In our little town, few things get politicians more excited than the word “grant.” Even though grants are nothing more than redistributed taxes, they are hailed as free money that will finally solve some dire necessity. You know, like a $1 million fountain/splash pad. Meanwhile, true needs continue to go unmet. Though I’ve regularly pointed … Continue reading $7 Million Free Money!
As we've seen in the news again today, active shooter incidents are not going away. Instead of arguing over laws and religion and instead of waiting on the government to protect us, what if we all decided to take a literal stand by refusing to be passive victims? If you read no further down this … Continue reading WE DON’T HAVE TO BE VICTIMS
On the evening of July 25, 2011, (some 15 months before I would be elected) I attended an Oak Ridge City Council meeting as a citizen. At the same time this meeting was occurring, Alex Heitman’s body was being discovered after a day-long search by his family for his whereabouts. I would learn of Alex’s … Continue reading Alex: My Friend, Whom I Never Met
Who dine like celebrities while feeding you what you want to hear Who rejoice in exotic locations after inculcating you with fear Who pay themselves six figures from your taxes and your tithes Who silence their critics with propaganda, slander and lies Who offer forgiveness for your sins, but for their own evade consequence Who … Continue reading Bums
Just as I finished listening to the “S-Town” podcast (a story like no other which, ironically, concludes with a scene in the woods), I came upon the site of a recent wildfire not far from my neighborhood but eerily close to another. I’ve never had such an experience. The site and smell had my mind … Continue reading West End Wildfire
As the senior center and preschool initiatives appear to be gaining momentum, we all know from experience that they will both end up costing way more than what is initially pitched. Capital projects, after all, are the holy grail of money grabs. Obligatory Painful Reminders The Blankenship parking lot went from $69K to $265K; Dredging … Continue reading Of Moochers and Looters
This is old news, but so many people continue to ask me about it that I’ve decided to share everything I know here. For those who have never visited our lovely marina bathrooms, you might think that they had marble walls and gold plated urinals given the steep price tag borne by taxpayers. Think again. Pictures … Continue reading Flushing Your Cash Down the Drain: The Infamous Oak Ridge Marina Bathroom
