« September 2005 | Main | November 2005 »
October 31, 2005
40 Days of Listening~Forum on Senior Issues
I'm sure that the subject of Medicare Part D and the cost of prescription drugs will come up tomorrow morning at the next listening forum, which will be held at Wally's Restaurant in East Ridge from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. As should be obvious, this forum will focus on senior issues critical to our county. Of course, we would like to see professionals from senior services, but the public is welcome, especially citizens in District 8.
Posted by wjbailes at 11:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Bailes Campaign Helped Sponsor Airshow Chattanooga
I am so proud of my family--wife Dinah, son Jackson, and mother-in-law Pauline--for being there with me on Sunday as we handed out water, treats, and campaign literature at Airshow Chattanooga.
Airshow Chattanooga attracted around 30,000 visitors in two days. On both days, we worked hard passing out campaign literature, candy, and water. We also netted about 35 names of people interested in helping our campaign now or in 2006. But overall, our sponsorship of the Airshow helped T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital and The Children's Miracle Network.
Special thanks to Gail Phillips, her husband Larry, and their friend Cindy Godwin for assisting me on Saturday. And a big thanks to Pam Ladd (my manager) and Anna Massey-Ward (my data analyst) for helping me on Sunday. Here are a few more photos that Anna took yesterday:
The Bulldog put on a great show!
With Pam Ladd and Anna Massey-Ward
Pauline and Jackson worked hard getting the word out!
Posted by wjbailes at 12:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 27, 2005
Kefauver Dinner~Letter from Stuart James
Dear Supporters:
As the 2006 elections approach us, it is now time for us to join together to mobilize our forces for victory in 2006. As you know, that new Hamilton County Democratic Party is the party of opportunity, of values, and of common sense. To begin the 2006 election cycle, the Hamilton County Democratic Party will hold its annual Kefauver dinner on November 8, 2005 at the Chattanoogan Hotel beginning at 6 p.m. I plan on attending this important event, and I will be joined by Governor Phil Bredesen and Senator Max Cleland.
This is a time for us to come together, and begin our travels down the road to victory for 2006. I encourage each of you to attend this event. For more information, visit the Hamilton County Democratic Party web site at www.hamdems.org.
I need your support in 2006, so join me in supporting our wonderful party by joining me at the Kefauver Dinner on November 8.
Sincerely,
Stuart James
Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman
Posted by wjbailes at 08:55 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
October 26, 2005
Remembering Why Labor Works
Paul L. Gass is Business Manager for the IBEW Local 175
I spoke to the Labor Council at the Local 175 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which is located at 3922 Volunteer Drive in Chattanooga. That's where Paul L. Gass's office is. And I shot the image above as Paul is standing with a signed photograph behind him of our former Democratic President and Vice President. I wanted to remind myself and you how good it used to be under Clinton and Gore, for it was a time of budget surpluses, growing economic indicators, and enlightened leadership.
The brothers received me well. I reminded them of my roots, about my family in West Virginia being blessed because of unions there. I told them that I am not ashamed ever to say I have been part of unions. I have been a teacher for years and a member of various teachers' associations, which are basically professional union groups. I reminded our area labor leaders that even in California (which seems friendlier to labor than Tennessee) skilled or professional groups are being attacked. Governor Schwarzenegger's California Recovery Team is backing a ballot initiative that would increase administrative costs and time for teachers to attain tenure, although tenure does nothing to protect you from being fired for more obvious reasons. For there are many reasons for being dismissed as a teacher.
I guess I could support this initiative, called Proposition 74, if I knew it was really about reform. Schwarzenegger is calling Prop 74 educational improvement, but if he wanted improvements why did he cut funding for teacher bonuses last year? What the governor really wants to do is weaken the CTA, the California Teachers' Association. This approach, of course, has been the typically shortsighted way to try to break labor for many years. And, yes, there are fewer people in labor unions (and supposedly more people in business), but has it helped. Some people are not meant for business. And instead of more people with wealth, we have all watched as a huge gaping canyon grows between the haves and havenots.
Posted by wjbailes at 12:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 25, 2005
Remembering Rosa Parks
I remember my father's story of riding a Greyhound bus from West Virginia to Virginia. After crossing the stateline, the bus driver stopped to segregate the blacks from the whites on board. My father was young and going to a naval base. He had only heard of such nonsense, and now he was participating witness to it. The decade was the 1950s.
Almost exactly 50 years ago today, Rosa Parks decided to change things in the segregated South. On December 1, 1955, she sat alone in the white section of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and when asked to move would not. And that made all the difference. She was arrested, galvanizing African-Americans to action. They boycotted the bus system for 381 days until the Supreme Court ruled the Montgomery law unconstitutional, propelling Martin Luther King, Jr. on to the national stage. [Actually there were at least two other women who had been arrested that same year, but because their backgrounds were too risque, they would not make a good test case to the court.]
Where did Rosa Parks get her inner strength?
Her mother would scold her: You'll be lynched before you're 20. So she always had a strong spirit. She was not only a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) by the time she was arrested; she was the secretary for the Montgomery NAACP. In retrospect much later in her life, she said it was simply that she was "tired of givng in."
Here are some images of Rosa Parks:
Rosa being booked for sitting in the "white" section of a bus
Rosa being criminalized for breaking segregation laws
Posted by wjbailes at 02:50 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
"Old Dixie Highway Car Show"~East Ridge Education Committee
It was like night and day. Saturday had been cold and cloudy, and Sunday was just the opposite, warm and sunny. What a day for a car show!
From an ebony Model T to a classic 1959 Impala to a few sleek Corvettes, the 3rd Annual "Old Dixie Highway Car Show" turned out to be a success on Sunday, Oct. 23. The event raises awareness and funds for the East Ridge Education Committee (EREC), an organization dedicated to raising the bar for schools in East Ridge.
There were a lot of EREC volunteers at the event, and I probably won't get all their names, but here are a few: Susan Jones, Mack Newman, Rev. Billy Dean, and Robert Wilson. Gail Phillips, president of EREC, asked me to fill in as MC for the door prizes. My cheerful son Jackson helped out. My beautiful wife Dinah was with us too. Here are some other images from the event:
Three Corvettes from River City Corvette Club
Black 1959 Impala with red interior
Posted by wjbailes at 02:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 24, 2005
Fighting Poverty in East Ridge ~ Pumpkin & Cider Festival
Saturday began cold and cloudy, but the First Annual Pumpkin & Cider Festival held at Camp Jordan on October 22 turned out okay, all in all.
Working with City Councilman and Coordinator for the event, Tom Card, I chaired the Children's Games and Activities and helped plan the festival. We only had one month to plan. Yet I realize now why East Ridge is so lucky to have Councilman Card. Tom has great ideas and loves to bring smiles to people's faces. Tom brought a lot of people together with different talents, people like Joe Chambers over music to Leah Crisp over arts and crafts. We need more people like Tom Card in government.
Publicity Chair, Bill Breneman, dreamed up the popular "Politician Pie Patch." Bill was able to round up at least two politicians, Tom Card and Curtis Adams to take pies in the face, raising about $110. I walked over to the Pie Patch during the festival and thanked Commissioner Adams personally for helping. He was wiping whip cream off his face at the time, so I think I might have surprised him. I assured him I wasn't there to throw pies, just to credit him. I think he was relieved, although when a family approached him later asking where "John Bailes" was, allegedly he told them only "politicians" are here. The mother in the family said, "That will change next year," and promptly directed her family over to the children's rides and games.
Let me add one more word about the event. While I am happy to say that the children's games and rides raised about $450, I was disappointed that the media spent more time recording the "Politician Pie" activity than the children's activities. After all, the Pumpkin and Cider Festival was about KIDS who are living in poverty~a number that is rapidly increasing in East Ridge. Today, 8% of East Ridgers are living in poverty (poverty is defined here) and 21% of families in East Ridge have only one spouse present, as defined by the 2000 Census. Since the media didn't cover our fantastic children's area with lots of East Ridgers having fun, let me do some praising. Here are some of the wonderful volunteers who helped me:
from left to right, Judy Brockman, Caroline Gaskill, Sharon Womack, and Bobbie Bost
East Ridge United Methodist Girl and Boy Scouts
Chattanooga State College baseball players huddle together
Me and Modine~her standup comedy had the kids and adults laughing
And here are some final images from the festival:
East Ridge City Councilman Tom Card & festival publicity person Bill Breneman
East Ridge City Vice Mayor Vince Dean and the Alhambra Shriners
Pumpkin Seed Spitting was popular for Tom Card's grandson
Posted by wjbailes at 01:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 22, 2005
"40 Days of Listening" Kicks Off First Forum with Ministers
"Friends to Elect John Bailes" campaign volunteer coordinator Samantha Bayles and campaign voter registration director Dr. Olin Ivey pose for a picture at Brainerd United Methodist Church, on Thursday, Oct. 20.
What an event! And for several reasons. As one minister put it: "I have been here [Chattanooga] for 13 and 1/2 years and no politician has ever contacted me and asked what I thought.” Accountability has been missing in District 8. So have leaders who listen. What better way to hear constituents than to go to them, shut up, and listen. Simple but critical.
Dr. Olin Ivey did a fantastic job facilitating the first forum at Brainerd United Methodist Church on Brainerd Road. And Samantha Bayles patiently recorded the event and collected information for the purpose of helping us understand what District 8 expects from its leaders. I thank both for their service to the district. Samantha will be attending every "listening forum," so if you can make it to one you will meet her.
The church's senior minister, Rev. Denny Humphreys, was kind enough to host this "listening forum." I reluctantly but honestly admit that I was rightly scolded for two mistakes concerning an event with ministers:
* Never ask preachers to get up for an event before 9 a.m.
* And if you're going to ask them to get up before 9 a.m., always serve a full breakfast with all the fixins.
Well, I ate my donut in quiet, to say the least. After introductions by area ministers, I listened for an hour-and-a-half. The purpose of the event is to engage District 8 people in the process of county government and to help shape what THE PEOPLE expect in their county leaders.
Here's a list of priorities that the ministers produced:
(1) Public schools MUST BE better supported, with these twin goals in mind~improving the relationship between school board and county commission, and dissolving the economic and social disparity between public and private schooling, especially in the African-American and Hispanic population.
(2) Businesses with better paying jobs MUST BE recruited to this area, as opposed to the increasing spread of check-cashing and pawn shops along Brainerd and Ringgold roads.
(3) Senior citizens MUST BE helped, with programs to relieve their tax burdens and programs to assist in transportation.
(4) Character MUST BE returned to the county commission, with the goal of electing public servants who can act professionally and civilly.
(5) Listening forums, like this one, MUST BE regularly held throughout the district and county, with the goal of involving as many constituents as possible.
You are invited to our next forum, which will concern "Healthcare and First Response" and will be held at Shoney's in East Ridge on Oct. 25 from 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Posted by wjbailes at 06:59 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
October 20, 2005
ATHENA Awards ~ Mentoring Women & Providing Business Women with Capital
(from right) Signal Centers Families First Director Caroline Scott and Job Developer Evelyn Ukah sat with me at a table in The Chattanoogan during the 2005 Athena Award Luncheon put on by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
The ATHENA Award recognizes an individual's effort in assisting, encouraging and mentoring women. The 2005 recipient of the ATHENA Award is Terri Jeter-McAvoy of the accounting firm Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough. She is senior manager at the firm. She is praised for "helping women realize their strength, intelligence and assertiveness to succeed personally and professionally," according to today's Chattanooga Times Free Press. She is also known for assisting homemakers transition back into workplaces. And she was recently picked by Governor Phil Bredesen to participate in the State Board of Accountancy.
My campaign manager, Pam Ladd, delivered the invocation, a beautiful prayer that was both Christian and inclusive. It was an espeically appropriate prayer since the event also was in remembrance of MaryEllen Locher, who was co-anchor of WTVC News Channel 9 for 20 years and who died of cancer on June 9, 2005. Her widower husband gave a moving eulogy at the end of yesterday's luncheon.
Suzanne Malone, president of San Francisco-based Strategies for Small Business, was the keynote speaker. She talked about the struggles business women experience trying to obtain adequate capitalization or attempting to break through the glass ceiling of male dominance at the executive level.
Dr. Carol Berz presented the award. She is last year's recipient. Her remarks noted a 50-page study she and others completed for the Tennessee Economic Council on Women. This Southeast Development District Advisory Council found that these five areas are of greatest concern for women in a state (TN) that ranks 50th in female participation in politics:
(1) "gender differences and inequities"
(2) "social and family issues"
(3) "employment and financial management"
(4) "education"
(5) "community resource identification and utilization"
Posted by wjbailes at 06:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 18, 2005
"40 Days of Listening" Starts Now
Please join us as we listen to various groups in the district, starting this week at Brainerd United Methodist Church. Here is the press coverage in the Chattanoogan.com:
District 8 Candidate Bailes Plans 7 Listening Meetings ~
posted October 17, 2005
John Bailes, candidate for Hamilton Country Commissioner in District 8, is inviting the public to attend and participate in 40 Days of Listening meetings.
There will be seven listening meetings over 40 days. Mr. Bailes said he "plans on culminating a report that will help me be a responsible leader in District 8."
There will be seven categories for discussions that are open to the public.
Seven District 8 Listening Meetings
October 20 listening to Ministers/ Counselors
Brainerd United Methodist Church
(8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.)
October 25 listening to Healthcare Professionals/ First Responders
Shoney's in East Ridge
(7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.)
November 1 Listening to Senior Advocates
Wally's in East Ridge
(7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.)
November 8 Listening to Parks/ Recreation/Arts Advocates
Wally's in East Ridge
(7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.)
November 15 Listening to Educators
Eidson's
(4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
November 22 Listening to Business Professionals
Shoney's in East Ridge
(7:30 p.m. - 9:00 a.m.)
December 1 Listening to Skilled Workers
I.B.E.W.
(7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. )
For more information contact
John Bailes at 493-0266.
Email: john@johnbailesforcommissioner.org
Posted by wjbailes at 07:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 17, 2005
1st Home Candidate Reception at Chris & Marie Daly's
(from left to right) Marie, Carol, and Chris ~ Chris and Marie Daly are great supporters of my campaign. Chris and Marie opened their home up for our 1st Candidate Reception on Saturday night, Oct. 16.
I want to thank Chris and Marie Daly for hosting our campaign's first home candidate reception. Their beautiful home was candle-lit and fragrant. And, Marie, she deserves lots of kudos for opening up such a lovely home and setting up those delicious fixins for us. And her daughter, Maggie, was wonderful! She sat at the sign-in table passing out mauve-colored M & Ms to support ending breast cancer. And, wow, what an introduction by Chris, who introduced me as not just the alternative to Curtis Adams, but as the BEST candidate with better ideas and skills for OUR TIME.
I stood at the Daly's rustic fireplace and spoke to 25+ people. Everyone expressed the concern that I hear every day in District 8 and in Hamilton County - namely, that Curtis Adams no longer represents our interests in schools, neighborhoods, and businesses. I explained that it is TIME FOR CHANGE and they agreed. I want to personally thank all those who donated to the campaign; we raised close to $500.
Please contact us if you would like to host a reception, at this email.
Here are other images from the reception on Saturday night:
Carol, my lovely wife Dinah, and Marie
Posted by wjbailes at 09:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 16, 2005
Women's Luncheon at Walden's Club
Mary Cude was the main speaker at the Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women's Club yesterday, Oct. 15. She is a loyal Democrat from North Carolina, a business woman, a realtor, a foster parent, a community organizer, and a beautiful soul. I want to thank the leadership at GCDWC for bringing Mary to Chattanooga.
I took a break from canvassing door-to-door and went to this gorgeous luncheon with my lovely wife Dinah Bailes and my campaign manager Pam Ladd. During a delicious meal served at the Walden's Club, we enjoyed the panoramic views of the area and truly viewed our greater Chattanooga's scenic landscapes.
Mary Cude's speech focused on the opportunities of Democrats in this perilous time of leadership. After a bit of humor at the expense of President Bush, she explained that she believes that Republicans will put forth John McCain as their next presidential candidate so that they can hang on, but that hanging on is all they have right now. Things seem to be falling apart for them: looming indictments, booming deficits, growing inflation, and lackluster leadership. Now is the time, according to Cude. Interesting to hear from so successful a business woman.
The following are various images you may click on to view:
GCDWC's extraordinary Joan Schmidt and my Campaign Manager Pam Ladd
Political activist Lisa Selvidge and GCDWC's Photographer Samantha Bayles
Chief Magistrate Bob Meeks and Vice President of the Young Democrats nationally Chris Anderson
District 6 County Commission candidate John Brooks
Posted by wjbailes at 08:10 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 14, 2005
Business & Labor Can Work Together
I met with and spoke to the Business Managers for the Trades on Thursday, Oct. 13. John M. Holliday (left) is Business Manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers (Local 917) and Gary Watkins (right) is Business Manager at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW, Local 175).
There is no reason why business and labor cannot work together. Both share the same goals ~ to make money, to support our community, and to maintain professional services or products. Business managers I spoke to at a luncheon Thursday agree. They want to provide high-quality work and expect a level playing field. It does not sound like too much to ask for.
Also attending were as follows:
Dewayne Chastain
(Business Representative for the Sheet Metal Workers, Local 5)
Tim A. Brown
(Marketing Representative with the Tennessee Carpenters Regional Council)
Toby Smith
(Assistant Business Manager with the IBEW)
Harry Deboard
(Marketing Representative with the IUOE)
If you would like to know more about the trades and their organizations, click below for each:
Posted by wjbailes at 10:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Chamber of Commerce's Reality Check at Brainerd High
Kritin Woods, a freshman at Brainerd High School, was one of hundreds of 9th graders to participate in the Chamber of Commerce's Reality Check yesterday. The event was coordinated by the Chamber's Mattie Moran and Cathy Humble.
If anything is clear, it is this. Education is the key to solving issues. There's nothing training can't do!
So I was grateful to be invited to participate in Reality Check, a career awareness program targeting high schools in Hamilton County. As a Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce member, I joined other members in mentoring young people in life skills. The high schoolers behaved beautifully - except when they realized they had run out of money to spend in the exercise. "What should I do?" they would ask. I would usually say, "Go back to school."
During the exercise, each student is assigned a family, a job and an income. Then the student is sent out (to 13 booths) to make purchases. He or she must buy food, clothing, housing and services all based on their family demands and wages.
Last year, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce reached more than 4,000 9th graders with Reality Check, a career awareness program targeting 18 Hamilton County Schools during the 2004-2005 academic year.
To arrange for a Reality Check presentation, contact Cathy Humble at 763-4321 or click on Cathy Humble.
Some of our Reality Check team that supervised booths and mentored young people at Brainerd High School yesterday. Cathy Humble (left center) and Mattie Moran (right center) are standing just in front of me. Far left are Carol Swayze and Robin Smith of Chattanooga State Community College.
Posted by wjbailes at 06:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 12, 2005
Women are very important ~ To Democrats (GCDWC)
Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women's Club's Vice President, Mary Anglin, introduced me to the club
I want to thank GCDWC's President, Wanda Sear, for inviting me to the GCDWC meeting last night. Formed "to unite all Democratic women into one group, working for the success of the Hamilton County Democratic Party," GCDWC locates and encourages qualified women to run for office. I appreciate this club's service and mission to the women in our community and to the Democratic party in our county. Before leaving several women offered campaign assistance and one gentleman wrote a $100 check as contribution to the campaign.
I also want to invite all Democratic or Progressive men and women to the 2005 National Democratic Women's Day Luncheon this Saturday, Oct. 15, 2005. The luncheon will be held at The Walden's Club on 633 Chestnut Street in Chattanooga. The cost is $25 per person. Call Wanda Sear at 304.0132, Sherrie Herman at 505.3759, or Joan Schmidt at 875.0184. I encourage you to support the Democratic women in Hamilton County and celebrate their work by attending.
Keep up the great work, GCDWC!
Posted by wjbailes at 11:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
How Does a Democrat Win in a RED STATE ~ JFK Luncheon
Yesterday, I delivered a speech at the JFK Luncheon. The JFK Club pursues the principles of democracy and equality. Chris Daly is the current club president. My speech focused on how Democrats can become competitive in so-called RED STATES. The noontime lunch ended with a fundraising opportunity for the campaign, and I am happy to report that we raised about $250. Thank you, JFK Club! And thank you Pam Ladd, Nicole Bellenfant, and Wade Swicord for your support on the campaign.
BLUE STATE - RED STATE
First, I challenged the assertion that RED STATES and BLUE STATES are all that different. The assertion by many experts is that RED STATE people are average hard-working Americans and that BLUE STATE people are elitist Americans. But there are hard-working Americans in both BLUE and RED states. And there are elitists in both BLUE and RED states.
For example, George Bush won in some of the richest and elitist areas in BLUE STATES during 2000 and 2004. In fact, in the North Shore Chicago area he took 70% of the vote. And Al Gore won in some of the poorest and more rural areas of RED STATES in 2000.
Second, I dismissed the idea that REPUBLICANS are now truly conservative - certainly not in any federalist and fiscal sense. There are many Republicans today who want government intruding into private or personal issues that our courts and our constitution have protected us from. And there some Republicans who seem never to know when to say "no" to spending and rising deficits. Under President George W. Bush, we have reached historical deficit spending and are increasing our burden of debt for the next generation.
Some Solutions for Democrats to Win in so-called RED STATES
1. Tout our strengths—we are the party of stability and security (FDR Social Security and Medicare), military power (FDR, Truman, JFK), the working man (Truman, Carter), and fiscal responsibility (Clinton).
2. Point out hypocrisy because TRUTH is important—Nobody likes dishonesty. Show how the Republican party has had its share of failed leadership (Nixon, Ford) and historical deficits (Reagan, Bush I, Bush II).
3. Present our vision—Opportunity, Values, and Common Sense
4. "Touch" people—in small groups and with small talk at the grassroots level.
5. Listen to people and respond immediately—tell their stories and share their concerns about their neighborhoods and their schools.
6. Embrace your faith—I do! And live your faith. But don’t let Republicans or others call Democrats, or anyone who does not agree with Republican ideas, unbelievers. Let's empower our community by respecting each other and practicing toleration of all people of all faiths.
7. Create partnerships between private and public—encourage innovation and new ideas to build relationships with community.
8. Talk about jobs, jobs, jobs—fight for fair wages and affordable healthcare.
Posted by wjbailes at 06:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Why Am I Running for County Commissioner? (in 30 seconds!)
Why Am I Running? (in 30 seconds!)
There are many reasons I'm running, but let me share just a few now.
Thomas Jefferson said that government should be renewed or changed every generation. That's about 18 or 19 years, the length of time Curtis Adams has been county commissioner. We need new leadership in District 8. We need accountability and integrity. That's my stock and trade. We need a bridge builder who will work with others, even if there's disagreement. People are tired of politicians using public office for personal vendettas. I am running for county commissioner to bring us back into focus on our future so that we meet the demands of the 21st century. The politics of old boy are over. I am part of a new generation ready to serve our community. It's time for a change.
Five Reasons I Should Be the Next District 8 County Commissioner
1. I will build partnerships while respecting diverse and mutual values. I have developed skills and have experience in building partnerships. I've been an educator, a business owner, and all my adult life a taxpayer. I've been part of faith-based and nonprofit organizations, as well as community groups. I understand relationships. Each of these roles has helped me understand the importance of engaging those invested in the outcome.
2. As my record will indicate, I work hard at everything I do.
3. I will bring new energy and vigor to the commission. I want to renew our county dialogue regarding education, healthcare, safe neighborhoods, and business growth.
4. I will engage people in the PROCESS of building our community. That means listening and providing information. It's a two-way communication approach. In fact I have already organized and implemented a plan along these lines - 40 Days of Listening.
5. I will seek out the alternatives and give due diligence to finding the BEST solution that both answers today's issue and provides wisdom for the next generation.
Posted by wjbailes at 06:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
WDOD 1310AM ~ With Stuart James and the Voice of Chattanooga
Hamilton County Democrat Party Chair, Stuart James, and WDOD host Jaime Hancock
Chattanooga Radio is changing. Dail in to WDOD 1310AM anytime during the day and you will hear the anti-Rush and alt-mainstream radio. Every Tuesday morning from 8-9, Stuart James will be the Voice of Chattanooga, and every Wednesday morning between 8-9 Dr. Olin Ivey will be talking about sustainability.
I was guest yesterday on the Voice of Chattanooga. After about 30 minutes of discussing Curtis Adams' lawsuit against the Hamilton County School Board, the switchboard blinked with calls. One in particular was a call from Edna Taylor, gadfly extraordinaire. Stuart James was a wonderful co-host, letting me share the mike with him all the while. The morning was capped by my pitch to the community, in thirty seconds, why I am running for office and then five reasons why I should be commissioner. Click here for the recap of those remarks.
Talk Radio Live from WDOD 1310AM
Posted by wjbailes at 06:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 11, 2005
Debbie Colburn holds community meeting for next schools superintendent
Debbie Colburn & Mack Newman
I participated yesterday evening, Monday (Oct 10), in a community forum that District 8 School Board Member Debbie Colburn hosted at East Ridge High School. Its purpose was to set "search criteria" for selecting a new superintendent for the Hamilton County schools. Debbie praised the accomplishments of retiring superintendent Jesse Register and called on the community to offer qualifications for the next schools leader. Two specific areas emerged: (1) whether the candidate should come from outside the district or inside; (2) whether the candidate should come from business or education.
Rather than saying anything, I chose to listen and note what others were saying. The group had about an hour in which speak, and I wanted to hear what was on the minds of others. Many areas were discussed - from educational degrees to real world experience to attire. Debbie ended by thanking everyone. She said that the suggestions and advice would be used to build a profile for the next superintendent. Some of the most important characteristics offered which were to be considered in building a profile for the next superintendent are as follows:
a) professional credentials
b) educational background
c) combination of business experience with educational expertise
d) buy-in to current grant initiatives & development of academies
e) ability to be visible
f) possession of a vision
g) communication of a vision
h) sense of justice and diversity
i) professional appearance
j) instructional leadership
Here are some other photos of those at the meeting last night:
Mother and daughter, Mykaila Favors & Myranda Jenkins, from 21st Century
Robert Wilson & Gail Sharp of EREC
clockwise from left front: Rondley Harris, Demitria Wheeler, Ashley Harris, and De'von Wheeler ~ all from 21st Century
Sandy Hughes, president of HCEA, and Stephen Clark, head organizer of Stand for Children
Posted by wjbailes at 06:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 08, 2005
Camping Out for Kindergarten
Mr. Anthony camps out at Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences
Cold and wet, Friday night was not the typical football game time it was for most Chattanoogans. Nearly one hundred people camped out at Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences last night. Along the sidewalk paralleling the entrance into the school's parking lot, tents lined the way--a virtual campground. But for what?
Simply this: To turn in an application for their son or daughter to enter kindergarten at one of two magnet schools--either CSAS on Third St. or CSLA (Chattanooga School for Liberal Arts) which is in District 8. The school will accept applications at 8 a.m. Saturday morning.
Most parents had been camping out since Wednesday, October 5. First in line were the Tugmans who hold the "unofficial" list of parents' names. Kevin Tugman was using three days of vacation to grab a spot. Rick Wood, who is with The Trust for Public Land, was not far behind. Many other parents were as determined. My wife and I walked from tent to tent, talking with the campers. There were parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters. It was moving to see such dedication and hear the passion for education.
Rick Wood with Allison & Norm Teske
In an ever changing world and rapidly growing global economy, responsible parents feel they must find the best school for their children, to ensure that their child's future is best met by excellent preparation. And if the costs of private schools are too prohibitive, then our magnet schools not only provide a good alternative, but also an equal footing.
Education is the heart of any improvement, whether economic or social. We all want schools to raise the bar in every neighborhood. But to do that we will need to support them. How we support them will receive much debate over the next couple of years. But we must support them nonetheless.
Amy Kephart, owner of Mad Science of Chattanooga, and Bo Chamberlain, a teacher at Red Bank Middle School
Rick Wood talks with Aaron Mesh of the Chattanooga Pulse
Posted by wjbailes at 08:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 07, 2005
RACER Program Gives Books Each Month to K-3 Graders
I delivered brand new books to the East Ridge elementary schools yesterday (Spring Creek Elementary, McBrien Elementary, and East Ridge Elementary). These books were donated by the East Ridge Education Committee. EREC has a program called Reading Across East Ridge (RACER) which should be a model for other communities. RACER gives books to K-3 graders each month and challenges the children to read another nine books for a prize.
While I was delivering books, Martha Welch (see pic below) assisted me. Martha taught for 32 years as a fulltime teacher. Now she teaches part-time at Spring Creek in the Title One Reading program for kindergarten. She really believes that if the county and state could invest more into the reading programs at the K-3 levels we could prevent many of the problems later in school. If investing more in the first four years prevents expensive remediation later, then she's right. What do you think?
Posted by wjbailes at 07:20 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
October 06, 2005
Big Sisters at the Eastgate-Brainerd Chamber Council
Pam Ladd & Kristi Haulsee
I shot this photo yesterday on the campaign trail. I was attending the Eastgate/Brainerd Chamber Council at the Holiday Bowl on Brainerd Road. I had been intending to introduce my campaign manager, Pam Ladd, for some time. Well, here she is! And she is great! I can't imagine running this campaign without her. By the way, Pam also runs a business fulltime, called Custom Custodial. Before the meeting got underway, I captured a shot of Pam and Kristi Haulsee together. Kristi is vice president of member services at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and doing a fine job.
After the meeting was started, Beth Hewgley, development director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, thanked the council for its support to her group. She also had a big sister and little sister read from a book the two put together as a project. The presentation was very moving, to say the least. Also moving was the fact that there are still 462 children on the waiting list for a big brother or big sister. Each child requires about $1,000 per year to sponsor. I encourage anyone who has time to participate or money to donate to support this worthy cause.
Posted by wjbailes at 08:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 05, 2005
STAND FOR CHILDREN at East Ridge's Eidson's
I was so happy to see Stand For Children in East Ridge last night, dining by the way at the very site of my first public campaign speech. Eidson's Restaurant (pronounced eed-sons) hosted this group. And I joined the group for dinner to congratulate Jill Murphy (above) who will now work with Stand for Children as an organizer. Jill most recently worked with Tennesseans for Fair Taxation. Jill will assist Stephen Clark, the Hamilton County/Chattanooga Organizer.
Here are some other photos of the event:
Tom Dubose & Stephen Clark
Joe & Carole Blass with granddaughter
Chris Daly & Linda Rudder
Posted by wjbailes at 05:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 01, 2005
DID YOU REMEMBER?! WE HAD A MEMORY WALK TODAY AT COOLIDGE PARK!! Here's a trip down memory lane . . .
(Left to right) Brian Hale, Robin Hale, Ethel Benjamin, Patrice Williams, and Sandra Williams staffed a booth for Life Care of Missionary Ridge. I thoroughly enjoyed the sausage and biscuit they cooked up for us today.
My family, friends and I joined hundreds of others to walk in an event that the local Alzheimer's Association had planned and sponsored. What a wonderful group of people!
It was beautiful to see the color detail handled by the Brainerd High School ROTC. These young people performed in a superb manner.
UTC's Sigma Kappa sorority ladies took the stage to dance for us. This sorority puts its philanthropic efforts into the areas of Gerontology and Alzheimer's.
First Lutheran Church had one of the largest showings for the walk. The church's maroon shirts were everywhere. Thank you, First Lutheran!
Some participants were elderly and in wheelchairs, expressing enthusiasm. All of these people joined us when we walked, their caregivers pushing their wheelchairs.
Posted by wjbailes at 03:11 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack