Lately, I am reminded of the critic.  I am reminded of the public servants who run for office, serve the citizens, and make decisions in the public arena.  I am reminded of the truth.  I am reminded of so many things lately that I simply remember this famous attribution of Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not […]

The election is Tuesday and will determine the future of not only East Ridge, but regional, state, and National government operations.  Not too long ago we saw the detrimental turn of societal outliers as they attacked the nomination process of our newest Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh.  I remember the outrage of so many conservative […]

Let me first say that I like and respect John Tilley. But as the late, great Paul Harvey would say.. Now the rest of the story. Insurance for life?  This discussion started when spouses of retired employees realized that policy had changed around 2009.  Retirees with 25 years of service had their insurance paid at 100 percent, but […]

The East Ridge Municipal elections are rapidly approaching. Unfortunately, it has become the norm in politics to demonize candidates without remorse for them or their families Jim Bethune has by some been categorized as an used car salesman. When in reality, he had over a 40-year career in the auto industry with the majority of […]

Spring forward, fall back!  As we set back our clocks, let’s not set back our City as well. Election day for Mayor of East Ridge is on us. For those of us who have been watching the happenings in East Ridge over the years see only one clear choice. Brian Williams has two years under […]

While I align myself with the Republican party, I will be supporting Joda Thongnopnua instead of Esther Helton in the race for State House of Representatives District 30. His willingness to communicate with his constituents is what our district needs, considering the diversified socio-economic make up in our district. I am confident, if elected, Joda […]

I think the East Ridge City Council meetings might need to say the “Serenity Prayer” before the meetings:  “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. ”   The City Manager has confirmed what many of us have been talking […]

This election reminds me of a famous poem by Robert Frost called “The road not taken.”  Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; This election […]

Ms. Grant, I respect your right to voice your opinion and to cast your vote as you choose.  That is what makes this country great.  However, I have explained my reasons on numerous occasions and knew what I voted for and I had a clear intent for this authority.  Please see my previous response on […]

Something I have noticed in my many years of being a voter is this: how a candidate in any race runs his or her campaign speaks volumes about how that candidate intends to conduct themselves once elected. When a candidate has little of value to offer citizens besides party affiliation, the candidate and his or […]

The people of East Ridge have pretty simple needs from our government, when it comes right down to it. We want low taxes, good schools, and to be left alone. Joda Thongnopnua will run roughshod over these simple needs if elected as District 30’s state representative. Let’s start with his platform, annotated:  “I will fight […]

IF that’s the case, do I want you as Mayor?    IF that’s the case, do I want you as my State Rep?    We all remember April 2018 in East Ridge, TN. The infamous letters arrived in our mailboxes. With lightening quick reaction, a true grassroots effort effectively dissolved the threat of eminent domain. […]

I recently made a public endorsement in a local political race for a candidate that I have known for nearly 40 years.  That endorsement must have really struck a nerve with my friend’s opponent.  After reading her response, I actually had to go back and read my letter of endorsement.  The hateful tone that she […]

As I sit here and ponder an opinion I read the other day in the Chattanoogan endorsing my opponent, I ask myself as to whether endorsements help, or do they hurt?  Then I thought, well I have an opinion, as most people do, so why not endorse myself with my opinion, especially since I am […]

I spend the overwhelming part of my day shuttling young adults to and from Chattanooga State. These are students of East Ridge and recent high school graduates. Some are grown up adults. I also run groups of teenagers, neighbors, and friends to and from downtown several times weekly. That’s where all the fun stuff is […]