To the Editor:
As Election Day approaches, our thoughts turn to: Who can help to make our community the best community possible?
Many people work diligently at that objective, but today one stands out above all in focusing on our greatest needs. That is Oak Ridge’s competitiveness, financial stability, and its goal of being a high-quality affordable community.
Trina Baughn has the focus, intensity, and the ability to analyze and understand our complex debt and spending issues that continue to plague Oak Ridge.
Today, these problems continue to get worse and few on Council have the desire, or the ability, to fret out the details of these issues. She has demonstrated her effectiveness in identifying and communicating both municipal and school system financial pitfalls.
Additionally, she is a superb communicator both verbally and through written articles.
Today, our School Board continues to take unjustified actions that will significantly increase both costs and your property taxes. The board is trying to commandeer voter-directed funds and commitments based on false premises and unfounded accusations.
This board has budgeted $100,000 of the school’s budget for what will be a protracted, expensive, unjustified legal fight of their choosing. These are funds that should be spent on teaching, not on lawyers. Trina Baughn is the right person to seat on City Council, so she can monitor and respond to this ensuing lawsuit.
I encourage you to vote for Trina Baughn. She will provide a voice on City Council that is capable and articulate when addressing Oak Ridges’ most pressing and persistent problems.
To better protect our Oak Ridge, vote for Trina as she is committed to preserve both the quality of life and to improve Oak Ridge’s competitiveness.
Leonard Abbatiello
Former Oak Ridge City Council member
kay williamson says
EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR THIS COUNCIL!!!!! A WATCHDOG FOR YOUR MONEY OAK RIDGE!!!!!!!!
frankc says
I agree, I can’t think of anyone else I would want in that position. It’s great to have someone running for office who truly cares where our dollars are being spent.
Tj says
Chuck’s vote can always be influenced by the fact that Watson’s daughter is an employee.
Scrappy Doo says
I think you have that backwards. Wouldn’t Watson do what Chuck tells HIM to do since Watson’s daughter is Chuck’s employee.
Well, maybe your employees are in the habit of telling you what to do. In that case, what you wrote makes sense.
NYB says
Well First of all, its none of our business who he hires, secondly she is an adult over the age of 21 and a college graduate. She can work she wants and I am sure was hired for he capabilities and not for her name.
Tj says
Sorry, no employees. Did my time. Hired and fired hundreds. No unions. Always kept an open mind for suggestions. Your excuse?
Myra Mansfield says
My husband and I saw Trina seated outside the voting precinct yesterday when we wernt there for early voting; so we took the time to meet her, get a feel for her position on the issues, and to explore her qualifications. We were delighted to find that she is an intelligent woman who does her homework.
Council members have a duty to keep abreast of the facts and to use wisdom when applying that knowledge. Trina worked hard for us before she ever sought the position which demands it, simply because she cares about our community. Her motives are not political, but rather centered around the desire to see right and truth prevail. We would love to have a half dozen council members just like her serving the destiny of our great city. She got our vote.