My vision for Oak Ridge is that in ten years Oak Ridge will be the recreation destination for East Tennessee. We already bring in people from across the county for different events (rowing, shooting competitions, Secret City Festival, etc.) We need to have these people come back to Oak Ridge because they found it to be a great place to spend their free time. So how do we do this?
1. Develop our waterfront. We need to showcase our greatest resource. The R&R plan is a good one, and with modifications, can start us on the right path. The main thing we need is a boathouse/community center on the water.
2. Move the Convention and Visitor's Center to the new facility. Change the emphasis of the Visitor's Center from merely touting the Secret City Festival, to advertising all the fun things to do in Oak Ridge. The SC Festival is just a part of that.
3. Take someone from the Parks and recreation Department and make them the Activities Director, responsible to coordinate and support all the activities that occur in Oak Ridge that can draw people here.
4. Advertise Oak Ridge in a variety of publications and websites as "The Place" to go to have fun.
5. Have city representation at various events, like regattas and races, to welcome the participants to our city and to invite them back.
6. Provide information packets to visitors at events, telling them what to do, where to go, where to eat while in Oak Ridge.
We can and should achieve this vision. It will bring new families to Oak Ridge to live, bring new businesses, increase sales revenues, and reduce property taxes.
About Me
How you can help
Campaign Platform
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Democracy for East Tennessee Rally
I attended the DFET rally for city council candidates on April 16. I had to go directly from a middle school soccer match and was very much under dressed. In fact I still had paint on my hands from painting the lines on the field. Nonetheless, I felt welcomed at the event and appreciate the opportunity to express my views.
Most everyone was cordial and asked great questions. One fellow, however, played what I call "stump the chump." He asked me if I knew anything about the Industrial Development Board and abatements. I told him that I did not know as much as I needed to know. That was all he wanted or needed to know. Instead of taking the time to educate me, he moved off without another question. I asked him if he had any more questions and his reply was"No, that's all I need to know." Talk about missing the opportunity to educate a candidate. I will be the first to admit that I do not know everything about Oak Ridge. I am, however, a fast learner so I educated myself about the IDB.
What- Oak Ridge IDB. The Industrial Development Board is the catalyst for shaping the City of Oak Ridge's economy. With economic, social, and technical change calling for flexibility and adaptation, IDB has equipped itself to be a driving force for a thriving city, aggressively establishing an array of business assistance programs which serve as a vehicle for job creation, retention, and new investment. The Board of Directors consists of nine members appointed by
the City Council for six-year overlapping terms, three members being elected every two years.
The City of Oak Ridge has established property tax incentive policies and procedures for use by the Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board in evaluating economic incentives for qualifying industries desiring to locate within the City.
So, even an old dog can learn something new. I encourage Oak Ridge citizens to educate all city council candidates when they do not know the answer to your question or issue. This is your chance to have your voice heard.
Most everyone was cordial and asked great questions. One fellow, however, played what I call "stump the chump." He asked me if I knew anything about the Industrial Development Board and abatements. I told him that I did not know as much as I needed to know. That was all he wanted or needed to know. Instead of taking the time to educate me, he moved off without another question. I asked him if he had any more questions and his reply was"No, that's all I need to know." Talk about missing the opportunity to educate a candidate. I will be the first to admit that I do not know everything about Oak Ridge. I am, however, a fast learner so I educated myself about the IDB.
What- Oak Ridge IDB. The Industrial Development Board is the catalyst for shaping the City of Oak Ridge's economy. With economic, social, and technical change calling for flexibility and adaptation, IDB has equipped itself to be a driving force for a thriving city, aggressively establishing an array of business assistance programs which serve as a vehicle for job creation, retention, and new investment. The Board of Directors consists of nine members appointed by
the City Council for six-year overlapping terms, three members being elected every two years.
The City of Oak Ridge has established property tax incentive policies and procedures for use by the Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board in evaluating economic incentives for qualifying industries desiring to locate within the City.
So, even an old dog can learn something new. I encourage Oak Ridge citizens to educate all city council candidates when they do not know the answer to your question or issue. This is your chance to have your voice heard.
Friday, March 13, 2009
More Inspiration
Watch the video of the Presidential inaugural address . It is possibly the best and most inspiring speech of modern times. Many people criticized it but it is a solution to our problems. Watch it with an open mind. I think you will be surprised. It is long but well worth the time spent watching it.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Inspiration
It is easy during toubled times that we can get down and only see the dark clouds on the horizon. Then something so inspirational comes along that brightens the day and makes life seem pretty darn good. I challenge anyone to watch this video and not be inspired. It is long, and is not about Oak Ridge, but we can all draw lessons from it.
Walk On
Walk On
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I Want Your Input
I will not pretend that I know all the answers-- I certainly do not. Therefore, I am asking for citizen input on a variety of issues. Everyone can comment to any of the posts I make. This post is a good way to make general comments. I will add more specific topics as I develop my platform. I thank you ahead for your interest in making Oak Ridge a better place to live.
BTW, all comments will be moderated to make sure that this site remains family friendly.
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