August 09, 2006
Adams Refuses to Work with Bailes After Issuing Personal Insults
Now we know why almost half of the voters in District 8 wanted change.
Just listen to Mr. Adams in today's Chattanooga Times Free Press. Adams has finally broken silence now that the election is over and regressed to his old tricks of name-calling and personal attacks versus engaging the issues, choosing the method of spewing gossipy chatter versus communicating Christianlike graciousness.
He has decided to attack John Bailes personally, accusing him of not caring for public education because his son attends OLPH, despite the fact that John Bailes has taught in public schools for 20 years. John and Dinah's choice in sending their son to OLPH is a personal and religious one.
Adams also personally attacked John Bailes for giving about $9,000 to a campaign focusing on good schools, better jobs, and greater accountability. John believes this sacrifice was good for District 8, and John was happy to invest his own money and time to bring change. He would do it again.
Adams also attacked John Bailes for taking money from those who supported education and those who supported unions. But John's message appealed to these supporters. These donors want good schools and better jobs. And they definitely want more accountability.
For weeks during the election we attempted to get Adams to engage the issues. He would not. Now he has decided to speak. But he has chosen the path of personal insults and bitter rudeness. John would rather not engage Adams on personal matters. Instead John will continue to engage the voters and talk about their issues.
Yet he will not ignore Adams' personal attacks because John believes you cannot stand by and allow such assaults if we are to hold government accountable. So don't be surprised if John stands up to Mr. Adams for abusing his position and using it to be a stage for personal aggrandizing and attacks rather than community work and problem-solving.
You can join John as well and make our government accountable. You may help this cause by writing a letter to the newspaper. Let's keep our public officials focused on our issues, instead of on their personal games.
| By wjbailes | 08:16 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
August 07, 2006
Thank You
To volunteers, family and friends sacrificing to support me for District 8 Commissioner, I am forever grateful. Our community improved because of your passionate sacrifice. Ten thousand thank yous only begin to show my gratitude.
I am deeply grateful to voters in East Ridge, Brainerd, Brainerd Hills, and Concord for lending me hope and strength in this election. I met so many door-to-door. I look forward to meeting you again.
Be assured: Your voice was heard. You said you wanted change in District 8. You spoke strongly in a tight 52%-48% election outcome that gave a margin of victory to incumbent Curtis Adams. You said we need good schools, better jobs, and greater accountability. These issues will be our rallying cry for the next four years in District 8.
While I congratulate Mr. Adams on his victory in a tough race, I implore him to consider the election results carefully. It's time for change--change in the way we lead and where we lead. Let change befriend us now and carry us into a future with progress and prosperity.
God grants us courage to change the things we can. With courage and gratefulness to all of you, I’ll continue to serve.
~John Bailes
| By wjbailes | 02:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
August 05, 2006
Still a TIME FOR CHANGE~No Clear Mandate for Adams
Dear Supporters and Friends,
Because of the way the election results were reported on August 3rd, raising all of our hopes one minute and then leaving an uncertainty in the air another, especially for my family and friends, campaign volunteers and our supporters, I made the decision to clarify what happened on Election Day by going to the Hamilton County Election Commission on Friday, August 4th. So yesterday, Dinah and I were joined by Democratic Party Chair Stuart James and my campaign manager Pam Ladd at the Election Commission. We met with Election Commissioner Bud Knowles and his data expert Shannon DeFriese to clarify the results before making any decision in this race.
Mr. Knowles and Ms. DeFriese were professional, forthcoming, and very helpful. They explained that the two precincts outstanding represented provisional ballots. A provisional ballot is just like all other ballots, but it is issued to a voter at the polls when the voter's eligibility has yet to be determined. The ballot is placed in a sealed envelope. If the voter is shown to be eligible, the provisional ballot is counted. Hamilton County had only 16 provisional ballots as of yesterday--not enough to make a difference in this race.
We also spoke with Mr. Knowles and Ms. DeFriese about the ballots that were counted. And we were completely convinced that all the ballots were counted accurately and thoroughly. We have every reason to accept the outcome of this race.
This outcome is still difficult for all of us (and perhaps most difficult for me). I believe, however, that despite the tight finish and victory for Mr. Adams, voters still want a CHANGE. The numbers bear this out:
John Bailes ~ 2,555 votes ~ 48%
Curtis Adams ~ 2792 votes ~ 52%
There are various reasons we could give for the 200+ vote difference ~ the uncomfortably hot day on August 3rd kept people home, or the big push by the Republican Party in East Ridge with Corker and Wamp making an appearance brought voters out for Adams. Whatever the reasons, the votes gave Curtis Adams another four years.
BUT the voters granted him only a slight victory ~ with NO CLEAR MANDATE. Capturing 52% of the vote, Mr. Adams has won his narrowest victory during a long career as county commissioner. And that is because it is clear NOW that 48% of the voters wanted a CHANGE in the way we do business in Hamilton County.
Yesterday, I called Mr. Adams to congratulate him on his victory, but also to let him know that about half the voters had spoken and demand that the next District 8 commissioner focus on the issues of schools, jobs, and accountability. He was not available, so I left a message.
I truly believe that there is a season for everything and every purpose under heaven. And it is TIME FOR CHANGE. We sent the message loud and clear that the county government can do better for our schools, for our economy, and for our community. Education must improve, jobs must be created and government must be held accountable. Be sure of this ~ ALL of you will have me there fighting every day for these issues from now until the next election.
Please don't lose hope. We are just beginning. Look how much we've accomplished together. So many of you worked so hard. The seeds are planted. Let's grow them now. YOU are now the key to success in this county and in our country. You've sent a strong message to the county commission. Stay involved with me. That's all I ask.
With more HOPE than SADNESS~
John Bailes
| By wjbailes | 05:16 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
August 04, 2006
Winners in Historic Election
Late last night I spoke to 100 supporters waiting for complete election news at Bessie Smith Hall. Many with tears but all with smiles, they greeted me as their winner. Yet you and they are the real winners for standing up for schools, jobs, and accountability.
Everyone had many hopes riding on this race, and those hopes have begun to be realized. They will not fade because of a declared victory one way or the other.
For now, I am seeking clarification concerning the election count and will post as soon as possible the complete outcome of this race. Pursuing clarification does not assume any impropriety or fault. This pursuit is a matter of being accountable to the voters.
Whatever the result, the voters did make clear in this historically tight race that they want more attention placed on schools, jobs, and accountability. And we have all of you to thank for that.
Dinah and I will continue to work hard for our community and commit our efforts to bringing more to bear on education, jobs, and accountability. We will continue to fight for children and seniors.
We have been blessed beyond measure to be a part of this election and to have worked with so many passionate people. Thank you all.
~John Bailes
| By wjbailes | 09:06 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
August 02, 2006
Doggone it! Vote for Bailes!
Doggone it! Vote for John Bailes!
While traffic waving on Monday, July 31st, "Petey" showed up without an owner at a busy intersection in Brainerd. My faithful campaign manager, Pam Ladd, and my wife, Dinah, went into action and rescued this dog, which has the spitting image of "Petey" from the Little Rascals. To top it off, the dog answers to "Petey" and as we discovered later was called "Petey" by a previous owner. Pam kept Petey all day, taking him home that night, until she was able to get him to the East Ridge Animal Shelter Tuesday. I'm so proud of Pam for caring for this animal.
The dog is now at the East Ridge Animal Shelter, waiting for adoption, hungering for a home. We hope that you will spread the word and help us find a home for Petey. He's a lovable dog and he deserves a good home. Click HERE for more information about the East Ridge Animal Shelter. And doggone it! Vote for me on August 3!
~John Bailes, Your Next District 8 Commissioner
Time NOW for Change
| By wjbailes | 06:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Thanks to All of YOU!
As we march into the eve of the August 3rd election, I want to thank all of you for helping--for volunteering (whether writing, canvassing, or phonebanking), for being supportive (with donations and time), and for encouraging me (in notes, with phone calls, and at meetings). Without you this campaign would have stalled. With you, we are linked in unity for CHANGE and a new direction. You are the key to success for this campaign and for our community. And I will continue to count on you in the future.
~John Bailes, Your Next District 8 Commissioner
Time NOW for Change
| By wjbailes | 06:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
