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
Author: trinabaughn
Of Moochers and Looters
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
Flushing Your Cash Down the Drain: The Infamous Oak Ridge Marina Bathroom
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
The Noble and Courageous Among Us
“First Responders see trauma that can never be forgotten….As time goes on, the weight of these events start to pile up. What once may not have bothered someone may now start to cut a little deeper. As you advance into your career, you realize that the Hollywood code saves rarely occur in the real world. … Continue reading The Noble and Courageous Among Us
True Servant Hearts
Over the years, I’ve heard the words service and servant misused so frequently that I’m convinced few people actually know what those words mean. I believe, however, that I do know their true meaning but only because of people like my friends David and Tamara Price. David and Tamara are two of the most extraordinary, … Continue reading True Servant Hearts
Leftover School “FUN”d Money – The Data Doesn’t Lie
My usual detractors are in a tizzy over my most recent column and a discussion had during a council meeting (reported on here) regarding the school's practice of stockpiling cash while claiming poverty. I also stated, "in spite of being one of the most heavily funded systems in the state, much of your money is not making it into the … Continue reading Leftover School “FUN”d Money – The Data Doesn’t Lie
A Tale of Three Cities – FY2017 Budget Column
As we delve into what could be the last city budget I work on as a councilmember, I reflect upon both the state of the city and my contributions thus far. I could boast that, during my tenure, no property taxes were raised and we’ve reduced total debt levels. However, those claims would be misleading … Continue reading A Tale of Three Cities – FY2017 Budget Column
