Because Every Penny Counts
During our May 13th May 16th and May 28th meetings, the Oak Ridge city council will determine your property tax rate for the next year via our annual budget. Our decisions will directly affect your personal finances. Of greater consequence, however, we will establish our city’s competitive position. Currently, Oak Ridge has the third highest property … Read more
Strategizing a Path to Prosperity
THE PROBLEM This month, the Oak Ridge City Council will establish your property tax rate for 2014 via the approval of our annual city budget. And though it appears that taxes will remain flat, our excessive spending levels are unsustainable and continue to hinder our ability to compete with surrounding communities. In spite of all … Read more
Changing the Game of Economic Development in Oak Ridge: Part 2
The topic of city council’s work session this month was Economic Development. Since the city manager’s initial presentation to council on the subject in January, the two most heavily funded organizations (of the Economic Diversification Fund) have made multiple attempts to persuade council to continue funding them at nearly the same levels as in the … Read more
The Rest of the EPA Mandate Story/Final Plea to My Fellow Councilmembers
The following has been submitted to all local newspapers for publication: Last month, Oak Ridgers were hit with a water/sewer rate increase for the second time in nine months to pay for $15 million worth of debt that you were told (incorrectly) was issued to cover an EPA mandate. Monday night, council is preparing to … Read more
Changing the Game of Economic Development in Oak Ridge
There’s no nice way to spin it: the results of our city’s bad decisions for the past decade are catching up with us. In addition to having high debt and property taxes, our sales tax revenues continue to decline, we are exporting over $727 million per year in DOE payroll* and we have a comparatively … Read more
ALTERNATIVES TO INCURRING ADDITIONAL DEBT
I submitted the following to the Oak Ridge City Council in an effort to explore alternative funding of the EPA mandated changes in our sewer system. Upon learning of an error, I’ve made a correction regarding ownership of the Chamber of Commerce building. ALTERNATIVES TO INCURRING ADDITIONAL DEBT - As suggested by Trina Baughn 1/14/2013 … Read more
Time for a Leadership Change
Both before and after the election, thousands of you shared your thoughts with me about the upcoming vote for our next mayor. And while preferences varied, there was one unifying thought about who should NOT be elected as mayor. Many of you shared your concern that Tom Beehan’s power far exceeds that which is allowed … Read more
Quashing Rumors
As is to be expected during an election, there are false rumors circulating about my candidacy. Given the nature of these rumors and the unfounded fear that some have expressed, I would like to set the record straight. First, I support our schools. So much so that I have fought time and time again to … Read more
Does Oak Ridge Have a Revenue Problem or a Spending Problem?
My opponents have repeatedly stated that we have a “revenue problem.” They do not see our debt as a problem and believe that the solution is to simply increase revenue. Translation: They want MORE of your money. The truth is, revenues aren’t down. They are actually up by $55Million for the last 10 years. The … Read more
Twenty Four Years of Payments and Decades More to Go!
At under 45 minutes, this month’s city council meeting may have been the shortest meeting they’ve ever held. While it was a nice change from the normal 3 hour meetings, I wonder why council didn’t take the opportunity to discuss anything of significance given our city’s various, not to mention serious, problems. After all, they … Read more
How Can We Compete?
The future of Oak Ridge is entirely dependent upon our ability to attract new residents and businesses. To do that, we must first acknowledge an unspoken truth: Outsiders view Oak Ridge as being too expensive. We MUST work to change that. Oak Ridge MUST become competitive. Why do people say that it costs so much … Read more
To My Fellow Gen X & Y Oak Ridgers
My friends over 50 often ask me, “Why won’t more young people get involved in solving our city’s problems?” My friends that are closer to my age often tell me, “Oak Ridge just isn’t what it used to be.” While I hope that people of all ages will read on, I am particularly addressing this … Read more
Sausage or Haggis?
It’s been over a week since I originally wrote this and given everything that has occurred since, it seemed inconsequential and I didn’t want to bother posting here. But then I think back to the original impetus behind this particular piece and I realize how the current scandal (the principal’s mysterious dismissal at WillowBrook 3 … Read more
More of the Same – Column Update, Contact Info and City Manager Letter & Resolution
NOTE: The email from the city manager as well as his proposed resolution that I referenced are included at the end of this post. A majority of council have indicated that they will not approve the resolution that I referenced in the following column/post. This begs the question: Now what? Council should absolutely stand their … Read more
Post-Haste
Last week, the Oak Ridge Board of Education (BOE) chairman, Keys Fillauer, responded to one of my columns that asked of our schools, “Are we getting what we’re paying for?” Rather than address our problems, Mr. Fillauer lamented, “Why would I want to move to a place where all I read is negativity?” Since we … Read more
$937,091? Pfffft. No Big Whoop.
Every year here in the ‘Ridge, we play a little game I like to call, “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money!” Around late spring/early summer, the school administration and BOE round up some folks with pitchforks and torches and march down to city hall. They demand that the city give them mo’ money than the … Read more
Step 1: Get Mad
The front page of the January 25th edition of the Oak Ridger presented an interesting juxtaposition of news. One article informs the public that the Oak Ridge School Board and Administration intends on pushing the city to fund an “emergency capital repair project” in the amount of nearly $700K to fund structural repairs at Woodland … Read more
High School Debt Payment 6 Months Past Due
The following is directed to the Oak Ridge Schools Administration and Board of Education and shared with the citizens of Oak Ridge: In 2004, Oak Ridgers residing in Anderson County generously voted to increase the local sales tax rate from 2.25% to 2.75% in order to fund the high school project. The verbiage of that … Read more
Do You See What I See?
****Links and contact information integrated within this post and to the left*** December is, by far, my favorite month and this year is no exception. I have many reasons to be excited about Christmas, but I’m also finding many reasons to be excited about the future of Oak Ridge. At times, it’s far too easy … Read more
Make Payment Payable To
You have an outstanding bill of $13,701. It is your household’s share of our city’s debt and for as long as you live in Oak Ridge, it is the minimum you will owe, regardless of any payments made. Unlike you, the City of Oak Ridge (your loan co-signer for nearly $200 million) does not have … Read more
Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right on Senior Center
On August 8th, city council unanimously approved a resolution to pay $15,000 to an architectural and engineering firm to study the need for the construction of a new Senior Enrichment Center. The City of Oak Ridge website has a time table posted entitled “Projected Schedule for New Senior Enrichment Center.” According to the Recreation and … Read more
Refocusing
This week, city council selected Chuck Hope to fill Tom Hayes’ vacated seat. I applaud Chuck on his win and thank the city for giving me the same opportunity to apply. I share the following statement I made before city council with the public because I intend to expand my focus in the coming year towards … Read more
Statement of Interest in Vacant City Council Seat
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Oak Ridge City Council – I humbly submit my resume for consideration to serve on city council. I am an eleven year resident of Oak Ridge, a qualified voter, a property owner and an active participant in local affairs who is heavily invested in the long-term survival of our … Read more
Recommended Adjustments to the OR BOE 2012 Budget
For the Oak Ridge schools’ 2012 budget, the Board of Education is requesting a 7.32 percent increase in funds from the city, $1,059,171 more than last year. However, it is critical that we maintain, not increase, funding, given the serious state of our economy, our extremely high tax rate, and the overwhelming level of debt … Read more
Proposal for ORSB FY2011 Budget Adjustments
It’s that time of year again. I submitted this prior to last night’s public forum and was very encouraged to hear some board members took my suggestions, along with others, seriously. Public interest and feedback appears to be at an all time high. That’s a very good thing. Oak Ridge School Board Members: With regards … Read more
Observer LTE on RLCs
A few years ago, a child was struck by a motorist while crossing the turnpike from Oak Ridge High School. Last year, I monitored that area and observed numerous motorist violations that put students and adults in danger. Frequently, vehicles would come within inches of hitting students. During my 2 month stint in 2007 as … Read more
Your Attendance and Attention, Please
On July 14th at 7:00p.m., the OR School Board will vote on extending the superintendent’s contract length and on a possible salary increase. Dr. Bailey was hired in 2002 and his current contract runs through 2012. According to the terms of his contract, the board is under no obligation to act on his contract until … Read more
Get Out And Vote!
Early Voting ends Thursday, May 28, 2009 @ Emory Valley Center (for both Roane and Anderson County) 10 am to 6 pm Polling Hours for Election Day, June 2, will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ******************* Having been actively involved in school issues for the last few years, I’ve listened to and studied this … Read more
Proposal for the ORSB FY2010 Budget Adjustments
I submitted the following to the ORSB this evening. The formatting isn’t as pretty as it should be, but it’s been a very long day, so this is what you get.———————————— RECOMMENDATIONS Propose that all staff be afforded a 1% pay raise in lieu of a step increase and that the school system forego the … Read more
LTE 12-13-07 How well are we meeting the needs of the overall student population?
http://www.oakridger.com/stories/121307/opi_225055606.shtml“Oak Ridge Schools only care about the best of the best.” “Unless you are super intelligent or a superstar on the football team, you are nobody in Oak Ridge Schools.” Have you ever heard statements like these? Have you ever said them yourself? Have you ever had an experience that supported such opinions? Generalized statements … Read more
OCT 11, 07 LTE
An hour in the life of an intersection Between 7:10a.m. and 8:10a.m. every school morning, about 8 children cross through or walk along the intersection of Robertsville Rd. and Illinois Ave. That number can somewhat vary from morning to morning as there are at least 10 others who cross periodically. During this same hour at … Read more
Initial Public Appeal
Have you got an hour a day to spare? How about an hour a week? O.K. then, 1 hour a month? Call me an idealist, but I believe that’s really about all it would take to solve one of our most pressing problems. I am referring to our children’s safety in route to and from … Read more
Aug 23, 07 LTE (Observer) School Attendance and Spending
Because the school funding campaign has already begun with the numerous articles about the need for a new preschool (and you can bet a new administration building will be thrown in again as it was a few years ago), I decided to respond to the articles recently run about how enrollment is up and how … Read more
Aug 23, 07 LTE (Oak Ridger) – Fellner
It has been said that the details of the Fellner case are of no one’s concern but those directly involved. I beg to differ. Here are just a few folks who have a vested interest in its outcome (aside from the accused and the accusers). Anyone who yelled about the fireworks this year – … Read more
Jul 20, 07 LTE (Oak Ridger) City Council’s Obligation
Should City Council inquire about specifics in the OR School Budget? There have been a lot of public statements made that our City Council has “no business” even looking at, let alone questioning, specific line items in the School Budget. For the life of me, I cannot understand the basis of this belief. Our City … Read more
Jul 16, 07 Submission to City Council – BEP Discrepancies
After having received a substantial increase in funding from council and having received $1.9 million unexpected dollars from the state’s new BEP plan, the OR School Board still cites insufficient funding for the 2007/2008 school year.On July 11, 2007, the school board held a work session to discuss the $1.9 million BEP funds. Their attached … Read more
Jul 5, 07 LTE (Observer)/Jun 28, 07 Statement to ORSB
For many years now, the Oak Ridge School Board has requested additional funding from the City Council while inferring that our schools are in jeopardy. While certain members have indicated that they do not desire “to pit one city service against another” year after year, this is exactly what has happened. When council cannot meet … Read more
Jun 18, 07 LTE (appr) / Email to ORSB RE: Return of Funds to CC
With the signing of the new BEP by Gov. Bredeson last week, the OR School Board has indicated that the Oak Ridge Schools will receive $1.9 million additional dollars for FY2008. This amount will more than cover the $140,000 cited shortfall as well as the reinstatement of the bus transportation previously cut to students living … Read more
Jun 3, 07 Email to ORSB – Confirmation of No Intent to Reinstate Transportation in 08
I’ve sent the following to all members of the school board. I believe I know the answer, but wanted to be certain that I understood correctly. Maybe this is something everyone but me had already understood, but, then again, maybe not. ORSB Members, In my continued quest to understand the budgeting process and thus, participate … Read more
May 31, 07 LTE (Observer) – The Big Picture – Pre Election
There’s a lot of uncertainty in our city’s future and our struggle to find answers continues. We lack a consensus on what factors are essential to our vitality. I don’t claim to have the answers as to what those factors may be, but I do know that increased taxes and increased debt DO NOT make … Read more
May 28, 07 LTE (Oak Ridger) Oak Ridgers Get Played
Oak Ridgers you just got played. In a quick phone call to Oak Ridge School Board member, Dan DiGregorio, I asked if the board intended on reinstating the transportation for the 2007/2008 school year that had been cut last year. His response was “No, I just don’t see any way that we could do that … Read more
May 18, 07 LTE (Oak Ridger) Opposition to increased Property Tax
Loudest to be heard at expense of others As an educated, school-supporting, taxpaying citizen of Oak Ridge with children in the Oak Ridge School System, I am voicing my OPPOSITION to the proposed property tax increase to be voted on May 21st. Do I support our schools and our educators? Yes — as I’ve stated … Read more
Jun 06 LTE (Oak Ridger) 2nd Address to CAFE
OR CAFÉ did an excellent job of highlighting how excellent our schools are in their recurrent spot in the Oak Ridger last week. However, I fail to see how this meets their goal of promoting informed decisions by citizens and city leaders. Surely they are not crediting money over parent, teacher, and student efforts for … Read more
Nov 9, 06 LTE (Oak Ridger) – 1st Response to CAFE
My family moved to Oak Ridge 6 years ago in large part because of the excellent school system we’d heard about. Since then, ORSD has met or exceeded our expectations in almost every way. As a parent and a citizen, I appreciate any effort that is made on behalf of children when it comes to … Read more
"All you can do is to be at every single moment as true as you can with all the power in your being - and then leave it to God to use you, even despite yourself." - Anthony Bloom
