Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Carolyn Baldwin Tucker named Interim Director of Murfreesboro Schools
It took seven rounds of voting, but here's the story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Roy Herron Claims His Victory
Here's the email I received today from the campaign:
Andy,
Have you heard the news?We won the first Democratic straw poll in this race for Governor!I received about 38% of the vote in a five-person contest at a sold-out dinner sponsored by the Rutherford County Democrats in Murfreesboro. At the event, all five candidates spoke before the voting. I spoke about my top three priorities being “jobs, jobs, and jobs” and the top three ways to get these jobs being “education, education, and education.” I also talked about the values so many of us hold dear. News of our decisive win was reported in numerous places, including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, and Nashville.Prior to the event, the Chair of the Rutherford County Democrats told the Murfreesboro Post what was at stake: "The candidate that wins this straw poll will send a strong message to the party, press and donors for weeks to come that they are a serious candidate to move our state forward.”I think the Chairman was right. And others agreed. One observer noted our campaign “seems to be out-organizing the field.” Another commentator said that I have “emerged as an early frontrunner.” Our strong victory on Saturday is further proof we can win.Our campaign continues to build momentum. I am humbled, grateful, and inspired to work harder than ever.
Your friend,
Roy Herron
P.S. I hope you’ll visit RoyHerron.com to learn more about our campaign and join our team!
Andy,
Have you heard the news?We won the first Democratic straw poll in this race for Governor!I received about 38% of the vote in a five-person contest at a sold-out dinner sponsored by the Rutherford County Democrats in Murfreesboro. At the event, all five candidates spoke before the voting. I spoke about my top three priorities being “jobs, jobs, and jobs” and the top three ways to get these jobs being “education, education, and education.” I also talked about the values so many of us hold dear. News of our decisive win was reported in numerous places, including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, and Nashville.Prior to the event, the Chair of the Rutherford County Democrats told the Murfreesboro Post what was at stake: "The candidate that wins this straw poll will send a strong message to the party, press and donors for weeks to come that they are a serious candidate to move our state forward.”I think the Chairman was right. And others agreed. One observer noted our campaign “seems to be out-organizing the field.” Another commentator said that I have “emerged as an early frontrunner.” Our strong victory on Saturday is further proof we can win.Our campaign continues to build momentum. I am humbled, grateful, and inspired to work harder than ever.
Your friend,
Roy Herron
P.S. I hope you’ll visit RoyHerron.com to learn more about our campaign and join our team!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sen. Roy Herron wins first Democratic Straw Poll
in the 5th largest county in TN, the fastest-growing community in our state, Senator Roy Herron came out on top in the Democratic Straw Poll -- and by a comfortable margin -- Herron claimed 119 votes to fellow state Senator Jim Kyle's 81 -- former House Majority Leader Kim McMillan was third, and Mike McWherter finished 4th.
Here's the story.
Here's the story.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
YES they did...
here's the link to the story -- and they ALL voted for it.
The question now, what will the Sumner County Commission do?
If you're a concerned teacher, parent, citizen, I urge you to contact your County Commissioner and ask them to vote FOR the adopted budget.
The question now, what will the Sumner County Commission do?
If you're a concerned teacher, parent, citizen, I urge you to contact your County Commissioner and ask them to vote FOR the adopted budget.
Yes THEY Can!
The Sumner County School Board finally passed a budget last night! YES THEY CAN!
They did it, they did it, they did it, hooray! (yes, Bob the Builder was there to help)
They did it, they did it, they did it, hooray! (yes, Bob the Builder was there to help)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
here's the link...
to my column as it appeared in the Star News last week ... they're a bit behind in getting material online.
Monday, September 14, 2009
What happened to Steve Nunn?
this odd story is here...
I met Steve Nunn once ... and had lunch with his father, the former Governor, in a "recruiting" visit with UofL law school and their dean. Rep. Nunn always impressed me as a moderate member of his party willing to work hard to get things done -- and he worked well with both Ds and Rs.
The facts as they appear right now certainly don't look good for the former legislator.
I met Steve Nunn once ... and had lunch with his father, the former Governor, in a "recruiting" visit with UofL law school and their dean. Rep. Nunn always impressed me as a moderate member of his party willing to work hard to get things done -- and he worked well with both Ds and Rs.
The facts as they appear right now certainly don't look good for the former legislator.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Diane Black: Partisan Obstructionist
Below is my column published today in the Hendersonville Star News.
I was surprised to read Senator Diane Black’s column in the Star News on Friday that indicated her opposition not only to President Obama’s proposed health system reforms, but also opposition to reforms being touted by pragmatic Republicans. Even more surprising (and disappointing) was the fact that Sen. Black offered no proposals or solutions of her own to indicate what she may support.
In her article, Senator Black said the most important item to consider in health care reform was whether or not a proposal raised taxes. Not whether it resulted in healthier citizens in Sumner County or Tennessee. But if any taxes are raised, she’s opposed. She also indicated opposition to a proposal that will result in increased competition for insurance companies. So, she has staked out her ground. She’s in favor of reform, but won’t tell us what she supports. And she’s opposed to reasonable plans being supported by doctors, nurses, and other Republicans.
Sen. Black begins her column with a compelling story about her time as a nurse. But her ultimate position is at odds with health care professionals. The American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association are both supporting H.R. 3200, the bill most talked about in Congress right now. But Senator Black opposes that plan. The AMA even admits the plan is not perfect, but that Americans need health system reform now. Senator Black seems willing to delay reform in order to protect either insurance companies or the very wealthy.
So, Senator Black opposes H.R. 3200. So do lots of Republicans, right? True. But some pragmatic Republicans are seeking responsible solutions instead of promoting partisan obstruction.
One example close to home is our own U.S. Senator Bob Corker. Corker is a Republican. And he opposes the public option. But he supports responsible measures to reform our health system. Measures opposed by Senator Black. For example, a Tennessean article on September 6th, 2009 indicates that Corker supports insurance exchanges to increase competition and taxes on the most generous employer-provided plans to pay for vouchers to increase access. According to her column, Senator Black opposes both of these measures.
It is very convenient to criticize a proposal as bad without offering any reasonable alternatives. But it doesn’t make for good policy-making. In this case, Senator Black is opposing proposals supported by doctors, nurses, and pragmatic Republicans. And she’s not offering any alternatives. Either she’s playing the role of partisan obstructionist or she’s protecting the insurance industry. One thing is clear, though: she’s not helping move the debate forward. That’s disappointing.
I was surprised to read Senator Diane Black’s column in the Star News on Friday that indicated her opposition not only to President Obama’s proposed health system reforms, but also opposition to reforms being touted by pragmatic Republicans. Even more surprising (and disappointing) was the fact that Sen. Black offered no proposals or solutions of her own to indicate what she may support.
In her article, Senator Black said the most important item to consider in health care reform was whether or not a proposal raised taxes. Not whether it resulted in healthier citizens in Sumner County or Tennessee. But if any taxes are raised, she’s opposed. She also indicated opposition to a proposal that will result in increased competition for insurance companies. So, she has staked out her ground. She’s in favor of reform, but won’t tell us what she supports. And she’s opposed to reasonable plans being supported by doctors, nurses, and other Republicans.
Sen. Black begins her column with a compelling story about her time as a nurse. But her ultimate position is at odds with health care professionals. The American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association are both supporting H.R. 3200, the bill most talked about in Congress right now. But Senator Black opposes that plan. The AMA even admits the plan is not perfect, but that Americans need health system reform now. Senator Black seems willing to delay reform in order to protect either insurance companies or the very wealthy.
So, Senator Black opposes H.R. 3200. So do lots of Republicans, right? True. But some pragmatic Republicans are seeking responsible solutions instead of promoting partisan obstruction.
One example close to home is our own U.S. Senator Bob Corker. Corker is a Republican. And he opposes the public option. But he supports responsible measures to reform our health system. Measures opposed by Senator Black. For example, a Tennessean article on September 6th, 2009 indicates that Corker supports insurance exchanges to increase competition and taxes on the most generous employer-provided plans to pay for vouchers to increase access. According to her column, Senator Black opposes both of these measures.
It is very convenient to criticize a proposal as bad without offering any reasonable alternatives. But it doesn’t make for good policy-making. In this case, Senator Black is opposing proposals supported by doctors, nurses, and pragmatic Republicans. And she’s not offering any alternatives. Either she’s playing the role of partisan obstructionist or she’s protecting the insurance industry. One thing is clear, though: she’s not helping move the debate forward. That’s disappointing.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Sen. Harkin to Chair Education Committee
EdWeek has the story.
Let's hope this doesn't slow down much needed reform that the Obama Administration is pushing.
Let's hope this doesn't slow down much needed reform that the Obama Administration is pushing.
Summary of Sumner School Board Meeting
from last night:
Highlights:
Central Office presented a list of possible deductions that made it possible for insurance to remain at 85/15.
Discussions on the proposed reductions lasted about 45 minutes. Board Members Cox, Wheeler, Harris, and Wise expressed the sentiment that although they did not like the budget cuts, they would vote for the budget with the reductions.
Mr. Wheeler said, “Our responsibilities are to our employees, the taxpayers, County Commission, and our students…..even though I do not like this budget at this time I will defer to our responsibility to the County Commission to present a budget and vote for this budget.”
Mr. Wise commented, “ As I thought back to my school years I could not remember a favorite textbook, but I could remember my favorite teacher, my favorite coach and the people that taught me. So with this survival budget we have preserved our people … our teachers.”
Motion made by Mr. Wise: Accept recommended reductions, move into balance budget , and pass this budget on to the County Commission.
MOTION FAILED
Yes – Cox, Wheeler, Harris, Wise, Duncan No – Fussell, Gregory, Long, Brown
Mr. Fussell and Mr. Long stated that before they could sign off on this budget because they wanted to see and study a 4th column added to the draft budget showing the difference between the actual monies spent in 08-09 to the proposed budget for the SY 09-10.
Motion made by Mr. Fussell: Direct the Central Office to go back and add a 4th column to the draft budget showing the difference between the actual monies spent in 08-09 to the proposed budget for the SY 09-10.
MOTION FAILED
Yes – Fussell, Gregory, Long No – Cox, Wheeler, Harris, Wise, Duncan, Brown
At this point the meeting was adjourned.
Highlights:
Central Office presented a list of possible deductions that made it possible for insurance to remain at 85/15.
Discussions on the proposed reductions lasted about 45 minutes. Board Members Cox, Wheeler, Harris, and Wise expressed the sentiment that although they did not like the budget cuts, they would vote for the budget with the reductions.
Mr. Wheeler said, “Our responsibilities are to our employees, the taxpayers, County Commission, and our students…..even though I do not like this budget at this time I will defer to our responsibility to the County Commission to present a budget and vote for this budget.”
Mr. Wise commented, “ As I thought back to my school years I could not remember a favorite textbook, but I could remember my favorite teacher, my favorite coach and the people that taught me. So with this survival budget we have preserved our people … our teachers.”
Motion made by Mr. Wise: Accept recommended reductions, move into balance budget , and pass this budget on to the County Commission.
MOTION FAILED
Yes – Cox, Wheeler, Harris, Wise, Duncan No – Fussell, Gregory, Long, Brown
Mr. Fussell and Mr. Long stated that before they could sign off on this budget because they wanted to see and study a 4th column added to the draft budget showing the difference between the actual monies spent in 08-09 to the proposed budget for the SY 09-10.
Motion made by Mr. Fussell: Direct the Central Office to go back and add a 4th column to the draft budget showing the difference between the actual monies spent in 08-09 to the proposed budget for the SY 09-10.
MOTION FAILED
Yes – Fussell, Gregory, Long No – Cox, Wheeler, Harris, Wise, Duncan, Brown
At this point the meeting was adjourned.
This means there is still NO budget -- the board continues to delay the passage of a budget, though it seems the final agreement will be favorable to teachers. It is not clear what Mr. Fussell and Mr. Long hope to accomplish by these continued delays.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sumner County School Board meets TONIGHT
Here's the agenda. Only item: the budget! Will they pass it?
President Obama's Remarks to Kids
Today, President Obama will speak to schoolchildren about the importance of working hard and staying in school. You can read his remarks here.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Dr. Dan -- On the Move
Here's the email I received today:
Dear Andy,
Before you begin your celebration for the Labor Day weekend we thought we'd share with you some great news:
Daniel Strengthens Lead in New Poll
In a new independent poll conducted by Daily Kos/Research 2000 released today, Daniel has a strong seven-point lead over his primary opponent, AG Jack Conway (37-30), and is in a statistical tie with Republican Secretary of State Trey Grayson (41-45).
Check out the poll here.
In the primary, Daniel has a strong lead of 12 pts among women, wins among men, and in the general election match-up, Daniel performs better than Jack Conway among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
This is the second poll in the last month that shows Daniel as the strongest Democratic candidate to take on the Republicans in 2010 - further proof that Daniel is the one candidate to stand up for all Kentuckians from all over the Commonwealth. Other candidates may have more money, but Daniel is the only candidate in this race with a record of standing up for Kentucky's working families.
Join Us With the Governor
Governor Beshear will be the special guest at a fundraiser for Daniel in Northern Kentucky on September 23rd at Crosswind Farms from 5-8 p.m. Earlier this year, Governor Beshear endorsed Daniel, saying, "Now more than ever, we need strong representatives in Washington to give voice to Kentucky priorities and values. I believe Daniel Mongiardo, can be that voice." This will be the first in a series of three events that Gov. Beshear will be attending for Daniel.
We hope you'll join us for this exciting event. For information on attending please contact: Eric Richardson at eric@drdan2010.com.
On this Labor Day
This weekend we celebrate the working men and women of our country with parades, cookouts, and for some, a day of much needed rest. Daniel has long been a supporter of the labor movement and we're proud to have the endorsement of the Owensboro Building & Trades Association, the Tri-State Building & Trades Association and the statewide endorsements of the Kentucky Pipe Trades and Operating Engineers.
Daniel has a busy Labor Day weekend and will be at events in Wolfe County, Maysville and Catlettsburg! We hope to see those of you in the area there! For more information visit our website.
Even if you can't make it out this weekend, we hope that you all have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
Dear Andy,
Before you begin your celebration for the Labor Day weekend we thought we'd share with you some great news:
Daniel Strengthens Lead in New Poll
In a new independent poll conducted by Daily Kos/Research 2000 released today, Daniel has a strong seven-point lead over his primary opponent, AG Jack Conway (37-30), and is in a statistical tie with Republican Secretary of State Trey Grayson (41-45).
Check out the poll here.
In the primary, Daniel has a strong lead of 12 pts among women, wins among men, and in the general election match-up, Daniel performs better than Jack Conway among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
This is the second poll in the last month that shows Daniel as the strongest Democratic candidate to take on the Republicans in 2010 - further proof that Daniel is the one candidate to stand up for all Kentuckians from all over the Commonwealth. Other candidates may have more money, but Daniel is the only candidate in this race with a record of standing up for Kentucky's working families.
Join Us With the Governor
Governor Beshear will be the special guest at a fundraiser for Daniel in Northern Kentucky on September 23rd at Crosswind Farms from 5-8 p.m. Earlier this year, Governor Beshear endorsed Daniel, saying, "Now more than ever, we need strong representatives in Washington to give voice to Kentucky priorities and values. I believe Daniel Mongiardo, can be that voice." This will be the first in a series of three events that Gov. Beshear will be attending for Daniel.
We hope you'll join us for this exciting event. For information on attending please contact: Eric Richardson at eric@drdan2010.com.
On this Labor Day
This weekend we celebrate the working men and women of our country with parades, cookouts, and for some, a day of much needed rest. Daniel has long been a supporter of the labor movement and we're proud to have the endorsement of the Owensboro Building & Trades Association, the Tri-State Building & Trades Association and the statewide endorsements of the Kentucky Pipe Trades and Operating Engineers.
Daniel has a busy Labor Day weekend and will be at events in Wolfe County, Maysville and Catlettsburg! We hope to see those of you in the area there! For more information visit our website.
Even if you can't make it out this weekend, we hope that you all have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
SCORE at Education Oversight
You can watch the video here from todays (9/2) meeting of the committee. Interesting presentation, interesting statements from Rep. Tommie Brown.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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