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April 19, 2006
Bailes Endorsed by Chattanooga Times
Below is an excerpt from the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Click HERE for the entire editorial on April 19, 2006.
District 8: John Bailes
Commissioner Curtis Adams, long a fixture in District 8, was once a reliable advocate of better schools and more progressive government. He is no longer. John Bailes, a thoughtful, energetic, hardworking challenger, promises to fill the void created by Mr. Adams’ conspicuous retreat from sound government.
Mr. Bailes promises support for better schools, smaller classrooms and more adequate resources in return for a "responsibility agreement" with school officials, premised on measurable criteria and consensus priorities, to ensure sound use of public funds.
A tireless grass-roots worker, he has large goals for promoting better jobs, living wages and healthy living in District 8 and throughout the county.
Mr. Bailes recognizes that economic development requires the efforts of officials at both the local and state level, but he has good reason to believe he can contribute to that process. His broad agenda for business renewal outlines ways for county government to focus on job creation, innovation and cluster business development. Similarly, he advocates district and countywide programs to develop better transportation systems, safe neighborhoods and stronger law enforcement.
Mr. Bailes also cites grass-roots initiatives to achieve these diverse goals at the neighborhood level. For example, he wants to create a Community Ideas Resource Center to host career workshops and "job dialogues." He wants to curb the spread of check-cashing and pay-advance shops in District 8 and the desperation they breed. And he wants to enhance neighborhood safety, wellness activities and curb appeal through support of neighborhood associations.
Mr. Bailes, of course, could not do such transformative work without cooperation at many levels. But, notably, he is the only candidate envisioning such invigorating ideas for county government. His civic, business and educational background have prepared him to imagine and pursue such ideas, and his energetic personality suggest he has a chance of achieving at least some of these goals.
He surely would sweep some of the cobwebs out of county government and spark some energy and constructive work. We strongly endorse his election.
| By wjbailes | 05:50 AM
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