Pictured above from left to right are Jim Dodson, Joe Lee, and Hans Vogel.
The Progress PAC political action committee has endorsed Jim Dodson, Joe Lee, and Hans Vogel for Oak Ridge City Council in the November 8 election.
The endorsements were announced Wednesday.
“From a crowded field of seven outstanding city council candidates, these three most clearly met the committee’s criteria, which includes support of the mission, vision, and legislative priorities of the Oak Ridge Chamber and a willingness to work closely with the Oak Ridge Board of Education,†Progress PAC Chairman Stephen Whitson said in a press release.
Established two years ago by the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the PAC operates autonomously from the Chamber’s Board.
“Our city has an extraordinarily well qualified group of candidates to choose from and our committee is very appreciative to those who participated in our process and the willingness of every candidate to serve the community,†Whitson said.
Progress PAC only supports candidates who submitted written answers to committee questionnaires and who later participated in interview discussions with PAC members. Nine out of 10 candidates for the Oak Ridge Board of Education and the Oak Ridge City Council went through that process, Whitson said. The PAC previously announced support for incumbent school board candidates Keys Fillauer and Angi Agle.
John Smith, Progress PAC treasurer, said that the committee will not collaborate with any candidate’s campaign and will not financially contribute to any candidate’s committee.
“Our support is made in the form of independent advertising expenditures,†Smith said. “They are made possible by personal and corporate financial contributions made directly to the PAC, which is still accepting donations.â€
He added that, as in past endorsements, the committee did not share its decision with candidates.
“But all nine candidates who went through PAC interviews asked for our support,†Smith said.
In addition to Whitson and Smith, Progress PAC members are Mike Belbeck, Chris Johnson, and Stacy Myers. All committee members are Oak Ridge residents.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Matt Bailey says
You have to be impressed by Mr. Vogel’s preparation and presentation. I look forward to seeing how well he interacts with DOE to achieve a variety of results we’ve needed for years. His professionalism is evident.
Joe Lee is fiercely loyal to his hometown. We have weathered the storm of negativity that has smothered council for years. It’s time to promote the positive aspects of Oak Ridge and Joe has been a huge part of making Oak Ridge a better place. We haven’t had this much good news about Oak Ridge in a long time and we hopefully will seize these opportunities. I can’t imagine anyone better prepared than Joe Lee to bridge our past with our future. If you’re going to serve on council here, you must have a feel for what makes Oak Ridge a special place and what our possibilities are – and make sure that they are accomplished in a cost effective manner. His background assures that. He’s a true asset to our schools as his comments have shown. He understands the difficulties in working with DOE to bring them to the table to fulfill their commitments to our community. We’ve been stagnant too long. It’s time for some fresh air and a “get it done” attitude. Best of luck to both men.
Sam Hopwood says
Lyin’ Joe will be swept aside by Chuck Hope, Jim Dodson and Hans Vogel. Remember, neither Chuck Hope nor Rick Chinn were endorsed by the C of C political machine and both are top vote receivers. Both have done much for Oak Ridge and the voters recognize that. Just my view.
Mark Caldwell says
I guess one could say “Lyin’ Sam Hopwood” just as easily, but I’ll not stoop that low.
Sam Hopwood says
Oh my, I’ve upset you by pointing out that Lyin’ Joe Lee stood before city council and denied that he threatened to put a certain council member “six feet under” as reported by Bob Fowler in the KNS at the time it occurred. Google it and read it yourself. But then, you already knew this.
Mark Caldwell says
I am familiar with the story and the results. But let me know if anybody calls you “Lyin’ Sam Hopwood.” That just wouldn’t be polite.
Matt Bailey says
Ole Sam’s favorite phrase “oh my, I’ve upset you”….Let’s see, your source is Bob Fowler huh? Now there’s a source we can ALL believe in. Frankly, I doubt Bob heard it because it would’ve required him to get out of his pajamas and do some work. You’ll remember Bob, the man who took said council member at her word each and every time, only to find out that much of her comments were factually incorrect, aka lies. BUT, those days are gone. Bob retired, council member has vanished and isn’t even showing up to fulfill her final obligations. Ahhh…the dark days are gone. Enjoy the fresh air !!
sam hopwood says
You are in complete denial just as usual. No surprise there.
Matt Bailey says
Denial of what? Bob retired – he did. Council member misses multiple meetings – undeniable. Bob Fowler lazy? Without a doubt. Better days ahead – unquestionable. Did he say it – who knows? Here’s the question though, for you: Has Mr. Lee been involved in OR projects to make our city better? Yep. So, about that denial stuff ….
Mark Caldwell says
Progress PAC and I are of like minds. I voted today, and I feel fine!
Levi D. Smith says
If I remember correctly, “Progress PAC” endorses liberal leaning candidates, so I usually vote against whomever they endorse. I will be supporting Garland for city council since she supports our second amendment right to bear arms.
It’s not a coincidence that you always see Joe Lee signs next to Hillary and Shekari (Democrat) signs. If he’s the same “Joseph Lee” that formerly posted here, he is very left leaning and supported the revenue red light cameras. Oak Ridge needs to move forward and not go back to those schemes that prevented growth of our city.
Matt Bailey says
Farragut has red light cameras and they seem to be growing, don’t they? What am I missing here? Red light cameras put $500K in our bank and if you put them around schools, how is that possibly conceived as going back? It would seem to be a positive for safety, wouldn’t it? One last question, please: Has any CC vote ever been about guns? How does that work?
Dave Smith says
There has been a fairly recent council vote regarding guns.
In 2009 the council voted 5-2 to continue the city’s prohibition of carrying guns in city parks.
Anne Garland, who was on council at the time, was one of the two that voted to lift the ban. So Levi appears to be correct in the assertion that Garland “supports our second amendment right to bear arms,” at least in parks.
Joseph Lee says
Mr. Smith, I haven’t gone anywhere. I like it here in Oak Ridge. I think I’ll stay.
Mike Mahathy says
Joe Lee is a Democrat. He doesn’t need to apologize for that. I can say that as I more often than not vote GOP. This is a city election. Oak Ridge city elections are not by party. Joe Lee cannot be accountable for who puts signs by his. When I look I see signs of many candidates near his. I assume other candidates know what Joe is doing and is following his lead. Joe Lee has proven himself to support the future of Oak Ridge. Joe is professional and civil. I can’t think of a better person to help lead Oak Ridge.
Mark Caldwell says
Maybe Levi and Dave Smith along with Ms. Garland want convicted felons to legally possess guns? I don’t see anything in the Second Amendment specifically suspending that right.
Anyway, those who want Oak Ridge’s streets to remain dangerous by removing the traffic enforcement cameras (that would be Mr. Hope and Ms. Garland) and consequently reducing the city’s revenue, will never earn my vote. And I question why Mr. Hope and Mr. Chinn are against small businesses opening in Oak Ridge. Didn’t those two just deny a small business opening?
Joseph Lee says
I would like to thank the Progress PAC for their endorsement. I know that was a tough decision for them but making the tough calls is what leadership is all about. I also want to thank everyone in our community for their outpouring of support for our campaign and my candidacy. Now, it’s turnout time. It’s time to go to the polls and cast your VOTE. THANK YOU.