Something good

Considering the self serving squandering of public money on trivialities that has become a hallmark of Cleveland's political elite, it really is good to witness a public service doing what it's supposed to do - serve the public. Plans for an agricultural fairground and the revival of the annual Bradley County fair were two of the best ideas this county has seen in a long time. What could bond a community better than its own fairground, (now called the Tri-State Exhibition Center) with summer long attractions designed to appeal to all its citizens.

After a shaky start when the Tri-State administration lost sight of their objective and were pandering to an influential minority that wanted to monopolize activities, they realized that without support from local residents the facility would stagnate and fail. At that time, the county fair, the prime event designed for locals to enjoy themselves, was relegated to early April when the weather was unreliable, while snobby equestrian events dominated the calendar during fair weather months. As usual, the people of Bradley County were forsaken to please a few of Cleveland's influential who enjoy exhibiting their expensive thoroughbreds. Ordinary people, who's facility it was, were overlooked.

That was then.... but ideas seem to have changed and local residents are now being seen as an important resource to Tri-State's success. The Bradley County Fair, now called the Foothills Country Fair has been given a new date in May when the weather is nicer. There are also plans to hold the first ever gigantic flea market at the Tri-State this year which the locals should enjoy.

The Foothills Country Fair, organized by Bradley Ruritan Clubs has always tried to cater to local tastes but this year they have plans to make the fair even better. In addition to the traditional poultry, cattle and horse exhibits, good food and art and craft competitions, there will be new attractions like lumberjack shows with ax throwing, log rolling, tree topping and pole racing. A tractor pull and antique farm equipment exhibits are planned and a petting zoo and lot of extra fun activities for the kids are expected too.
Finally something good Bradley County can be proud of.

That's what I think, what do you think?

Ethics.

Justice was done in the bribery and corruption case of disgraced former State

"What do you think" Continued

Representative, Chris Newton. Let's hope he learns a life lesson while serving a year behind bars. Not too many people know that Newton sold out his constituents many times during his time in Nashville. He was always doing deals that were against his constituents interest. He sold out by supporting the state income tax, he sold out by trying to kill pro gun legislation, and he sold out on the private act that would have allowed Bradley County residents a referendum on countywide zoning. Always portraying the good guy, in reality Newton had no scruples and would always do the deal. He finally got what he deserved. He was sold out.

That's what I think, what do you think?

Foul politics

Things are not always what they appear. Lisa Stanbery, 3rd District County Commissioner rocked local politics by seeking an official ruling of how the Hatch Act affects the eligibility of some public employees running for office while partially being paid with federal funds. Although she didn't specifically mention him by name, I believe the reason for the concern was to prevent EMA Director Tim Gobble, running for Sheriff against incumbent, Dan Gilley.

Although it is democratically unhealthy for there to be too many public servants holding legislative office such as on the County Commission, which set the tax rate, getting elected to an administrative office like sheriff doesn't seem a conflict. But in any case, I don't believe Stanbery was considering the public good when she invoked the Hatch Act. Gilley is a close political and social friend of the Stanbery's and it seems that she was trying to use the law to help Gilley eliminate the competition and deny voters a choice.  I would lay odds that she conspired with Gilley to help disqualify Gobble. In 2002, Gilley benefited by the disqualification of Dewayne Hicks who was also running against him. Gilley has proved himself to be a devious and cunning opponent with little concern for the democratic process and now Stanbery, by being just as devious has cast a black cloud over the whole Stanbery clan.

Is there or has there been a financial connection between Stanbery's husband John and the Sheriff's Department - what about her father-in-law, Cecil Stanbery? The public has a right to know because things are not always what they appear.

That's what I think, what do you think?

Ethics again

Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland's wife, Sandra, works for the Allan Jones Foundation. Is that a good idea?

what do you think?

Justice?

Christopher (Alex) Gilley, son of Sheriff Dan Gilley, was indicted by the Bradley County Grand Jury for narcotics trafficking and weapons possession. It is reported that the charges are being dismissed because the arresting officer, Walter Crox of the Cleveland Police Department has left the department and no longer resides in Tennessee.

what do you think?

Incompetence

It has long been my opinion that elections in Bradley County have not been honest. And when this editor uncovered serious irregularities that were either gross incompetence or out and out fraud by Director of Elections, David Ellis, the Bradley County Election Commission closed ranks to prevent a scandal. During my investigation it was discovered that ballot boxes were not being correctly sealed and padlocked, ballot security was virtually non existent and tabulators were not functioning correctly.

Now, with the new electronic voting machines it is almost impossible to guarantee an honest count if an election official is inclined to commit fraud, and it is now just as easy for early voting totals to be tallied and passed on to candidates with a few taps of the computer keyboard. None of the technology -  computers, software or tabulation is adequately secured before, during or after an election and election commission members do nothing to ensure it is, apart from relying on Ellis's knowledge of the process and his integrity. They abdicate their responsibility of guaranteeing a fair election to Ellis and Ellis has proven he can't be trusted.

If you want to gauge Ellis or the Election Commission's competence visit the Bradley County Election Commission website at www.bradleyco.com and compare it to the Hamilton County Election Commission website at
www.elect.hamiltontn.gov
The people of Bradley County and candidates for office deserve to be guaranteed a transparent, secure and honest election process that is beyond reproach and second to none in the country - but they are not getting it and they won't until there is a change in election administration.

That's what I think, what do you think?


"What do you think?" Continued

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