“The Right News” is a daily compilation of Knoxville and Tennessee news/commentary to start your day out right. We’re center-right with a crunchy granola middle. Enjoy!

KNOXVILLE NEWS

WVLT: Knox County Commissioner wants to send Stacey Campfield a message
It would be hard to find anyone who doesn’t know the name of State Senator Stacey Campfield. One Knox County Commissioner doesn’t think that’s a good thing.

WVLT: New stores means better prices, new jobs
…John Turley, a local Knoxville developer, says that he believes the next 3 years are going to be good for growth in Knoxville. He says the expansions we see now show that tenants have confidence in the future. “Our tenants have done projections that show double digit growth in the next 3 years,” said Turley. “I think they are very confident in the future.”

KNS/Josh Flory: Urban infill irks Concord Street neighbor
Urban planners like to talk about lofty abstractions like walkability and a “sense of place.” When you get down to it, though, shaping a better city is often about more prosaic issues, like the disheveled guy asking for change or the philosophy major who parks her Jeep in someone else’s yard.

WBIR: Blighted Knoxville home claimed by city, neighbors happy
One West Knoxville neighborhood learned Tuesday night the city is a step closer to removing a blighted property from its premises. 514 Forest Hills Boulevard has sat vacant for almost 30 years. In that time, neighbors have watched the house slowly deteriorate. Holes have let water in through its roof. Raccoons and rats have also set up shop within its walls as well.

GREEN/CLEAN ENERGY NEWS

AP: UT-Knoxville honored for sustainability work
The University of Tennessee’s main Knoxville campus has been honored for its sustainability work. The school has received a STARS Silver Rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, is a new program that measures sustainability in all aspects of higher education. UT was recognized for its recycling program, the Solar Decathlon 2011 and the campus food composting program.

Earth Techling: Solar Power Arrives On Time At Tennessee Airport
While airlines are experimenting with biofuels to make the skies greener, the Chattanooga airport in Tennessee is focusing on greening operations on the ground. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority just completed the first phase of a 3-megawatt (MW) solar power project, installing a 1 MW array to help power airport operations. The 4.5-acre installation features high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and modules from Atlanta-based solar company Suniva and was implemented by Inman Solar.

TENNESSEE NEWS

KNS: A Tennessee winner? Rick Santorum’s making a run
…For Williams, Romney’s business background, his record as a Republican governor in a Democratic state, and his stewardship of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City have given him the skill set needed to be an effective president. “Whether or not that translates into being a politician and winning the nomination remains to be seen,” she said. “But if I had to pick resumes of the person who is the most qualified as president of the United States, certainly contrasting that with Barack Obama, Mitt Romney wins hands down. Had we known that the economy was going to tank like it did in 2008, Mitt Romney should have been the nominee then.”

KNS/Humprhey on the Hill: State Refinances Bonds; Saves $34 Million in Interest
The State of Tennessee refinanced $456 million in general obligation bonds last week that will save taxpayers more than $34 million in interest costs. Refinancing the bonds in this fiscal year created $34,031,900 of present value savings that will be realized over the life of the bonds, which mature annually through fiscal year 2028. The state also refinanced debt last fall that will produce $3,287,600 in present value savings over time. The actual amount of savings is higher overall in comparison to the amount of present value savings.

AP: Tenn. GOP puts off ‘Don’t Say Gay’ ban in House
…Haslam told reporters after a speaking engagement later in the evening that lawmakers should be focused on other issues. “I’ve said before, I don’t think that should be a priority of the Legislature,” he said of Hensley’s legislation. “There are other things that we … should be focused on right now.”

AP: Underground city is more than a curiosity
There are two Chattanoogas. The one we see, and the one we don’t. The city we see bustles with restaurants, shops and gyms housed in buildings old and new, mixed like puzzle pieces between downtown city streets. What we don’t see lies beneath the streets, a crazy quilt of yesteryear’s commerce buried a century ago, but preserved in traces found in basements and passages that once were the city’s ground floor.

…Romney supporter Susan Richardson Williams of Knoxville said Tennessee conservatives are fairly divided over “the more known conservatives” in the race — Santorum, Gingrich and Paul. Romney will take the moderate vote, she said, but whether that is enough for him to win the state remains in question.

For Williams, Romney’s business background, his record as a Republican governor in a Democratic state, and his stewardship of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City have given him the skill set needed to be an effective president. “Whether or not that translates into being a politician and winning the nomination remains to be seen,” she said. “But if I had to pick resumes of the person who is the most qualified as president of the United States, certainly contrasting that with Barack Obama, Mitt Romney wins hands down. Had we known that the economy was going to tank like it did in 2008, Mitt Romney should have been the nominee then.”

Read the full story here.

Congressman Phil Roe

Last night’s event at Boyd’s Jig & Reel was a huge success – thanks to everyone for coming and showing your support for Governor Mitt Romney!

Excerpt from KNS:

The East Tennessee campaign for Mitt Romney for president kicked off Monday night in an Old City pub with key speakers telling supporters their candidate’s success is up to them.

Former Knoxville Vice Mayor Joe Bailey, a regional volunteer coordinator, told the crowd at Jig & Reel that Republicans want to beat Democratic President Barack Obama in the fall, but they’ve got to do it in the March 6 Tennessee primary first by choosing the former Massachusetts governor.

Tennessee Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Bill Hagerty, a key Romney adviser, acknowledged other candidates are vying for the Republican nomination but “it is important to put in the best person to stand up to Barack Obama.”

Hagerty said he and Romney had both started their careers at the same firm and that he has known the candidate for more than half his life.

TN Economic Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty

He told a story about Romney being in a meeting when he determined his son, Tagg, had lost a water ski, over which he was moping. Romney left the meeting and went out in a boat for about 1½ hours until the ski was found, he said.

“He taught the value of perseverance,” he said.

Hagerty was asked what Romney’s chances are in the Feb. 28 Michigan primary and he described it as “tough.” Conservatives have embraced Rick Santorum, a former Pennsylvania senator, and the United Auto Workers are energized against Romney, he said.

“The polls are too close to call,” he said. He said Romney is expected to carry Arizona on the same day.

Read the full story here.

See also WBIR’s coverage here.

“The Right News” is a daily compilation of Knoxville and Tennessee news/commentary to start your day out right. We’re center-right with a crunchy granola middle. Enjoy!

“The Right News” is a daily compilation of Knoxville and Tennessee news/commentary to start your day out right. We’re center-right with a crunchy granola middle. Enjoy!

KNOXVILLE NEWS

KNS: Inflated figures, events KTSC didn’t host boosted Ray’s salary
Gloria Ray has earned more than $300,000 in salary bonuses by meeting the same set of performance goals since 2008 and through what some groups’ organizers said were inflated attendance figures for Knoxville events.

KNS: Emails shed light on KTSC compensation process
Documents released Wednesday by the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corp. give a closer look at how a controversial compensation package was created for the organization’s CEO.

Metro Pulse: Jockeying For Position in Trustee Office?
We hear there is an employee in the Knox County Trustee’s Office who is going around the courthouse soliciting support to be appointed to the trustee post. This is quite a dis for his boss, since the office is presently occupied. Trustee John Duncan III and others in his office are under investigation for paying bonuses for a course not completed. County Mayor Tim Burchett has said that if the allegations are true Duncan ought to resign. But Duncan says the allegations aren’t true and he doesn’t plan to resign.

Knoxify: Give the Bearden Hill Fieldhouse six!
The Fieldhouse (6600 Kingston Pike) is a new sports bar in the heart of Bearden. Open daily from 11 A.M. until 3 A.M., the beer list is long and legit (over 160 choices) and everything we ordered was in stock. Brought to Knoxville by the owners of Half Barrel, it has this industrial, loft-like feel with a million TVs lining the walls (giving it a cool spaceship effect), plush booths, large tables, high tops, pool tables and video games.

GREEN/CLEAN ENERGY NEWS

Knox Views: Smarter ways to commute
Gas prices have jumped up and are only expected to climb, and may reach $4 by Memorial Day. There is an organization in the Knoxville area that can help commuters save money on gas through carpooling or trying bicycle commuting or trying transit: Smart Trips.

Public News Radio: Biomass: The Darling of Renewables in TN – But It’s Not All Pretty
Biomass has become the darling of the renewable-energy world in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast, and a new study takes a close look at the good and bad.

TENNESSEE NEWS

Metro Pulse: The Passing Political Parade
Why moderates win, Gingrich invisible, gun lobby doesn’t want to wait

Nashville Public Radio: Haslam Sidelines Class Size Proposal
Governor Bill Haslam is backing off an attempt to let local school boards increase class size. The governor says he didn’t adequately explain what he was trying to do. The governor’s proposal relied on raising some class sizes in order to free up money to teach other subjects. The argument in favor was complex. But the argument against was simple and short – smaller classes are better. Haslam admits he was losing the battle of the message.

“The Right News” is a daily compilation of Knoxville and Tennessee news/commentary to start your day out right. We’re center-right with a crunchy granola middle. Enjoy!

LOCAL NEWS

KNS: Editorial: Endorsements: Jarret for law director, Ballard for property assessor
It’s time to go to the polls again to exercise that most fundamental of rights — the right to vote. Early voting begins tomorrow for the presidential and county primaries. In Knox County, the only contested races are for three non-partisan school board seats, two county offices in the Republican primary and president in the Republican primary.

KNS: Realtor’s 700-mile bike trip is a digital journey
…To promote the spirit of enterprise that Dyer believes is necessary for buyers, sellers and agents, he will ride his bike more than 700 miles to the annual Coldwell Banker Blue Generation conference in New Orleans.

WBIR: “Dwell” magazine features Ted Shelton and Tricia Stuth’s Gill Ave. home
“We certainly like being eclectic,” Tricia Stuth said, describing the style in her century-old North Knoxville home. Birch wood, white features, and a lot of modern furniture fill the two-story house located in Old North Knoxville, a neighborhood known for its history. “How could you have a modern, contemporary dwelling that fits in a historic neighborhood pattern as well?” said Stuth’s husband, Ted Shelton. That combination is attracting attention from a national magazine, Dwell, which published an article detailing the Stuths’ ability to redesign their Gill Ave. home on a limited budget.

Tennessee Journalist: Knoxville Fashion Week to benefit local charities
The South is synonymous with good manners, hospitality and warm weather, but not always fashion. It’s no small wonder that when organizing Knoxville Fashion Week (running from Feb. 29 to March 3) it was decided that the event would benefit non-profit organizations.

All Around Ktown: All Around K-Town is 4!
That’s right, a little over 4 years ago (come on, you know I’m always late to the party. Even my own  ), I posted this little gem that launched All Around K-Town . Hey, every blogger has to start somewhere right?

GREEN/CLEAN ENERGY NEWS

KNS: Upcoming series on sustainable living goes beyond green
How often do you consider your environmental, economic and societal impact when you prepare dinner or shop for a new outfit? If it is not often enough, there is an upcoming series throughout March entitled “Just Living: Discussions on Sustainable Lifestyle Choices.”

STATE NEWS

Tennessean: Mitt Romney campaign adds Bill Haslam as state chairman
Mitt Romney announced this morning that it has named Gov. Bill Haslam state chairman of his Tennessee campaign. The Romney campaign did not announce any additional duties for Haslam, who formally endorsed the former Massachusetts governor last month. Haslam’s father, Jim, and Nashville party fundraiser Ted Welch were given the same title back in November.

Tennessean: Early voting begins in TN today, negative ads soon to follow
…Tennesseans will start going to the polls today to vote early in the March 6 presidential preference primary, which could help decide who will face President Barack Obama in November. While GOP turnout hasn’t been as energetic as expected in several primary and caucus states, the Volunteer State has a chance to have more impact than it typically does two months into the process.

Times Free Press: Tennessee sales taxes called highest in U.S.
…The 7 percent state sales tax rate in Tennessee, combined with an average 2.45 percent local sales tax rate across the state, boosts the average tax levy in the Volunteer State to $9.45 for every $100 of purchases.

Boyd’s Jig & Reel ~ 101 S. Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902

 (Romney will not be in attendance.)

RSVP via FACEBOOK

]]> http://www.srw-associates.com/2012/02/join-us-mitt-romney-for-president-east-tn-reception/feed/ 0 http://www.srw-associates.com/2012/02/vote-susan-richardson-williams-romney-delegate-at-large/ http://www.srw-associates.com/2012/02/vote-susan-richardson-williams-romney-delegate-at-large/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:42:24 +0000 laura http://www.srw-associates.com/?p=612 Let’s rock the vote for Tennessee!

Susan’s credentials (bio here):

• Former Tennessee Republican Party Chairman
• Former Republican Party Political Director
• Served in the Cabinet of Governors Alexander and Sundquist
• Press Representative for Senator Bill Brock
• Delegate/Alternate Delegate to GOP Conventions in l984,96,2000, 2004, 2008
• Attended GOP Conventions in l964 and l980
• Served on Republican National Committee as State Party Chairman
• Been involved in every Republican campaign on local, state and national since l970 and served in many leadership positions
• Romney Finance Committee
• State Party Statesman of the Year for 2nd Congressional district

Early Voting runs February 15-28, and Tennessee’s Presidential Primary is March 6, 2012.

• Not sure if you’re registered to vote? Click here.
• Not sure where to vote? Click here for Feb 15-28 and here for March 6.

“The Right News” is a daily compilation of local, green/clean energy and political news/commentary to start your day out right. We’re center-right with a crunchy granola middle. Enjoy!

LOCAL NEWS

WVLT: Rhythm ‘N Blooms: They’ll be swaying to the daffodils
The annual Rhythm N’ Blooms Festival announced this year’s lineup of musical talent. The kickoff included the presentation of a $25,000 check by Pilot and Cherokee Distributing Company. Chyna Brackeen said, “It’s a celebration of American roots music which is about 40 artists, nationally touring artists and local artists participating.”

Metro Pulse: Knoxville Opera Reaches Out to a New Audience With ‘Romeo et Juliette’
I seriously doubt that Knoxville Opera’s Brian Salesky would ever want to compare himself to Peter Gelb, the general manager of New York’s Metropolitan Opera. However, one can certainly claim that what Salesky seems to be doing for opera in Knoxville on a smaller scale is similar to what Gelb has done for the Met and for opera worldwide—generate an excited interest in operatic performance that attracts new and younger audiences to the musical art form through clever outreach, attractive and marketable casting, and a willingness to depart a bit from tradition.

Blue Streak: Ashley Capps on becoming a concert producer, what makes Bonnaroo special, and his fave acts there
So you’ve heard and read and seen on TV so much about the Bonnaroo music festival, right? You know that music promoter Ashley Capps of Knoxville is the “father” of Bonnaroo, of course. But wouldn’t you like to ask a few questions about it and hear the “inside scoop” on how it came to be?

GREEN/CLEAN ENERGY NEWS

Memphis Commercial Appeal: Doctors write prescription for solar power
On sunny days and even on cloudy ones, two doctors offices — one in East Memphis and another in Germantown — are turning their rooftops into solar farms. They are among about two dozen small businesses and industries in Shelby County that have converted rooftops or grounds into solar energy collectors.

STATES NEWS

Nashville Business Journal: Biz issues to watch in the TN Legislature
A number of key business issues have so far remained quiet within the Tennessee General Assembly, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been any movement. Here’s a look at a few items that have been moving along and are worth keeping up on…

KNS: State rebounding from economic slump, UT professor says
Tennessee is slowly rebounding from the Great Recession, including a “simply remarkable” resurgence in manufacturing jobs, a University of Tennessee professor said Monday. But online sales and out-of-state purchases “has to be responsible for a lack of retail growth” in local markets, Donald Bruce said during the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Program of Work” luncheon.

KNS: Knoxville lawmaker’s bill seen as means to nullify bad federal laws
State Rep. Bill Dunn says his bill requiring federal agencies to notify local law enforcement officers before making arrests in Tennessee is a means of “standing up for the people” against an overreaching federal government.

Daily News Journal: Saks to open La Vergne distribution hub, employ up to 250
Rutherford County officials will consider an incentive package this month for upscale retailer Saks Inc., which announced plans Monday to open a La Vergne facility where it could invest up to $15 million and hire up to 250 people.