An enjoyable evening at the TNGOP Statemen's Dinner where VP MIke Pence was the keynote speaker.

I had an enjoyable evening at the Tennessee Republican Party's Statesman's Dinner last night.  Luckily people arrived early enough and arrival times were staggered enough so there was no problem getting through security to get into the event.  I arrived about 5PM for the event which started at 6:30.  I enjoyed mingling and talking to other Republicans and people I had not seen in a while, while enjoying an overpriced $10 class of wine. I saw Diane Black and chatted with her and I saw Beth Harwell.  I don't if the other candidates for governor were there but their people had a presence handing out campaign stickers.

Connie Hunter and Rod Williams enjoying something funny.

The event started on time and Governor Bill Haslam made introductory remarks, touting the success of his administration, and he introduced Vice President Mike Pence.  He explained how he had gotten to know Mike Pence when Pence was governor of Indiana and spoke of their friendship and the respect he had for the man.

In Vice Presidents Pence's speech he spoke of the successes of the Trump presidency including the appointment of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, the approval of the Keystone pipeline, the roll back of numerous regulations, starting the process of building up the military, and getting out of the Paris climate accord. He said their were more achievements coming, including adequate funding for the military, rebuilding our alliances, securing the border, and tax reform.  He said repeal and replacement of Obamacare would happen yet. The Tennessean gives a good report of the speech and the event which  you can read at this link and this link. The Tennessean also post 54 pictures from the event.

I enjoyed being at the table with Martha Brown, Melissa
Smithson, Connie Hunter and John Wang and his wife and family.

The Tennessean reports that some illegal aliens were outside the convention center protesting Turmp's immigration policy, but until reading in the paper this morning, I did not know of any protest.  I don't think anyone attending the event was aware of the protestors.

The meal was just OK.  Of course that is not why you pay $250 to attend an event like this. The meal is never anything great at these type events.  I think it is hard to prepare a great meals for 2,000 people.

Unfortunately, I had to leave the event early to relieve my invalid wife's sitter and missed the performance by Ricky Scaggs.

This is a "Thank you" email I received today from the TNGOP.

Good Afternoon,

Last night's Statesmen's Dinner was definately one to remember. We at the Tennessee Republican Party want to personally thank all 2,000 people that came out and made the night a success. 

We would also like to say congratulations again to all of the award recipiants last night:

Howard Baker Award - Governor Winfield Dunn

Statesman of the Year Awards:

• 1st District - Roger Greene
• 2nd District - Pete DeBusk
• 3rd District - Tony Sanders
• 4th District - Scottie Poarch
• 5th District - Mayor Bob Rial
• 6th District - John Roberts
• 7th District - Peggy Daniel
• 8th District - Shannon Haynes
• 9th District - Barbara Thornton

With the help of all of our donors, volunteers and activists, we are getting ready to elect Republicans across the state next fall! 

When we have supporters like you, together, the Republican Party in Tennessee will continue growing and building on the sweeping victories of 2016. Together We will continue moving Tennessee forward!

Thank you for all you do,

Tennessee Republican Party

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GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bill Lee taps Chris Devaney, former TNGOP Chairman, as campaign manager

GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bill Lee taps Chris Devaney of Lookout Mountain as campaign manager

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Al Gore's Nashville Home Uses 21x More Energy Than Average US Household

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What Vice President Mike Pence's Nashville visit means for the Tennessee Republican Party

What Vice President Mike Pence's Nashville visit means for the Tennessee Republican Party

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U.S. Rep. Diane Black to run for Tennessee governor. Video announcement.

PBS NewsHour: Republican U.S. Rep. Diane Black to run for Tennessee governor.
The Tennessean: Diane Black enters race for governor of Tennessee.

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What happened at the Aug 1 Council meeting? Nothing of significance. Bill to ban decorative rope lighting withdrawn.

If you are going to watch the meeting, you would benefit from a program.  To access the agenda, staff analysis and my commentary on the agenda, follow this link. Below are the meeting highlights.

Bills on Public Hearing.

BILL NO. BL2017-704 would ban rope lighting on a property that adjoins an arterial and collector street everywhere in Davidson County except in the core of downtown Nashville.  This is withdrawn.

BILL NO. BL2017-798 is a rezoning bill in Councilman Syracuse's district. It changes the zoning on a piece of property from RS20 to SP zoning to  to permit an accessory hair salon. It is disapproved by the Planning Commission and that is the only reason I am pointing out this bill.  About a dozen people, neighbors and clients speak in favor. About the same number speak against . One of those speaking against is John Stern, head of the Neighborhood Alliance. Another is neighborhood activist and former Council member John Summers. Councilman Syracurse moves to approve the bill but ask the Council to vote "no."  That is unusual.  It the sponsor opposes it, he should have refused to sponsor it, in my opinion or should have withdrawn it.  He says it is an inappropriate use of SP and agrees with the Planning Commissions disapproval. It fails on a roll call machine vote of  none in favor, 34 "no"s, and two abstentions. 

BILL NO. BL2017-826  in Councilman's Scott's district is a disapproved bill. No one speaks on either side. It passes.

Resolutions

RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-812 is a proposal to make an application for an HIV and STD Prevention in Youth Grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials to provide funding to develop an implementation plan to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted diseases in youth using Centers for Disease Control school based approaches in collaboration with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. At the request of the Committee it is deferred indefinitely. Why, I don't know. 

Bills on Second Reading:

BILL NO. BL2017-687 establishes a process and procedure for naming public buildings, structures and spaces of the Metropolitan Government.  I like this.  I think usually you should have to be dead before you get something named after you. This was deferred from May 2nd and again deferred July 6th at the request of the sponsor to this meeting. It is deferred indefinitely, which means it is killed. The sponsor says he is working with the Historical Commission on this topic and will introduce a new bill that addressees this issue.

BILL NO. BL2017-829  would require the Department of Public Works to replace, at no cost to the homeowner, government-supplied waste containers that are stolen, lost, or damaged beyond repair. Currently if someone runs over your waste container at the back of your house on the alley, or if someone steels it, the homeowner has to pay to replace it. I do not think that is fair. I support this bill. It is deferred one meeting.

Bills on Third Reading: The only one of interest is BILL NO. BL2017-719  which is only important because it is a bill disapproved by the Planning Commission.  It changes from R6 to SP zoning on property located at 2407 Brasher Avenue to allow a recording studio. The sponsor points out that this recording studio has been there for 25 years. The bill is deferred to the first meeting in September. It will take 27 votes to pass.  

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Condolences to Mayor Barry and Bruce Barry on the loss of their son.

Heartfelt condolences to Mayor Barry and her husband Bruce Barry on the sudden death of their 22 year old son who died of an apparent drug overdose. For more on this tragic story see this link and this.

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Saturday, August 5th: Tennessee Republican Assembly Hosts FreedomWorks Breakfast "Axes2Taxes" Tour with Stephen Moore

8:30am - Noon: All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet 8:30-10am, 
Meeting begins at 10am. 

Location: Dairy King, 306 East Thompson Lane, Nashville 

Stephen Moore, Trump's Economic Advisor and FOX News Contributor, will provide an update on the upcoming battle for Tax Reform in Washington and give insight on how to simplify the tax code.

Andy Puzder, former chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants (parent company of Hardee's and Carl's Jr.), and President Trump's initial nominee for Labor Secretary, before withdrawing, will also be making remarks.

For more information follow this link.

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Saturday, August 5th at 8am: Bellevue Republican Breakfast Club

Sheriff Daron Hall

River Art Studio, 8329 Sawyer Brown Road (two doors down from Plantation Pub, on the corner of Sawyer Brown & Todd Pries).

Guest speaker will be Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall. Sheriff Hall was instrumental in stopping Nashville from becoming a sanctuary city. No doubt this will be an issue addressed by the sheriff. Following his presentation will be a period of Q and A.

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