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June 30, 2006
An Easy Sell: John Bailes is a High Quality Product
Here's a letter by Candy Corneliussen published today in the Chattanooga Times Free Press, making the case for a future trading transaction on August 3. The trade is simple: Trade out Adams and vote in Bailes. Result? Better schools, job creation and accountability in government.
Let’s trade Adams for better ‘product’
June 30, 2006
Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Bobby Wood recently said John Bailes was a "product that’s tough to sell to the public." He couldn’t be more wrong. But I like his metaphor.
If a politician is a product, then we as citizens are consumers. When a product stops working for us, we get rid of it.
Curtis Adams stopped working for District 8 long ago. His only job lately has been to discredit our schools.
The product that was once a hard-working commissioner has become mean-spirited and myopic.
It’s time for the people of District 8 to trade in their commissioner for a better quality "product."
John Bailes is a high-quality product who will work hard for the people of District 8.
John Bailes is a family man with three generations living under his roof; he understands the struggles of working families.
As a teacher, he knows what our young people need from their schools.
John Bailes has managed businesses and understands the need for fiscal responsibility.
Taxpayers of Hamilton County will get far more than they pay for in John Bailes: a smart public servant who will work vigorously for the citizens he serves. Now that’s an easy sell!
CANDY CORNELIUSSEN
John Bailes for District 8 Commissioner
Time NOW for Change
Posted by wjbailes at 06:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 25, 2006
Accountability Starts with County Government
As I listen to voters in their homes or at the Bi-Lo around the corner, I am often asked about school funding. I believe resources for schools must be addressed by going after our fair share of funding from the state and by building new bridges with private donors and business partners to support dollars to the classroom.
But I also want to be accountable with your money so that we avoid wasteful spending. Being accountable means looking at how the county spends your money. While education has been receiving an average 2.7% increase every year (although schools are not getting an increase this year), county government has been totaling an average 5% increase every year. And these increases are substantial.
Here's a chart of Hamilton County Expenditures for the last three years—from greatest increase to least increase. As you will see, spending increases have been high in the county government.
Capital Outlay 23% + increase
Health 13% + increase
Culture/Recreation 9.6% + increase
Highways/Streets 8.3% + increase
General Government 8% + increase
Public Safety 6.2% + increase
Education 2.7% + increase
Social Services 5% - decrease
Total Expenditures 5% + increase
I want to make all government accountable to the people--to you. Help me do that by voting for me in this upcoming election. Early voting begins July 14 and ends on July 29. Election Day is August 3.
Vote for John Bailes, Your Next District 8 Commissioner
It is Time NOW for a Change
Posted by wjbailes at 07:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 23, 2006
Join John in Knocking on Doors
Door Knocking
John has been knocking on doors every week for the last nine months. And he will continue knocking on doors until August 3, Election Day. Friends and family have joined him on Saturdays and week nights. Altogether John has knocked on over 5,000 doors in East Ridge, Brainerd, Brainerd Hills, and Concord.
John would like you to join him in knocking on doors this Saturday. Click HERE to volunteer as a door-knocker.
Special Note
Early voting starts July 14 and ends on July 29. We need each of you to vote during early voting. We need each of you to get others to vote during early voting. Please help us claim victory on August 3, 2006, and bring CHANGE to the COUNTY COMMISSION.
Now is the time for CHANGE. Now is the time for JOHN BAILES.
Posted by wjbailes at 10:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 21, 2006
National News Highlights Private Funding in Our Schools
Last night's PBS News Hour put Chattanooga and Hamilton County in the national spotlight by highlighting the amazing successes of our Benwood Schools in Hamilton County.
This televised piece reinforces the incredible importance of private funding in our local schools. As your next commissioner, I will build on the relationships our county has with private and business groups, expanding our community responsibility and success.
Here is the entire video news piece. Click on PBS News Hour--Educational Improvements in Hamilton County.
John Bailes for District 8 Commissioner
Time Now for Change
Posted by wjbailes at 06:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 19, 2006
Voters Accuse Adams of Flip-Flopping
Voters are angry about Curtis Adams' recent flip flop on schools. Election year politics has made Adams a tax and spend liberal. For Adams has chosen to put his PERSONAL BICKERING above the PUBLIC GOOD. Here's what two of them have said:
1. Mr. Adams voted against education two years in a row. So why does Mr. Adams say he would vote for future tax increases? . . . Adams’ flip-flopping is one of many reasons to vote for John Bailes. Mr. Bailes is energetic and ethical. He has a clear focus on education, jobs and accountability, and he will help Hamilton County improve rather than fall behind. CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE LETTER BY EMILY MCDONALD
2. On Tuesday, the Chattanooga times Free Press published an article entitled "Opponents Adams, Bailes differ on County Education." In the article, the Times Free Press states, "Mr. Adams, the current commissioner who voted against proposed tax increases during the past two years, said he wouldn't rule out future increases now that Supt. Jesse Register is leaving his post." Now that Dr. Register is gone, Flip Flop is for a tax increase for schools . . . CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE OP-ED
[Go to the Chattanoongan.com to have your say, or say it here.]
John Bailes for County Commissioner, District 8
Time for Change
Posted by wjbailes at 09:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 13, 2006
BAILES & ADAMS Square Off in Chattanooga Times Free Press
In an hour-long interview with the Chattanooga Times Free Press editorial board, John Bailes said it was time that the county and District 8 move on to new energetic leadership. John believes that we must focus on education, jobs, and accountability for the people in Hamilton County. His opponent Curtis Adams was also interviewed.
The two squared off on education, county government, and economic development. And it is obvious that the two differ greatly. John talks about cooperation, vision, and responsibility, while his opponent talks about past fights, past votes, and an interest in raises taxes.
You can hear John's remarks to the newpaper by clicking on BAILES. You can hear his opponent's remarks by clicking on ADAMS.
In a related Times Free Press story today by Ian Berry, the lead reads: Curtis Adams and John Bailes offered differing views on education Monday, with Mr. Adams touting his past support of education and Mr. Bailes saying District 8 can't wait four more years for change. CLICK FOR THE REST OF THE STORY
THE TIME IS NOW FOR CHANGE
John Bailes for District 8 County Commissioner
Posted by wjbailes at 06:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack