now focus on as the deputy law director for the city Tindell said he has commitments as director for more than 32 years. and help our state grow and gain that won’t permit him to devote the compiling Sen. Baker’s papers and of Knoxville for more than nine years Bridgewater, who joined the city in good-paying jobs.” will eventually divide his time be- and in 2008 was appointed as the law time and effort a reelection bid 2007, has experience in historic In a recent announcement,state would require.The District 13 seat tween the Baker Center and teaching director. preservation and is considered a Rep. Harry Tindell, announced his in UT’s College of Law. Murray’s he now holds was recently trans- Master Code Official with certifica- decision to retire. An11-term law- formed by a redistricting bill. appointment as Baker Center direc- Former Nash- tions in all of the building disciplines. tor is for three years; he will continue ville Mayor Bill he is state-certified to conduct build- to work with CBER during that time. Purcell is start- ing, plumbing, mechanical, and elec- City officials to serve NLC ing a public trical inspections and radon mea- Former alderwoman, Linda policy practice sure-ment and currently serves on National League of Cities Carter, is Millington new interim in Nashville at the board of the Middle Tennessee (NLC) President Ted Ellis, mayor, mayor. Carter replaces Richard Jones Hawkins Purcell Code Officials Association. Bluffton, Ind., recently announced Hodges, whose resignation became & Farmer. the chairs and vice chairs of NLC’s standing committees and councils for 2012. Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill has been appointed to the 2012 En- ergy, Environment and Natural Re- sources Steering Committee. The McGill LaMarche stuck for more than two years. The BY TML STAFF REPORTS tained by hackers or others without committee has the lead responsibil- a legitimate claim to the data. The National Association of Realtors has ity for developing NLC’s federal Obama administration has encour- predicted the relatively flat commer- policy positions on issues involving All 50 states and the District of cial real estate market in 2011 will Columbia have built digital ware- aged states to build data warehouses air and water quality, energy policy, by awarding more than $500 million give way to a more positive trend in national wetlands policy, noise con- houses and filled them with aca- 2012. Lawrence Yun, the NAR’s demic data for every public school in grants through stimulus spending trol, and solid and hazardous waste and other funding sources. Federal chief economist, said that though management. child. However, many states are not there is little change in most of the adequately sharing the information officials envision data systems that Farragut Vice Mayor Dot can track student performance from commercial market sectors now, it LaMarche has and continues to hold with teachers and parents or using it will come. The commercial real es- in sophisticated ways to improve pre-kindergarten through college. numerous leadership positions with Honken Dean Some teachers worry that an em- tate market is expected to closely NLC. She has been reappointed to classroom learning, according to a housing, commu- phasis on data ignores other follow the general economy’s re- serve as Vice-Chair of the Human new study by the Data Quality Cam- nity and economic progress that can’t be measured on covery, the NAR said. The NAR is Development Committee for a sec- paign, an advocacy group funded in development, land a test, such as emotional and social also forecasting “gradual improve- ond year. LaMarche currently part by the Bill & Melinda Gates use, recreation development. Others are concerned ment” for 2012’s residential housing serves on the Steering Committee Foundation. The study found that and parks, historic that the data could be used against market. Home sales should be stron- for Small Cities and the Board of nearly all states and the District have preservation, and them. ger because of pent-up demand. Directors for Women in Municipal assigned a unique identification code international com- Mortgage interest rates should Government. She is one of the for each student and collected stu- petitiveness. After most economic indicators gradually rise from recent record fewer than 210 NLC members to dent-level enrollment, demographic lows and reach 4.5 percent by the Nashville ap- and curriculum data, as well as high remained fairly flat throughout have reached the Gold level in the middle of 2012. Existing-home sales pointments in- Stein school graduation data and college- 2011, there appears to be some Certificate of Achievement in Lead- are forecast to edge up about 1 clude: Mayor Karl F. Dean and readiness test results. Nearly all hope that 2012 will bring progress ership program since its inception in percent in 2011 and then rise another Ronnie Steine, councilman at- states also can track academic on all economic fronts. Some signs 1999, and is currently working to- 4 to 5 percent in 2012. New-home large, who will serve as co-chairs growth from year to year using stu- are beginning to bring hope to the ward the Platinum level. sales are expected to be a record low for the Council on Youth, Educa- dents’ test scores and audit their data unemployed and economists when it Farragut Alderman Ron 302,000 in 2011, rising to 372,000 in tion, and Families (YEF Council). for quality. But just a handful of comes to 2012’s job market. Ac- Honken has been appointed to the 2012. Housing starts are forecast to The council guides and oversees states are sharing that data with par- cording to a survey from 2012 NLC Leadership Training rise to 630,000 next year from the YEF Institute’s work. The ents, and many have not trained CareerBuilder, nearly one in four Council (LTC) and the NLC Com- 583,000 in 2011. With falling inven- council, is composed of not only teachers and principals in how to use hiring managers plan to hire full- munity and Economic Development tory, the median home price should local elected officials, but also it to improve classroom learning. time, permanent employees in 2012, Steering Committee. The mission of also rise in 2012, the NAR said. The youth members and representa- Some analysts say the digital ware- similar to estimates from 2011; the Leadership Training Council is Consumer Confidence Index, a sur- tives from major national organiza- houses lack important privacy however, CareerBuilder said those to provide guidance and direction vey by private research group The tions concerned about children and protections.“This is a set of data numbers will translate to a better for NLC’s Leadership Training In- Conference Board, rose to its high- families. The National League of meltdowns waiting to happen,” said 2012 than 2011. Economists are stitute, which includes leadership est level in December since April and Cities is the nation’s oldest and Joel R. Reidenberg, who founded watching applications for unem- training seminars offered each neared a post-recession high in Feb- largest organization devoted to the Center on Law and Information ployment benefits, which remain year.The Community and Eco- ruary. December’s jump was the strengthening and promoting cities Policy at Fordham University’s law below 400,000. At the end of 2011, nomic Development Steering Com- second month in a row the index has as centers of opportunity, leader- school. He said most of the about unemployment had also dropped mittee is responsible for developing seen a big increase ship and governance. students that could easily be ob- below 9 percent, where it had been policy positions on issues involving www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/FEBRUARY 6, 2011 Study links online sex trade, trafficking TRAFFICKING from Page 1 “While Backpage.com pro- that all four women were suspected socioeconomic demographics fesses to have taken efforts to limit victims, but the Davidson County [which] helps dispel the misconcep- advertisments for prostitution on its grand jury indicted the man along tion that trafficking and prostitution website, particularly those soliciting with a 24-year-old woman who are regulated only to lower income sex with children, such efforts have originally portrayed herself as a vic- and ethnic communties,” the report proven ineffective,” the report tim, according to MNPD spokes- reads. states. Examples included within the man Don Aaron. A follow-up inves- Other report findings include: report are: a Massachusetts man tigation found the woman to be an • Over the course of three weeks, forcing a 15-year-old girl into a mo- alleged co-conspirator. The pair are 2,051 unique “sex for sale” ads were tel to have sex with various men, all currently awaiting trial on the grand posted in the Nashville area; solicited through a photo of the girl jury charges. • The average cost of sex that is placed on Backpage.com., and a “We are not concerned with the purchased through Backpage in case in Washington State where two trade in legitimate goods and ser- Nashville is $154 for “in-calls” and teen girls say they were coerced, vices that are offered by Backpage,” $216 for “out-calls” and threatened and extorted by two the report continues. “We are con- • 136 area codes were recorded in adults who marketed them on the cerned with the rampant use of the ads representing states from site. Backpage.com as a haven for the Florida to California to New York. It is estimated that cases often advertisement of commerical sex, According to the report, the are not reflected in police statistics especially when it was forced.” adult section of Backpage.com is a because the crimes go unreported or Pending legislation in the state Pending legislation sponsored by Sen. Beverly Marrero and Rep. Jim hodgepodge of commercial sex ads, are categorized differently by law House and Senate presented by Sen. Coley, moving through the Tennessee House and Senate specifically those for willing prostitutes run enforcement, according to those Beverly Marrero and Rep. Jim targets trafficking in commercial sex acts. alongside others featuring victims of who study sex trafficking. Coley, directly targets trafficking in with intellectual disabilities and HB “In the case of minors, there is human slavery and sex trafficking. In a Metro Nashville Police De- commercial sex acts. SB2371/HB 35 specifically provides immunity no requirement to show force, Although the site includes a dis- partment sting aimed at advertise- 2493 goes as far as to describe the for minors arrested for prostitution. fraud, or coercion,” Cdebaca said. claimer advising users to report sus- ments on Backpage.com., an 18- commercial sex acts that constitute A 53-year-old Memphis man “No child can consent to being sold pected exploitation of minors and/or year-old man was arrested in August a crime. Another proposed bill di- was recently sentenced to 10 years into commercial sex. If a pimp used human trafficking to the appropriate 2011 after allegedly forcing four rects for a plan to be developed to in federal prison for driving a teen- a child for commercial sex, that child authorities, creators of the Nashville women to travel with him to Nash- help and rehabilitate victims of hu- age girl to Arkansas to have sex for should be treated as a victim, not a Backpage Report protest it’s not ville from Atlanta to engage in pros- man sex trafficking —SB2370/ money at a truck stop. He pleaded criminal.” Tennessee law HB 172 nearly enough. titution. At the time, MNPD stated HB2492. While another bill creates guilty of transporting the girl, 18, requires certain establishments to civil right of action for victims of across state lines in August of 2010 post a sign with information regard- trafficking offenses—SB2369/ Legislation tackles synthetic drugs for prostitution after using threats ing the national human trafficking HB2489. SB2368/HB2488 enhances of force and violence. “It does not resource center hotline, 1-855-55- DRUGS from Page 1 ing a specified age group, would penalties for forced involuntary la- matter if a victim once consented to TNHTH. illicit drugs and ban any substance apply if the substance is a controlled bor servitude upon victims under the work for their trafficker,” Cdebaca A pre-trial hearing at the federal that has "a similar effect on the substance analogue. age of 13. explains. “It does not matter if the courthouse in downtown Nashville, central nervous system as controlled • Any disability, disqualification, In testimony before the sub- victim returned to their trafficker featured 28 defendants, all associ- substances. forfeiture, suspension, revocation, committee on Human Rights and the after he or she was freed; It does not ates or members of gangs such as A summary of SB2172 / prohibition, tax or other adverse Law of the Senate Committee on the matter if the victim’s enslavement the Somali Mafia, the Somali Out- HB2218 follows: consequence provided by law that Judiciary, Luis CdeBaca, President was through chains of mental de- laws and the Lady Outlaws. It is • The bill defines a controlled sub- may result from a conviction for an Obama’s Ambassador-at-Large to pendency or psychological manipu- “one of the more significant cases stance analogue (synthetic drug) as offense involving a controlled sub- Combat Human Trafficking, swiftly lation as opposed to being physically investigated in recent memory,” ac- any substance the chemical struc- stance would also apply if the con- defended the rights of sex traffick- locked up; if that adult was held for cording to John Morton, director of ture of which is a derivative of, or viction is for a violation of the of- ing victims, shutting down any pub- labor or sex through force, fraud, or the U.S. Immigration and Customs substantially similar to, the chemical fense described above in (1) involv- lic perceptions that sex trafficking is coercion, they’re a trafficking vic- Enforcement agency. According to structure of a controlled substance ing a synthetic drug. Such adverse a crime only if a victim is unwilling. tim.” the federal indictment, the defen- or any substance that has a stimu- consequences may include judg- “We know that sex trafficking vic- The man brought the young dants are charged with transporting lant, depressant, or hallucinogenic ment of infamy; disqualification to tims may not all be saints, may not woman to Memphis from Knox- pre-teens and teens between three effect on the central nervous system hold public office, vote or other understand that they are victims, and ville, forced her to engage in prosti- states and forcing them to engage in substantially similar to or greater rights of citizenship; suspension or may consider our help unwanted tution and in return kept her high on commercial sex acts. A myriad of than the effect of a controlled sub- revocation of any license or permit interference – but that does not make drugs. He also told her he slept with costly legal, technical and logistical stance. or ineligibility to obtain any license or them any less deserving of a com- a gun under his pillow and that he issues must be decided over the next • Under SB2172, it is an offense to permit; forfeiture of assets relating passionate response,” he said. had an ax under the seat of his truck seven weeks before the mega trial, knowingly manufacture, deliver, to the offense; ineligibility for any In June 2011, Gov. Bill Haslam that he would use to cut her head where 1,200 motions, orders and dispense, sell a controlled substance alternative to incarceration; suspen- signed into law three key pieces of off. In the complaint, several other other court proceedings have al- analogue (synthetic drug). It is also sion or expulsion from public legislation that greatly increases the young women came forward telling ready been filed in the past 15 an offense to possess for the pur- schools; civil liability; termination of penalties for human trafficking and officials the man was their pimp and months. poses of manufacturing, delivering, parental rights; and tax liability under raises awareness about the impact of that he threatened and physically For the full version of The dispensing or selling a synthetic the present Unauthorized Sub- the crime in Tennessee. The legis- abused them and, in some cases, Nashville Backpage Report, visit drug. Violation of the above offenses stances Act. lation enhances the penalties for pa- told them he would kill them if they www. operation brokensilence.org/ would be punishable by the same • The legislation excludes: (1) tronizing prostitution and promoting tried to leave him. ?p=7062 fine, mandatory and discretionary, any substance for which there is an prostitution of minors or persons and would be classified, for pur- approved use or new drug applica- poses of sentencing, the same as: (1) tion by the FDA; (2) any compound, The controlled substance to which it mixture, or preparation that contains $1.6 million awarded for Safe Routes to School is a derivative of, or has a substan- any controlled substance that is not Gov. Haslam announced Safe • Dyersburg: $239,525 for improve- ments near two local schools; tially similar chemical structure as; for administration to a human being Routes to School funding totaling ments at a local middle school; • Tullahoma: $223,360 for improve- or (2) the controlled substance with or animal, and that is packaged in a $1.6 for 10 municipalities. The •Fairview:$176,380 for improve- ments near a local elementary which its stimulant, depressant, or manner such that it does not present funds will be used to improve side- ments near two local schools; school; hallucinogenic effect on the central any significant potential for abuse; walks, crosswalks, signs and safe • Hendersonville: $192,555 for im- •Woodbury: $223,250 for improve- nervous system is substantially simi- or (3) any substance to which an walking and biking educational provements near two local schools; ments near a local elementary lar to or greater than. investigational exemption applies activities. The Safe Routes to •Jackson:$21,006 for a new pro- school; and • In addition, the bill makes it a under the provisions of the Food, School Program is a statewide initia- gram at an area middle school; • Anderson County: $206,994 for Class A misdemeanor to possess or Drug and Cosmetic Act regarding tive designed to make bicycling and •Kingsport totaling $46,200 for im- improvements at two local schools. casually exchange a synthetic drug. new drugs, but only to the extent walking to school a safer, more provements at eleven local schools; To learn more about the pro- Similarly, it would be a Class A that conduct with respect to the appealing and healthier alternative • Lenoir City:$116,343 for improve- gram, please visit www.tn.gov/tdot/ misdemeanor to represent, adver- substance is pursuant to such ex- for students in kindergarten through ments at a local elementary school; bikeped/saferoutes.htm . tise, infer or intend that any sub- emption. eighth grade. Cities funds are: •Lewisburg: $186,602 for improve- stance is a derivative of, or substan- tially similar to, a controlled sub- stance or has a stimulant, depres- sant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system substantially similar to or greater than a controlled substance. • Any sentence enhancement au- thorized by present law for the manufacture, delivery, or sale of a controlled substance; the posses- sion of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, deliver or sell such substance; or the simple possession or casual exchange of a controlled substance, that is based on a specified number of prior con- victions, the offense being commit- ted in a specified location or involv- 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/FEBRUARY 6, 2011 www.TML1.org

Tennessee Municipal League 2011-2012 Officers and Directors Time of transformation in housing, transportation PRESIDENT Kay Senter BY JAMES BROOKS 10,000 baby-boomers are reaching a contributing factor that is altering Mayor Pro-Tem, Morristown Nation’s Cities Weekly age 65 each day. This will continue the urban housing markets by reduc- VICE PRESIDENTS until Dec. 30, 2030. These retirees ing demand for outside of metro Ken Wilber Mayor, Portland People who earn large cash are living longer, healthier and more areas and increasing demand in areas Allen Barker profits from developing residential active lives than their predecessors. closer to the urban core. Feb. 24-25: MTAS Elected Offi- Mayor, Humboldt and commercial real estate suggest For them, retirement is about con- Thus, the principles of “smart cials Academy Level II in David May that retiring baby-boomers and tinuing an “active lifestyle,” which growth” continue to gather greater Jonesborough. Held at the Interna- Councilmember, Cleveland young couples with or without chil- by definition requires easy access to attention. Accelerated by economic tional Storytelling Center, 100 West DIRECTORS Bryan Atchely dren want to live in walkable, mixed- shopping, dining, entertainment and pressures the new pattern of land Main Street. Mayor, Sevierville use neighborhoods. “We in real es- portals to global destinations. use characterized by fewer and Schedule of Courses Madeline Rogero tate are fundamentally re-tooling This translates into decisions by shorter automobile trips, lower en- Feb. 24- 1 p.m. – Overview of the Mayor, Knoxville how we design, plan, regulate and many to swap the 3,500-square-foot ergy consumption and reduced EOA; 1:30 p.m. – Municipal Human Kevin Helms finance to serve this pent-up de- detached single-family house in a greenhouse gas emissions has Resources; 3:30 p.m. – Municipal City Manager, Oak Hill ( District 5) Vance Coleman mand,” says land use developer and first- or second-tier suburb for a spurred planning that accommo- Risk Management; 6 p.m. – Water Mayor, Medina (District 7) strategist Chris Leinberger. smaller townhouse or condominium dates mixed-use development and and Wastewater Operations. Feb. Betsy Crossley The evidence points to a willing- nearer to the urban core. transportation investment that pro- 25- 8:30 a.m. – Municipal Police Commissioner, Brentwood (District 6) ness for many to give up thousands At the other end of the age spec- vides more travel options. Review; 10:30 a.m. – Public Works. Karl Dean of square feet of living space and trum are the singles and couples in Resources for Local Leaders Registration deadline is Feb. 17. Mayor, Metro Nashville Bo Perkinson open land in exchange for more their 20s. Many are college gradu- In the area of housing and neigh- Cost is $200.This one-time fee in- Vice Mayor, Athens (District 3) compact residences close to shop- ates or have earned Master’s de- borhoods, strong emphasis in the cludes registration for Elected Offi- David Gordon ping, dining and entertainment. The grees. At present, this group makes near-term is being placed on housing cials Academy Level II. Meals and Mayor, Covington (District 8) trend also suggests that people will up a large portion of the unemployed preservation and rehabilitation as snacks provided both days. MTAS J.H. Graham III pay higher prices for housing in or underemployed, which is particu- key aspects of neighborhood stabil- has changed to a new training regis- Mayor, Crossville tration and tracking system to better Bill Hammon denser communities in exchange for larly unsettling given that many also ity. Subsidiary issues include main- Asst. City Manager, Alcoa (District 2) reductions in time, distance and are carrying considerable student taining and reusing vacant property, meet the needs of our customers. A Curtis Hayes costs associated with traveling by loan debt and have little if any sav- invigorating community life at the new online registration system will Mayor, Livingston car to reach a job. ings. As a result, Generation Y has sidewalk level and expanding hous- accept registration and payment by Dot LaMarche, The trend is moving in the direc- been slow to form new households. ing and mobility options. For the credit card through your Solution Vice Mayor, Farragut Point account.You must register for Ron Littlefield tion of urban community models. However, as employment of this long term, projects will evolve be- Mayor, Chattanooga Over the next decade or two, this group increases, these young people yond stabilization to supporting re- each session individually. For online Keith McDonald shift will represent the most dra- will gravitate to the employment sponsible housing and neighborhood course registration, visit http:// Mayor, Bartlett matic change in land use, housing centers that offer the complete reinvestment and revitalization. www.solutionpoint.tennessee.edu/ Troy Beets and transportation patterns since the package of work, live and play. They Activities will stress: TPOnline/TPOnline.dll/ Mayor, Kingston MTASHome. For assistance with Norman Rone completion of Levittown in 1951. will want access to public transit and • Deliberate citizen inclusion to help Mayor, McMinnville (District 4) The impact of this trend on local bike lanes and prefer walkable lively shape problem assessments and registration or payment, call 865- Charles “Bones” Seivers governments will be as unique as streets with a suitable mix of retail sustainable outcomes; 974-0411. President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund each community’s geography, de- and social venues all interconnected • Mixed housing options (owner- Margaret Feierabend mographics and capacity to manage with Wi-Fi. What they will need in ship, shared-equity, rental); March 10-14: NLC’s 2012 Con- Councilmember, Bristol (District 1) gressional City Conference held A.C. Wharton change. But one thing is clear: some the immediate future is solid, safe, • Mobility strategies that reduce au- Mayor, Memphis cities will benefit from this new de- affordable rental housing. tomobile dependence; and in Washington, D.C. at the Marriott Ron Washington (Director-at-Large) velopment trend and other cities will Other large segments of the • Employment and entrepreneurship Wardman Park hotel. Registration is Councilmember, Murfreesboro suffer as a result. The difference will population also will need rental hous- opportunities that retain money in open. Agenda information will be James Lewellen come in how city and town leaders ing. One analysis by researcher Joel the community. posted as available. For more infor- City Manager, Collierville mation go to www.NLC.org President (TCMA) choose to view and respond to this Kotkin anticipates that the U.S. will Land use and regional transpor- John Holden change in living, working and travel- attract 100 million new immigrants tation systems, a watershed moment Mayor, Dyersburg ing patterns. by 2050. Also, several million occurred when federal cabinet de- April 30 - May 3: The 6th annual PAST PRESIDENTS While there are many factors former homeowners impacted by partments and agencies (HUD, Tennessee Basic Economic Devel- Sam Tharpe, (2011) Mayor, Paris that drive land use and housing foreclosure will be in the rental hous- DOT, and EPA) embraced the liv- opment Course (TBEDC) held in Tom Beehan, (2008) Mayor, Oak Ridge Nashville at the Downtown Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo trends, the most important ones now ing market for several years as they ability, sustainability and multi-disci- Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro and in the future include the need for rebuild their damaged credit ratings. plinary regional planning approaches Homewood Suites by Hilton. Eco- Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg a broad array of housing and trans- Transportation incorporated under the rubric of nomic and Community development Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland portation choices to fit the diverse For decades, transportation smart growth. at local, state and federal levels. Dale Kelley (2010) Mayor, Huntingdon needs and circumstances of a grow- policies have focused on develop- This shift means that cities need Sponsored by the UT Center for to focus on issues that impact the Industrial Services. Payment must TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS ing and changing population. ment of a highway network that (Ex-Officio Directors) Housing supports automobile transportation, many ways that regions approach be received no later than April 26. To Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. A principle factor driving the often to the detriment of the other integration of land use and register, visit cis.tennessee.edu/ Joe Thompson, Gallatin supply and demand expectations modes that comprise the total sur- transportation.These include mixed- train/programtraining/Pages/ Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference about housing is simple demograph- face transportation system. How- use zoning and form-based building TBEDC.aspx. For questions, call John T. Gwin, Mount Juliet codes, infill development, growth Dr. Andre Temple, 731- 425-4740 Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works ics. Eighty million Americans make ever, the costs of solo driving, Calvin D. Clifton, Little John Engineering up the baby-boom generation (born Americans’ true national pastime, management and transit-oriented or [email protected] Tennessee Government Finance Officers 1946-1964), and, as of Jan. 1, 2011, are accelerating. High gas prices are development. Daisy Madison, Chattanooga TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. Margaret Mahery, Executive Director Melba Johnson, Lexington Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Tennessee Building Officials Assn. Municipal Administration Program Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Steve Mills, Hendersonville Carole Graves, Communications Director & Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. February Schedule Editor, Tennessee Town & City Jerry W. Crawford, Collierville John Holloway, Government Relations Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports Debbie Kluth, Director of Marketing / Larry Cox, Memphis Member Services Stormwater Administrative Hearings Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Gil Kendrick, Jackson How do you defend and col- Who Should Attend? To better meet the needs of our Denise Paige, Government Relations Tennessee Water Quality Management This important class is recom- customers, MTAS has changed to Victoria South, Communications Coordinator Jack Graham, Maryville lect penalties? How do you avoid problems if a decision is appealed? mended for elected officials, ap- an online registration system effec- Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. pointed officials, city attorneys, TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY George Brogdon, Germantown This class provides municipal/ tive Jan. 1, 2012, and will accept (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 Tennessee Chapter, American Planning county attorneys, public officials city recorders, codes enforce- registration and payment by credit/ — Official publication of the Tennessee Munici- Karen Hundt, Chattanooga and municipal staff an understand- ment officials and utility and public debit card through a Solution Point pal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole Graves Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. ing of administrative law and the works directors and managers. account. You must register for Peter Voss, HR Director, City of Bartlett ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255-6416. fundamental components of ad- each session individually. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to Tenn. Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders Dates and locations Lanaii Benne, Franklin ministrative hearings, as well as Online registration for any reject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing how to better present evidence to Feb.15 Goodlettsville MTAS course is available at: http:/ classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Lawrence Feb.22 Bartlett at 615-255-4752, or e-mail mlawrence@TML1. Rex Gaither, Smyrna boards. Instructors will discuss www.solutionpoint.tennessee.edu/ org. Fax advertising copy to TT&C: Attention TN Section, Institute of Transport Engineers procedures of particular hearings Time TPOnline/TPOnline.dll/ Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, or e-mail to Kevin Cole, Knoxville such as: stormwater, water and Public administration courses are MTASHome. For assistance with dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions expressed by non Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. registration or payment, call 865- League officials or staff do not necessarily reflect Rebecca Harris, Cookeville wastewater and property mainte- policies of TML. Tennessee Town & City is Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors nance. During this highly interac- 974-0411.The registration fee for published, semi-monthly, 20 times per year at Tommy White, Sevierville tive class, participants will view a Training Facilities MAP courses for Tennessee Mu- 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools video of administrative hearing Goodlettsville, Goodlettsville Fire nicipal employees is $40/person/ 37219-1894. Periodicals postage paid at Nash- Reecha Black, Alamo Department,105 S. Main Street ville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per year to procedures and witness a mock class. A fee of $55 is charged for members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS Bartlett, Bartlett Performing Arts non-city employees. For more in- Diamond LEVEL MEMBERSHIP session that will illustrate the dos Postmaster: Send changes of address to Tennes- and Conference Center,3663 see Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Bank of America and don’ts of administrative hear- formation, contact Elaine Morrisey Appling Road Nashville, TN 37219-1894. PLATINUM LEVEL MEMBERSHIP ings. at 865-974-0411. First Tennessee Bank GOLD L EVEL M EMBERSHIP Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. Fifth Third Bank SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP ING Financial Advisers, LLC SpeedFix No loan is too BRONZE L EVEL M EMBERSHIP Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC Alliance Water Resources Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC large or too small Lee Company Sophicity CORPORATE L EVEL M EMBERSHIP A To Z MUNI-DOT Company See us for your special projects needs. (615) 255-1561 Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Assoc., LLC Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. DBS & Associates Engineering Education Networks of America Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers, Inc. Brown, Pearman, Russell, LLC Kennerly, Montgomery & Finley, P.C. Local Govt. Corporation Mapletronics Computers Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc McGill Associates, P.A. One Source Document Solutions, Inc. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities Third Rock Consultants Thompson & Litton, Inc. TLM Associates, Inc. Tri Green Equipment, LLC Tysinger, Hampton and Partners, Inc. URS Corporation Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton The Town of Cumberland Gap closed a $5,000 Highway Safety Grant Volkert & Associates The city of Murfreesboro closes a $103 million loan, the largest Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. in TMBF history. Anticipation Note. State’s STEM Education Caucus STEM from Page 1 sessment of Educational Progress, growing occupations for 2018, ac- aka the Nation’s Report Card. “Test Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No eration and management. The mini- cording to the U.S. Department of scores across the state dropped ap- charge to TML members. Send adver- mum training and education require- Labor. Key problem-solving skills, proximately 30-40 percent, specifi- tising to: TT&C Classified Ads, Mona ments include a Bachelor’s degree from an understanding of scientific and an accredited four year college or uni- cally in the math and science content Lawrence, 226 Capitol Blvd. Suite 710, mathematical principles, and a Nashville TN 37219; e-mail: versity with a major in Parks and Recre- area,” said Airhart, who served as TENNESSEE mlawrence@ TML1.org; or fax: 615-255 ation or a similar degree. The success- working knowledge of technology the former director of Putnam 4752. ful candidate will be examined by city and computers are critical for most County Schools. FESTIVALS physician to determine if applicant can jobs. STEM careers currently in The Thomas B. Fordham Insti- CITY ADMINISTRATOR perform all essential duties required of high demand include: actuaries, tute recently gave Tennessee a grade this position. Residency within the city WHITE HOUSE. The city is seeking chemical engineers, chemists, com- of “D” in science, stating that Feb. 11: Kingsport qualified applicants for the position of is required within 90 days of employ- th City Administrator. The city adminis- ment. The full job description can be puter software engineers, and elec- Tennessee’s science standards are 11 annual Chocolate Festival trator shall be the chief administrative viewed at http://www.mcminnville trical engineers. “Educators K-12 to clearly written but the wide selection Sponsored by Panara Bread. Held at officer of the city. A Bachelor’s degree tenn.com/.The salary for this position college level have told me in the last of high school courses makes it the Meadowview Conference Cen- in Public or Business Administration or is dependent on experience and quali- three to four years how important tough to determine what students ter, 1901 Meadowview Parkway a related field is required. A Master of fications. The salary range is $45,801 to STEM education is in the competi- really know about the subject when from 9 am to 3 pm. The fundraising $85,092. The city offers a progressive Public Administration, Business Ad- tive world that we live in,” Tracy they graduate. “There is a huge dis- event provides ticket holders with a ministration or related advanced de- benefit package that includes paid va- gree is preferred. Evidence of contin- cation, paid holidays, an extensive said. “Sen. Ketron and I have been parity between content knowledge of bite-size sample of the best choco- ued professional development benefit package that includes; health involved in a group of about 20 our teachers and what they are ex- late treats in Northeast through active participation in profes- insurance, dental, vision etc., and con- different industries in Rutherford pected to teach,” said Airhart. “Sev- Tennessee. Chocolate Festival sional membership associations and tributions to the state of Tennessee County. We were shocked because eral years ago, this became increas- ticket holders may attend WKPT activities preferred. An ICMA Creden- retirement plan. Qualified persons they want to hire, but people are not ingly apparent as we upgraded our Radio’s 50 Plus Expo for free. Si- should submit an application, a resume tialed Public Manager would be a plus. qualified to work. This may mean Five years of progressively respon- of experience and qualifications, letter standards to be more in line with lent auction. All proceeds benefit sible experience as a city or county of interest, salary history and profes- we’ll have to retrain people already national standards.” According to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of manager, deputy city or county man- sional references to : Jennifer Rigsby, out of school, but our first initiative Airhart, deficits in teaching STEM East Tennessee. For more informa- ager or assistant city or county man- Human Resource Administrator, City is to figure out ways to make STEM subjects are connected with teacher tion, or to order tickets by phone, ager or related experience in a compara- of McMinnville, PO Box 7088, interesting to students at an earlier licensure. “Teachers are licensed as call 423-989-9474. bly sized or larger, full-service city is McMinnville, TN, 37111. Closing date age to be ahead of the game.” for applications is Feb. 17, 2012. generalists,” she explained. “We required. Experience in planning and To help generate student interest have no specialists leading up to Feb. 22-26: Pigeon Forge development issues, economic devel- th opment, wastewater and infrastructure MS4 STORM WATER EQUIPMENT in STEM, caucus members are sug- grade eight.” The caucus plans to 12 Annual Saddle Up! development and citizen outreach is OPERATOR gesting unique learning opportuni- address the lack of teacher special- The four-day festival features great required. Experience in Tennessee and SPRING HILL . The city is accepting ties, such as studies in forensics or ists in Tennessee by promoting the entertainment, including concerts familiarity with Tennessee laws, espe- applications for the position of MS4 crime scene investigation, similar to recruitment and retention of highly by western musicians and cowboy cially the Tennessee Open Records Storm Water Equipment Operator. This popular TV programs CSI or NCIS. qualified teachers into STEM educa- poets. “Stories & Strings” is a new law, would be a plus. Salary range is position will perform all required duties expected to be $66,222 and $92,711 per as Storm Water Crew Member to in- “We’re going to provide ideas to the tion. concert that features some of coun- annum, depending on experience and clude but not limited to, safe operation local schools and hope to have par- A non-lobbying advisory com- try western’s finest performers qualifications plus benefits. For addi- of the Jet-Vac Truck Dump Truck, Back ticipation from different folks in the mittee composed of state and federal Stop by the Buckeroo Roundup for tional information, contact James Mer- Hoe, Mini Excavator, Skid Steer, Bush community,” said Tracy. “Lincoln leaders in STEM education will work some great cowboy-themed activi- cer, The Mercer Group, Inc. at 505-466- Hog Equipment and Equipment Trailer. County has a very good STEM pro- with the caucus to help develop con- ties and chow down at the Applicant must possess a CDL (Com- 9500; [email protected] gram in relationship with NASA out tent and make arrangements for cau- Chuckwagon Cook off. Dance the Brochure at www.mercergroupinc. mercial Driver’s License) in the State of com. Confidential resume by COB, Feb. TN or equivalent. This employee must of Huntsville. I’m going to visit their cus events. Its purpose is to organize night away at the Cowboy Dance. 17, 2012, to James Mercer, The Mercer maintain a minimum Level 1 EPSC Ero- program in the next few weeks.” events in conjunction with the cau- For more information, visit http:// Group, Inc., 551 W Cordova Road, sion Prevention Specialist Certifica- Memphis City Schools is cus and to discuss activities and the www.mypigeonforge.com/ #726, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. tion by the State of TN or equivalent. launching a virtual science and engi- STEM environment, both inside and events_winterfest_saddleup.aspx. Voice: 505-466-9500; Fax: 505-466- This employee will also be responsible neering program at no cost to par- outside the legislature.“This effort is for all needed inspections, mainte- 1274. E-Mail: jmercer@mercergroup ents. In February, about 70 ninth also about making sure that our na- inc.com: Website: www.mercer nance and repair actions on the MS4 March 1 - 4 : Nashville groupinc.com. EOE. Storm Water Infrastructure in accor- graders began a four-year program tion is secure; that our energy re- Nashville Lawn & Garden Show dance with State of TN guidelines and taking principles of engineering in a sources are secure and independent Held at the Tennessee State Fair- CITY MANAGER procedures. Must perform all other as- virtual classroom. Students earning and our healthcare is secure,” said grounds, 500 Wedgewood Avenue OLIVER SPRINGS. The town is accept- sociated non-specific duties that may a B+ or better will be admitted to the Eric Fingerhut, Battelle’s new vice in Nashville. One of the largest gar- ing applications for the position of City be required of the department as they virtual STEM school and to a president for Education and STEM dening shows in the South. Pro- Manager. The city manager is hired by arise. Application may be obtained at the town council and serves under the Spring Hill City Hall, 199 Town Center $700,000 physics lab under con- Learning. “For those reasons, we duced by the Horticultural Associa- general supervision of the mayor. The Parkway, Spring Hill, TN 37174, or on struction at East High expected to must have the workforce that this tion of Tennessee, the centerpiece position is responsible to the town website: www.springhilltn.org Spe- open in March. After two courses, state and nation needs. Business and is a naturalized presentation of more council for the administration of the cific questions regarding this position students will be allowed to choose technology moves fast, education than 20 outstanding live gardens following departments: Fire, Library, may be directed to: Steven Warf: one of four engineering tracks to moves slow.” created by professional landscape Parks and Recreation, Public Works, 931.486.2252, ext. 239. Applications or pursue, including civil engineering Core advisory committee mem- designers. See exhibitors, lecture and Water, and for carrying out the resumes should be sent to: City of policies adopted by the council. Re- Spring Hill ; Attention: Shelley Taylor, and biomedical-chemical engineer- bers include: the American Chemical series, floral displays and much sponsible for personnel management, HR Director ; MS4 Storm Water Equip- ing. The program is part of a state Society (ACS), the STEM Innova- more. For more information, visit purchasing, management of property ment Operator; P.O. Box 789; Spring effort to pump up STEM education tion Network, TN Organization of www.nashvillelawnandgarden and resources, the financial operations Hill, TN 37174 . Deadline for applica- through $14 million in Race to the School Superintendents, UT Battelle, show.com/ and budgeting for the departments tions is: February 15, 2012. Applicants Top funds. Oak Ridge Associated Universities, will be considered on basis of qualifica- under his authority, and other duties Statistics provided by TNSTEM Education Leadership March 10-April 21: Cowan and responsibilities as outlined in the tions, experience, and suitability for Town Charter, or as requested by the position, without regard to race, color, Tennessee’s new Deputy Commis- Council, TN Chamber, TN Science Smithsonian Exhibit “The Way We council or mayor. Minimum Qualifica- religion, sex or national origin. The City sioner of Schools, Dr. Kathleen Teachers Association, TN Business Worked” tions: College degree in municipal man- of Spring Hill is an EEO/AA/Title VI Airhart, paint a grim picture for the Roundtable, Center of Excellence in Cowan Center for the Arts Theater, agement, public administration, busi- Employer. state’s workforce. Many of Mathematics and Science Education, 301 Montgomery St. next to the ness administration, planning, or com- Tennessee’s elementary students ETSU and TN Independent Colleges CSX Nashville-Chattanooga main- parable experience required. Water/ score below the basic level in science and Universities Association. waste water experience a plus. Must line downtown. Wed.- Fri. from 4 - possess good written and verbal com- as determined by the National As- 7 pm ; Sat. from 10 am to 4 pm and munications skills, computer profi- Sun. 1 to 4 pm. Free admission, but ciency, and management skills. Salary donations appreciated. For more in- dependent on qualifications. Deadline formation, visit the website for applicants is Feb. 10, 2012. Send www.cowanrailroadmuseum.com letter of interest, salary requirements, and resume to: City Manager David or call 931-967-3078. Bolling, P.O. Box 303, Oliver Springs, TN 37840, by fax to 865- 435-4881 or March 14-17:Pigeon Forge email to 18th Annual Mountain Quiltfest [email protected]. Smoky Mountain Convention Cen- ter, stoplight #1, Henderson Chapel ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL Rd. between stoplight #8 and #10, BRISTOL. The city is seeking an Eco- behind KFC and Krispy Kreme. Net- nomic Development Professional. The work with expert quilt makers, see successful candidate should hold a the show and quilting classes for all B.S. degree in planning, business ad- levels. Quilters compete in more ministration, marketing public adminis- than 10 categories for more than tration, or closely related field and a minimum of two years related experi- $20,000 cash and prizes. For more ence, preferably in municipal govern- information or to register, visit ment. Competitive salary and benefit www.mountainquiltfest.com/. package. To apply please submit an application along with a resume, and March 17th – Bell Buckle introductory cover letter to: City of Daffodil Days Bristol, H.R. Department, P.O. Box 1189, Bristol, TN 37621-1189 or elec- Celebrating spring with a Daffodil tronic submissions may be faxed to Flower Show and Tree City USA 423-968-7197. Position open until Festivities. For more information, filled. See our website to download an call 931-389-9663 or email application and review summary of [email protected] or benefits: www.bristoltn.org. EOE visit the chamber website at www.bellbucklechamber.com PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR MCMINNVILLE. The city is accepting applications from qualified individuals for the position of Director of Parks and Recreation. The ideal candidate will possess highly developed technical, Rain or shine, presentation and communication skills and will have in-depth knowledge and experience in management of parks and sleet or hail, recreation. The candidate will have significant operational experience, and every day is perfect will be responsible for the general ad- ministration of the department’s oper- for a GovDeals sale! ating budget and enforcement of city policies regarding employees, facility use and overall supervision of the ac- tivities of the Parks and Recreation Department. The duties of this posi- tion include, but are not limited to, preparing operating budget, working with the city administrator and Park and Recreation committee to develop capital plan and budget for the depart- ment, overseeing and coordinating the various programs offered at city facili- Online Government ties, and the ability to plan, organize, delegate, supervise and inspect work Surplus Auctions—24/7 of subordinates. Will have a minimum of five years of progressively respon- sible supervisory or administrative ex- Visit GovDeals.com today perience in recreational facilities’ op- or call 1-866-377-1494 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/FEBRUARY 6, 2011 www.TML1.org Legislators, officials attend 2012 State of the State address

Rep. Dennis Powers and Sen. Ken Yager Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Sen. Speaker Pro Tem Bo Watson and House Speaker Beth Harwell

Rep. Craig Fitzhugh and TN Supreme Court Justice Gary Wade Sen. Steve Southerland and Rep. David Hawk

Sen. Bill Ketron Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and State Treasurer David Lillard Rep Richard Floyd

Susan Whitaker, Tourist Development commissioner Bill Gibbons, Public Safety commissioner, and Secretary of State Rep. Lois DeBerry Tre Hargett

Rep. Charlie Curtiss and Sen. Charlotte Burks Rep. Mike McDonald and Sen. Douglas Henry Photos by Victoria South www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/FEBRUARY 6, 2011 Senate Speaker Pro Tem Bo Watson learned to communicate at the dinner table BY GAEL STAHL has worked at Chattanooga’s Park- is going to happen. Digital costs ridge Center ever since. Grey also much less than print and reaches A high achiever and fluent graduated from Baylor and UT more people. Public notices in communicator, Bo Watson is in the Chattanooga and carved out a career newspapers are expensive. Most second year of his second term in the that has made his parents proud. newspapers and magazines now state Senate this year and serving in a Watson’s political philosophy is have their own websites, too. The major leadership role as Senate that the family is the foundation upon main thing this bill does is to start a speaker pro tem. which all government is built. His discussion. He grew up in a traditional family has stayed very close. Except The second thing it does is to try American family in North Chattanoo- for Anna who died two years ago, his to drive more internet connectivity. ga, the youngest child with four older sisters all live within 10 miles of him Everyone needs to have access. Not sisters. The children credit much of and within four miles of their father. everyone has access to a newspaper, the success they’ve experienced to His mother died in 1999. either. You have to pay for that their parents. Their father always service. While I don’t think the bill stressed that to whom much is given TT&C: Five years after returning will pass this session, ConnectedTN much is expected and they all went on to Chattanooga you were a reports that we are having a larger to be heavily engaged in community member of the Tennessee House? internet penetration. There is a activities in the Chattanooga area How did that happen? tipping point in the near future. where they still live. BW: All my life, even when we were As Speaker Pro Tem, one of Watson’s main responsibilities is to That’s when government will Born in 1960, Watson’s fondest 180 miles away in Kingsport, I’d stand in the dais when Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey cannot. communicate with its citizens memory of family life is of his father stayed in touch with my closest electronically. who traveled each week for Provident childhood friends, some of them from Insurance Company coming home on first grade. We’d have dinner together TT&C: A bill that TML wishes you Friday to enjoy a family dinner. He just about every weekend and I talked didn’t support is Gov. Haslam’s went around the dinner table having about wanting to participate in public initiative to change the process of each child, starting with the oldest, service. I told Jill that when Grey got selecting members to key tell about their week. Any and all out on his own, I would run for a regulatory boards and com- topics were allowed. His eldest sister community office. One day, a close missions. Your bill would elim- Anna was a McGovern supporter, his friend called to say he’d heard Rep. inate the nominating authority of father a Nixon supporter. It made for Jim Vincent wasn’t going to run for stakeholders like TML and give it interesting conversations. Family re-election to the House. He said if I to the governor. Why do you think discussions about current events was ever going to run for office, this this change is necessary? taught him how to express himself was a great opportunity. Since BW: If a board or commission is an civilly and cogently. “Dad was Vincent announced after the filing entity of state government, any teaching us listening and communi- deadline we had only two days to get citizen of Tennessee who meets cation skills,” Watson says. He notes our petitions signed and my name on certain criteria should be eligible to that in a large family you’ve got to the ballot. We also scrambled to talk to serve on that board. Currently, express yourself to be noticed or people in the community with certain special interest groups make you’ll be left dangling at the dinner influence over others and asked for the appointment to the boards and if table. It carried over to his adult life. their blessing. One man said he’d of the legislation. For us who work in legislature for help can be like going to you are not a member of that group He says politics is a lot about human never heard of me and while I seemed the General Assembly it is an the doctor for a cold. Your doctor you’ll never have an opportunity to relationships. like a nice enough fellow the other intellectual exploration. The legis- knows there is nothing to take to serve on that board even though you In school he became interested in guys running had been involved in lots lature is the battlefield of ideas so a hasten the end of your cold. After 7 to may have the best skill set to do it. how government operates, thanks to of different things, some had run major challenge is effectively 10 days you will feel better. But since Those special interest groups are not an eighth grade civics teacher at The before, and though this would be a communicating with all the members. you spent the time and money to part of state government or Baylor School, a college prep school. good experience for me, he said I’ve become somewhat famous for come, they feel obligated to give you answerable to the taxpayers of That led him to study American there’s no way I could win. my white board charts. Visitors to my something, a harmless medication. Tennessee. TML is a great history and the people who founded We walked out to the parking lot, office find I’m constantly working In like manner, people want their organization but it is a member this country and it fed his later interest my friend completely dejected. I said with my white boards, breaking legislator to accomplish A B or C so organization. A non-member citizen to pursue political office. His primary we’re not going to let some old guy tell things down to their component parts the legislator feels obliged to may be very skilled but because TML interest in school was science and us whether we’re going to win or to see how the government really introduce a bill to make it happen. names the person, that person would after Baylor, he studied biology and lose. We worked hard, saw as many operates and is properly structured Some legislators file dozens of bills. I never have the opportunity to serve. chemistry in college, and graduated people as possible and won the for committees. don’t. I try to limit myself to about 35 I think that’s unfair. However, TML magna cum laude with a B.A. in Republican primary election by 90 bills. As chair of Government and others could contribute to the biology. He then completed his votes over seven opponents. Being an TT&C: How would you describe Operations, I carried a lot of governor’s decision on who will be physical therapy training at the outsider, that was to my advantage. It your relationship with Lt. Gov. committee bills but they weren’t the right person and could help University of Tennessee Center for was a great experience, a fun cam- Ron Ramsey? really mine. I am a team player. I like establish criteria for those who serve. Health Sciences in Memphis and paign, hard work. I was elected to the BW: Excellent. The lieutenant to co-sponsor bills and see others But the governor is elected by all the became a physical therapist. House in the general election and two governor, Chairman Jim Tracy, and I take credit for the work they do. Over voting citizens of the state and has the His athletic career in high school years later, Sen. Fowler, my share an apartment while in Nashville, the years, the two things I’m most right and privilege to select people football, wrestling, and track was a predecessor, told me he was going to so we communicate quite a bit. I have proud of are having been part of who meet the proper criteria to carry major influence. He often makes retire. He said I would make a good a lot of respect for the lieutenant educational reform and overhauling out the policy wishes of the reference to wrestling when speaking senator. So, I decided to run. governor and for his effective Governmental Operations, putting legislature and governor. A citizen on the Senate floor. In his senior year management and leadership style. He accountability back in state should not be required to join some at Baylor, he was the 1979 TSSAA TT&C: You were chairman of the is a calm leader, a strong personality government. organization to serve. 155 lbs State Wrestling Champion. He Government Operations Com- and has a down home connectedness also wrestled for the state champion- mittee when you were chosen with people. He knows the legislative TT&C: You are the sponsor of a TT&C: What are the major ships in his junior year and he’s as speaker pro tem last year? process incredibly well and under- top TML priority bill that proposes challenges facing Tennesseans? proud of finishing second as he was of BW: One of the rites of passage in the stands people whether they agree or any rule or regulation of the state BW: We’re coming out of a being champion because in 1978, he House is for incoming freshmen to be disagree. That is so important to those that fiscally impacts local recession but if you ask people out on was wrestling in the 147 lbs level placed on the Committee for Govern- in leadership. He understands organi- governments must include a the street they might not say they’ve when the team’s 169 lbs wrestler was ment Operations because that zational behavior, is very conversa- written justification, fiscal note, seen a difference. We have to injured. The coach said that as a team committee has oversight over 272 tional, and all topics are on the table. and cost-benefit analysis. Why is continue to pursue economic player he should compete in the 169 governmental agencies and intro- Strong leaders are visionaries to a this important for you? development and job opportunities lbs weight class. Despite giving 20 lbs duces you quickly to all the tentacles degree and so they point out BW: In my study of the operations of for Tennesseans. When people are to every opponent – “they were huge” of government. I try to be a good directions to the group that they may government, I’ve found that rules not working or fully employed, it – he still won the district and regional student and researcher and studied not have been thinking about. That and regulations often impact a local creates challenges for society. To championships before losing to the the committee’s responsibilities. requires a strong personality and a government more than the law that create economic growth we need to defending state champion 8-6. After reading the statutes for the great voice for what he does. fathers the rules. Rules and develop a well educated work force. Overcoming such incredible odds committee, I said at meetings that I regulations are the mechanisms by The world of 2012 is dramatically toughened him physically and didn’t think our committee was different than the world of 1950 and mentally and he won the state exercising its full potential. Being a “Diversity is the great strength of this nation. Local govern- 1960 when a high school graduate championship the next year in his own freshman in the House minority, I had ments are key components. If the family or local govern- could find a career in a company for little influence but when I came over 40 years and make a good income. weight class. For him it was an ments are weak, we as a state can’t do well”. - Sen. Bo Watson important lesson that victory can to the senate, I talked with leadership That no longer exists. Now, we have emerge from defeat. about the many more avenues we to provide Tennesseans with an Watson spent his first college could pursue. TT&C: What does it mean for the which the law affects local opportunity to get a skill set and they year at the University of the South at When Jack Johnson was named Republican Party to have a governments or busines-ses so there in turn have to take advantage of it. Sewanee. He found it much like the the first Republican chairman of majority in both chambers as well should be an explanation of the rules Education is fundamental. Only 23 Baylor private school cultural Government Regulations, we started as the governor’s office? the body is bringing it to bear — percent of our citizenry have experience so he transferred to the working more closely with the BW: Obviously, as a Republican I especially the financial impact which bachelor degrees. Many jobs in the University of Tennessee at Chatta- various agencies. We came to realize think it’s the greatest thing. It is usually what local governments are economy of the future will require at nooga where 21 members of his nobody seems to pay attention to rules changes things dramatically. Last most concerned about. least bachelor level training. Most family have attended or graduated. and regulations even though they have year, particularly, there was a My bill requires that any govern- businesses and industries need He wanted exposure to a wider variety the full force and effect of law. We positive direction in economic mental board, commission, or people with at least a two-year of people and had some excellent started making agencies explain rules growth and development. We think agency that imposes a new rule or degree. Without a college educated professors with whom he’s and regulations in the same way we our ideas enhance education and regulation must justify it and explain work force, business is going to look maintained contact. He attended UT- require legislators to explain health care. Naturally, after roughly the cost and impact of it so local elsewhere to find their well-trained, Memphis because at the time it was legislation. During the time Sen. 150 years of Democrat majorities governments can react to it. I realize well-educated workforce. the only school that offered physical Johnson and I were chairs of the there will be substantive changes and some rules and regulations are Thomas Jefferson’s grave therapy training, a career choice just committee, we also caught up on the some of those changes that are federally mandated on departments maker doesn’t mention that he was beginning to emerge. Watson says two or three years backlog of unfamiliar to people will be by our friends in Washington, DC. the U.S. president but that he was the he’s been in the service industry ever committee work we were behind on. uncomfortable for them. But the state While they are stuck in a bad position, founder of the University of Virginia. since. That includes his political I chose to stay on Government is well positioned for great things. We they should still explain the rules and Jefferson understood that a career because “in the General Operations as speaker pro tem managed our way through difficult the public should know the cost and democratic republic needs a well Assembly, I use my ability to represent because I think that along with economic times even though we’re the impact. educated citizenry to govern it. the people and make sure their voice Finance it is one of the most important not a wealthy state and don’t have is heard, and in health care, I’m an committees in the legislature. some of the resources other states TT&C: You also support a TT&C: What is local govern- advocate for my patients.” have. We are considered the best measure to allow local govern- ment’s role in solving those He met his future wife, Jill TT&C: How does it feel to give up financially managed state in the ments the choice of publishing challenges? Lippse, in ninth grade at a Tyner track a committee chair to become union, in the top two or three states public notices not only in BW: Based on my philosophy that meet. He didn’t date her until they speaker pro tem? for business recruitment and for newspapers but also on a city the foundation of all government is were in class together at UT BW: The speaker pro tem works for limited regulation on business website. the family, you’ve got to have a Chattanooga. They married in 1983 the entire Senate, not for a particular activities. We are a No. 1 state for BW: Nowadays, more people are strong family structure and strong just before he finished at Memphis. caucus or committee. The speaker educational reform and have getting more information through local communities that administer to He graduated from Memphis in pro tem fundamentally has one job: to improved our healthcare rankings digital technology than from newspa- those families and provide them with 1985 and joined a private practice for stand in the dais when the speaker from the upper 40s to the lower 40s pers or television by using a cell the tools to make needed decisions. two years with offices at Erlanger can’t. The lieutenant governor was and upper 30s. We have made a phone, I-phone, I-pad, laptop, or a Local communities need to be somewhat independent. They have Medical Center. When their son Grey good to give me latitude to explore and substantive difference. standing PC. Government has to carve out a niche within the body as communicate effectively to our their diverse ways of doing things was born a year later, Watson had a within the context of the U.S. yen to go where nobody knew them. have the other members. I spent the TT&C: In your eight years in the citizens because inherently all power summer and fall studying other legislature, what were your main is in the people. There was a time Constitution and with the Tennessee They chose Kingsport in east Constitution. They have their own states’ ideas of what this job entails. A accomplishments? when you tacked up notices at the Tennessee, where for eight years, he personalities. Diversity is the great BW: When I first got here, I saw how courthouse. The printing press worked at Holston Valley Medical large part of the job is coordinating the strength of this nation. Local Center and participated in the activities of the Senate, making sure many laws there are on the books. I replaced that, and newspapers governments are key components. If Leadership Kingsport program. When the committees are operating properly wasn’t sure adding more laws would published public notices when almost the family or local governments are Grey was ready to move from and that committee analysts are solve the problems. Sometimes all people read newspapers. Now weak, we as a state can’t do well. elementary to middle school they helping committee chairs and implementing what we have is what more people use other sources. The Strong local governments are moved back to Hixson where Watson members to get a full understanding solves problems. I think going to the print media may not like it but change essential.