Many of those in this standing-room-only crowd that spilled out into a lobby Monday night turned out for an Oak Ridge City Council debate on whether to open an investigation into Police Chief Jim Akagi or, alternatively, reprimand City Council member Trina Baughn for the way she’s publicly handled concerns about the Police Department and its chief. In the end, Council approved a third-party review of ORPD turnover but rejected requests for two other probes.
Note: This story was last updated at 11:45 a.m.
After hearing from two dozen residents and a few former officers, the Oak Ridge City Council on Monday agreed to conduct an independent third-party review of turnover and morale in the Police Department. But members rejected a proposal to investigate the relationship between the police chief and city manager, and they declined to look into possible violations related to an order of protection issued against the police chief in Blount County in 2012 and dismissed in 2013.
The outcome appeared to generally please all sides, even if the process used to get there didn’t. It seemed to be a largely peaceful resolution to two weeks of divisive community debate and intense public scrutiny.
“I think we’ve taken a step in the right direction for addressing the concerns within the Oak Ridge Police Department,†said City Council member Trina Baughn, who first raised the issue publicly in a January 25 email about the turnover rate and other ORPD issues.
“I think it was a fair outcome, and one that came about as a result of the process working the way it was actually supposed to,†said Tasha Blakney, attorney for Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi, the subject of most of the allegations raised during the past two weeks.
The resolution to conduct an independent third-party review of the ORPD turnover was proposed by City Council member Kelly Callison during a five-hour meeting Monday night. It passed 7-0 after being amended to include a study of morale issues and administrative policies.
In two separate 2-5 votes earlier, Council rejected requests by Baughn to investigate the relationship between Akagi and City Manager Mark Watson before the police chief was hired in Oak Ridge in 2011—and to determine whether there were any violations under the order of protection issued in Blount County at the request of Akagi’s ex-wife about three years ago and dismissed two years ago.
Later in the meeting, Oak Ridge City Council member Charlie Hensley withdrew a motion to reprimand Baughn for the way she has publicly handled the concerns about the Police Department.
Blakney declined to discuss some of the allegations and questions raised by Baughn and five former employees of the Oak Ridge Police Department: Chief David Beams, Lieutenant Jack Mansfield, Sergeant Philip Nall, and officers Chris Bayless and Chris Carden. Among the concerns were the chief’s personality and leadership style, his treatment of employees, questions about promotions within the department, and alleged policy violations.
The Council did not directly address those allegations. They could have been considered under Baughn’s original request for an investigation.
“I don’t see any reason to respond to some of the underlying requests,” Blakney said. “Those efforts were voted down. I don’t want to move backward.”
She said Baughn’s requests included some “unfortunate personal attacks.”
Callison said a review of Police Department turnover could “tease out” other issues. The review is expected to be completed within 30 days of a firm being selected. The report will be delivered to City Council and the city manager.
One former officer described it as the best outcome that could be hoped for. But he said he was reserving judgement.
There appears to be at least some discontent in the Police Department, although it’s not clear how widespread that is. Several officers attended the Monday night meeting, although no current officers spoke.
“I think their presence spoke volumes,” Baughn said.
Christen Thomas, wife of a police officer, told Council that officers are afraid to come forward for fear of retaliation.
“Sweeping this under the rug is not the answer,” she said.
Blakney said Akagi welcomes the review of ORPD turnover and morale.
“He welcomes the opportunity to make internal improvements where improvements can be made,” she said.
Blakney said the chief’s leadership has been effective. He’s brought in $1.3 million in grant money, and the crime rate is down, by more than 50 percent in some cases, she said.
That was a theme echoed throughout the night by those who spoke in favor of the chief: The crime rate is down drastically, they said, drug houses aren’t the problems they once were, schools are safer, and the police presence and response times are better.
“He literally has cut the crime rate in half,” resident Chuck Agle said.
“There’s been a huge decrease in crime,” Callison said. “There’s been a huge improvement in policing in our city.”
But others disputed whether the chief deserves sole credit for the lower crime rate. That’s a number that’s down across the country, Nall said. “You can’t attribute that to one person,” he said.
Residents who called for an investigation suggested they were suspicious that “something is wrong” or expressed concern about the order of protection, among other issues.
“We’ve got some dirty linen, and we better wash it,” resident Andy Marathe said.
Voting in favor of Baughn’s request to investigate the relationship between Akagi and Watson were Baughn and City Council member Rick Chinn. All others opposed it.
“We need to be careful about how we present this community,” Chinn said. But, “Just to clear the names, we need to take a look at these issues.”
Christen Thomas, who is married to a police officer, urged the Oak Ridge City Council to not “sweep this under the rug.”
The investigation would have determined any ties between Akagi and Watson in Lawrence, Kansas, and would have asked, essentially, whether the city unnecessarily spent about $25,000 to hire a search firm to find a new police chief, only to have Watson hire a friend.
“This is about the money that was spent,” resident Linda Mabry said.
Watson and Akagi have both denied that they had met previously, and that account was backed up by a city staff member who reportedly introduced the two.
Those critical of Baughn’s request asked how much it was going to cost now to investigate whether the city wasted money earlier. They expressed dismay at her desire to investigate the hiring some four years ago when it included input from residents and a citizens’ committee, as well as City Council support and a public forum.
“I think this resolution is a waste of our time,” Callison said. “I think this is a distraction.”
James T. Akagi
Hensley said there was no suggestion that anything illegal had occurred even if the two men had known each other.
Oak Ridge Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Smith was involved in the search for a new police chief after Beams retired in March 2011.
“This was an extremely public process,” she said. “The suggestion that there was some sort of ‘hanky-panky’…is extremely hard for me to accept given my experience on the front lines. This is an attack on good people.”
“He was the best candidate,” said Joe Lee, who was involved with the citizens’ committee.
Before the new chief was hired, Smith said, the crime rate was a top citizen concern as were drug houses. That’s changed, she said.
“Mr. Akagi has done an exceptional job,” Smith said. “We no longer have the crime issues that we had.”
Voting in favor of the investigation of possible violations related to the order of protection were Baughn and Hope. All other Council members voted “no.”
Tasha Blakney
Two Council members said the police chief was never prohibited from carrying a weapon—Baughn had raised a question about that—and others said any alleged violations would probably be the concern of Blount County authorities, where the order of protection was issued, and not Oak Ridge’s.
Lee called the request for an investigation “disgraceful.”
“This is a witch hunt,” he said.
But a few other residents said they were concerned.
“I don’t want a chief of police who has gone so far as to have an order of protection taken out against him,” said Tracy Stout Powers.
The Oak Ridge City Council on Monday agreed to a third-party review of turnover and morale in the Oak Ridge Police Department but rejected requests for two other probes. A resolution to reprimand Council member Trina Baughn, second from left, was withdrawn.
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Mark Caldwell says
So the two tea partiers on our city council stuck together, go figure.
It would appear that Ms.Baughn is just doing what most tea partiers do, she’s spending additional tax money. It’s not that TPers don’t want to spend tax money, they just want it exclusively spent on themselves.
In the long run, Trina and her TPer followers should continue to talk.
Talk, talk, talk, and talk some more. Eventually, most voters will come to realize what they’re all about – only themselves and no one else.
Linda Wells Mabry says
I’m not sure who you are referring to when you use the term “tea-partiers” Rick Chinn is a strong Republican as is Trina. Please tell us how, exactly is Truna spending money on herself? Money was mentioned twice : in regards to possibly spending $25,000 in a search team unecessarily, and when Trina amended her amendment to allow a less expensive way to investigate into the possible wrong doings of management. Both of these issues seem to me to be about saving taxpayers money. Do explain please.
Mark Caldwell says
Ms. Mabry,
Quoted from the article: “In two separate 2-5 votes earlier, Council rejected requests by Baughn to investigate the relationship between Akagi and City Manager Mark Watson before the police chief was hired in Oak Ridge in 2011—and to determine whether there were any violations under the order of protection issued in Blount County about three years ago and dismissed two years ago”.
The second vote on the losing side was from Mr. Chinn. Now, I’m not a financial expert, but I would imagine that an investigation costs money.
Wouldn’t you?
____________________________________
In regards to classifying these two as “tea partiers,” I found these definitions:
– A conservative populist social and political movement that emerged in 2009 in the United States, generally opposing excessive taxation and government intervention in the private sector while supporting stronger immigration controls. Encyclopedia Britannica
– A disillusioned group of U.S. citizens that blindly oppose whatever legislative and/or government policy they perceive as being leftist, but said legislation/policy is actually in their own best interest, and unknowing puppets of capitalist corporations and their congressional silent partners used to derail any progressive movement in the US government and/or society. Urban Dictionary
Take your pick.
Joseph Lee says
Mr. Caldwell, I’ll pick defininition number two. It is a spot on discription of many of our fine Facebook friends here in Oak Ridge and it fits Baughn to a TEA. Thanks for the info.
Vladsmom says
Also, could you tell your spokeswoman, Mrs. Anderson, that when she is told to sit down, not to stare transfixed at the mayor as if batting her eyes is going to sway him. Those days are in the past.
I didn’t hear you say anything but inane little digs at Ms. Baughn. Careful there, some might get the impression you were harassing or being spiteful towards her.
The city council made their decisions last night, if you are displeased with the outcome, and judging by the whining going on here, I would say you are, then vote differently next time.
Joseph Lee says
Say Tracy, I have always been amused by the folks that gripe and complain about everything and everybody but when the pushback starts they can not take it one little bit.
“Inane little gigs” really? Have you never heard Ms.Baughn speak?
I was very pleased with the outcome last night. We won the day Charlie’s motion went on the agenda. Did you miss the freak show last night?
If you can’t take it then maybe you should think twice before dishing it out. Enjoy.
Matt Bailey says
I’m not sure anyone’s upset with the council’s decision to have an independent investigation…which would have occurred if Baughn had followed the accepted path of behavior. But hey, why start now?
Now what’s funny is you speaking about anyone else’s behavior. Let’s see: You called in sick to work (your words) yet felt compelled to go the council meeting. Wonder what you boss and cohorts had to say about you being sick and leaving them to do the work yet showing up at a council meeting?
Secondly, we’re all quite proud of your presentation and verbiage. What a wonderful message you sent to parents and students alike to use the “A” word while berating the council on their treatment of trina.
All in all, a classic three minutes which will go down in history, I’m sure!
Joseph Lee says
So Tracy, What’s up? Dog got your tougne?
Vladsmom says
There you are, Mr. Lee. You are a little old for the urban dictionary, aren’t you?
Your all’s whining is really getting rather old.
Mark Caldwell says
What are you anyway other than “not a socialist?” Good to hear that you don’t pool your tax money with other residences in OR to have potable water, sanitary sewers, police and fire protection, parks, roads, etc.
And no, I’m not too old. The urban dictionary is right there on the internet along with the Encyclopaedia Britannica and Facebook.
Vladsmom says
I don’t pool my tax money with other residences…blah blah blah… What are you going on about? Lol
No comments regarding the excessive spending by the CM and COP? Odd, the parts of conversations you all choose to elaborate on.
Tracy Stout-Powers
Matt Bailey says
ms. powers: In a completely unrelated topic, might I ask this question, please. Regarding the meeting that some people didn’t know about, you stated that: Tracy Stout Powers :There are way too many emails sent from ORHS that I quit looking at most. You then suggested a better way is to send out notices to people thru their FB accounts.
Seems that both have their limitations. Not everyone takes the paper, not everyone goes to their FB daily or weekly and obviously there must be some like you who don’t read their emails daily.
Now, I could not agree with you more that it’d be great if more information about GOOD things, positive things, etc. could get out. The staff is overloaded with current assignments. I even suggested that perhaps the student body could get involved to publish information about events, games, meetings, etc.
Could you recommend and or perhaps take the initiative to make this happen? This could be a great project and one that could take a lot of work off of the staff. I think including students (and maybe finding a way to get credit, like an internship program) might be an interesting approach. I’ve spoken with Angie Agle about this and if I didn’t travel 14 states from Jan. thru July, I’d try to coordinate this. Your thoughts? Thank you.
Thin_Blue_Line says
Pooling ones taxes to provide the services you stated is called community Mark, not socialism. We choose to live here and participate in doing this. Socialism takes away from one and gives to the others, and it is really a great thing until you run out of money, which always happens, and is not a good thing.
Ignore Mark’s smoke and mirror show.
Mark Caldwell says
Who are you? Why are you so afraid?
Do you know the word “society?”
Why are you even on these boards with a silly name? You could just as well call yourself TPer.
Matt Bailey says
No one wants to keep anything out of the paper. What we would ask is that the “great one” quit denying city employees the right to a fair presentation of her trumped up facts before she runs to the media. This is why she doesn’t follow the accepted route. She knows that most of the time six very intelligent people will look at her “facts” and more often than not they have determined that her stories aren’t worthwhile.
Linda Wells Mabry says
I don’t know of anyone that would be okay with excessive taxation and government control or weaker immigration controls.
And if you think either of the aforementioned council members are disillusioned and follow along blindly then you witnessed a different meeting than I did last night.
Don’t be a sore loser because you and Joe didn’t get your wish with Charlie’s failed attempt at a censor. That little trick revealed to plenty what I have seen all along.
Have a GREAT day!
Mark Caldwell says
You have a great day as well.
Peggy Tiner says
Mr. Caldwell, It seems to me your comment consisted of just what you were complaining about. Talk, talk, talk, and talk about your own ideas. You didn’t add anything worthwhile. It would be good if we could consider local affairs without injecting politics into everything.
Mark Caldwell says
Why yes it would Ms. Tiner.
By the way, my reference to “talk ad nauseam” was a request for Ms. Baughn. The more she and her like-minded talk, the more the rest of us know about them.
Boy, do we know a lot now.
Vladsmom says
Since you do want to interject politics, your socialist spokeswoman, Mrs. Anderson needs to be clued in that we don’t work like that in these United States. Although she is probably the most articulate of your comrades. Or perhaps Mike Mahathy? Angie Agle? Lol
Mark Caldwell says
I don’t know Ms. Anderson. Sorry she said or acted in a way that you became angry. You might want to tell Christen that we also don’t treat a council meeting as if it were a football game.
P.S. I like your use of “comrades.” Especially since you have a son named Vladimir.
Vladsmom says
A son named Vladimir? Aren’t you the smartest one? Try a St. Bernard. It’s a dog. Good grief.
Btw, I don’t bring people’s kids in on these type of conversations. It’s very telling that you do.
Anyhoo, I’m sorry that you didn’t get many cheers for the “sweep it under the rug” cult.
All this sniping back and forth is getting old. Enjoy hurling your insults. 😊
Tracy Stout-Powers.
Mark Caldwell says
Your son is a dog?
Christen Thomas says
Yes Mr. Caldwell you do! In fact many of her supporters were at the meeting last night. You know! The ones cheering and clapping! The majority of the room!
Matt Bailey says
I’m trying to remember how much clapping went on back on election night? Trina got rejected on two of her three requests and the council modified her third request.
Let’s be honest, Oak Ridge is on the verge of some pretty positive announcements if trina doesn’t screw things up by her constant manufacturing of one fake crisis after another.
Barton Bailey says
What bothered me the most about last night’s meeting was not the pointless blather regarding the police department or trying to censure Ms. Baughn. Both of those issues were absolutely ridiculous and should not have even been on the agenda. What was most troubling was how much credence and relevance our elected representatives are giving to comments and concerns on Facebook…freaking Facebook! Because we all know that folks that comment on facebook are the best and brightest. Facebook is the voice of the extremes, it is not the voice of our city. I lost a lot of respect for people that I previously held in fairly high regard.
Vladsmom says
HAT’S what bothered you the most? Lol you do realize, I’m sure, that Charlie Hensley is a very active poster and commenter on FB. And many police officers wives, long-time Y-12 employees, business owners, etc. are also on FB. That is where I got much of my information, from r. Hensley himself. Lol.
Mark Caldwell and Joseph Lee, the most arrogant and ridiculous commenter of the night. Let’s do discuss additional tax money. Chief has gone over his budget by 1.7 MILLION dollars in 13 months. Do you have any idea how many police officers versus how many vehicles we have? Did you know they had their shotguns taken away by the Chief? Did you know he wasted money on pistols and holsters that are not in use??
Let’s discuss the trips abroad the City Manager has taken to Japan, Indonesia and Copenhagen. What EXACTLY did the city get out of those trips? A Japanese restaurant???? He gets paid his salary while on these junkets! According to the ICMA these trips provide a forum for participants to discuss best practices, meet other young leaders in their professions, and develop networks and concrete projects that they can implement upon their return home.
What a crock! And you dare say Trina is spending unnecessarilyYou all have ZERO credibility.”
Philip W Nipper says
And you are supposed to be the credible one with a name like Vladsmom? Refer to rule number 1 in the commenting guidelines please.
Vladsmom says
How’s this? Lol
Tracy Stout-Powers
Mark Caldwell says
Good for you Tracy!
Please keep talking. And writing.
Matt Bailey says
Arrogant …. that’s not the “A” word I hear you use last night. Let’s try the word “profane” and see how that fits?
Now again, you seem ready to jump on the chief before we’ve heard his side. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to work…we hear from BOTH sides first? Or have we tossed that aside and now we listen to trina for our sole source of information?
Trips abroad…ask him? Who knows? BUT, surely you understand the business development doesn’t happen overnight. And of course he should get paid. He’s on city business! Surely you’re not against employee training … especially when it’s so important to city business. Unless of course trina doesn’t like it and you’re on the band wagon.
Christen Thomas says
I rarely comment on news media sites. I will keep this brief. I feel that everyone is entitled to their opinion. We are all equal voters in this community. However, to characterize Mrs.Baughn as selfish is certainly not a fair statement. She has stood up for men and women in a department who are being intimidated and bullied. Policy is not being followed and the administration has free reign to terrorize whom ever they want. The issue of the order of protection and whether or not the Chief and City Manager knew each other previously speaks to the integrity of the Chief. The bottom line is their are laws for a reason. To keep order. If the people that are tasked with upholding those laws are breaking them, then we as a community must take a stand. as a former victim of domestic violence I know that crippling fear of the unknown. What if he gets to me before the police do? What if they don’t believe me? Now put a person in power who is by accounts of his subordinates a bully, and who has done questionable things. Two possibilities come to mind. First she is probably not going to trust him. Second there is the possibility he could sympathize with the aggressor. I’m not willing to take that chance. Are you? Everyone is worried about this being a black eye for the city. How much worse is it going to be if we allow this reign of terror to begin. No one would be expected to be treated this way in the private sector, so why do you expect the men and women of the Oak Ridge Police Department to suffer? Wow! I guess I lied when I said I would be brief!
Mark Caldwell says
There will be an investigation. Chief Akagi welcomed the investigation. I welcome the investigation.
Your opinions regarding “reigns of terror,” “bully,” and “suffering” will be examined. If a law was broken, why hasn’t someone been arrested. The TBI arrests city and county employees (see Anderson County government).
Matt Bailey says
Ms. Thomas, I’d like to ask you to consider below:
1) As Ms. Smith pointed out, yes we are all equal voters…and equal council members. And when Trina circumvents the rules, you get a media circus where people get judged guilty before they are ever afforded an opportunity to present their side (innocent until proven guilty).
2) We don’t have a definitive answer yet on whether anyone’s been intimidated and bullied. What we have are a bunch of accusations which may or may not be true. We won’t know for 30 days.
3) NO one is NOT standing up for the cops.
4) You’re right, policy isn’t being followed. Trina has a policy that everyone else but her follows. That’s not a surprise. Yet, still, we know nothing for sure yet, do we? I certainly don’t.
5) Actually, regarding the integrity of the Chief and the City Manager…well, Trina’s been rebuked by six (6) pretty smart council people on this council, six (6) pretty smart prior council people, and one (1) pretty smart City Manager. No one but Trina seems to have a problem of whether they knew each other or not. I actually called the City Manager today and got his response to this very question. They did not. Surprisingly, NO media member has asked that question. NOR has Ms. Baughn to the city manager, as best I remember our conversation.
6) Bullying subordinates…NO fair investigation has been completed. Yet you seem to be ready to deny the chief his day in court. I’m betting you’d be upset if this was turned on you at your place of employment, huh?
7)You’re right, no one would want to be treated this way in the private sector…so why are YOU treating him this way? Is it just possible that once again, we’ve got a “rush to judgement” which is typical of you know who.
Thank you for your consideration!
Christen Thomas says
I appreciate you being respectful of my opinion as well. My husband is an officer so I have witnessed first hand how the officers are treated. I am certainly not saying he is guilty of what he is accused of in the protective order. I am just concerned that he may have violated this order.
Matt Bailey says
I appreciate that. But the DA in Clinton pretty much said nope. The concern is that the allegation was made before Trina did any investigation. What if I accused your husband of beating me at a traffic stop … and we didn’t wait for the video and his report? Fair? I don’t think so. And it’d be grossly unfair to accuse him in the paper. And THAT’S what she does …. over and over.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
You are so off base in many of your retorts. The CC and OR are moving forward. Can you?
Matt Bailey says
Already did. No problem with what the council adopted last night at all.
Nope, not off base at all. Facts. Rush to judgement. Sad, ain’t it?
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
You are going to be left behind.
Matt Bailey says
by who? trina? she’s old news. got rejected at the november ballot box, got rejected twice last night. I applaud the council’s actions. I’m not worrying about missing the train.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
You are not even at the station! Your views are old…. done. Last night brought an investigation forward and a censure rescinded. Hensley and Smith did not fare so well. Keep waiting for whatever train you think is coming…. Have a nice trip!
Matt Bailey says
ms. powers, I know you can comprehend my words. I accept the investigation as needed. We don’t try people in the media. I haven’t a clue what you do for a living, but you likely would request the same guarantees to a fair trial the ALL city employees should receive. How is that old? And if it is..well, thank you very much. I’ll wear that proudly! Actually, I’m pretty happy with both council people listed above. Remember, they won…trina’s lackies didn’t. And they showed why they won…..reasonable people who don’t mind showing others the right way to behave.
I always try to remember this: If it would embarrass your grandmother, don’t do it. Been too many grandma’s around OR that would be ashamed of some recent behavior.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
This talk of any type of “trial” is ridiculous! My Grandmother would be proud of Trina. BTW… comprehension of words is not the issue. When one tries to belittle the other by being condescending, it makes the condescender look ignorant.
Matt Bailey says
Come on ms. powers…she presents it to the media with her fabricated facts and opinions. Again, I ask you this: Would you want to be treated this way? Or here’s a better question: What if we treated cops and firefighters this way? She already treated teachers this way. Trina doesn’t care who she affects or hurts. She damaged administrators, teachers, and students with her garbage rants last year. She lied.
I don’t know about you, but my grandmother would’ve taken her shoe off and beat over the head with it. I’m not trying to belittle you and I apologize if it came across that way. But it’s called a jury of your peers for a reason. And the Knoxville News Sentinel ain’t a jury of anyone’s peers. Nor is WATE.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
The truth will come out with the investigation. Too many issues were raised not to garner further investigation.Just a thought, why have the schools added SRO’s? I doubt that things would have come to this if transparency (yes, that phrase is volleyed around now… yet a good phrase, at that) were evident. Trina is working for the good and betterment of this city. Leave the jury talk aside, it’s nonproductive, and in my opinion, silly. No one would put himself/herself in this kind of position, as Trina has, for what, “fun”/ personal gain?! Once again, my Grandmother would be proud of Trina….. just as I am. Good night.
Matt Bailey says
You understand that all the school work was in the works for quite some time, correct?
You are right, the truth will indeed likely come out. But who knows what the truth is yet? Do you? Trina obviously thinks she does. She’s presented it as “the chief is guilty and I’m telling you all you need to know”. And that’s why she’s so despised in our community. It’s her way or the highway. Thus the jury analogy. And it’s not silly, it’s a sickness. It’s a pathetic need and desire for recognition. And the voters rejected it in November. Had she followed the recognized path with council, we’d be where we are today with 10% of the teeth gnashing. But that wouldn’t satisfy her need for attention.
Heck, look at all the money WATE would save by driving out to Oak Ridge everytime she burps. Look at it as a way to save the earth….less gas consumption by them!!
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Investigations are done to discover the truth as best we can. I honestly don’t know what you are alluding to in the November elections. Please clarify.
Peggy Tiner says
Matt, she may be despised in YOUR community, but not in mine. People I know like to be informed of what is going on in our town. My community knows that generally, the OR city council likes to play things close to the board, so citizens don’t know what is happening until it is underway. Do you remember that building project on top of Pine Ridge?
Matt Bailey says
Peggy, good evening. No ma’m, I don’t. But it seems like that was a long, long time ago. And I’m not sure I would remember anything clearly from then. But I do believe that the council has likely turned over several times and likely contains few of the same members. But who knows?
Despised? Yes. But why, you might ask. Because she “demands” her own version of transparency. She doesn’t want to be transparent, she has lied about the schools, and she lied by omission re: Miss Payne. By not revealing the truth, she lied.
Now, in this situation, here’s what I believe: There’s a pre-determined path to express your concerns. She failed to ask that this be put on the agenda. She instead went to the press. Protocol demands you put it on the agenda first, I’ve been told. But that wouldn’t get her the attention she craves. And from talking to council members, this isn’t the first time she’s tried to discuss things that weren’t on the agenda. These are my beliefs and I believe I’ve researched them thoroughly. At least I hope so.
I understand that council must follow Roberts Rules of Order and council members have discussed trina’s failure to do so.
Lastly, she’s laid the chief out to dry. Yet she didn’t want the citizens of OR to judge Miss Payne IN THE VERY MANNER SHE AND HER CROWD have judged the chief. Neither got a chance to address the situation before the press wrote about it. EXCEPT that Payne and Baughn had 90 days prior to the media revelation to come forward with the potential problem.
Do I believe a review should be done? Absolutely. Did she do it in a respectful manner? Absolutely NOT. Again, she loved the chief when he was giving her information. Now, she doesn’t. I believe she uses people and kicks ’em aside (Andrew Howe). I believe we should have an open government. I don’t like at all that the schools and the council have failed to address and dispute things that trina has alleged. Because when they don’t, citizens believe her baloney. I don’t think that the council has been secretive. And, I believe, that Mark Watson must be tired of trina’s show and I can understand why no one can stand working with her. Again, she makes a lousy teammate. And yes, quite publicly, I will say that I’m somewhat disappointed in Mr. Chinn’s reactions in the council meeting. I doubt he circumvents proper procedure in his company but he turned a blind eye to trina’s “going around the council and going to the media” last week. I understand his desire not to make her worse. And it’s wrong. Sorry for the long answer. Have a good evening and stay warm!
Mike Mahathy says
Oak Ridge would be better financially today had that building project, Target, been approved! “Close to the board” really? Citizens voted on it. Pretty open process.
Mike Mahathy says
Matt: Is accusing private citizens as was done here: http://trinabaughn.com/2014/09/22/injunction-request-against-the-oak-ridge-chamber-of-commerce/ belittling?
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Are you asking me or Matt?
Mike Mahathy says
Whoever wants to answer?
Mike Mahathy says
I certainly hope all the negative news, which continued today on the Hallerin Hilton Hill show, does not derail the mall redevelopment.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Let’s stay grounded here, Mike! How many people have even ever heard of this show no less tune in? I would think that when shopping and asked for your zip code, answering 37830 would give a much better picture of potential logistics/ profitability.
Matt Bailey says
I think he might be referring to Parker Hardy’s comments…when people start looking on places to relocate their business or their home, they research the area. Researching recent activity in oak Ridge may not be leading to stellar results. There are plenty of rumors that community leaders are working on some exciting things. That’s what all residents have been hoping for.
So, bluntly put, here’s the problem: Trina, and much more importantly, Oak Ridge residents get the same results of an obviously needed review of the Police Chief. But as always, she refuses to follow the procedures in place. She goes to the media. I’ll ask again, Jeanne: IF this were YOU, would you want to be maligned in the media before any review is taken? Likely not. If I accuse you of beating your kids and run to the paper and they print it, is that fair?
That’s what she does. NOW, you have people calling for resignations and firing people and they’ve not even been heard from. Doesn’t it surprise you that NO media outlet has called the City Manager for an interview? Wonder why?
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
I would most likely speak with the powers that be and it would not ever come to a public forum, Matt. But that is in my small world. we are talking citywide for over 27,000 residents.Trina has tried the appropriate routes over and over as you know. She has hit the preverbal “wall” on most attempts. When pushed to that “wall”, last resorts are taken (media contact)… and I admire the strength and guts it took to do and pursue that. No resignations have been officially called for. An investigation has been called for. The city manager is not exactly an impartial person in all of this,no? Have a good night. Perhaps Mike will respond eventually … in his own words rather than calling you out.
Matt Bailey says
It’s late and the Vols are on t.v. There was no “wall” about the schools. The arrival of the new supt. was an opportunity to revisit her concerns. She chose to go to the media. That was rude, disrespectful, and wrong.
The new council was an opportunity to open discussion. She again chose to go to the media once again. That was wrong, also.
You may not like the Chief, but even he would recognize that this is her M.O. Try to set the ground rules before anyone else has a chance to work with her.
I’ve played sports for 55 years. trina would make a horrible teammate.
So, have a good evening. I need to help the Vols beat Vandy on tv.
Mike Mahathy says
There was no “wall” when Trina went straight to the media about a “culture of terror” in the schools, an allegation that has never been backed up. Let’s assume there had been, wouldn’t it be better to meet with school officials rather than go to the local newspapers?
Mike Mahathy says
Pethaps Trina didn’t get the message Monday night about working together.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Perhaps you need to move on and let your election loss go. Trina is working for ALL of us. Try to see the BIG picture in all of this. It’s about OR!
Matt Bailey says
Really? You want to go there. I’ve seen a lot of whining when trina’s hand picked trio lost. Remember all those comments about how mean it was that a certain candidate’s background was exposed? And that that exposure had led to her loss? Certainly it was NEVER the candidate who was responsible for her loss…or her campaign manager. Heck, some people even bought in to the idea that some PAC advertising led to certain candidates winning. I always gave Oak Ridgers enough credit for being smart enough to make their own decisions. I don’t think trina believes we’re smart enough to think for ourselves….thus, she wants the community to blindly follow her.
The big picture is this…Many people, Mike included, are working FOR children and students, new jobs and new businesses. trina goes on the radio to defend HERSELF and explain just how great she is. She actually wasted the time to drive to Knoxville to be on the radio this morning. As if it matters what a bunch of people in Knoxville think about the workings of Oak Ridge. That station hardly carries to Oak Ridge!! Nope, she just wants the attention.
Joseph Lee says
Ms. Powers, Ms. Baughn is not “working for all of us”. That is a lie and you know it. Did Trina teach you how to flip the truth on it’s head or were you a liar before she blessed us with her “service” to OR? Please do try to see the big picture. The businesses that never come here, the families that never move here and the individuals that never submitt their resume for consideration to fill future city staff openings will never be heard from because they do not want to be bothered with a community where drama and chaos are the order of the day. The media circus that you and yours seem to relish in so much is not doing anything to promote our city. In point of fact it is damaging Oak Ridge in ways that you are unwilling to admit and can not be seen. Just because you never meet the folks that never come here does not mean they have not heard about you and your band of gypsies. Please don’t lie to us by saying “it’s about OR!” It’s all about Trina and her lies and you know it. If you don’t, you should. Thank you.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Trina’s work is what makes me believe I didn’t make a mistake buying here 11 years ago. I have not thought we made a decent choice in quite a while. Your comments venture towards being ridiculous and I won’t waste my time acknowledging them with a rebuttal. You seem to be a very angry and bitter man.
Matt Bailey says
Out of 24,000 people, trina baughn validates your existence in Oak Ridge, Tn. I’m sorry, that just sounds so very bizarre. smh.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Her work has shown the possibility that OR can move forward and progress while asking the tough questions. If you need to be so literal and obvious in order to promote your agenda, look elsewhere for someone to respond to you to give you a floor from which to speak. So take this response as a “freebie”! Go for it….!
Matt Bailey says
my agenda is to stop trina from prohibiting people from getting a fair trial. Whether they’re at fault or not is up to someone else. In her most recent rants, Mr. Hensley is dead on correct…she’s determined the chief and the city manager are guilty as heck. But a year ago, she loved the chief to death. Doesn’t that reek of strangeness?
she claims she’s speaking out for cops…which is always a noble and popular position. And NO one is NOT speaking out for them. But she’s already determined the chief’s guilty and some of her supporters are demanding he resign. That’s pure stupidity. Innocent until proven …. Yet another obvious lack of transparency on her part. All the while claiming she’s fighting for it. Really, if you don’t see the craziness in this, I’m just lost. This city was moving forward long before she came here, we’ll continue to move once she’s defeated. Saviors don’t come along very often. She ain’t one.
Joseph Lee says
Amen!
Mike Mahathy says
I got over my election loss on election night. I ran a good campaigned and worked hard. I have nothing to feel bad about. My campaigned kept a candidate from office that had vowed to not ask for more funding. Maybe others are the ones that need to get over their election losses.
Matt Bailey says
You’re not going to change her behavior. She has been caught lying multiple times and didn’t care.
Six good, decent, caring people offered her their hand to help, hoping she’d learn to work together. She slapped them all in the face today. She apparently has some deep need for attention. She’s convinced her 30 followers that everyone else is wrong and that she is the light leading us out of the darkness. Her followers have already convicted people who haven’t had an opportunity to defend themselves. 18 months can’t come soon enough.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
We were at the same meeting and have totally different takes on it. That happens. We don’t agree, but such is life.
Mark Caldwell says
My oh my. So saying tea partier, tea party, and the tea party movement is a slur? I did not know that.
Vladsmom says
Something I have yet to figure out is this. What is your biggest problem with these issues? The way things were handled? What are you all so afraid of? Something may actually show up in the investigation? It is glaringly apparent that you all are willing to go along with your heads stuck in the sand? And because we aren’t, we are the enemy? Have you ever asked yourself where this world would be if everyone were mindless drones with no capacity or desire to question authority or the status quo? You would be sitting in a cave with no fire, surrounded by trees, freezing to death not even realizing you could change your circumstances by simply trying something new. Tragic.
Tracy Stout-Powers
Matt Bailey says
Surely you understand the “right way and wrong way” phrase. There’s no problem with an investigation…when it’s not a witch hunt. One more time for old time’s sake: Trina tried to create a witch hunt regarding the schools. She lied. Even she basically admitted it by saying “let it go”. Those are the words of a liar trying to get out of a lie. Otherwise, after being challenged 20 times, she’d have produced ONE name. Trina wants to play by her rules. She was rejected at the ballot box in November. That’s really all you gotta know, isn’t it? She’s been rejected by voters, council members, etc.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
You are very mistaken. The outcome of last night’s meetings verifies that. The CC and the city are moving forward. Can you?
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
This meeting was an excellent example of how a group of elected officials, despite disagreements (to put it mildly), can agree to a plan, to move on, and to move forward. Today is a new day… OR is moving forward. By planning for the future while trying to ensure they don’t continue or repeat mistakes of the past, OR is positioning itself for success.
Mark Caldwell says
I believe that as well Jeanne! Kudos for the city council…all seven of them.
Thin_Blue_Line says
Mark Caldwell, you are a typical leftist/socialist/progressive…always throwing out names like bigot, racist, homophobe, islamophobe, etc as a way to get off the issue you can’t defend and send people into the defense mode to throw off your name calling….everyone just ignore him, don’t fall for this stupid leftist maneuver.
Mark Caldwell says
Dear whatever your real name is,
Please show me where I called anybody names, well except for tea partiers. I swear I thought you people called yourselves that. You certainly should be banned from this site.
P.S Why are you so angry?
Joseph Lee says
Facebook must be down today.
Philip W Nipper says
The circus must be in town as well.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
How would you know? Oh, that’s right. It’s too much for you!
Joseph Lee says
Too much for me, really? Do you mean like Trina with facts and truth? Feel free to go as low as you want. In case you haven’t noticed pushback is in full go mode. Ms.Baughn’s get out of telling a lie free card was stamped as void last night. So, if you folks want to jump on me for being of the opinion that Trina is a disgrace to this community and the office she holds, then bring it. I’m not going anywhere. I like my hometown and I think I’ll stay. Thank you.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
No, I don’t mean that! I mean that Facebook is too fast for you! Wasn’t that your silly comment? You need time to rehash and rehearse your comment that FB doesn’t wait for! I guess you missed that I was responding to your FB (Facebook) comment. Have I said that enough times for you to get? Stick to this medium , it suits your needs/goals better. As for me…. thanks for volley!
Joseph Lee says
I hope you enjoyed the meeting last night as much as I did.
What a hoot. Thank you.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
From your need to speak up at same meeting after the fact (i.e. “all said and done”) and from your demeanor throughout the night, I didn’t read it as you “enjoyed” it. But it that’s what makes you happy, enjoy. Saving face is something some need to attempt to do. There seems to be much “enjoyment” in store for you in the future. Heading off to FB (Facebook)….
Matt Bailey says
Final question of the day, please. I will assume that the investigator will interview whoever desires to interview with him (her). The ex-chief has written a letter and apparently has spoken with multiple people. But this is the way he started his letter:
“I retired almost four years ago and have not been involved closely with the department since.”
But immediately after that, he wrote: “I have received countless reports” …
So, three things:
1) Did he have an ethical responsibility to speak with the current chief about what he was hearing?
2) Can you believe what he says or writes based on his statement above? He states he hasn’t been closely involved. Yet, he’s received countless reports ……..
3) How do you believe him, based on this contradiction?
Thoughts?
Mark Caldwell says
When did Facebook become a venue for adults? That’s right, the kids left it a long time ago.
Who says our children aren’t smart.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Guess you missed the memo! Have a great day!
Joseph Lee says
It has been noted below by Ms. Powers that after Monday’s meeting Oak Ridge is moving forward and it’s a new day. Well I agree, it is a new day and it’s Groundhog Day. Ms.Baughn was on the HHH talk radio show this morning.
johnhuotari says
Hello all,
Thank you for reading Oak Ridge Today and participating in the discussion.
We’ve had some people post here under pseudonyms or try to post under pseudonyms. I’d like to remind you, or let you know in case you didn’t already, that we do require the use of real, full names in our comment section. We do remove comments that are posted under pseudonyms. If you posted here under a pseudonym, you are welcome to repost under your real name. Otherwise, your comment may be removed.
We may leave the few comments posted by Tracy Stout-Powers under Vladsmom since she included her real name in the body of her text. But for the sake of consistency, we don’t plan to allow any more comments posted under a pseudonym, even if a real name is used in the text.
We hope you understand. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
John
Levi D. Smith says
It would be nice if real names were required to upvote comments as well. I’ve noticed some comments with multiple “guest” votes. Someone can easily upvote their post multiple times as “guest” using different systems.
Joseph Lee says
Ms. Powers has apologized to Cheif Akagi.
Now it’s Ms. Baughn’s turn to do likewise.