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December 31, 2005
Meet the Bailes Campaign Team ~ Who Wish You a Happy New Year!
John Bailes, Candidate for County Commission ~ District 8
Email: john@johnbailesforcommissioner.org
Pam Ladd, Campaign Manager
Email: pam@johnbailesforcommissioner.org
Bill Lusk, Campaign Treasurer
Email: bill@johnbailesforcommissioner.org
Anna Massey-Ward, Campaign Scheduler & Data Analyst
Email: anna@johnbailesforcommissioner.org
Samantha Bayles, Campaign Volunteer Coordinator
Email: samantha@johnbailesforcommissioner.org
Meredith Preston, Campaign Fundraising Director
Email: meredith@johnbailesforcommissioner.org
Olin Ivey, Campaign GOTV Manager
Email: olin@johnbailesforcommissioner.org
Posted by wjbailes at 08:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 29, 2005
"Adams and Bailes" Face-Off ~ Predicted as One of Top Ten Stories to Watch in 2006
Chattanooga Pulse is predicting that the District 8 election will be one of ten major local stories to watch in 2006. See all predictions made by political columnist Joe Lance in the weekly newspaper's recent edition (Click Here).
Adams and Bailes Face Off
Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Stuart James has made numerous allusions to his party “targeting” the District 8 County Commission seat. Entrenched incumbent Curtis Adams displays confidence that his very public party switch in 2005 won’t faze his support base. Democrats countywide, who seem both bitter about Adams’ departure and glad to see him go, are placing their hopes in John Bailes. For his part, Bailes is campaigning vigorously to inform voters that his is a very real candidacy, and not merely a token in what is arguably a referendum on Adams. Election 2006 will be a top local story across the board, but we see the 8th District as garnering the most attention. The primary election is on May 2; the general is on August 3.
Posted by wjbailes at 10:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Responses to "Accountability Agreement"
I received numerous responses concerning my proposed "Accountability Agreement" between Hamilton County schools and the commission. I've included two responses from the many I received. These responses give a fair representation of the many.
Response One: Need information on Moore County, North Carolina, "Accountability Agreement" ~ Download file (pdf)
Response Two: Bailes makes strong argument for school funding reform ~ Download file (pdf)
~John Bailes, Time for Change
District 8, County Commission
Posted by wjbailes at 07:18 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 28, 2005
Achieving Accountability in Hamilton County
Holding school officials and county commissioners responsible requires hammering out a tough agreement. That's why I am proposing an "Accountability Agreement" (which I blogged about on Dec. 22).
This full and measurable contract would be a two-way street. It would bind commissioners and school officials by common goals, make leadership responsible, and create budgets that seek opportunity rather than conflict.
My op-ed piece published on Chattanoogan.Com calls for an "Accountability Agreement" between schools and commission (Click here).
Please respond to this proposal, either on this blog or at Chattanoogan.Com. I value your critical input and ideas.
~John Bailes, Time for Change
District 8 County Commission
Posted by wjbailes at 07:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 24, 2005
Holiday Hike in District 8: Audubon Acres
The famous naturalist John Muir said that "in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." That was certainly my experience yesterday, Dec. 23, as I walked some four miles within a wildwood sanctuary called Audubon Acres in District 8. I received a holiday gift of natural beauty as I came across the gorgeous display of shelf lichen seen above. The Acres is also called The Elise Chapin Wildlife Sanctuary. The family of the celebrated local naturalist and writer Robert Sparks Walker owned the farm, but in 1945 Elise Chapin purchased the land and presented it to the Chattanooga Audubon Society as a gift.
Before telling you the story of my hike, let me wish everyone of you Happy Holidays! And I hope this story adds to your holiday cheer.
At Audubon Acres I was joined by my uncle William Adkins who is a naturalist, my friend Dr. Olin Ivey who is a deep ecologist, and Ken Dubke who is Chattanooga's best known bird expert. We trekked across the South Chickamauga Creek, then paralleled it until reaching Little Owl Village.
I call the walk a "Holiday Hike" because I usually take a series of walks and hikes in winter around Christmas Day or Winter Solstice. Along the way on this hike, I observed several feather piles (one, two, three), probably the leftovers of a hungry hawk. Obviously, the hawks have been busy and there should be "good pickins" here.
Most of the trees were winter bare, like this barky hackberry tree. Not the evergreen pine and the privet, and of course then there's one other~the beechnut tree, with its coppery foliage persisting into December. Near the creek suspension bridge stands a water oak that is forked at its base with two thick trunks emerging, a tree that Robert Sparks Walker I'm sure knew well. Both this tree and another water oak nearby have seen many floods. Speaking of floods, the river cane shoots up here and there, a bamboo-like reed of the American wetlands. Rusting and rotting, the old suspension bridge rests near the water.
These woods and this creek stand as testament of a more rustic time in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Going even further back to the mid-1700s, the Spring Frog Cabin reminds us of the Cherokee. Evidently while the Chickamauga Cherokees first settled along South Chickamauga Creek, the cabin was built. Audubon Acres claims that "over the years, Cherokee and white settlers who farmed the property had modified the cabin. The cabin has been restored and is furnished to depict the typical 19th century pioneer home." The cabin was also the birthplace of Robert Sparks Walker.
Near the cabin is Robert Sparks Walker's gravestone which memorializes the famous naturalist and writer. The stone is shaped like an arrowhead.
Near the old cabin and the grave, the old Atlantic and Western line remains, and still the railroad track awaits another train. Trains come pretty regularly too. Across the tracks and adjacent to the visitor center, you can find a memorial stone to "Lil" Dubke, the deceased wife of Ken Dubke. His wife "Lil" Dubke was the heart and soul of Audubon Acres twenty years ago.
The spirit of history here combined with a touch of wild wood and water make my visits to Audubon Acres one of the more spiritually fulfilling and naturally uplifting experiences I have in District 8. I encourage you to visit District 8's woodland sanctuary. Call the visitor center at 892-1499.
Posted by wjbailes at 03:27 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 23, 2005
Christmas at Chattanooga Room in the Inn
James Phillips and his mother Sarah Phillips stand with Jennifer Bell. They were so happy to see gifts brought to their community. They are currently living at the Chattanooga Room in the Inn, a shelter for homeless women and children.
Yesterday, my son Jackson and I delivered about thirty "Christmas" toys (donated by the Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women's Club) to Chattanooga Room in the Inn. The pleasant Executive Director Erin Creal accepted the holiday gifts. She also gave us a tour of the residence. We were impressed with the comfort and security.
I believe it is important for my son to participate in helping others, and especially during the holidays when loneliness for an elderly person or someone down on their luck can be so difficult. I want my son to understand that so many people are vulnerable these days, whether low-income or middle-class Americans. Many Americans are only a sudden injury, a terrible disease, or a pink slip away from being in great debt and eventually homeless. Homelessness can happen quickly~witness Katrina survivors.
A "room in the inn" of course alludes to the Gospel story about Mary, Joseph and infant Jesus finding "no room . . . in the inn." As the Gospel story goes, the family of Christ must lodge in a stable. No matter your religious background, the Christmas story has universal appeal since it captures the human dignity of a family seeking shelter only to be thrown into the disturbing difficulty of homelessness.
That's exactly what homeless women and homeless women with children are seeking: Independence. But independence can only be built if there is "room in the inn," a place to provide shelter, meals, affordable healthcare, training in life skills, and assistance in finding permanent housing. Those are the goals of Chattanooga Room in the Inn. Tragically, an increasing number of people who are homeless are women and children, and this group is the fastest growing sector. For a fuller understanding of this exploding problem, take a look at Tell Them Who I Am: The Lives of Homeless Women by Elliot Liebow. Liebow says in the introduction of his book: Most homeless women are engaged in an unremitting struggle to remain human in the face of inhuman conditions. Liebow goes on to say that for every woman in a shelter, there are most likely 10 to 20 who are still homeless.
That's why Chattanooga Room in the Inn opened its doors to homeless women and women with children in 1992. Actually the shelter started in 1988 with volunteers from seven area churches forming this nonprofit organization, enlisting the help of community resources and government agencies. So before opening its own residence in 1992, Chattanooga Room in the Inn relied on different churches to shelter women and children. Room in the Inn has provided services to over 3300 homeless women and children since its inception.
Posted by wjbailes at 07:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 22, 2005
I Will Produce an "Accountability Agreement" Between Schools and County Commission
All human relationships are based on agreements or conflicts. Unresolved conflicts ultimately destroy relationships and deny future improvement. Tragically, this has become the case between the District 8 county commissioner and the county school board and superintendent. Curtis Adams has destroyed that relationship and generated bad feeling throughout the district and county.
I want to repair that relationship, bridge the gap before it widens further. Our businesses, schools, and families are counting on a remedy. But it can't be a "quick fix."
One of the best ways to improve the frayed gap immediately is to produce an "Accountability Agreement" that will bridge the gap between schools and county commission, using measurable goals. Such an agreement holds both parties accountable. In counties and school districts where "Accountability Agreeements" have been used, community relationships improve and school results strengthen. A good example of this kind of turnaround is the politically conservative Moore County in North Carolina. There an "Accountability Agreement" between county commissioners and school officials changed everything, increasing community consensus, raising student scores, and demonstrating civic responsibility. Within five years, Moore County became one of the top school districts in the state.
As commissioner, I will produce a four-year or five-year "Accountability Agreement" that will attach county spending to measurable learning and facility results in our schools. We owe our taxpayers that much.
The results expected in the "Accountability Agreement" could be higher SAT scores and stronger proficiency numbers. If results can't be met, then spending limits may be negatively impacted. Whatever the criteria, an "Accountability Agreement" will hold school officials to high but achievable standards that can be objectively measured. The measurable results must be professionally attainable and attached to spending. I can't think of a more responsible way to hold both our school officials as well as our county commission to the fire.
~John Bailes, Time for Change
County Commission, District 8
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Times Free Press: Both Parties Targeting District 8 Race as HOT! Education the Key!
Even the White House knows that education is money in the bank (this graph is on the White House website). This chart suggests the amazing jump in income and opportunity based on educational attainment. Quality education will be the KEY in next year's District 8 county commission race, and I am running to make our schools the best in the state and region.
So get ready for 2006! Perhaps the hottest contest in Hamilton County~the District 8 county commission race is just heating up, and as it does I'm going to ask for your help.
My campaign will focus on the future and not the past, and this race will teeter to my advantage based on you and others saying we are ready to move forward towards educational and economic success. Many believe that this race could be the most important in a shift of leadership which should dramatically change the direction of our county for the next decade, moving us away from bitter feuding and towards better relations with businesses and schools.
Here's what Ian Berry of the Chattanooga Times Free Press is reporting.
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December 21, 2005
Press Release: "A Call for Excellence" Exhibits Consensus-Building & Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
John Bailes, District 8 County Commission Candidate
"Friends to Elect John Bailes"
John@JohnBailesForCommissioner.Org
www.johnbailes.com
423-493-0266
423-313-0869
“A Call for Excellence” Exhibits Consensus-Building & Leadership
By John Bailes
East Ridge, TN/Dec. 21, 2005 — I applaud the 70 area business, educational, and community leaders who signed a full-page letter in today’s Chattanooga Times Free Press. This open letter is titled “A Call for Excellence” and is addressed to Hamilton County citizens. The letter reminds readers that Hamilton County will choose a new Superintendent of Schools in 2006, that this choice will be one of the most critical decisions affecting our educational and economic future, and that every citizen must be vigilant in keeping our public officials responsible in this decision. The open letter clarifies what our next Superintendent of Schools should be: A communicator, an educator, and a leader.
I could not agree more.
During my 20 years of teaching, I have seen businesses in communities and counties rise or fall because of the quality of local public schools. At the heart of setting our school standards is the Superintendent of Schools. In every case of which I am aware, the best school superintendents are picked when there is community-wide involvement and strong consensus.
In the 1990s, while teaching in Folsom and El Dorado Hills, California, I (and others) assisted a visionary Superintendent of Schools who was central to our success. We raised and enforced writing and reading standards for high school students, lowered remediation rates for high school graduates going to college, and established dual enrollment college classes on high school campuses. We were committed to making our graduates highly competitive.
These and other changes paid off. East of Sacramento, our area benefited. We landed some of the biggest high-tech companies in the country, such as Intel and Honeywell, to name a few.
Next year, in Hamilton County, we will decide the quality of our county schools while shaping our opportunity for capturing high-tech businesses--and not just by choosing a Superintendent of Schools.
Our future business and job growth will also be decided by the 2006 county election.
In 2006, county voters will decide whether we move forward or fall behind, whether our schools excel or fail to compete, whether Hamilton County becomes a world-class community or just a pit stop to Nashville or Atlanta. Voters will be heard in county primary and general elections next year. County voters will decide the future next year.
In District 8, voters have a clear choice, whether to choose the flawed record of my opponent who lacks direction and resists the future, or the fresh voice of common sense I possess, with a mind and heart full of hope and opportunity.
To learn more about my campaign of hope and opportunity which will bring accountability to the county commission and excellence to our schools, go to my website at www.JohnBailes.com or call me at 493.0266 or 313.0869.
Posted by wjbailes at 06:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 20, 2005
Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women's Club Hosts Holiday Party at "The Walden Club" Tonight
Wanda Sear is the new president of the GCDWC and doing a fine job.
The GCDWC will host an annual Holiday Party tonight at 6 p.m. The party will be held at The Walden Club on Chestnut Street downtown. Reservations were supposed to be made already, but I'm sure Wanda Sear or Sherri Herman wouldn't mind a call today to see about a spot. I'll be there along with my campaign volunteer coordinator, Samantha Bayles.
Dinner will cost $30.00, but that's a great price for helping this wonderful organization, while dining on fine food and overlooking the beautiful downtown holiday illumination. And parking is free!
Call Wanda Sear if you have a last minute plan to come (423-629-4649). Also, VERY IMPORTANT: Bring an unwrapped toy for "Toys for Tots" and a gift for the "Chinese Auction" (max. $10.00).
Posted by wjbailes at 02:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 15, 2005
Mayor Littlefield at JFK Luncheon Club
The mayor revealed a lighter side by starting the JFK Luncheon Club with a reference to Wade Swicord's provocative description of the mayor as "cross dressing" politically because the mayor had attended the Commissioner Adams Breakfast on Dec. 3 (see Swicord's letter to the Chattanooga Times Free Press last week). Laughter followed.
Chris Daly, Tom Dubose, and Annie Hall sat at the officers' table during the event at which Chattanooga's mayor spoke personally and politically about where Chattanooga has come from, starting 30 years ago with announcement of Chattanooga as the dirtiest city in America, to where it is going today. The mayor also shared his thoughts about the prospect of turning 60 years old in 2006, along with so many other baby boomers. At the end of the hour, the mayor fielded several questions~one of which was about the attempt to purchase the local unit of the Tennessee-American Water Company. But the water company wants to sell the entire business. Careful negotiation will be required.
Special thanks to all of the JFK Luncheon Club officers (including Shelley Andrews and Nicole Bellenfant) for delivering a great new season of speakers and subjects. The JFK Luncheon Club meets every second Tuesday of each month. Contact Ms. Andrews if you would like to be on an email list.
At least 40 people were in attendance, along with several candidates for office: Terry Stulce, Billy Long, Mike Acuff, and myself.
~John Bailes, Time for Change
County Commission, District 8
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December 13, 2005
On WDOD: Transportation, Smut Shops, & Meth Cleanup
District 8 County Commission Candidate John Bailes & HamDem Party Chair Stuart James talked about how Democrats will create opportunity and use common sense locally while on WDOD's "Voice of Chattanooga" this morning.
WDOD host Jaime Hancock moderated a lively and thoughtful discussion between Stuart James and myself about District 8 campaign issues, the county commission, and Gov. Bredesen. There is no doubt that Democrats are leading the way, listening to voters, and standing by mainstream values.
In a moment of levity, Stuart James and I performed parts out of a new and upcoming Star Wars episode. He played Curtis Adams as Darth Vader to my Luke Skywalker. We are calling this new episode 2006: The Year the Empire Struck Out.
More seriously, however, we addressed the concerns of so many people in District 8, especially the concerns about the lack of public transportation in East Ridge, the huge jump in check-cashing/pawn shops, and the increasing incidence of meth labs and meth use. To counter these issues, I am committed to protecting our community~including Brainerd, Brainerd Hills, and Concord. Here's what I am doing about the issues of transportation, check-cashing/pawn/adult shops, and meth labs/use:
First, public transportation. I am committed to solving transportation needs for our seniors, disabled, and citizens on fixed incomes. WHY? Because it is the RIGHT THING to do ~ right for individuals, families, and businesses. A modern (urbanized) city should never be without public transportation. That's why I have established the Coalition for East Ridge Public Transportation (CARTA already services the other areas of District 8). And I want to invite Commissioner Adams to work with me on this problem, although he indicated in last Saturday's Chattanooga Times Free Press no interest in addressing this issue. Unfortunately, someone has misguided him and convinced him that there's not enough demand for a public transportation in East Ridge. But believe me, there is. There were at least 400 people in East Ridge using the rural system its last three months. And there are many more who needed public transportation but were unaware of the program. Furthermore, the defunct program was minimal at best. The best estimates are somewhere between 800 - 1,200 people who need public transportation service today. That's about 4 - 6% of the total population of the city of East Ridge. The highest use of most city public transportation systems is only about 5 - 6% of a population anyway. As county commissioner, I will never stop working for seniors, the disabled, and those who can't afford a car.
Second, predatory lending and smut shops. These are magnets for outsiders, drug addicts, and crime. The seemingly endless increase of check-cashing/pawn stores and smut-related shops only hurt us, for they are now overcrowding parts of Brainerd Road and much of Ringgold Road. Let me be honest. I am a lover of liberty and free enterprise, BUT I am also a protector of community. Where has our current commissioner been while the district has exploded with these shops? While good hard-working businesses still exist along Ringgold Road and Brainerd Road, these businesses must fight the crowding in by title deed places, tattoo joints, and other shops not conducive to family-friendly commerce. No one disagrees that these kinds of shops hurt property values and exploit the desperate, turning residential areas into low-cost rental zones. I want to reverse this trend, a pattern that has been out there for at least ten years without a district leader addressing it. Fortunately, we have neighborhoods in District 8 doing just that, such as the Belvoir Neighborhood Association. As a county commissioner, I will use every means possible to reduce the magnets of crime and low property values.
Last, meth labs, use and cleanup. Gov. Bredesen and others have worked hard on stopping meth lab growth and use with Meth Free Tennessee. Democrats and Republicans are aggressively addressing this issue. I have talked with landlords in my district who have had to spend tens of thousands of dollars on meth cleanup. The problem is that meth and smut shops go together, wreaking havoc on our economy. I will NEVER stand by and watch meth use destroy lives and neighborhoods and businesses. Instead, as commissioner, I will promote educational programs in community organizations, schools, and churches to address this issue.
~John Bailes, Time for Change
County Commission, District 8
Posted by wjbailes at 10:09 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 12, 2005
The "Labor Christmas Party": Politics Still in Season
The 2005 "Labor Christmas Party" attracted almost as many politicians as it did labor members. This is a good sign for the working man. In fact while I was there, I saw at least seven Republicans (including Curtis Adams) playing Dem-Light in a traditionally Democratic territory.
A big thanks to President & Organizer Dwight Wilhoit, Business Manager Paul Gass, Assistant Business Manager Gary Watkins, and all the other labor officers for a great party. And a special thanks to Dewayne Chastain (Business Manager, Sheet Metal Workers - Local 5) for his mighty fine karaoke!
~John Bailes, Time for Change
County Commission, District 8
Posted by wjbailes at 10:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Stuart James & John Bailes on WDOD Tomorrow Morning!
Tune into WDOD tomorrow and listen to HamDem Party Chair Stuart James & County Commission Candidate John Bailes discuss the upcoming District 8 commission race. CALL US at 266-1310!
As prelude for tomorrow's radio show starting at 8 a.m., we suggest you read this Dec. 4 Op-Ed piece by Stuart James.
Curtis Adams: Voting, Or Not Voting, For the Person
Recently, Republicans have been pushing the idea that it is important to vote for the person over the party. Curtis Adams is adopting this rationale. He recently proclaimed at a fundraiser "I can't tell you whether they are Republicans or Democrats, it doesn't really matter, as long as they vote for me in August."
The idea of voting for the person is a good one, but when the idea is pushed by candidates like Mr. Adams, the voters should look closely at the person. Voters must examine what that person believes. Everyone must know what the person is willing to do as an officeholder who holds the public trust.
In assessing whether to vote for Curtis Adams, as a person (or in this case the man), voters should ask the following:
~Click here for the rest of Stuart James' remarks
Posted by wjbailes at 03:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 10, 2005
"Support of Adams shows weakness" (Letter in Times-Free Press)
Wade Swicord & Sandy Kurtz participated in the 40 Days of Listening forum on the parks and the environment. Wade Swicord wrote this letter that was published yesterday, Dec. 9, in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press. I want to publicly thank Mr. Swicord for his engaging and passionate involvement in politics.
Support of Adams shows weakness
Last week our most prominent Republican political figures, and cross dressers such as our mayor, gathered to honor and support Curtis Adams for county commissioner.
The public, by default, has allowed archaic candidates with no planful future and who act on fossilized opinions to remain in control of the biggest business in Hamilton County.
Adams’ family values led the county to support his mother in a rest home.
His educational plan keeps the relation between the school board and the commission in turmoil.
John Bailes jumped in feet first as the Democratic candidate. His weekly listening meetings and door-to-door campaign finds a sense of disconnect between Adams and those he should serve.
By default, John is now the surrogate leader who is fielding calls for public help.
The public wants a change. The Republicans really know this and if you do not believe they are in trouble, look at whom they are supporting.
Obviously they need someone they can manipulate and not a leader.
I will personally challenge Mr. Adams to write, unaided, a reasonable and coherent essay on any one of the following topics: transportation, health care, education, city and urban planning, energy and global warming.
~WADE SWICORD, East Ridge
Posted by wjbailes at 12:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 09, 2005
Press Release: Coalition for East Ridge Public Transportation
Steve Kesler from the Area Agency on Aging joined John Bailes Thursday in addressing transportation needs in East Ridge.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Democrat John Bailes Starts Coalition for East Ridge Public Transportation
East Ridge, TN, Dec. 9, 2005 — Democrat John Bailes has decided to tackle the problem of public transportation in East Ridge. Meeting yesterday with local transportation officials and East Ridge citizens, Bailes announced the formation of the Coalition for East Ridge Public Transportation, a grassroots organization focused on bringing public transportation to East Ridge. Twenty people attended the meeting.
“I am fully committed to solving this problem,” Bailes told the group. “This is an issue that I will pursue until it is solved. What’s at stake is not only the independence and mobility of seniors, the disabled, and those living on fixed incomes, but also the vitality and growth of business in our community. Solving this problem is a win-win for all groups.”
On Nov. 1, 2005, Hamilton County stopped operating the rural transportation program, leaving East Ridge, Red Bank, and other areas without public transportation. From July until November this year, 400 East Ridge residents rode the rural transportation for a total of 6,640 trips.
Attending the meeting were various local officials, including CARTA’s Tom Dugan and Bob Nugent, STS’s Wayne Owens, Steve Kesler from Area Agency on Aging, Hobert Brabson from Chattanooga Hamilton County Regional Planning, and David Mays from the City of East Ridge.
John Bailes is a county commission candidate in District 8.
For more information about the Coalition for East Ridge Public Transportation, contact John Bailes at 517-7050.
Posted by wjbailes at 05:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 07, 2005
Coalition for Public Transportation Meets Tomorrow!
You can ride for a month on CARTA for the price of a gallon of gas. Problem is that we don't have CARTA in East Ridge. In fact, we don't have any public transportation here.
Basically, we have a serious problem in the city of East Ridge, and I need your help in solving it.
I need your help tomorrow, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. I need your help bringing opportunity and independence back to hundreds of people in East Ridge. Because we are a city that is an urbanized part of Chattanooga, among other things, the county rural transportation program which served our area was lost. To make matters worse, our Hamilton County Commission has had no plan to deal with this valuable loss. Neither has the East Ridge City Council for that matter. Both councils act as if the political will is not there. But we are going to change that, transforming apathy into empathy!
East Ridge lost the most basic of infrastructural elements of a city - public transportation - especially for seniors, the disabled, and families on fixed incomes. Why is public transportation critical to a city?
Without public transportation, opportunity, connectivity, and independence are lost for hundreds in East Ridge~mainly seniors, the disabled, and low-income families. It only makes common sense to support a system that the poor, the handicapped, and the elderly can use for mobility; this is the hub of the wheel of commerce, employment, and happiness in a free society.
Help is on the way. A grassroots group headed by myself and others has formed to address the problem of public transportation in East Ridge. This group is called the Coalition for Public Transportation. Our group has already met with every area agency involved in transportation. And we are meeting again tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the East Ridge Retirement Center.
CARTA, STS, Area Agency on Aging, as well as other representatives will be speaking. Food and drink will be provided. Please email or call me if you plan on joining us.
~John Bailes
Democrat, County Commission, District 8
Posted by wjbailes at 12:59 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
East Ridge Education Committee~Christmas Party
East Ridge Education Committee (EREC) President Gail Phillips presented "toys for tots" to the East Ridge Fire & Rescue Department to be given to needy children in the area. The poverty rate for East Ridge children is one of the highest in the county. East Ridge Fire and Rescue Commander Mike Williams was on hand to accept this Christmas gift. Mr. Williams delivered a passionate speech about his own experience growing up poor, a memory that reminds him daily how important it is to care about less fortunate children.
EREC hosted a lovely Christmas party and dinner last night at the East Ridge Community Center. Some 40 people were on hand. Many EREC volunteers brought their spouses. Along with EREC President Gail Phillips (and husband Larry) and assistant Susan Jones (and husband Jimmy), some school officials were present: District 8 School Board Member Debbie Colburn (and husband Gary), County Schools Custodial Services Manager Mack Newman (and wife Barbara), East Ridge High Principal Mark Bean (and wife Penney), McBrien Elementary Principal Madeline Bell, McBrien Elementary Assistant Principal Will Fain, Barger Elementary P.E. Instructor Dr. Craig Johnson (and wife Brady), and McBrien Interventionist Harriet Harris.
I have been fortunate enough to work with all of the wonderful people at EREC, creating and maintaining the organization's website. And I want personally to thank all of the EREC members for their hard work this year in supporting our East Ridge schools. I especially want to thank Gail Phillips, Susan Jones, and Renee Little for putting on such a festive and cheerful party.
~John Bailes
Democrat, County Commission, District 8
Posted by wjbailes at 03:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 04, 2005
Neither Rain Nor Sleet Shall Stop Our Campaign
I was so proud to have my brother Scott Bailes and father Dr. John F. Bailes canvassing with me yesterday on a cold rainy morning. In fact, other members of my family were also with us (see including my mother, wife, son, and a niece). My brother and his family are visiting the area. Scott, wife Christy, and their four daughters are missionaries to Mexico. My father is Director of Home Missions at Baptist International Missions, Inc.
You know, there is no substitute for hard work. And that's what my campaign has been doing for the past eight weeks, canvassing on Saturdays in East Ridge. The hard work is paying off. We are reaching thousands, handing out campaign literature, registering voters, and hearing from supporters. And what are they saying?
It's time for change.
Change in District 8 is in the air. It is a refreshing idea that will only take off the ground with constant and thoughtful groundwork. Of course our campaign team members are meeting a few people more comfortable with the past because it is much easier to hang on to the old than embrace the new. And so yesterday, it was no surprise for me to see the re-election campaign of Curtis Adams kick off at The Country Place restaurant in East Brainerd. While Adams was politicking with GOP muckety mucks, we were going door-to-door in the cold and rain. As one East Ridge supporter recently said to me, "The reason Curtis Adams won't go door-to-door is that he won't want to hear what they have to say."
That supporter has a point. In fact, the Adams event demonstrates exactly how our hard groundwork is already having an effect and why it must continue and expand. The Republican Party is worried. Curtis Adams is worried. Let's keep them worried. And better yet, let's show them how sure and strong and smart we are. Here is where I ask for your commitment~again.
I would love for you to join us on this unique campaign. If you could commit to canvassing with me on a Saturday, you'd see how receptive voters are to our message. And if you cannot do that, there are other opportunities in our campaign. Please email our Volunteer Coordinator Samantha Bayles (click HERE).
~John Bailes
Democrat, County Commission, District 8
Posted by wjbailes at 06:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 03, 2005
East Ridge High School Reflects Principles of NEW Hamilton County Democrats
Keith Owensby loves teaching high schoolers. He teaches students electrical skills in East Ridge High School's career academy on construction. Behind him is the work of his students (other images of the electrical lab are here and here). At the beginning of this school year, he and his students engineered and renovated an adjacent room, retiling the floor. The new classroom (not pictured) is a fine example of craftsmanship.
East Ridge High School is the perfect example of the message that our new Hamilton County Democrat Party is bringing to our community, a message focused on opportunity, values, and common sense. This District 8 high school demonstrates those principles by offering opportunity to all students, reinforcing practical yet new tech values in students, and modeling common sense in the classroom. These are the values of compassionate responsibility, economic growth, and personal empowerment.
I am proud to be a part of a community with a school like East Ridge High School, which puts students first. Part of the reason for this emphasis is the new principal of the school, Mark Bean (image of Bean with his electrical instructors on either side). He has ignited a new spirit at the school, a spirit of "personalized" attention to students and parents. As I walked the halls and glimpsed into classrooms Friday morning, Dec. 2, I talked with students who praised the new principal for his passion. The school's on fire.
~John Bailes, Democrat
County Commission, District 8
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December 01, 2005
East Ridge Medicare Part D Workshop a Success
This beautiful lady in purple is Addie Eustice, a very active senior who lives at East Ridge Retirement Center, an independent living community in District 8. She attended yesterday's workshop on Medicare Part D that was hosted by the center in East Ridge. She was not only excited about getting answers at the workshop; she was also relieved to know that I am trying to address the problem of a lack of public transportation in East Ridge. Her disabled son who lives in East Ridge relies on her now for motoring around, an acceptable burden for her, but one she would like to relieve. Our next public transportation meeting will be held at the East Ridge Retirement Center on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m.
A big thanks to Betty Smith, director of the East Ridge Retirement Center, for hosting this workshop. Melissa Nanney from Omnicare delivered an effective presentation on Medicare Part D for the public and residents. She answered questions and took much time after the workshop, talking with some of the 25 attendants one-on-one.
A healthcare consultant, Chris Daly (who also attended) provided the workshop with his plans for a computerized template to ease the choice for one of the 35+ plans in Tennessee in Medicare Part D.
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