School Board Elections

Tomorrow is the Election Day for some districts of School Board.

Starting in District 1 we have Jo Williams and Jacki Montgomery. Both Candidates reside in Claxton, and both are well supported by influential people throughout the area. However, it seems that as we near the end of the campaigning, Williams may have a lead. District 3 has two candidates that are hoping for a victory as well. Incumbent Darrell Cantrell and challenger Wayne Harper.

District 5 has three candidates vying for the seat there. Incumbent Ron Hagans is being challenged by Fmr. County Commissioner Rickey Rose and also George Roberts.

The election will prove to be quite pivotal in the role they place in the upcoming years ahead, but it seems as though the Incumbents may have an advantage in all the districts. Look for this however to be a surprising election, in terms of how many voters turnout. This could also be an advantage for the Incumbent. Thursday is almost here, so return for a pre-election post and then a post-election post on Friday.

I do however have a message for the school board. When serving, remember who you serve. When representing, remember who you represent. The greatest influence on our schools lies in your hands. The choices you make as well as the votes you take, remind us of your role and it's importance. The office of School Board should first and foremost be to lead the Schools and those in them. It should be to effectively make every opportunity for the student's well being a top goal. It should be to increasingly help the staff of the schools and never look at them as anything less than the Educators that they are. The most important thing a School Board member can do for their students, is to make sure that the ones teaching them have all they need. It is important for the leaders of today to help pave the way for the leaders of tomorrow. Those leaders are the ones that are sitting in the classrooms, the ones running the field. They are the ones that will remember how you lead and either be grateful for it or not. Finally, It is important that as members of the School Board you make your vote according to conscious and your voters in your district. You should never make your vote on what you think is important to keep your seat, but rather to keep your honor. Even it costs you all you hold. Make 2009 a year of history, make it a year all of Anderson County remembers as the year their school board fought hard for them.

There are two other Districts in the running, but the incumbents are unopposed. Dr. John Burrell District 4 and Mrs. Glenda Langenberg District 8.

Moseley Announces Campaign Advisor

Republican Alex Moseley announced last week a new member of his campaign staff; John C. "JC" Bowman. Bowman formally served as the Chief Policy Analyst of the Education Policy Unit for Governor Jeb Bush. Amoung other accomplishments, Bowman now serves as Alex Moseley's Chief Education Advisor. Alex Moseley also launched an updated website for his campaign http://www.alexmoseley.com/.

Moseley and Hackworth will have their competing match in November.

Bolling Press Release

Commissioner David Bolling sent the following press release: I am glad to see that County Mayor Rex Lynch has chosen not to veto the no tax increase budget that County Commission passed last week, despite his threat to do so. He did, however, feel it was important to issue a press release criticizing Commission for dipping in to our reserves to balance the budget. It is a shame that he didn’t find it equally important to actually show up at the meeting and take part in the debate.

This budget process has been full of tough decisions. While I didn’t agree with their decision, the Budget Committee recognized that additional funds would be needed to balance the budget, and proposed a tax increase to do so. True to fashion, Mayor Lynch opposed this proposal. When the budget was presented to full Commission for approval, an overwhelming majority voted against increasing the burden on our taxpayers, and chose instead to balance the budget with part of the surplus that we have accumulated over the last few years. Again, Mayor Lynch voiced his opposition.

Once again, as he has done so many times since taking office, Mayor Lynch has chosen to lay the burden of funding county government in the lap of Commission, while standing in the background and playing petty politics. If our decision proves to be a mistake, he can proudly say that he told us so. On the other hand, if it works out for the best, he can easily step to the forefront and take the credit for leading our county forward through tough times.

Several years ago, County Commission had to make a very unpopular decision and raised taxes. Although Mayor Lynch quickly struck back with his purely symbolic veto, it was overridden and taxes went up. In doing so, not only did Commission give him the ammunition he needed to get re-elected, they also, more importantly, gave him the money that he knew he needed to run county government.

Over the next several years, the Mayor was able to play a clever game of conservatively funding government, while at the same time stockpiling huge amounts of taxpayer money in to his famous undesignated fund. Year after year, other elected officials and department heads were told not to bother asking for additional funding, because the funds simply weren’t there. All the while, the fund balance went up, and the Mayor got another bullet point for his political ads.

Here we are, several years later, and he is still trying to play that same old tired game. He continues to create new positions, increase funding where he wants it increased, and spend money on things that he sees as politically beneficial, while leaving it Commission to figure out how to pay for it. To give the appearance of cooperation, he offered an olive branch to Commission that he knew wouldn’t have to be used. It was clear to him that most Commissioners were opposed to the tax increase, and he had to put himself in a position to attack should our decision backfire.

Perhaps we could have raised taxes, and for once actually avoided any political fallout from the Mayor. However, I am proud that my fellow Commissioners refused his political “get out of jail free” card, and stood up for the taxpayers of this county.

Hackworth Takes Tax Hit By Moseley

State Representative Jim Hackworth (D) took a hit this week from challenger Alex Moseley. Moseley passed out envelopes with two pennies in them at the Anderson County Fair. Moseley said that Hackworth's votes for tax cuts add up to about 2 cents a day. That's a little over $7 a year and only $44 in his entire career in the House of Representatives. Moseley typed on the envelope that if the citizens of Anderson County wanted real tax cuts, they should vote for him. Moseley campaigned from the Anderson County Republican Party booth, while Hackworth traveled around the fair talking with several people. Moseley and Hackworth will win their Parties nominations, since they are unapposed next month, and face off in Novemeber for the position.

Montgomery & Williams In Dead-Lock

Candidates Jacki Montgomery and Jo Williams, both vying to be the School Board member to represent District 1, are in a dead-lock race as the early voting begins Friday. Williams, had the first signs up throughout Claxton and South Clinton, and Montgomery began her sign sweep by getting the endorsements of several businesses along Clinton Highway in Claxton. Montgomery had a booth at the Anderson County Fair and there were many who stopped by to talk with the candidate. The Election for School Board is August 7th. Early Voting begins July 18 at 10 AM and goes through til' August 2. According to many in the District, what seemed to be a for sure victory for one, is now turning into a dead-lock race between the two. Both Montgomery & Williams seem to have the support of influential people throughout Claxton, this seems to be one that will boil down to who gets out and votes.

Taxes & Budget

The Anderson County Budget will most likely continue to have her controversy throughout the next weeks and onto the county election season of 2010. Commissioners David Bolling, Robert McKamey, and Tracy Wandell have all hinted at possible runs for County Mayor in 2010. However, Recently, it seems like McKamey may rally behind Bolling, or make a run against Rex in the primary. Wandell, said a few weeks ago that he plans on seeking re-election to the Commission. Taxes & the Budget seems to be what the candidates will be focusing their attacks on in the county's next election. Lynch who first supported the Sheriff's Department additional funding for "officer pay raise" now says he opposes it because the money is not there.

The next election will feature a most likely crowded field for the Mayor's seat, including an Independent or two who have thrown their names into the potential field. Those looking at a possible run for Mayor are either Commissioners, Business Owners, and/or Insurance Agents.

Expect the 2010 election season to start around July of next year.

Tennessee Tolls

On June 11, 2007 the House & Senate voted to authorize the Tennessee Tollway Act. This Act allows the state to create toll roads and bridges in the state for the transportation department. To view the bill click here, or you can read the summary of the bill by clicking here. There were several points that caught my eye while reading this bill. One, all the money raised goes to help fund toll roads. Now, does that make any sense. We're going to create toll roads, so we can help pay to create more. Two, Public hearings will take place prior to the construction of toll roads. What I found odd was that nowhere does it say that if the majority of citizens oppose the idea, they will too. It simply says they will have public hearings. How can representatives who Represent us be doing their job if they go against the will of the people?

Three, if you refuse to pay the toll you will be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor and fined $50.00. In the state of Tennessee, a Class C Misdemeanor is no greater than 30 days in jail or a fine not to exceed $50.00 or both. Read the Class C Misdemeanor info by clicking here.

The legislation states that toll roads cannot be created on exisiting highways and bridges. However, they adopted a few amendments to the bill. One of those stating that they can put a toll road on an additional lane that was created after the effective date of the bill. So, if you live, travel, work etc. around a highway, if they construct a new lane it could be a toll.

Amendment 2 states that a goal of having at least one project ready for constuction must take place within five years of the effective date of the bill.

Tennessee will then work with the Federal Government and Private Companies to create these toll roads across the state. Representative Hackworth voted for this bill and we the people of Anderson County would like to know why, and how this will bring good change to Anderson County?

Commissioners Oppose Toll Roads

We're all fimilure with what toll roads are, but never before in the way we will soon. State Legislatures voted to approve toll roads throughout Tennessee. According to sources, one may be placed in Clinton by the new Walmart close to the Interstate. State Representative Jim Hackworth (D) voted to implement the toll roads. County Commissioner Chuck Fritts is in opposition to the idea. Fritts who brought the Resolution Opposing Toll Roads to the Operations Committee this week discussed amoung other commissioners his stance on the issue. According to the County Website, the resolution won't be voted on by full commission this month.

Wamp Soaring Big

While he has a primary challenge from Insurance Agent Teresa Sheppard, and an election in November against a democrat and possibly two Independents. Wamp looks as though he will soar amoung voters again in this year election. Wamp will most likely not debate Sheppard, as he has refused to debate other primary challengers. Wamp's victory in 2004 was a little over 90%, he went on to win the General with 64.7%. While Wamp's popularity is pretty large among Republicans, the Democratic Party seems to be wanting to do more to retrieve his seat. However they haven't been able to come up with a real viable threat to Wamp's campaign yet. If no-one enters the election by this month the Democratic Nominee will be unopposed Doug Vandagriff who received only 1,696 votes in 2004 as an Independent. The two Independents in the race are frequent candidates for state offices.

Moseley Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge

Alex Moseley, Republican Candidate for State Representative District 33 has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. According to the short pledge that he signed he soley states that he will vote and oppose any and all bills that are to raise taxes. Moseley states he will never vote to raise taxes nor help campaign for tax increases. Moseley has made Conservatism, Lower Taxes and Communication the major focuses of his campaign. According to one source Hackworth has not signed the pledge. Whoever does sign the pledge must honor it for their entire time in office. The pledge is sponsored by the Americans for Tax Reform. As of 2006 (last election year) 42% of State Senators have signed the bill, and 28% of State Representatives have signed the bill. There are 33 Senators in the State Senate and 100 in the State Representative.

Moseley Launches New Website

Republican Candidate for State Representative District 33 Alex Moseley launches his new campaign website. Less than a week after writing a post about his "inactive" website, Moseley launched his new website one on the web. The new website is updated and "viewer friendly" according to his press release. On the site, Moseley has his stance on several issues as well as why he is running. Moseley has a video detailing his run for office and why he chose to jump into politics. Moseley encourages the voters of Anderson County to check out his website at http://www.alexmoseley.com/

District 1 School Board Race

The District 1 School Board Election which will take place in August (3 months) has two candidates seeking the seat. Jo Williams and Jacki Montgomery. Williams, who is currently serving as the School Board member, was not elected but appointed last year by the Commission after the resignation of Gail Martin. Williams is facing School Teacher Jacki Montgomery. As I've been looking at the District 1 School Board race it seems as though Williams has a slight edge in the race. Williams has already begun advertisement by putting up signs all throughout Claxton. Montgomery's campaign blog has not been active by the candidate in a few months. It seems as though Williams has the support of one and maybe both of the county commissioners in District 1. Fritts, who voted to appoint Williams over Montgomery last year seems to be holding to his appointment. Wandell voted to appoint Montgomery but his vote may be different if Williams continues to climb in support.

Neither Williams nor Montgomery have had any match ups to debate issues or talk about concerns to those in District 1. Montgomery and Williams had a close head-to-head match up last year when they appeared before they commission for the appointment of the seat. Two others were also in the running but neither of them received any votes. Montgomery said she is receiving a lot of support from School teachers. Both Montgomery and Williams reside in Claxton.

Hackworth & House Focus on Education

State Representative Jim Hackworth (D) and the majority of other house members have been spending the 2008 year focusing on Education. Hackworth stated in his May 22nd Weekly Report that the house expanded Scholarships to nearly 12,000 students across the state. Hackworth, along with other prominent Democratic House officials have been working with Governor Phil Bredesen on Pre-K issues. Hackworth is currently in his 6th year as a State Legislature and is up for re-election this November.

In related news, Hackworth also made a statement concerning U.S. veterans in time for Memorial Day:

“Our brave men and women returning home from war deserve a fully-funded college education and thanks to the Helping Heroes Act, Tennessee soldiers will get the help they deserve.”

The bill will take effect on July 1 after the signing into law by Governor Bredesen.

As the time clock to the 08' Election continues to count down we find ourselves looking more and more into the candidates and the offices of which they're seeking. The most common talked about race right now is the District 33 State Representative Race in which Incumbent Jim Hackworth (D) will face against Former McNally Policy Worker Alex Moseley (R). Both have done "minor" campaign activities since the start of the race and neither have had any head-to-head match ups on the issues. All of that is hopefully about to change. Then we have the Congressional and U.S. Senate races as well as President. 2008 is a BIG YEAR!! Hackworth is currently leading Moseley in the recent poll taken here on MyersPolitics. The Republican, Libertarian and Constitution Parties have all named their nominee for President; with the Democratic and Green Parties still in the process. Senator Lamar Alexander (R) has no primary challenge but several have announced their run for the Democratic Primary as well as a few Independents.

This election season is one of the most important yet. With polling going to go to a new level this year, be expecting to see some poll results appear on the site very soon.

In closing, remember those who have put their lives on the line for the cause of freedom. To them we owe them our gratitude and much more!

Monday Starts New

Monday (May 26th) starts a new week, I'm done with the blog changes so I can return to posting.