Daily Dose for March 26, 2007

Blogger Day on the Hill

Blogger Day on the HIll -- Blogger Day on the Hill begins tonight, with several Tennessee bloggers converging on the state Capitol. The 'day' continues tomorrow, when most of legislative action will take place - as the first event today is not until 4:00. The Nashville City Paper, meanwhile, reports on why bloggers may be asking legislators about inconsequential legislation because all the bills of consequence are passed towards the end, rather the middle, of the legislative session.

Bill Dunn Can't Beat the Gov's Plane for CoverTN Presentation -- State Rep. Bill Dunn answers why he was not present when Governor Phil Bredesen presented the CoverTN program in the heart of his north Knoxville district in this week's Halls News - "I was late because I had to meet with the Governor in his offi ce after session. He was running behind on his appointments which led to a delay in my departing. He got there on time because his plane travels faster than my Ford if you can believe that."

CA Begins Systematic Examination of Corruption in Memphis -- The Memphis Commercial Appeal began a series this weekend on corruption in Memphis politics. Today's article asks the question if corruption is inevitable. Here's Sunday's article and here and today's about corrupt cops. Meanwhile, in Memphis, Shelby Co. Mayor A.C. Wharton says that the newly formed committee to revamp Memphis' ethics policy should be headed by ex-judges.

Controversy Brewing on Native American License Plates -- When State Rep. Gerald McCormick sponsored a bill to create a specialty license plate benefitting Native American charities, he didn't expect it be controversal. But now Tom Kunesh, a commissioner with the Tennessee Indian Affairs Commission, says his group, which is supposed to review all legislation affecting Native Americans in Tennessee, never got the chance to. Now there is no agreement among the Native American community as to which charities proceeds from the plate sales will go. So Rep. McCormick has amended the bill to give the money to a senior citizens group instead. More here

Creel Files Federal Lawsuit Over Election Leak -- Bradley Co. man Ralph Jason Creel II, is suing city of Cleveland, Police Chief Wes Snyder Jr., Assistant Chief Gary Hicks, Constable Johnny Dewayne Hicks and numerous "John Does" in federal court because he says a court ordered expuging of his previous arrest record never happened. Creel was challenging Johnny Hicks for a local elected position, who Creel says went to the police department and got Creel's arrest information, which he then distributed to the media and public, causing Creel to lose the election.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |