Frogge 'betrayed' by Register speech on charter schools. Pinkston also unhappy.

Amy Frogge

by Joey Garrison, The Tennessean, July 11, 2014- In a speech that surprised everyone watching Thursday night, Metro Director of Schools Jesse Register told the Metro Council he wants to bring civility back to the conversation about charters and replace what he called an "us versus them" mentality.

But he's disappointed at least one school board member.

Amy Frogge, who just last month raised concerns over the fiscal transparency of charters, said that she felt "betrayed" by Register's remarks, ....She said it's made her "lose trust." ..... (link)

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Update: Register calls for trurce with Charters at special Council meeting.

Jesse Register: 'Enough is enough' in charter debate

by Joey Garrison, The Tennessean, July 11- Calling for unity in Nashville's public education sphere at a time when it has never been more polarized, Metro Director of Schools Jesse Register said "enough is enough" with division surrounding its most debated area: charter schools.

An unusually blunt Register, in a speech Thursday before the Metro Council, decried what he called a "steady and ever-increasing tendency toward miscommunication and gamesmanship in our dialogue" — actions he contends have produced "hard feelings where understanding and common purpose once ruled the day." (link)

The important statement from Register in which he calls for "civility" in the discussion of charters and accepting of charters as partners in education is in the very first twelve minutes of the video. His statement is refreshing. While I have not perceived Register to be as hostile to charters as board members Pinkston and Frogge, I have had the impression that he did not like charters and thought they were a financial drain and that he wished they would go away. In his statement he says charters are doing a good job and he aska the Charter School Center to meet monthly with himself and Dr. Coverstone and member of the Board and his staff to see how they can better work together.  He says the debate about charters has been "over heated" and he calls for cooperation.  He says he wants to "reset" the conversation. I join those in the Council and elsewhere who commended Register for his statement.

There is good presentation on how well charter schools are doing in the nation and in Nashville. For anyone interested in learning more about the charter issue, I would recommend watching the complete video. I admit that I was apprehensive about the direction this committee meeting would go.  I was fearful that it was a setup to build a case against charters.  I am pleased to admit that I was wrong. This was a refreshing and positive discussion.

You can watch the video in 1.5 time or double time and not miss any content. If unfamiliar with how to speed up a YouTube video, follow this link.

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Southeast Nashville Conservatives' Breakfast Saturday, July 19

From Robert Duvall:

Southeast Nashville Conservatives' Breakfast 

Saturday, July 19 

Shoney's (Antioch) Bell Rd @ Cane Ridge Road, (I-24E Bell Road Exit) 

Breakfast/Social: 8:30 - 9:00 am, Program/Speakers: 9:00 - 10:00 am 

"Big John Smith", candidate for 5th Congressional District was scheduled for June's meeting. Due to his government vehicle catching fire, he was not able to make the meeting. "Big John" will be in the house on July 19 to speak.

Plus Guest Speakers 

 Mark Winslow & Karen Bennett 

Current elected officers of State Executive Committee ("SEC") for State Senate District 19 (which includes a major portion of South/Southeast Nashville &Antioch.) Both are running for reelection in August. Knowledgeable, accessible, objective, and active SEC members are vital to the fair and progressive operation and growth of the Republican Party. Mark and Karen have been invaluable and instrumental in our conservative growth in South/Southeast/Antioch. Please attend on July 19th and hear all the reasons (I already know) as to why both Mark and Karen deserve your support and vote on August 7th. Bring your State Senate District 19 friends and neighbors.

State Executive Committee 
The Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee operates as the governing body for the state party. They establish rules and measures that best promote the success of the Republican Party and the broadening of its base. The SEC serves as the TNGOP's state primary board and also establishes policy to guide and direct County Republican Parties. Each member serves as a representative of the TNGOP in their home district (one man and one woman are elected from each State Senate district) and helps to organize and promote Republican activism at the local level.

Hosted by Robert Duvall and Pat Carl.
August and September Meetings we will focus on State Constitutional Amendments 1 (abortion) and 2 (how Supreme Court and Appellate Judges are appointed/elected)

My Comment: Mark Winslow is a controversial member of the SEC who in the past has sued the

Mark Winslow

State Party. For more on the controversies surrounding Mark Winslow, follow this link. The most recent controversy involving Mark Winslow was his support for a Democrat candidate for judge who is seeking the same seat as Republican Marian Fodyce. To me, it certainly seems inappropriate for a member of the Republican State Executive Committee to be campaigning for a Democrat. 

Recently Karen Bennett, who is also a member of the Metro Council,  disappointed me when she abstained, instead of voting "no," on a bill that extended metro benefits to the domestic partner of same-sex

Karen Bennett

couples.  The measure is estimated to cost between $400,000 and $900,000 a year.  While the cost was reason enough to oppose the measure, in my view a more compelling reason is that we should not be normalizing what is a perverted life style.  We should not treat as if married, two homosexuals who live together. (link)

I will be unable to attend this meeting, but if one is attending they may want to ask Mark Winslow why he campaigned for a Democrat and ask Karen Bennett why she abstained on the same sex benefit bill. 

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Alexander: Send National Guard to border

WBIR. Com, July, 10, 2014, WASHINGTON – Sen. Lamar Alexander said Thursday President Barack Obama still lacks a "serious plan" for addressing the border crossings by Central American children and should consider calling out the National Guard.

Alexander, a Republican running for re-election, said a meaningful plan would propose securing the Rio Grande River sector of the U.S. southern border, sending children home safely and changing a 2008 law regarded as interfering with a solution.

An estimated 57,000 have crossed since Oct. 1, 2013.

To secure the border, Obama should utilize the National Guard, following the lead of former President George W. Bush, who used the guard to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection reverse a surge of illegal immigration in 2006, the Tennessee lawmaker said.  "President Bush's efforts paid off," Alexander said .... (link)

My Comment: I could not agree more. If President Obama was serious about turning the tide and solving the problem, he would immediately seal the border. Congress should go ahead and change the law to allow DHS to offer voluntary removal to all unaccompanied children who are picked up at the border. Now, the border patrol can offer that option only to children who cross the border from Mexico and most of the children crossing the border are not from Mexico but from Honduras, Guatemala, or El Salvador. Before Congress appropriates any of the requested $3.7 billion in emergency funding to deal with the surge of children on the border, the National Guard should be placed on the border to prohibit more illegal entry and the law should be changed to permit "voluntary removal" of those who have made it across.

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Tea Party Patriots endorse Joe Carr but money may or may not follow.

While Joe Carr has gotten quite a few endorsement from tea party groups across Tennessee he has not had success, until now, of getting support from deep-pocket national tea party organizations. Yesterday Tea Party Patriots announced they were endorsing Joe Carr. Below is the organization's statement:

The Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund (TPPCF) has endorsed State Rep. Joe Carr in the Tennessee Republican Senate primary. “Joe Carr embodies the values of personal freedom, economic freedom and a debt-free future,” TPPCF Chairman Jenny Beth Martin said. “In contrast to his incumbent opponent, Joe is willing to take the fight to both liberal Democrats and Establishment Republicans in defense of liberty.”

At a time when the byproducts of amnesty are on full display on America’s southern border, the contrast between Carr and the Establishment’s Lamar Alexander couldn’t be more compelling. “While Joe Carr has been a genuine leader – not just a reliable vote – in the fight against illegal immigration, Lamar Alexander voted with Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid and John McCain for the Gang of Eight amnesty bill,” Martin said. “Joe wants to preserve American sovereignty; Lamar Alexander’s policies are producing a human wave of criminality and disease on the Rio Grande.”

There is also a stark contrast between the two candidates’ positions on Obamacare. “Lamar Alexander again did Harry Reid’s bidding last fall, voting for cloture to bring the Obamacare budget to the Senate floor,” Martin said. “By contrast, Joe Carr has led the fight against Obamacare in the Volunteer State, co-sponsoring legislation that would forbid Medicaid expansion and setting up health care exchanges. Lamar Alexander is wrong on Obamacare and wrong on amnesty. Fortunately, conservatives in Tennessee have a choice, and we urge them to give Joe Carr their vote and their support. We’re proud to endorse him.”

It is unclear how much money, if any, will accompany the endorsement. According to the last filing report of May 31, 2014, Tea Party Patriots had raised $9.8 million and spent $9.3 million for the year.  Of the money spend however, most of it went to fund raising and overhead including a $15,000 a month salary to the organizations chairman, Jennifer “Jenny Beth” Martin.  (link) Only a little over $1 million was independent expenditure for or against candidates. Of the million they spend on independent expenditures, $800,000 was spend in the Thad Cochran- Chris Daniels race and other candidates got small amounts. In Nebraska Ben Sasse got only $4577. If Joe Carr gets that amount, that would pay his daughter Mattie's salary for five weeks. (link) Some people Tea Party Patriots endorse, however, get no money.

I am not endorsing Joe Carr, however if I were supporting Joe Carr, I would send him a contribution directly and not contribute to Tea Party Patriots. 

 

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Liberty on the Rocks on Wednesday July 16th presents Maggie McNeill on How prostitution laws undermine liberty.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014, 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Mafiaoza's 2400 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN

Normally LOR is on the third Thursday of the month, but this month only it is on a Wednesday, in order to accommodate the guest. 
  
Maggie McNeill was a librarian in suburban New Orleans, but after divorce economic necessity spurred her to take up sex work; from 1997 to 2006 she worked first as a stripper, then as a call girl and madam. 

She eventually married her favorite client, retired, and moved to a ranch in the rural Upper South. There she writes a daily blog called “The Honest Courtesan”, which examines the realities, myths, history, lore, science, philosophy, art, and every other aspect of prostitution; she also reports sex work news, critiques the way her profession is treated in the media and by governments, and is frequently consulted by academics and journalists as an expert on the subject.

Maggie will be sharing her knowledge and experience on how prostitution laws undermine liberty for everyone.  Her articles have been published on Reason.com (The Mythical Invasion of the Super Bowl Hookers) and in Radley Balko’s Washington Post blog (Lies, Damned Lies and Sex Worker Statistics).

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"Friend-Raising event for Len Silverman, Thursday July 10th

You Are Invited To A

Special "Friend-Raising" Event for

Len Silverman

Republican Candidate for State Representative, 45th District

When: Thursday, July 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: The beautiful home of Susan Garrett, 112 Emily Court in Goodlettsville

There will be plenty of food and beverages for adults and we will all be able to mix and mingle in a casual atmosphere.  Best of all, we'd like you to be our guest at the event...this is a "Friend-Raisier".
The event is FREE. Donations, however, are always welcome and appreciated.  

Host committee

Diamond: Susan Garrett, David and Leslie Stephens, Johnny and Kara Garrett Robert & Dianne Jennings, David and Dara Kimbrough Danny and Jean Hale

Platinum: Steve and Evelyn Botts, Jud & Kristina Broome, Keith Dennen Abe & Sandra Gaskins, Joe & Angela Gaskins, Zeke & Jamie Gaskins Mark & Lisa Lowhorn, Robin Lyons, D. Fell Merwin, Tim & Joni Miller Dr. Bill & Erin Taylor, Tom & Janet Tucker

Gold: Bill & Cindy Bowen, Ron & Floranne Boyd, Bryan Chance, Stan Fields Scott & Amanda Foster, Jim Fuqua, Jerry & Jill Garrett, Mike & Lindy Gaughan, Soctt & Lori Gettelfinger, Charles Kimbrough, Sr, Don Long, David Luckey Art McClellan, Mike & Shannon Price, Bob & Bridgette Schmidle, David & Kelly Silverman, Phyllis Silverman, Bill & Amanda Sinks, Jenny Uhl, Bill & Jana Von Kessel, Carl Whitmer, Tommy & Shirley Whittaker, Bill & Jennifer Wood, Lance Wray

Recently Elected Commissioners: Jerry Foster, Paul R. Goode, JoAnne Kemp, Caroline Krueger, Scott Langford, Patricia LeMarbe, Leslie Schell, Dr. Bill Taylor, Chris Taylor

Other elected officials: Beth Cox, Scott Sprouse, Lisa West

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Why are Carr's girls on the Campaign payroll?

Recent Federal Election campaign finance filings show that in the second quarter ending March 30th, the Lamar Alexander campaign raised over $600,000 and ended the quarter with over $3.1 million cash on hand. Announcements from the candidate's campaign say that in April and June Alexander raised another $900,000.

The Carr campaign raised $257,000 in the second quarter and had $466,000 on hand at the end of the quarter. While Alexander, Carr and George Flinn have all made media buys, we can expect Alexander to have a lot more exposure than Carr or Flinn. Carr simply cannot raise the money to compete with Alexander. While some activist tea party people within the state have rallied behind Carr, the national tea party PACS with deep pockets have not. Apparently they have evaluated the race and do not see Carr as a winner.  Alexander has received endorsements from Tennessee's Republican U.S Representatives, dozens of State legislators, and several former Chair's of the Tennessee Republican Party and conservative leaders such as Newt Gingrich and Arthur Laffer. While not formally endorsing Alexander, tea party favorite Rand Paul has said nice things about Alexander and has appeared at functions with him.

Definitely Carr is the underdog, and while Alexander is scoring at below 59% in voter approval ratings, a lot of people don't even know who Joe Carr is and will probably still not know by elections day.  A poll in mid-May showed 77% of the likely voters had never heard of Carr. The Dave Brat victory over Eric Cantor in Virginia did provide a shot in the arm to the Carr campaign and he got some exposure in conservative media and some endorsements, but he is still largely unknown. And, if voters learn more about Carr, they will probably like him less.

In looking over the campaign finance reports of the candidates, I found that the cash-strapped Carr campaign has two family members on the payroll. The following payments were made to Erin Carr: 1/6/14, $3500; 2/3/2014, $1500; 2/19/14, $500; 3/5/14, $1000; and others payments in 2013. Also, the following payments were made to Maddie Carr: 1/7/2014, $4000; 1/7/2014 another one for $2000; 2/4/14, $4000; 3/6/14, $4000; and $4000 for each of the months of October, November and December 2013.

So, it looks like Maggie Carr is being paid $4000 a month and Erin Carr is earnings little over $2000 a month. I have been told that Maggie and Erin are Joe Carr's daughters.  Now, there is certainly nothing illegal about putting your family on the campaign payroll, but often family pitches in works for a candidate for free.  I don't know how hard they work or what the qualifications are that make Maggie Carr worth $48,000 a year.  Who knows, they may be well worth it and they may be working 16 hour days, seven days a week. They may be so good and hardworking that, that is the biggest bang for the buck. I don't know. I am not making any allegations that this is improper or even unwise but I do find it curious that a cash-strapped campaign pays that kind of money to family members.

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The Federalist Society meets Tuesday July 15th

The Nashville Lawyers’ Chapter of the Federalist Society

presents

Out From the Penumbra: The Story of Planned Parenthood v. Sundquist and Amendment 1

with

David Fowler

on July 15, 2014 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

at The Law Offices of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP Nashville City Center 511 Union Street, Suite 2700 Nashville, Tennessee 37219 

Lunch Will Be Served; $15 at the Door 

Approved for 1 Hour of general CLE in Tennessee 

Please RSVP by noon on July 14 by visiting this website

David Fowler is the president of the Family Action Council of Tennessee. He attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law receiving his J.D. degree in 1983. In law school, Mr.Fowler directed the Moot Court program and participated on the National Moot Court and Craven Constitutional Law teams. He also clerked for the late Harry J. Klusmeier in the Ohio Court of Appeals.  Following law school, Mr. Fowler practiced law in Cincinnati and Chattanooga and in 1994, he successfully ran for the Tennessee state Senate where he served for 12 years. For four years he also directed the Center for Law and Government at Bryan College, teaching classes in political philosophy and jurisprudence. After leaving office in 2006, Mr. Fowler worked with leaders from across the state to form the Family Action Council of Tennessee to protect the interests of families with respect to state policy and to educate the public about the importance of a family-friendly culture. 

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GEORGE FLINN VISITS BORDER TOWN OF MCALLEN,TEXAS

Press release, Memphis, TN – Dr. George Flinn, conservative Republican candidate for U.S. Senate visited the border town of McAllen, Texas this past week to gain first-hand knowledge of the illegal immigration crisis occurring.

 

“While in McAllen, it was evident our southern border is open. I stood on the Rio Grande and saw many deserted items such as backpacks, life jackets, and clothing. There is a lack of manpower. We must demand the borders be sealed now. This is not merely an economic or humanitarian issue…we are dealing with a national security crisis,” said Dr. Flinn.

 

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the violent gangs, drugs, and terrorist organizations infiltrating our communities through our nation’s southern border. The federal government has a job to secure our nations borders and protect the citizens of our country and they have failed. The citizens of America are suffering as a result,” says Dr. Flinn

 

“While in McAllen I had the opportunity to attend a Homeland Security Committee field hearing on the surge of unaccompanied minors in which Governor Perry testified. The problem is far worse then people in Tennessee may imagine or are being told. While some candidates are giving blanket talking points about illegal immigration, or just ignoring the issue all together like Lamar Alexander, Tennesseans need to be aware this is an issue of national security—we need to act immediately,” said Dr. Flinn.

 

“Governor Perry has been warning President Obama about the crisis at the border including the influx of minor children since May of 2012, when he wrote him a detailed letter on the situation, and as I heard him testify this past Thursday in McAllen, two years later, he still hasn’t received a response. These children have been told that if they come here then they can stay. Our government is only encouraging this behavior by its policies. We need to stand firm and send a message that we are a country of laws and we abide by these law,” said Dr. Flinn.

 

“I met some of these children when I visited McAllen. After speaking with them personally, I can say without a doubt, we are not doing them any favors by not adhering to our laws. We need to seal our borders and send a message to countries sending these children that breaking the law will not be tolerated. We need to send them home,” said Dr. Flinn.

 

“Tennesseans deserve a Senator that will gain knowledge on important issues and stand-up and speak out on them. We have not heard a word from Lamar Alexander on the crisis at the border, despite the fact that it affects each and everyone of us. This is a national security issue and we should be treating it as such. As U.S. Senator I will remain committed to always fighting for the citizens of Tennessee.”

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Diana Cuellar fund raiser July 14, 2014

YOU'RE INVITED! Come out and support Diana Cuellar in her bid for TN State Senate!


Sam's Sports Grill 1803 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212 July 14, 2014 6:30-8:30pm Join us for a meet and greet with Diana Cuellar, candidate for the TN Senate District 21 seat.

 $25 entrance fee includes finger foods, drinks additional
 * ADDITIONAL DONATIONS APPRECIATED *
To make a donation to the campaign, please visit www.DianaC4TN.com. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Friends of Diana Cuellar P.O. Box 111924, Nashville, TN 37222 Forward this email

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Rutherford County GOP House of Representatives Candidates Forum, Tuesday July 8th

Two or more Invitations requesting attendance have been sent to:

Rep Rick Womick- District 34 incumbent
Rep Dawn White- District 37 incumbent
Rep Mike Sparks-District 49 incumbent ...

Dr Bryan Terry, Commissioner Adam Coggin, Rick Peppers-Candidates for House District 48
City Councilman Eddie Smotherman-Candidate for House District 37
Commissioner Robert Stevens-Candidate for House District 49

***HEAVY APPETIZERS AND BEER WILL BE PROVIDED TO FORUM ATTENDEES AT NO COST BY AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY

You may order from Three Brother's Menu at your own expense.
A panel of Tennessee citizen's will be asking questions of the participating candidates on a variety of topics such as Common Core, Yes on Amendment 1, 2nd Amendment legislation, Obamacare and how it affects Tennesseans, Tennessee Judiciary, The Hall Tax.

Time permitting questions will be taken from forum attendees (audience). 

Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30pm - 9:00pm in CDT

Three Brothers Restaurant 114 N Church Street Murfreesboro TN 37130

Meeting Sponsors
Rutherford County GOP
Americans for Prosperity - Tennessee
Rutherford County Conservative Groups

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Diana Cuellar's responce to the Family Action Council of Tennessee survey

Diana Cuellar

The Family Action Council of Tennessee produces a good campaign guide for those concerned with religious liberty, family values, and pro-life issues.  Each candidate running for a contested seat for state house or senate for the August 7th primary are offered the opportunity to answerer a list of questions stating their position on the issues, answer five essay questions and submit a video greeting to be posted on the FACT website. In the Senate District 21 race, of the two Democrats and three Republicans competing for their party's nomination for that seat, only Diana Cuellar (R) responded to the survey. 

I can understand the two Democrats not responding to the survey. Both are pro-choice and pro-gay agenda and I doubt few who see the FACT information will be voting in the Democrat Primary anyway. I do not understand why the other two Republicans competing for the Republican nomination did not complete the survey.

Cuellar answers she would oppose legislation that would recognize civil unions, she would support legislation that would prohibit abortions except in the case of when necessary to save the life of the mother, would support repeal of the Hall Income Tax,  would oppose laws that would make "sexual orientation" or "gender expression" a protected class, and would oppose laws that prohibited non-married people from jointly adopting children in state custody. To see the complete Senate District 21 survey follow this link.

 

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Alexander get award for work on student aid

Each year, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) presents awards to the most deserving members of the financial aid profession and higher education community. These awards are reviewed and selected annually by NASFAAs Awards Committee, and ratified by the Board of Directors. They are presented each year at the National Conference, with nearly 3,000 members in attendance. One of the five recipients of this years awards was Senator Lamar Alexander. Below is their statement recognizing Alexander.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN). During his outstanding service as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Senator Alexander has sponsored legislation to support the student aid programs that make it possible for millions of Americans to obtain a post-secondary education. His vision and leadership helped secure passage of the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013, which ensures continued stability in the federal student loan programs. He is spearheading a movement to simplify student aid for students and reduce burden for schools. As former Secretary of Education and a hardworking member of the U.S. Senate from Tennessee since 2002, he is a tireless advocate for low- and middle-income students.

You may recall the contentious debate about student loans.  Democrats wanted to make DIRECT student loans available for one or two more years at a guaranteed rate of 3.4%.  Alexander successfully argued for a market based rate and a longer term solution.  This is one of those rare issues that was successfully resolved in a bipartisan manner. For a link to this story find it hear.

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