This is not from any local mismanagement. Our reservoir, Normandy has been exceptionally well operated. Lush amounts of water strategically stored have provided countless recreational opportunities and always provided a predictable potable water supply.

The Duck River, through man’s direct intervention has become a literal sanctuary for fauna and flora. Deer, turkey, otter, Bald Eagles, beavers, 147 fish species, 22 types of snails and at least 53 different types of mussels thrive there. Trees, grasses, wildflowers and algae’s of all variety are plentiful.

Now, a balancing act is occurring between human and nature’s direct needs. Wastewater treatment plants, industry and concentrated animal feeding operations all have a legitimate need for plentiful water downstream from Normandy Reservoir. In many cases, they will be in direct violation of state and federal environmental regulations if they discharge their waste in less than minimal flows of water. Antiquated treatment methods and inefficient systems take much more than their share of our water resources, which becomes clearly visible in our present situation.

The Duck River Agency, to include the Duck River Utility Commission has been sounding the alarm for many months, with little attention being paid. This is no longer the case. I have seen first-hand our issue go from just a blip on the radar to the issue of most importance in drought discussions across the state.

I have the privilege of having been able to attend weekly drought task force meetings, as well as meetings of the Tennessee Water Resources Technical Advisory Committee. I have participated in the advocacy for attention to our situation for many months also, all in tandem with local governing entities and utilities. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that everyone-from Governor Bredesen down, and our federal elected officials that need to be involved in the matter are involved.

I anticipate two direct actions to come about in the near future.

The first will be a detailed emergency action plan that should include, step by step macro and micro changes to be implemented in the event of a continued exceptional drought. This plan should include not only measures to be taken, but also the costs and commitment of funds to purchase necessary equipment and services should they be required. Our citizens and our governing officials need to know the details of any such plan in advance in order to make proper preparations if the situation does not begin to reverse itself.

A second issue I hope will be settled is getting the state and federal government dancing together in order to implement a more elastic plan for controlling the output from Normandy Reservoir. Not only do we need to reduce the consistent overall flow now, we also need TVA to adjust the dam’s gates on as as-needed basis in order to preserve as much water as possible during substantial rain events. We need one official who has the authority to make a decision and implement it almost immediately that best takes advantage of water in the reservoir and downstream.

We are all thankful that the proper management of our water resources has always provided more water than we want. Now, we are all reminded of the paramount importance of our water resource and how it cannot be taken for granted.

Sounds horrible, and it is.  War sucks.  I just wish other nations would not force us to make war.

By the way, no two countries have EVER gone to war with each other if McDonald’s is present in both countries.

I witnessed this very example I just spoke of at a recent Boy Scout meeting in Hillsboro.  As I left, I thought to myself that we all need to know these by heart.  I have prided myself in paying attention and studying them, but there is always so much to learn.  I want to reproduce a few things here in reference to this matter.  Please read them and follow up on your own.  We live in the greatest nation on the face of the planet that is grounded in the greatest, most timeless literary work ever produced, with the exception of the Bible. 

The Intolerable Acts , or Coercive Acts were names given to a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774.  The Acts sparked outrage in the thirteen colonies and were important developments in the growth of the American Revolution.  The First Continental Congress was organized as a direct result of these acts.  Our Federal Constitution and then our Bill of Rights were a direct result of the efforts started with these events. 

In a nutshell…..

Amendment 1 :     Freedoms of Speech, Press and Religion

Amendment 2 :     People’s Right To Keep and Bear Arms

Amendment 3 :     Protection From Quartering Troops

Amendment 4 :     To Be Free of Unreasonable Searches and Seizures

Amendment 5 :     Right To Due Process and the Prohibition of Double Jeopardy

Amendment 6 :     Trial By Jury and Other Rights of the Accused

Amendment 7 :     Right To Civil Trial By Jury

Amendment 8 :     Prohibition of Excessive Bail, As Well As Prohibitions Against Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Amendment 9 :     Protection of Rights Not Specifically Enumerated In the Bill of Rights

Amendment 10:     Powers Reserved for the States and People

 Now, take a few minutes to study some more on your own.  You probably live in a safe house, in a safe neighborhood, drive what you need where you want to go and own a gun.  Not a SINGLE one of these would be possible without these protections.   Please help me and all others never allow any to be eroded in the least.

Good evening.  Welcome Veterans, families of Veterans and those concerned members of our community.  Thank you all for coming.  Thank you, Mr. Barnett for the hospitality you offered that has enabled this fellowship.  Thank you for allowing me the privilege to address you on the most hallowed issue of our Disabled American Veterans.

President Kennedy stated “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live them.”

President Kennedy was a Veteran and absolutely right-especially in caring for those who sacrificed years of their lives in the cause of American liberty!

Your presence here tonight means you have taken a stand on the side of meaning and action.  You have stepped forward to show that you fully understand that your freedom is not free, but rather that it was purchased by us all at a terrible price.

Some of us have paid that price ourselves.  We paid it by putting on the uniform of our nation’s armed forces and giving up years of our lives in pursuit of our nation’s defining principles.

We did not complain….we simply answered the call and offered ourselves for duty….in our minds there could be no other option.  We do not regret our decisions.

Some of us may have served stateside, but we would have gone into combat at a word….once again we can fathom no other option.

Some of you confronted the beast of war face to face.  Some of our friends and family members will not come home.

We did our duty my brothers and sisters, and I salute you.  Tonight is a night for you.  The honors and tributes of this moment are yours.

Some of you continue to give, both physically and emotionally.  You returned from service disabled.  The cost of service is written in your scars and nightmares.  You will never be like most other Americans, but you are the best Americans.

Your wars will go on until the day you die.  As a veteran myself, I realize that the impact of your military service is with you always.  You go to bed with it at night wake up with it in the morning and carry it with you throughout the day.  It has made us all better fathers, mothers, friends and citizens.

For your sacrifice you deserve the permanent appreciation of a grateful nation.

Also with us tonight are members of veterans’ families.  We love you.  We appreciate you.  We know that sometimes the call of duty comes back to haunt a veteran.  We veterans understand and appreciate the burden you also carry.

I also offer my deep appreciation to those who are not veterans themselves, or members of veterans’ families-to you who came here only to show your appreciation for those who served our nation.  We need you to keep it up, and bring some friends next time.

Politicians too often say of Veteran’s needs, “Honestly, I would have loved to have funded it, but there were just so many priorities.”  This is thoughtless nonsense.

How many priorities outweigh the needs of the wounded veterans coming home from defending our freedoms?  ABSOLUTELY NONE!!!

How many priorities are more important than our youngest, most vulnerable disabled veterans?  AGAIN-NONE!!!

The priorities that rule the day are the fruit of hedonism, lethargy and political jealousy.  We are in an age that has lost touch with the values of freedom and its necessary costs.

Why is it that many of our elected leaders don’t seem to feel any sense of obligation to our brave men and women sent to war and returning from that hell?  I personally believe they think we can fight wars on the cheap-the only costs being weapons and logistics.  Do they believe war to be unnecessary?  I believe most do.  I wish that were the case, but the stark reality is that some leave us no choice.

Few in politics today ever served in the armed forces.  The number of veterans in elected positions grows constantly smaller, and with these diminishing numbers we lose the literal backbone of the truth in the philosophies of our United States.

It is harsh to say, but not enough of our elected leaders have a son or daughter serving in the armed forces.  Truly, I doubt a politician would talk about “so many other priorities” if they were a veteran or had a daughter or son right now in the streets of Baghdad or Kabul?

Do I discount politicians without service or families in the service? Absolutely not, but with all due respect, they need to shut up.

It pains me to say this, but the troubles faced by many of our veterans today are the same problems they’ve confronted for decades.

Still, after years of promises, a disabled veteran can wait years to see a claim for benefits go through the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

Think of this:  World War II and Korean and Vietnam Veterans are still dying as they wait for someone to look at their claims. 

This didn’t happen because people reduced the size of government.  Today’s government is larger than it has ever been….making up about 15% of the workforce in the State of Tennessee alone.

The reduction simply has taken place in VA services to men and women who protect and make a living off that government.

The problems faced by our veterans today have, unfortunately, hounded us since the genesis of our country.  Following the Revolutionary War, wounded veterans were seen begging in the streets of Boston, New York and Philadelphia.

I say this to all current and future politicians:  If you are going to speak of the courage and honor of America’s veterans…if you’re going to cite our nation’s debt to those who defended freedom…then by all means LIVE BY YOUR WORDS!!!

We veterans and our friends can no longer be seduced by shining speeches on patriotic holidays.  Veterans Days are not an excuse for a retail sale.  We must understand reality.

All of us who are veterans know the cost of duty.  We lived up to our duty at a high personal price.  We did not talk of other priorities in our lives.  We did our duty, and we simply did not look back.

Now, when veterans need their government, our nation’s leaders should do their duty regardless of the discomfort.  No discomfort in a political discussion can outweigh the terror in combat or the missed opportunities for families.

No one-ABSOLUTELY NO ONE-should speak of other priorities that rank higher than our nation’s disabled veterans.  Such talk betrays the blood of heroes.

In closing, Thank you again to our veterans, the families of veterans and members of our community here tonight.  Thank you again, Mr. Barnett for the generous donations to make tonight a reality and to all for remembering and being willing to support those of us who served.

I am humbled to have the privilege of participating in just a few plays in the big political game.  I realize that I have just one vote, but I realize that I HAVE A VOTE!

Thank you.  Good night, and God Bless America.

            The first concern is that the budget is growing twice as fast (and in some areas even more), than our personal incomes.  Another concern is that there are many second tier automotive parts manufacturing companies that are closing or downsizing.  We have a lot of eggs in the automotive basket here in Tennessee in one form or the other.  Any degradation of these industries is cause for alarm.

BUDGET OVERVIEW 

-The 2007-2008 budget totals approximately $27.8 billion, representing a 6.6% increase over 2006-2007.

-At the close of the fiscal year 2008, the Rainy Day Fund will be $750 million.  $207 million will be deposited this fiscal year alone.

-The cigarette tax increased from 20 cents by 42 cents to raise $239 million.  Two cents of this increase will go to fund the operations of 6 level I trauma centers in Tennessee, for a total of $9.9 million.

-Sales tax on grocery items have been reduced from 6% to 5.5%, saving Tennessee consumers $38.9 million.

-Local governments can now participate in an optional property tax freeze for seniors.  The income level on which elderly property tax relief can be sought will increase from $20,000 to $24,000.

-Property tax relief has been allowed for veterans with combat-related disabilities, but has now been extended to those with service-related disabilities also.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

-$40 million new dollars have been added to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.  In past years, more emphasis was placed on attracting new business rather than helping our existing ones grow in a more enabling environment.  Many of us have realized for some time that the greatest potential for job growth can come from our existing industries.  New strategies within this department have been working hard in that direction for several years now in order to help retain the manufacturing base that continually finds it more profitable to operate overseas.

-$72.6 million will fund an alternative fuel initiative.  This can be a boondoggle if not properly administered, but I believe we do need to explore every possible option to decrease our dependence on foreign supplies and to help preserve our environment…without creating too many restrictions on private business.

-$21 million in agriculture enhancement grants was appropriated.  Thanks goodness, as the farmers have been literally ripped off over the years because the monies from the master tobacco settlement should have gone directly to them to help diversify their operations.

-$10 million has been added to help foster our growing film and television industry in Tennessee

Check out the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for more.

WHERE DO WE WORK? 

-Total private sector employment in

-532,500 of these jobs are goods producers, a net increase of 21,500.

-2,290,600 of these jobs are in the service industry, an increase of 23,900 jobs.

-423,800 people work for government on all levels:

            -Tennessee has 48,700 federal employees, a net increase of none over the last year

-99,500 people work for Tennessee state government, another figure which, thankfully, has not increased recently.

-275,600 people work for local governments, representing a net increase of 2,500 jobs

WHERE ARE WE EXPANDING? 

-Internet Service Providers, Web Search Portals and Data Processing Services jobs have grown at a rate of 4.9%, with a median wage of $56,400.

-Water Transportation opportunities have expanded at a rate of 4.3%, for a median wage of $51,700.

-Religious, Grant-making, Civic, Professional, and Similar organizations have seen a growth rate of 3.8% and draw a median wage of $24,600.

-Animal Production is up 3.8% and earns an average of $28,100.

-Administration and Support services up 3.6% and earning $26,100.

-Warehousing and Storage increased by 3.5% and earning $35,400.

-Truck Transportation up 2.8% and at $39,900.

-Professional, Scientific and Technical Services grew 2.8% and draw a median wage of $52,800.

-Performing Arts, Spectator Sports and related industries up 2.8% and making $75,100.

-Social Assistance jobs up 2.2% and making $18,100.

-Waste Management and Remediation Services up 2.1% and making $53,000.

-Motor Vehicle Parts and Dealers risen 1.9% and making $39,700.

WHO IS GROWING THE QUICKEST? 

Based on the current size of the respective industries:

-Computer and Mathematical occupations up 2.9% for 2,500 new jobs

-Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance up 2.6% for 6,300 new jobs

-Healthcare support occupations up 2.5% for 3,500 new jobs

-Food preparation and serving and related fields grew 2.1% and added 10,000 jobs

-Healthcare practitioners and Technical occupations in that field have grown 2% and added 6,300 new jobs

-Education, Training and Library occupations up 1.6% with 5,300 jobs added

-Farming, Fishing and Forestry up 1.6% with 700 new jobs

-Construction and Extraction occupations up 1% and 2,800 jobs

WHO IS DECLINING? 

Almost exclusively, our manufacturing (goods producing) industries are moving backwards…a most disturbing trend.  We have seen negative growth in manufacturing due to offshore relocation, unfriendly business environments, worker’s compensation costs, high fuel costs, etc.  This past year we had a net decrease in these jobs of 3,900 positions, representing a 0.6% decrease in our foundation.

IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS……. 

-King Pharmaceuticals laid off 33

-Hoover Precision Products closed and we lost 67

-Epic Technology laid off 220

-MPI closed with 160 jobs

-Lear Corporation laid off 68

-Sea Ray Boats, Inc. laid off 158

-Boeing closed and lost 235

-Ceramaspeed, Inc. laid off 128

-Collins and Aikman laid off 110 and terminated 370

-Shoney’s closed and we lost 28

-Berkline Benchcraft terminated 250 and laid off 133

-Averitt Hardware closed with 86

-NEMAK of Tennessee laid off 87

-WABASH Alloys closed with 51

-Toshiba laid off 376

-TRW Automotive closed and we lost 144

-Quality Industries laid off 115

-YKK Snap Fasteners America closed with 68 positions

-General Cable laid off 78

-Whirlpool Distribution

-Memphis Housing Authority laid off 48

-Federal Reserve Bank laid off 54

These are, unfortunately, less than half of the numbers and businesses adversely affected in Tennessee for a variety of reasons.  You can see more, which I encourage you to do, on the states website with the Labor Market Reports.  The challenges facing the second half of the 105^th session of the Tennessee General Assembly are enormous.  Equal responsibility rests with Governor Phil Bredesen and his cabinet.  It is my hopes we can all continue to work together to pull in the same direction.  Whatever the party, race,age or particular demographic you represent, we all want the same things.  Please encourage yourself and elected and/or appointed officials on all levels to put down their swords and pick up their plows.  If nothing else, remember this is YOUR money we’re dealing with.

Below is updated information on the current condition of the reservoir system. 

·        For calendar year-to-date, rainfall is 58% of normal and runoff is 40% of normal for the entire Tennessee River Basin.

·        TVA hydro production is 57% of normal. Any additional water/runoff received will be stored to raise reservoir elevations, and therefore will have little effect on hydro generation.

·        Tributary system storage is expected to remain steady or fall slightly over the next week. On average, levels in the tributary system are expected to remain about the same over the next one to two weeks.

TVA continues to operate the tributary and main river reservoirs with minimum flows to maintain water quality, protect aquatic habitat and provide for commercial navigation.  We are also monitoring water intake levels on the tributaries and the mainstem reservoirs.

I will continue to keep you posted on the status of rainfall and any changes to the reservoir system. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or need additional information.

The current report, which is based on information provided by state and local officials, shows an increase in needs of $14.7 billion (up 107%) since the first inventory was published six years ago and an increase of about $3.9 billion (16%) from the October 2005 report. These needs fall into six general categories:

-         Transportation and Utilities:  $14.6 billion

-         Education:  $5.7 billion

-         Health, Safety, and Welfare:  $5.2 billion

-         Recreation and Culture:  $1.8 billion

-         Economic Development:  $699 million

-         General Government:  $426 million

According to Dr. Harry Green, TACIR’s executive director, local governments are confident that less than half of the funds necessary to meet these needs have been identified. The largest increase is in the Transportation and Utilities category, which remains the single largest overall. This category increased from $10.4 billion to $14.6 billion. Transportation needs alone represent $13.7 billion (48.2%) of the total infrastructure needs. Most of the rest of the increase from the previous inventory was in non K-12 education with an increase of $355 million; public health facilities with an increase of $99 million; law enforcement, an increase of $93 million; and K-12 existing schools improvements, an increase of $54 million.

This particular TACIR project is the only source of statewide information on the condition of public school buildings and what it would take to get them all in good or better condition, and the news here is good: According to local officials, 91% of local public schools are now in good or excellent condition. They estimate the cost to put the remaining 9% in good or better condition at $608 million, which is a $571 million decrease from the cost reported in the previous report. They also report that 82% of all school systems have sufficient space to house the teachers and classrooms required by the smaller class-size standards imposed by the Education Improvement Act (EIA) in the fall of 2001. The rest use portable classrooms, non-classroom spaces such as libraries and cafeterias for teaching classes, and classrooms that are empty when other teachers have planning periods.

TACIR estimates the cost of the remaining classrooms needed to house these teachers at almost $69 million statewide, which is also a huge drop (about 86% or $410 million) from the cost estimate in TACIR’s last report. School officials have made progress toward providing permanent classrooms for the teachers needed to meet the EIA class size mandates, but systems with higher enrollment growth still face challenges. The amount needed for enrollment growth and replacement schools increased from $1.3 billion in last year’s report to a current total now approaching $1.5 billion.

Other Highlights of the Report

-         Total education infrastructure needs increased from $5.3 billion to $5.6 billion (about 7%) since the last report.  This was the second largest increase among the six categories.  Needs at the state’s public post-secondary schools grew $535 million (about 35%) since the last report and are expected to continue to grow because of lottery scholarship-driven enrollment growth.

-         Health, safety, and welfare at $5.2 billion is the third largest cost category and accounts for 18.3% of the state’s public infrastructure needs.  Water and wastewater needs alone total almost $3.2 billion or over 11% of the grand total and 62% of this one category.  Water and wastewater, transportation, and local public education combined represent more than 70% of total reported needs.

-         The economic development category, which includes business districts and industrial sites and parks, had the largest percentage change as needs decreased by $442 million (40%) from the previous report.  Business district development needs decreased $342 million, with more than half of that decrease attributable to a reduction in the estimated cost of one project in Nashville.

-         Conventional wisdom holds that population density should produce lower infrastructure costs because of economies of scale.  This relationship is not borne out by TACIR’s infrastructure inventories based either on comparisons of counties that rank high and low for population density or on statistical analysis.  The most likely explanation is that urban development requires more infrastructure per capita than rural development does.

TACIR’s mission is to serve as a forum for the discussion and resolution of intergovernmental problems; provide high quality research support to state and local government officials in order to improve the overall quality of government in Tennessee; and to improve the effectiveness of the intergovernmental system to better serve the citizens of

1.     Administrative License Revocation

          -This is probably the number one thing we can do to enhance our existing laws.

2.     Class D Felony for 5th Offense

          -prior convictions during a 10 year window from time of arrest would be considered

          -360 day minimum sentence

3.     Vehicular Homicide 100%

          -Aggravated vehicular homicide would be classified by intoxication level

4.     Treatment and Monitoring

          -Give 2nd and 3rd offenders treatment and monitoring options.  After treatment use   technology to stop the offender from driving impaired.  Reward proven sober behavior with legal option to drive with ignition interlock device.

5.     High BAC Level To .15

          -Increase the penalty for high BAC level.  A person is 385 times more likely to be in a fatal crash at .15 than when sober.  No restricted license without ignition interlock for those who were over .15 or refused testing.

6.     Emergency Room Disclosure

          -Emergency room report to police when suspected impaired driver seeks treatment in the same way as mandatory child abuse reports.

7.     Prior Conviction Definition

          -Prior convictions should be included if they occurred within 10 years of arrest and forever if a homicide or vehicular assault.

8.     Blood/Breath Test Time Limitations

          -Current 2 hour limit is often impossible if defendant is transported for medical care and in rural communities, Memphis or Nashville.  The prosecution is currently penalized if officer is delayed due to crash response duties or if the major hospital E.R. has a long waiting period due to business.

9.     Child Endangerment

          -Penalty for child death should not be less than adult death.  Sentences should be consecutive or multiple offenders get a free pass.

10.    48 Hours In Jail for 1st Offenders

          -Trash pick up and public service have reduced jail time, but many never serve this part of sentence due to systematic problems.

11.    Obstructing Traffic

          -According to Tennessee court decisions, if an office activates blue lights to protect the public while checking on a car stopped in a lane of traffic, he has seized the driver illegally without reasonable suspicion.  If lights are not activated, then a bona fide traffic hazard continues to exist.

12.    DUI School Uniformity

          -DUI school is a valuable tool.  Some are very good and some appear to be cash cows.  A uniform curriculum and oversight by a designated agency could improve this tool.

13.    Assessments for 1st Time Offenders and Underage Offenders

          -Most 1st offenders aren’t.  It is the first time they have been caught.  Mandatory assessment would permit the Court to develop a penalty that might work to fix this problem.

14.    Indigent Monitoring Technology Fund

          -Add $25 per DUI case to fund transdermal alcohol monitoring and ignition interlocks for 2nd and 3rd offenders in program.

15.    Preliminary Breath Test (PBT)

          -Non evidential tests to help officer determine probable cause and or need for drug test.  These are not commonly used due to fear that use would exclude further breath testing.

16.    “De Novo” Appeals

          -Eliminate double dipping.  An offender convicted in a bench trial gets to start over with their appeals as if nothing had occurred.  Use Criminal appeal for appellate review only.  Encourage future review of Sessions Court jurisdiction to promote 6 person jury trials.

17.    Establish Permanent Task Force

          -Permit experts to examine how laws are working;  review DUI proposals to eliminate conflicts and respond to issues to advise the Legislature and Administration concerning issues of importance.

     There has been an effort underway for quite some months to get the Tennessee Valley Authority to reduce the amount of water leaving the lake to a minimum of 120 cubic feet per second, which is usually done every year around the first of December as the reservoir naturally gets lower during winter months.  This year, however, we are several moths ahead of that customary need.  Finally, in a very strong cooperative fashion (and quite fast for government), the myriad of state and federal agencies have agreed on a plan.  Read this official letter requesting an expedited flow restriction into the Duck River.  The letter goes into a lot of good detail about potential ramifications to various species and consumers.

     We should see the flow reduce from 150 cubic feet per second to somewhere in the neighborhood of 130 cubic feet per second immediately (this week).  The state will then collect some additional baseline data, see how all the various species are faring, then move down to 120 cubic feet per second.  From this point, we will take additional data and make some simulations and predictions about the downstream effects on ever lesser flows…eventually to as low as 80 cubic feet per second.  Members of the USGS and other agencies taking the lead on providing us data all agree there is probably no real and significant rainfall anytime soon, but we never really know for sure.

Here are some other great links to get some more info:

Normandy Operating Guide; Lake Elevation Levels

U.S. Drought Chart

Duck River Utility Commission Website

Department of Environment and Conservation Letter
Regarding Normandy Reservoir Flow Release

NCSL Surface Transportation Funding Report

NCSL Tennessee Finance Alternatives - PowerPoint

http://www.tnfarmbureau.org/player.asp?fn=Freeze%20Dried%2007.Copy.01_Custom.flv

    This group of fourteen Democrats and seventeen Republicans all came together in the utmost bipartisan fashion for the purpose of assisting our area secure an aggressive financial incentive package from the state of Tennessee for CBAT, The United States Air Force’s Common Battlefield Airman Training program.   Our area is on the final list of three potential sites for this new program, which will boast over $80 million in new construction projects, 800 new full-time jobs, thousands of new support jobs in the community and will create an estimated $300 million in new economic activity in our region.        Through CBAT, the Air Force is seeking to enhance the survivability of its fighting men and women in warfare situations.  The unique challenges presented by the global war on terror force all of our military personnel to become front line fighters on a moment’s notice.  The current training curriculum for the average Air Force trainee does not include adequate training in land warfare.       CBAT is designed to remedy this situation by providing intensive instruction in small arms training, combat first aid, land navigation, small unit tactics and quick, organized reaction to an ambush situation.  Arnold Engineering Development Center, with its vast quantity of unencumbered land, in conjunction with the Tennessee Army National Guards world class firing ranges and current training center make us the logical choice.  The State of Tennessee’s growing commitment to the project only serves to strengthen our position during the final selection process scheduled for this fall and winter.      The Tennessee Legislative delegation was treated to a wonderful afternoon touring our range facilities and firing numerous weapons used by our combat troops today.  For many legislators it was their first experience with a firearm.  Everyone knew we had a Tennessee Army National Guard facility and an Air Force Base here, but few knew the impressive magnitude of the assets.   

    The historical spirit of cooperation between the Guard and the Air Force was underscored by greetings given from the AEDC Base Commander and Lt. Colonels from the Tennessee Guard.  We are confident this cooperative attitude will only increase should we be successful in securing the Air Force’s additional mission of training its personnel in ground combat skills.       The additional infrastructure CBAT will bring includes range improvements, new roads, housing, recreational and fitness facilities that could well be made available to our National Guard troops here in Tennessee.  This joint cooperation can literally provide us with twice the impact of our tax dollars invested in the project and gives Southern Middle Tennessee an opportunity of a lifetime.      We want to give a well deserved THANK YOU to the Arnold Community Council for spearheading these efforts and for being a sponsor of our event. Congressman Lincoln Davis, Senator Bob Corker and our entire federal delegation have openly pledged their total support for this project, as have elected representatives from many of our neighboring states. The Warren County Rifle Club, local chambers of commerce and dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly to show the delegation unsurpassed hospitality.       These kind gestures and the energies expended in educating the delegation about CBAT have literally put this project firmly at the top of the list for our state’s economic development team.  The Tennessee Legislature, with members from Memphis to Bristol was here to see first hand what we are hoping to accomplish, and we are confident that we can report their undivided support for our venture.  

    Lastly, but definitely not least, this is the right thing to do for our state and our country.  We can all be proud Tennessee is earnestly answering the call to provide the United States Air Force with the best possible option for this new mission.

            This shortage comes from many factors, but the Governor taking considerable funds to balance the budget, coupled with the federal government taking back tens of millions of appropriated dollars are two.  In addition, the cost of building a road in the past year has gone up 20%, and the gas tax revenue which primarily funds these projects has gone up 1%.  An increase in the cost of asphalt, cement and other raw materials for building roads has been affected by higher oil prices to quite a degree.  Some counties in this state will only be able to pave each road every 100 years under their current funding formulas.

            This problem is BIG.  Count on it becoming a true giant on Capitol Hill when the debates begin.  No matter what is decided-a new gas tax, toll roads, etc., something must be done.  I am sure there are ways to rearrange some current funds and I will conduct thorough due diligence on those possibilities.

            Both parties are going to have to work together and we will need a lot of help from the general public.  I encourage folks to talk to me if they have bona fide experience in this area.  You can talk to me about anything, but I am anxious to learn more about toll roads, their authorities, track records, etc.  I have but one vote in Nashville, but so does everybody else.

            Congressman Davis also updated the community on CBAT, as I often do.  Once again we agreed on something wholeheartedly-that everyone is working together, pulling the same direction and not allowing petty jealousies to deter economic growth.  I beam with pride each time I see our various cities and chambers, democrats and republicans all communicating and working together.  We are truly unstoppable when we work together in this fashion.  We all realize that a small group or perhaps just one person could be capable of disrupting this unprecedented productivity, so we are very proud of our fellow citizens for putting their differences aside to show unequivocal support for CBAT and other economic opportunities coming our way.

     PET was conceived by a group of very dedicated educators and administrators from both k-12 and higher education.  One fifth of this original group are from Warren County.  Fortunately I have the privilege of representing this school district (among others) in the legislature.  Always proactive, the leaders of the Warren County school system invited legislators to a seminar in Brentwood, TN some years ago.  We were there to learn how other states were dealing with the acute need to infuse technology into every aspect of our educational system.  Incorporated into this was the need to prepare our students now for what will be the norm in a few short years…..using nanotechnologies, personal computing and self motivation as key educational tools.

     In only three years we have gone from being excited about a clear vision on how to get started with this initiative to actually having a subculture of students, teachers and institutions identified and laying the groundwork.  Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville has been the standard bearer, putting their money where their mouth is and making things happen since day one.  Two years ago the school used existing resources (it very well could have done anything with) and held their first President’s School on Emerging Technologies.  Today, Governor Bredesen has embraced the plans and helped us appropriate almost $200,000 to begin a school on New and Emerging Technologies.  We will take kids from all over the state with a natural propensity to accelerate in math and sciences (or any of the related fields) and offer them an intensive summer training program.  Instructors are primarily those that are currently experts in these fields…but there are not enough of them.  As we build our student base, we will do the same with our instructor base.  We believe there are more than enough students for this part of the program already, but we want to make sure every single school age child in Tennessee is exposed to these opportunities and technologies over the span of their entire educational career. 

     We have an antiquated curriculum in Tennessee.  Many of the things we teach are still pertinent, but how we do it is obsolete.  Technologies can increase efficiencies in the classroom, parental participation and opportunities that we may think are unimaginable.  The rapid transformations being brought about by quantum improvements in technology are and will forever change what my generation and generations to come can expect with regards to employment opportunities, quality of life and individual capabilities.  We can either continue in earnest with this program and make it a priority with our legislature today, or we can start it 5 or 10 years down the road and wish we had the foresight to make it a priority years earlier.

            I believe in hard work, both physical and mental.  Work hard and work smart.  I believe there is an opportunity of a lifetime available to everyone in this country if they look for it and are willing to go with it when it comes.  To do that, you have to be prepared.  Education….education….education is the only way to prepare.  With the exception of marching bands and drill teams you should never mark any time.  Every job you have undertaken, recreational activity you are treated to, civic organizations you belong to should all be geared toward facilitating the realization of your opportunity of a lifetime, whatever it may be.

            Successfully implementing a broad, technology based education curriculum from the earliest level thru college is my single largest goal in the Legislature.  Other short term goals will always arise.  They will be dealt with vigorously also, but we’ll never take our eye off the game ball:  Teaching educators to teach new and emerging technologies and providing them with the infrastructure they need to walk our students out of a manufacturing based curriculum.  We must implement a curriculum fully utilizing every opportunity offered by the computer, its peripherals and the internet.  Each individual student will literally have unlimited opportunities for learning, inventing, manufacturing, efficiently addressing social issues and entertainment.

            Probably by far the greatest part of being a State Representative, to me, has to be speaking to classrooms.  Whether a graduate school or a pre-school, I always feel I contribute the most there.  It also provides me with an excellent opportunity to continue to build support for the inevitable need to transition from the ‘old curriculum’ to the ‘new’ one mentioned earlier.  The Tennessee Lottery took 20 years to finally be implemented in

            Public safety is another one.  I often say when I speak to people in the district that I believe the two pillars and therefore priorities of the government are education and public safety.  All other things are enabled by these two, and you can’t have one without the other.  I will always push for enabling our public safety agencies to be able to hire the best people, provide the best equipment and readiness training and want to bolster the overall quality of our private protective services currently protecting our assets on the lowest bid.

I have extensive law enforcement experience and was fully involved in a business of securing over a billion dollars of high profile venues during the epiphany we had on September 11, 2001.  I was a passionate police officer and still maintain some law enforcement authority and like to assist the departments personally if needed.

I could literally write for days supplying the details of these plans we’re working on.  The good news is that I’m 5 years into this business and we accomplished an extraordinary amount so far.  It has been with your help, and for that I am also proud.

Stay cool these days.  It will be over 100 degrees for the 10^th day in a row in the 47^th District today.

 In my career as State Representative I have always been proud to be transparent through the good and the bad.  I will continue to do so and therefore sleep well at night and mingle in town with honor.  In that vein, I will try to address all issues I can and support them with any pictures or documentation, either directly through posts here on this site or indirectly through links.

Representation is a two way street.  I can’t represent you if I don’t know what you want and need.  I stay active and visible in the district, but need communication to be effective.  Please never hesitate to contact me through this blog with questions, concerns or criticisms.  We are a citizen legislature in Tennessee - part time only.  Each of us are experts in one or two fields, but we are asked daily to discuss issues that affect many interests.  Your expertise in areas where I am lacking is paramount to me.  As you watch the news or speak to your neighbors, make sure I and my colleagues are also included.  An email, letter or phone call is very valuable and your efforts are never wasted with my office.