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January 30, 2006
Press Release: Bailes Invites Voters to "State of Union Community Gathering" in East Ridge
For Immediate Release
Bailes Invites Voters to “State of the Union Community Gathering” in East Ridge
Candidate for county commissioner John Bailes will host a “State of the Union Community Gathering” at the Community Ideas Resource Center in East Ridge at 4320 Ringgold Road, on Tuesday, January 31 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Mr. Bailes invites community members to join him Tuesday evening. He will provide food and refreshments as well as hometown ideas prior to the viewing of the national State of the Union Address. For information or directions call 423-313-0869 or email HERE.
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January 27, 2006
Press Release: Bailes believes superintendent search is being handled professionally
This book by John R. Hoyle, Lars G. Björk, Virginia Collier, and Thomas Glass argues for a new, energetic, and visible school superintendent.
For Immediate Release
Bailes believes superintendent search is being handled professionally
Chattanooga, TN/Jan. 27, 2006 ~ I must applaud the professional handling of the ongoing search for a new Superintendent of Schools in Hamilton County. Furthermore, I want to praise the work done by the community and the county school board in setting strong criteria for the next superintendent. Anyone may view the board-approved criteria at the Hamilton County Schools website (www.hcde.org). The target date for hiring the new superintendent is in two months—April 1, 2006. Screening will begin February 27, 2006. Hazard, Young, Attea, & Associates, Ltd. is handling the executive search.
Eleven areas make up the approved criteria for the next superintendent. These areas range from clear and visionary leadership to prudent fiscal management to strong community engagement. The school board has also clarified that candidates for superintendent “understand the operations of a fiscally dependent school system and the need to build and maintain positive relationships” between the county commission and county board. However, the next superintendent will not be required to possess an “earned doctorate from an accredited institution” although it is preferred.
Obviously, the successor to Jesse Register will need to think on his/her feet since he/she must be ready to respond in a proactive way to our unique challenges and opportunities. This leader must set policies that are oriented toward building trust through engagement and reaching achievement through accountability. Strategically building consensus and creating measurable goals will allow for the convergence of new ideas. Whatever the disputes of the past, fresh change will bring together a new year of school board members and county commissioners.
To help change now, I have proposed an “Accountability Agreement.” This is really a “Responsibility Agreement.” I believe that thoughtful people can agree to be responsible. Otherwise we will continue to do what one District 8 teacher so feared: Keep “our children . . . prisoners in a childish war.”
To reach responsible agreement between our county leaders, the school board has taken the first step. The school board approved tough criteria for selecting a new superintendent. These criteria identify abilities that must already have been demonstrated by the candidate. Surely, we deserve the best professional out there to come here and lead the county’s largest employment system, a system of teachers caring for more than 40,000 students.
So the stakes are high to find the right “CEO” for the county educational system. The stakes are high not only for our schools, but also for our businesses. Supporting quality education and stimulating business growth are two sides of the same coin. The engine of economic development is a strong school system. And the keys to a strong superintendent are building trust through engagement and reaching achievement through accountability.
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January 26, 2006
Debbie Colburn at Barger Academy: Superintendent Search Survey & Update
Debbie Colburn is the District 8 School Board Member. She does not plan on running for school board again.
District 8 voters have a unique opportunity to listen to and talk with their school board member tonight at Barger Academy (4808 Brainerd Road). Please join Ms. Colburn at 6:30 p.m.. She will focus on the Superintendent Search Survey & Update.
I encourage my supporters to attend and hold our leaders responsible for hiring a school superintendent who wants to promote quality education, stimulate business growth, and restore trust.
~John Bailes, Time NOW for Change
District 8 Commissioner
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Protecting Our Watershed in District 8: Home of South Chickamauga Creek
Rebecca Robinson, with Chattanooga's Stormwater Management, spoke to the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance (SCCGA) yesterday. She talked about how sub-watersheds are determined in the area, specifically about new basins being studied. The mission of Stormwater Management is "to achieve 100% compliance with applicable Federal and State clean water laws and regulations, and to maintain and improve the condition and flow of the storm water infrastructure to address any existing or anticipated problem areas." I want to thank Sandy Kurtz, president of SCCGA, for her vigilant work for the community.
I am committed to protecting our watershed and promoting best practices by residents and businesses living in District 8. A major part of District 8 includes East Ridge and Brainerd, the main areas where the South Chickamauga Creek gathers all of its waters. This area is urban, residential, and industrial. South Chickamauga Creek Watershed originates in Georgia. But this watershed eventually empties into Nickajack Lake. The watershed drains nearly 250,000 acres of land through an estimated 463 miles of streams which include West Chickamauga, Peavine, Tiger, Little Chickamauga and East Chickamauga Creeks--making up about 36% of all the drainage area to Nickajack Lake. As you can see, District 8 plays a critical role in determining the quality of life for this area.
You may want to view this brief video clip describing what watersheds are. For information about how farms, businesses, and residential neighborhoods impact watersheds, view this video clip.
~John Bailes, Time NOW for Change
District 8 Commissioner
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January 25, 2006
Governor Bredesen Calls for More Land Conservation
This afternoon, I joined others--including Hamilton County Party Chair Stuart James--in listening to Governor Phil Bredesen present an environmental protection initiative to Tennesseans. The governor spoke atop Lookout Mountain in historic Point Park. The initiative will increase Tennessee's land-buying power. Bredesen is proposing giving the Tennessee Heritage Trust Fund more fiscal power. This public-private foundation was established in September 2005. The governor referred to the state's recent purchases of 4,500 acres of land in Hamilton County and the Bowater donation. These changes have already permanently protected 50 miles of pristine woodlands on the Cumberland Plateau. I am proud to say that Gov. Bredesen is a Democrat and a leader we can trust.
~John Bailes, Time is NOW for Change
District 8 Commissioner
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Competence: A Story About Trust
You'll find this political cartoon on the op-ed pages of the Chattanooga Times Free Press today. Mike Luckovich is the cartoonist for the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Competence. It is critical to leadership you can trust.
Recently an East Ridge man told me I might be too smart to be running for county commissioner. I asked him what he meant. He said that because I was a professor at Chattanooga State College, I may be seen as over-qualified and not "blue collar" enough.
I told him that most of the teachers I know are really "blue collar"~ because of pay and working conditions. I told him that I come from a long family line of "blue collar" workers. My grandfather, who never finished high school, and most of my uncles and aunts worked for many decades at the Libby Owens near Charleston, West Virginia. This was the glass plant that produced windshields for Ford Motor Company.
I also told him that having an education and being a county commissioner are not incompatible. The county can do better. In fact, I said, "We need greater competence on the county commission. Competence improves quality, increases honesty and openness, and sets benchmarks for success in the community." Competence builds trust. He liked the answer. I could tell he was rethinking his concern.
I know that you want competence in our county commission. If you do, right now I need your help in making sure competence comes to Hamilton County District 8. I need you to support my campaign with money. NOW. A check for $50 or $100 will go a long way. Please email me to support our campaign for competence.
~John Bailes, Leadership You Can Trust
District 8 Commissioner
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January 24, 2006
Dealmaking Behind Closed Doors~We Need Leadership You Can Trust
We must move from closed doors to open doors, from exclusivity to inclusiveness. And not just in Washington, D.C., but also in Hamilton County.
Today, the Washington Post reported on closed-door dealmaking. The story is called "Closed-Door Deal Makes $22 Billion Difference: GOP Negotiators Criticized for Change In Measure on HMOs". Here is an excerpt from that story: The change in the Medicare provision underscores a practice that growing numbers of lawmakers from both parties want addressed. More than ever, Republican congressional lawmakers and leaders are making vital decisions, involving far-reaching policies and billions of dollars, without the public -- or even congressional Democrats -- present.
~John Bailes, Leadership You Can Trust
District 8 Commissioner
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January 23, 2006
Bailes: Leadership You Can Trust
The Chattanooga Times Free Press is reporting today, Jan. 23, that "trust" will be very important for many voters in 2006. Here's the article by reporters Ian Berry and Michael Davis (CLICK HERE).
Trust demands at least three characteristics in a leader. I possess and have shown all three to be true in my life. Here they are:
1. Competence.
2. Constancy.
3. Compassion.
I will continue to build trust in our community by moving from closed doors to open doors, from exclusivity to inclusiveness. The time is NOW for change at the county commission.
~John Bailes, Time NOW for Change
District 8 Commissioner
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January 20, 2006
Stuart James Kicks Off Catoosa-Dade-Walker Counties with Powerful Speech
Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Stuart James, Georgia Democratic Candidate for Secretary of State Shyam Reddy, and myself attended and spoke at the Catoosa-Dade-Walker Counties Democratic Party Kickoff last night.
With about 200 Democrats in attendance at the Rossville Civic Center last night, Jan. 19, Greg Bentley (Catoosa County Democratic Chair) and Ed Helton (Walker County Democratic Chair) warmed up the crowd.
Shyam Reddy was invited up to speak, and he delivered an inspiring and personal appeal to North Georgians, touting that he has raised more money than his competitors.
Afterward, I introduced Stuart James as the guest speaker. Mr. James gave an engaging and stimulating speech on values, opportunity, and common sense that received multiple applauses, ending with a standing ovation. I told the North Georgia Democrats that there are six things Hamilton County Democrats are saying about Mr. James. These are things that can be repeated in Georgia counties and will change the way Democrats do business in Catoosa, Dade, and Walker. They are as follows:
1. Mr. James has energized the party.
2. Mr. James has focused the party.
3. Mr. James has crafted a clear message.
4. Mr. James has strengthened the party's organization.
5. Mr. James has plans to purchase a party headquarters.
6. And last, but not least, Mr. James has shown us he loves to talk.
~John Bailes, Time Now for Change
District 8 Commission
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Bailes Explains His Proposed "Accountability Agreement" on WNOO
WNOO manager and host Charles Sanders asked John about his proposed "Accountability Agreement" on Wednesday. Some community leaders have been concerned with the word "accountability" since it has been misused by a few to avoid adequately supporting schools. John made it very clear on the show that an "Accountability Agreement" is about making our leaders responsible; first and foremost it is an agreement between the county commission and the school board, an agreement with measurable goals.
John believes that an "Accountability Agreement" is really a "Responsibility Agreement."
John said on the radio that "thoughtful people can agree to be responsible. Responsibility means adults can agree and still have differences. Think of this agreement as a two-way street rather than a one-way street. On a two-way street, traffic runs both ways. On a one-way street it runs only one way, causing accidents when anyone tries to go the other way."
"We need a two-way street so that thoughtful people can come together and agree on what our schools should be doing, where they should be going, and how much we should be spending. If we create a two-way street, we'll have more ideas, more buy-in, and greater trust. We will virtually erase personal conflict. It's now time for change at the county commission."
Here are John's first four steps for implementing an "Accountability Agreement":
1. Hold Community Meetings~District level meetings would be held to include input from parents, teachers, students, business people, and community leaders. John has already been holding community meetings in District 8.
2. Agree on Performance Goals~After community input, county and school leaders will then identify and prioritize at least four performance goals for schools. These goals must be measurable and attainable. John believes this step will highlight the agreeability that is attainable by responsible leaders.
3. Set Timeline and Monitoring Approach~Set a period of time for reaching performance goals with an incontrovertible monitoring system (e.g. raising SAT scores by 10 points in four years; lowering car accidents by teen drivers with drivers training programs in three years; etc.). John has worked in school systems where goals like these were set and were met.
4. Provide Funding for Reaching Performance Goals~County commissioners also have a legal and sacred responsibility to go out and aggressively find funding sources to reach these performance goals. John will fight for BEP realignment, pursue other private or public grants, and promote more business growth - all of which are keys to raising funding to the county without raising property taxes.
If you have questions or ideas about John's school funding plan for reducing personal conflict, aligning community action, and bringing responsibility to the county commission, email him HERE. He would like to hear from you.
Posted by wjbailes at 07:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 18, 2006
Bailes Supports Drivers Education Classes in Hamilton County Schools
Tomorrow night, parents and community leaders will go before the Hamilton County School Board at 5:30 p.m. and ask that Drivers Education classes be reinstated in all high schools in Hamilton County. High school drivers education is a known prevention for teen accidents and fatalities.
David Roden, an East Ridge parent and community leader, has asked that we support this critical change in our curriculum. I appreciate David Roden's hard work and leadership in this endeavor. He is speaking out and making a change for the better. Here is David's open letter to the community.
If you cannot attend this important meeting, I am asking you to share this message with parents and community members throughout the county.
~John Bailes, Time NOW for Change
District 8, County Commission
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January 16, 2006
Marching in the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The time is NOW for change . . .
for moving from conflict to resolution, from division to unity,
for marching hand in hand,
for singing in unison.
I want to thank these marchers for singing aloud,
for holding my hand,
for unifying as one,
for resolution.
~John Bailes, Time Now for Change
District 8, County Commissioner
Posted by wjbailes at 11:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Times Free Press: "Bailes Proposes School Fund Plan"
Using an "accountablity agreement" between county commission and the school board as a tool for success, Dr. Patrick Russo successfully managed the Moore County, North Carolina, schools from 1999 to 2003. Overall, district student proficiency levels increased from 69 percent to over 80 percent. The district's average SAT scores increased by 90 points. For the 2001-2002 school year, students' average SAT score, 1044, for the first time eclipsed the national average of 1020. Dr. Russo, who is now schools superintendent at Hampton City Schools in Virginia, found that the "accountability agreement" helped align the actions of the county commission and the school board. This alignment of actions can minimize personal conflicts while enhancing organizational performance. Promoting "Total Quality Management" on our county commission will be one of the signficant changes I'll bring to our local government.
You will find the Chattanooga Times Free Press story on my proposed funding plan ("accountability agreement") HERE.
~John Bailes, Time NOW for Change
District 8 Commissioner
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January 13, 2006
Martin Luther King, Jr., March on Monday, Jan. 16
Early in his career, Martin Luther King, Jr., was turned down for a job as a minister in Chattanooga, Tennessee. What would have happened if he had preached here?
Join our campaign team as we walk in the Martin Luther King, Jr., March this Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. MLK March details are as follows:
WHERE: March starts at Olivet Baptist Church on 715 MLK Blvd. and ends at the Tivoli Theatre.
WHEN: Historic civil rights bus rides begin at 1 p.m. & the MLK March begins at 4:30 p.m.
WHO: All lovers of civil rights and American freedom should join the march.
WHAT: Entertainment and speakers at the Tivoli Theatre after march.
HOW: Park downtown and walk up to Olivet Baptist or park on a side street near Olivet Baptist.
RSVP:
If you would like to join our campaign as we walk, click HERE and let us know. We have a limited number of shirts.
~John Bailes, Time NOW for Change
County Commission, District 8
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January 12, 2006
Bailes Will Talk with Jeff Styles on WGOW, Friday the 13th
Jeff Styles, the Talk Monster of WGOW (102.3 FM), hosts FRED the Show from 10 a.m. until noon. I'll be on the show at about 11 a.m. tomorrow, Friday the 13th. I will unveil some new ideas that will encourage change in our county commission. I urge you to listen and call in this Friday. Call 267-1023.
~John Bailes, Time for Change
County Commission, District 8
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January 11, 2006
Democrats Will Hold Neighborhood Meeting in Brainerd (District 8)
You will meet many other Democrats who want better schools, better jobs, and a change in the way the county does business. Various local Democratic candidates for office will be attending on Tuesday, Jan. 17. I'll be there and so will many of my Brainerd supporters. Let's have a great showing at this event. Below are details.~John Bailes, County Commission, District 8
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING WITH THE NEW
Hamilton County Democratic Party
When
January 17, 2006
Time
7 - 9 p.m.
Where
Jewish Cultural Center at 5461 North Terrace Road in Brainerd
Why
We are asking you to meet your party leaders to take part in a grassroots effort to build the new Hamilton County Democratic Party.
Click below to RSVP
Stuart James
Hallie McFadden
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January 09, 2006
It's Official: John Bailes is the Democratic Commission Candidate in District 8
John delivered his petition papers today to the Hamilton County Election Commission.
This afternoon, Charlotte Mullis, who is Chief Deputy at the commission, has just notified John that he is now "qualified" to run as the Democratic Candidate for county commission in District 8.
Vote for John Bailes in 2006
Time for Change
Contribute to John's Campaign
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January 08, 2006
Act Now: Help us raise $30,000 by January 30
We must reach our goal of $30,000 by January 30, 2006~but we can only do it with your help. We keep having amazing responses from all of you. Just this last week we raised $2,500. Some of you have helped us already. Many of you have pledged to raise another $8,000. AND still we have $12,000 to go. Help us raise this remaining amount. Make your check payable to "Friends to Elect John Bailes." Send your check to P.0. Box 91355, East Ridge, TN 37412. Or go to our website and make a donation there.
Why do we need $30,000? What does $30,000 mean in a race to unseat Curtis Adams? It means three things:
1. It means our campaign will be adequately equipped for building name recognition throughout District 8 this spring. $30,000 will enable us to purchase billboards, thousands of yard signs, and several direct mailers.
2. It means we will have you as a stakeholder in this campaign. I value highly my supporters and listen to them. Your investment in this campaign builds community trust and accountability.
3. Perhaps most importantly, it means that we will begin our 2006 campaign as the obvious winner. Whether we like it or not, the candidate with more money looks like the winner. We want Hamilton County to know that we mean business from the grassroots up, that it is time for change. And you will help us send that message by sending me a check for $50, $100, $500 or $1,000.
I want to thank every one of you who has contributed to our campaign. You have given our campaign muscle and momentum. It has been a grassroots effort, put together with average donation amounts of about $100 per person. Most of our pledges right now are $50 or $100 amounts.
And we have also had large donors who stepped up early to stand behind me and say with me that it is time for change in District 8 and in the county. Without their contributions large purchases would have been difficult.
The reality is your money will gear up this pivotal campaign for a big race, perhaps the biggest county race this year. I am counting on you.
~John Bailes, Time for Change
District 8, County Commission
Posted by wjbailes at 09:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 05, 2006
Campaign & Elections Program
Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair, Stuart James, wants you to join him and other leaders for a Campaign & Elections Program. Here's his personal invitation:
Whether you are a candidate, a campaign manager, or campaign worker, or a leader in our party, we want you to join us on Saturday for this Campaign and Elections Program. We hope to give you some insight on the practical aspects of winning an election. Please RSVP so we have a number of those who wish to come. Our faculty is volunteering their time, and they are great people with practical experience. We may email updates if there are additions to the program. Plus, we just may have an update on a permanent party headquarters.
Stuart James, Chair
Hamilton County Democratic Party
Click HERE for information about time, location, and agenda
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January 04, 2006
Adams' Answer to Magistrate Issue: Throw Money at It!
For Immediate Release
Chattanooga, TN/Jan. 4, 2006 ~ As a candidate for county commissioner in District 8, I am appalled at Curtis Adams' most recent management blunder in addressing an issue affecting all of us.
This recent incident is eerily familiar to Adams' driven obsession to spend "whatever it takes" to buy out the school superintendent's contract last year, while refusing to offer any money for students' textbooks, teachers' supplies and overdue building repairs.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported today Commissioner Adams has said he would buy out county magistrates at a taxpayer cost of $270,000.
According to the article, Commission Chairman Larry Henry called Adams' proposal "utterly ridiculous." I agree.
Continue reading by clicking HERE
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January 03, 2006
Bailes Will Speak to "Democracy for Chattanooga" Tonight
I am honored to have been invited to speak to Democracy for Chattanooga tonight. The topic at the DFC will be the "three most important issues facing voters in District 8 and how to resolve those issues."
Here are details about tonight's event:
Where: The Country Place Restaurant (7320 Shallowford Rd.)
When: 7 p.m., Jan. 3
Who: DFC invites the public to attend (please bring family and friends)
What: See Press Release about the event.
~John Bailes, Time for Change
District 8 County Commissioner
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Letter in Times Free Press ~ "Vote Smart in 2006; Vote for John Bailes"
I personally want to thank Candy Corneliussen for her very supportive letter in the Chattanooga Times Free Press today. Ms. Corneliussen is a Notre Dame High English teacher and the advisor to the Notre Dame Young Democrats. Here's the letter below. ~John Bailes, Time for Change
Vote Smart in 2006; Vote for John Bailes
Published in Times Free Press today, Jan. 3, 2006
Politically, 2005 was a fractious year. A close presidential election divided us into red and blue states. The debates in Washington are partisan, mind numbing and disheartening. Our elected leaders rarely address real issues that affect real people.
It is no better locally. Our county commission in particular is unprofessional and dysfunctional.
A few childish and negative commissioners insist on setting the agenda through their spoiled temper tantrums and battle cries. The war on our schools and our children is the primary example of their egodriven war games.
While these men battle year after year with the school board and superintendent, our children move from kindergarten to elementary school, from middle school to high school.
As the kids grow up, their schools go down. Our children have become prisoners of a childish war. If our city, our country and our children are to grow strong, we need grownups in charge.
It is time for a change. In 2006, I challenge citizens to ignore divisive tactics by childish politicians. Insist on a discussion of real issues in local, state and national elections. Insist on mature and compassionate elected officials.
Insist on leaders who can listen and learn. Insist on candidates with the education and credentials to make proud leaders.
District 8 has such a candidate running for Hamilton County Commissioner.
John Bailes is educated and intelligent. John Bailes is a problem solver. John Bailes has the values and maturity to put the needs of others before his own. John Bailes is the grown-up we need to help lead Hamilton County to a stronger, progressive future. Vote smart in 2006!
~CANDY CORNELIUSSEN
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