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March 28, 2006
County Mayor Speaks to East Ridge Education Committee
County Mayor Claude Ramsey spoke to the East Ridge Education Committee last night. I liked his message, and his message was clear and strong: Our schools must produce a "trainable workforce."
Mr. Ramsey made a critical distinction between a "trained workforce" and a "trainable workforce." That distinction is important. Namely, our graduates must be able to read, write, and think numerically to be able to adapt to new approaches or ideas in the New Economy.
Twenty-five years ago, I worked and participated in what Chattanooga and Hamilton County are going through today. I was working in Los Angeles twenty-five years ago, and I saw almost every industry retooling and every worker relearning. At the time, my head was spinning as I watched Los Angeles and the Silicon Valley lead the way in high-tech innovation. The schools were crowding with adult learners collecting new skills. But most importantly, the young people and adults were being told they must learn to think critically, read carefully, and write plainly~Mr. Ramsey's message today. These general skills will make a population ready for any change.
Being a "trainable workforce" is really a mindset, one that is ready to learn on the dime; it is a mindset that is flexible and engaged. This is the mental approach of the New Economy. And to provide new businesses efficiency and productivity, we will need to provide an educated public who are eager and curious about learning any new idea.
I want to thank the mayor for leading the way in bringing the New Economy to Hamilton County. Now I want to lead the way in District 8 in preparing our citizens for that New Economy.
~John Bailes,
District 8 Commissioner,
Time NOW for Change
Posted by wjbailes at 05:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Home Receptions & Neighborhood Safety
Connie Ashby hosted a beautiful reception at her home in the Concord area on Saturday. She retired from the Hamilton County Health Department and now heads a "Red Hat" group of ladies. Connie is one of those unique people always in love with life. She wants the best for our county. I want to thank her for a delightful afternoon and for those wonderful sweet pickles wrapped in cream cheese and ham!
Saturday, March 25 ~ Safe Neighborhoods
After the reception at Connie Ashby's home, several of us went canvassing door-to-door in a Brainerd neighborhood. One of the streets we walked was North St. Marks, the very street on which Stacey Hunter lives. Ms. Hunter's home has been the focus of national news because she and her family did not get a response from the 911 center during a kitchen fire. Neighbors told us that Ms. Hunter and her family were living at a hotel until the fire and smoke damage is repaired. We left a note for the family.
I will explore ways to help this family. This family deserves credit for making its neighborhood safe. I also believe that the sons who apparently went to the fire station on Brainerd Road deserve public recognition by both the city and the county for quick thinking and courage. We must make sure that our neighborhoods are healthy and safe. 911 calls should always be answered.
~John Bailes,
District 8 Commissioner
Time NOW for Change
Posted by wjbailes at 05:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 23, 2006
NAACP Hosts Candidate Forum Tonight, March 23
Dear Supporters,
I've just returned from a trip to Nashville. My wife Dinah and I chaperoned the Notre Dame High Young Democrats with teacher Candy Corneliussen. I am delighted to tell you that we met with the state party chair and the Deputy Governor while up there. In the picture above, Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Bob Tuke met with us on Monday, March 20. Deputy Governor Dave Cooley met with us on Tuesday, March 21.
As for tonight, I am asking that you join me for the CANDIDATE FORUM being hosted by The Chattanooga Hamilton County Branch of the NAACP. Here is essential information:
Where: Glenwood Recreation Center
When: March 23, 6 - 8 p.m.
Who: All Candidates
Info: Call 624-8552
I hope to see you at the Glenwood Rec Center tonight.
Sincerely yours,
John Bailes
The Time is NOW for Change
Posted by wjbailes at 02:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 21, 2006
Podcast Bailes: Response to Tom Griscom's "Lessons learned years ago"
Click on podcast icon to listen to John's response to Griscom's Sunday column.
Click on "Lessons learned years ago" to read Griscom's Sunday column.
Posted by wjbailes at 08:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 14, 2006
Candidates for Sheriff & County Commission to Speak at Forum
Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women's Club's Katherine Snyder invites you to a forum with sheriff and county commission candidates.
Where: IBEW Building on Volunteer Drive
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Who: Democratic Sheriff & County Commission Candidates
What: Gary Watkins will moderate and ask questions.
~John Bailes Time NOW for Change
District 8 Commissioner
Posted by wjbailes at 09:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 13, 2006
Community Should Honor Jack Sharp For Service to Country
The Honorable Jack Sharp from East Ridge. He was a Republican and a veteran, and he served our country well. He died Sunday night after battling lung cancer. This photo was taken by Michael Locke and can be found on www.Chattanoogan.com.
Press Release: Bailes Calls on Community to Honor Jack Sharp’s Service to Country
East Ridge, TN/March 13, 2006—Democratic candidate for county commission in East Ridge, John Bailes, says that everyone had a kind word about Jack Sharp.
“Everyone wished him wellness and health and prayed for him daily,” said Bailes.
Bailes said, “He will be missed. He served our country and our community. I have nothing but the highest respect for those who serve their community in public office. Let us pray for his friends and family during this time of grief, yet let us encourage others to serve their community as Jack Sharp did so faithfully.”
Posted by wjbailes at 12:05 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Bailes on WFLI 1070 AM~Today with Bobby Q. Day
I'll be on the air from 4:30 - 5:00 p.m., talking with Bobby Q. Day today. Please tune in to WFLI 1070 AM and call in at 698-6575 today.
~John Bailes The Time is NOW for Change
District 8 Commissioner
Posted by wjbailes at 10:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 09, 2006
Podcast Bailes: Conversation on Education with Rob Sexton @ www.NextBowl.com
Click on the icon above to listen to this podcast, in which John discusses education and school funding with Rob Sexton of Chattanooga's www.NextBowl.com.
Click the PDF Text File to read the interview.
Posted by wjbailes at 11:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 07, 2006
Bailes Podcast: Working Together, We Will Bridge Gap Between Education and Business
Click the icon above for John's message on bridging the gap between education and business (1 min. 50 sec.).
References:
See article in Chattanooga Times Free Press on selection of new superintendent.
Read article where John responds to Adams' call to ignore hard work of Selection Committee in choosing next superintendent of schools (Click on Chattanoogan website).
Posted by wjbailes at 05:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 06, 2006
Press Release: Op-Ed Response to Curtis Adams' Call to Ignore Advisory Panel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Time is Now for Opportunity and Innovation~
Response to Curtis Adams’ Call To Ignore Advisory Panel
By John Bailes
I support the open door approach by the Selection Committee for the next Hamilton County Schools Superintendent. Yet I was disappointed to read that my opponent, Mr. Adams, called on the school board to ignore the hard work of the Selection Committee in choosing three finalists.
Clearly what the Selection Committee has decided is that Hamilton County is part of the national economy and global community. The committee chose three candidates who can bring us new ideas from other markets and fresh opportunities for innovation.
While I respect Mr. Adams’ strong feelings that Deputy Superintendent Rick Smith “is the right man at the right time to lead our school system,” Mr. Adams’ viewpoint is not in alignment with representatives of the civic and business community.
How disappointing that this senior commissioner can see no merit and position other than his own. It is very difficult to work with such a person in a team setting or at a group drawing board. This is neither a smart business approach, nor the American way. Americans value innovation, not stagnation.
I hope we continue to work together, not only in choosing our next schools superintendent, but also in electing our new county commissioners. Together—with the school system and the county government—we can bridge the gap between education and business growth.
Posted by wjbailes at 07:31 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 01, 2006
Special Invitation to Support John Bailes
This is a Special Invitation to Support John Bailes
For District 8 County Commissioner
Sponsored by Dr. Anuj Chandra
Walden Club Ballroom
633 Chestnut St # 2100
Friday, March 3, 2006, 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Drinks and Hors D’Oeuvres will be served
Please consider pledging:
O $50 O $100 O $200 O $500 O other
Please R.S.V.P. to 423-508-6846 or to
EMAIL.
Please make checks payable to “Friends to Elect John Bailes”
Mail to:
Friends to Elect John Bailes
P.O. Box 91355
East Ridge, TN 37412
Posted by wjbailes at 06:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack