Andy Howe
By Andy Howe
Roughly 200,000 years ago the direct ancestor of modern man evolved in Africa when a small group of proto-humans adapted a genetic trait that previous forms of hominids only hinted at. This sub-species was capable of something never seen before—forward-thinking imagination. Our brains were changed to “fill in the gaps†on a conceptual level. It allowed us to invent complex tools and to plan for the future. Since then, we haven’t changed much.
Despite the belief that we are unique in the animal kingdom because we are lead not by our instincts but by our logic, the reality differs. The core of our nature is actually emotional and instinctual—our higher-order thinking skills only allow us to counter our more base reactions.
Studies have shown that people in groups tend to lose touch with their individual morals and principles. Biologically, part of our brain simply shuts down. We choose a side and don’t consider other perspectives, we defend that side wholeheartedly against our perceived opponents without recognition that we may actually be our own worst enemy. These insights are crucial in understanding human nature on both an individual and group level.
It is apparent that a growing number of people in Oak Ridge are falling into distrust with our leadership. Part of the reason for this is the way our system is set up—it’s a confusing system where no one person knows everything—but part of it is surely due to the aforementioned human traits. We are too quick to fill in the gaps and assume we have a full understanding when we actually do not, and these assumptions trigger an emotional and sometimes public response that may be unwarranted. And this is a problem.
I admit that I too have fallen prey to such problems. When I became interested in learning more about our city, I acted emotionally during a City Council meeting. I immediately apologized and checked myself in the future. Since then, I’ve done all I can to recognize the pitfalls of the mind and counter them. All other times I’ve felt compelled to approach the podium, I’ve attempted to do it with décor, to simply state my case and my opinions and to back them up with justification.
To create an enlightened city, we must first enlighten ourselves. Simply put, I feel I can lead by example in this area. For an example of both how I operate along these lines and how a board can operate along these lines, I need only look back a few months.
I’m on the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and one of our members had a problem with our board and made it known publicly. Since I did not see the problems that were brought up, my gut reaction was one of betrayal. However, I did not act upon those feelings. Instead I called the member up and let him know “I don’t see what you’re referring to, but if you can back up the claims I’ll back you up.†To the TSAB’s credit my approach seemed echoed by all. None of the members acted slighted by the situation; instead, we all seemed genuinely concerned about correcting the possible problems or perceptions that spawned it. Because of this there was zero fallout from the incident, and it actually may have made our working paradigm better.
This is the way I feel all our boards in town should behave. Accept the negative with grace, and forgive as quickly as possible. Take the meat of the situation to heart but work for change without holding grudges. And we should never take advantage of this paradigm of forgiveness to excuse continued poor behavior.
For all of this to work, trust of our colleagues’ intentions is required. Trust is crucial for all of Oak Ridge to collectively work as one to reach common goals. Sometimes that trust can be built by being forthright and outspoken, and sometimes it’s best to simply listen and not respond. The trick is to know when to take which course of action.
Our system is built upon a division of responsibility. City Council is elected to run our city, and the Board of Education is elected to run our schools. Our city manager is appointed to lead our city just as our superintendent is appointed to lead our school system. If our elected officials cannot trust each other, how are the citizens supposed to trust them?
That said, there are various kinds of trust. Our officials must meet the expectations placed upon them by the public and by other officials and employees. If they do not, it is understandable that trust will deteriorate and something must be done to correct the problem, either privately or at times publicly. Again, only the specifics of the situation can determine which route to take.
Because of the way I’ve handled myself over the past few years, I feel I have already earned the trust of those who have been watching. I’m writing this now so I can gain the trust of the rest of Oak Ridge.
Because I believe all the candidates for the BOE have our children and our schools’ best interests at heart, this race in many ways is the equivalent of a job interview. I hope this article will demonstrate a few of my qualities that will be essential for being on the BOE—my awareness, my ability to adapt, my ability to be forthright and even a bit self-righteous at times. More than anything though, I hope you recognize my ability to work smoothly and respectfully with others.
I value a great working school system over my own ego, so I want you all to research the candidates and vote. And then do all you can to support those who are elected, as best you can. You’ll know when to forgo a polite approach and raise a little hell, but let’s all think about the ramifications of such an approach and try less damaging methods first.
This era of negativity must end. I dearly want us all to work as a unified team. This is simply the beginning, the start of what I hope will be a new path forward, one we will take hand-in-hand, because we truly are all in this together whether we like it or not.
Howe is a candidate for the Oak Ridge Board of Education.
Joseph Lee says
If you like Ms. Baughn, you will love Andrew Howe.
Mark Caldwell says
Ouch! Is Andy another Tea Partier who can’t do math? If he wants to spend our city revenue as well as possible, able to compromise, and understands basic math, he’s probably as good as the rest.
My problem with TPers is that they don’t want to be taxed, but they want the government services they currently receive (see ORBOE bus service). The reduction of taxes apparently would come from discontinuing services provided to others that they (TPers) do not directly receive. Those actions are not conducive in maintaining a functioning society.
Andrew Howe says
No, I’m not a Tea Partier. I’m not really even sure what that means any longer, if I ever knew. I’m surprised anyone today is even using the term.
In regard to me and my paradigm, your first paragraph is accurate and the second is not. I would love to get the ORS all they (we) desire on the funding as it stands presently. But if I end up discovering it really cannot be done, and critical expenditures cannot be had without asking for more, then I’m willing to ask for more. But if we have to take that route, I’ll do all I can to completely justify it. It’s a route I wish to avoid the best we can.
When I do a budget, I use three tiers – the ‘must haves’, the ‘wouldn’t it be greats’, and the ‘primarily frivolous’. If money is scare, I start cutting frivolous, then the next tier, etc. In some cases, you have to take into account the human factor, too, though, which really complicates things. There’s often a good deal of grey area you must weigh.
For example, the Secret City Fest is awesome, but it falls into one of the two lesser categories. In a sense it’s frivolous spending, but from another perspective it’s a great morale activity for our town and falls into the middle tier.
In an ORS example, I’d love to not have children need to cross large streets like Illinois Ave or the Turnpike. One of the grey areas would be the age groups. Do HS students need this? I’d say no. Do elementary students? I’d say yes.
In the case of RMS, the school is just across Illinois Ave from a residential neighborhood, and Woodland is about a half mile from Illinois Ave. From a purely financial perspective it would seem frivolous to pick up students to bus them just across the street for such a short distance. But from a safety perspective, it makes sense. And it likely makes more sense to some students or some parents than others.
To me, a pragmatic approach to this would be to pick up the Woodland students, but have the nearby RMS students cross the street. But what happens if we loose the crossing guard? That changes things. Perhaps in the absence of a crossing guard we may find more parents wanting their RMS children to get a ride.
All these factors have a financial burden associated with them. Few things are simple, and in a hot topic like this, few things come without upsetting some set of people or another. You bus them and the folks focused on the bottom line are upset, you don’t bus them and folks concerned about safety are upset.
This is why I consider a position on the BOE a sacrifice. In so many ways board members are damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. I’m just hoping that if elected I’ll at least be able to communicate all the variables and thought processes that go into decisions, in the hope it will lessen drama and outrage.
Mark Caldwell says
Tea Party – A political movement, associated with the right wing of
the Republican Party.
Andrew Howe says
I’d have to look at my voter reg card to even see what party I affiliated myself with, if any. I like the ‘heart’ of the democratic side, but don’t like the welfare state that can lead to. I appreciate fiscal responsibility but do want funding for some programs the republican party is generally against. I deal with issues on their own, and in the larger context.
Tim Holt says
Maybe the first thing Mr. Howe needs to do before he gets to serve on the BOE is to figure out the difference between Woodland and Willowbrook schools.
Andrew Howe says
LOL. Fair enough – Willowbrook is what I meant, yes. The new Google Maps does a poor job of displaying names unless you zoom so far in you can no longer judge long distances.
Andrew Howe says
Meaning I didn’t have a the word “Willowbrook” staring me in the face and simply got my W’s backwards. I know which is which, just typoed.
Tim Holt says
You need a map to know the location of an Oak Ridge school? To quote Rick Perry, “Oops”.
Andrew Howe says
No, I needed Google maps to estimate the distance from Willowbrook to Illinois.
That’s why I added a second comment, anticipating you coming back with yet another jab like this.
Tim, you’re a better man than this. I’m done playing silly games, man.
Andrew Howe says
Joe, thank you for talking with me the other night. I appreciate the fact that you came straight out and asked me tough questions. I hope after some further thought on that matter, you were able to understand me a bit more.
Joe’s right. If you appreciate Ms. Baughn’s attempts to correct problems in town, to turn a volunteer position into practically a full-time job, to be brave enough to speak out when needed, then you will also appreciate me as those principles are common to both she and I.
I do however act upon my beliefs in a different manner than she does. When it comes to public meetings and displays of outrage, Ms Baughn and Mr Lee have more in common than she and I do.
Joe, there are many things I truly respect about you. You’re forthright and upfront, you speak your mind, you often have logic backing your beliefs. You were extremely polite and accepting when we spoke the other night, when you probably have feelings toward me that would cause lesser men to behave in a different manner.
So, again, thank you on many levels.
Joseph Lee says
Andy, TB has not solved any problems. Please take note of that. Thank you.
Andrew Howe says
Oops, I need to clarify my previous comment. When I said “outrage”, that was too strong a word. The more applicable word is “conviction” but even that isn’t quite right, either. Is there a word that describes something in the middle of the two? They are obviously very different people.
Being coaxed into being the middle isn’t easy to respond to, but I felt some response was warranted due to Mr Lee’s implications. My intention was to compliment Ms Baughn while at the same time showing grace to Mr Lee. My apologies if it appeared otherwise.
Sigh. The joys of the campaign season…
Charlie Jernigan says
Andy, there is a rampant rumor circulating around the city about Police Chief Akagi and you. I have not seen any mention of this outside of the rumor mills. I think it is important for you to help us understand what this is all about because it is creating a lot of negativity.
Andrew Howe says
There is a reason I have ‘consulting detective’ listed as one of my skills.
I set up a meeting with Chief Akagi over a year ago to discuss an investigation I was involved in. It’s old news, and isn’t really news at all. Mark Watson stood by my side, and I hope that is good enough for the rest of you. If you need more, contact me directly.
Charlie, thank you for informing me. General public, you needn’t worry a bit.
This kind of mis-information comes with the territory sometimes. When I hear the specifics of the rumors I may make a statement if needed.
To those who have heard rumors, I highly recommend you “consider the source” and weigh it against the fact that I’m in a campaign for the BOE.
NOTE: nobody has called me to get the facts straight. That should tell you something.
Joseph Lee says
Detective Howe, who are Mr. John Leslie and Mr.Tom Park?
Do tell. Thank you
Andrew Howe says
I think you are refering to pseudonyms I used during the first four weeks of my investigation.
The evidence caused me to be very cautious while approaching others to gather information. I used a couple of common techniques to protect myself. This was warranted by the evidence at hand then, and seems warranted now given your knowledge of information regarding my involvement.
That phase didn’t last long, thankfully, as it runs counter to my general mode of operation. In fact, by meeting with Chief Akagi, I essentially took a risk and blew my cover. I haven’t used a pseudonym since.
Matt Bailey says
Andrew, I’m really confused. Are you investigating the school board or who? Why are you investigating the school board? Why are you running for a seat on a board that you feel needs to be investigated? What does the Police Chief think about this, or is he running an investigation of the board? What evidence (that you referenced above) have you uncovered? Who will you ultimately turn this evidence over to? Do you have some formal training in investigative techniques? I’m lost here.
Andrew Howe says
I’m not investigating the school board. I never was. I am not, nor was I ever, the lead on this investigation. Furthermore, I am presently out of the picture on this. I met with Akagi hoping to get the proper authorities to take over or help.
I just had a long conversation with Charlie Jernigan, so you can speak with him about this. Or feel free to call me directly.
Matt Bailey says
I haven’t a clue what investigation you’re talking about. I’ll contact you directly if you don’t mind. This has turned into a strange election season. We all have some skeletons but let’s hope in future elections – in this age of the internet – that candidates and their advisers just lay it all out there in advance. Demanding “transparency and honesty” from the city and the schools, all the while having things seep out little by little about various candidates really casts a shadow over the whole process. Candidates ASK that we make decisions based on their judgement and ask that we trust their judgement. Voters deserve transparency as well.
Joseph Lee says
Well said Mr. Bailey. One will need more than a web site and a Facebook account to get my vote. Thank you.
Andrew Howe says
You both know exactly what investigation I’m talking about. I’ve already been interviewed by the press about it.
http://watchdog.org/158190/alex-heitman-2/
A few things make answering your questions difficult.
1) I’m no longer directly involved.
2) It’s up to the family to put this stuff in the papers, not me.
3) I have imposed the same confidentiality upon myself a lawyer would with his/her client.
I’m presently working on a document that will put the tiny little bit of the story you’ve gotten ahold of into it’s broader context. Have patience, Grasshopper.
Matt Bailey says
Wow. Honestly, I’ve never seen this article or heard of the group. My first thought is simply “who watches the watchdog”? The writer offered no facts while criticizing the local media for failing to investigate this. As a second generation Oak Ridger of 60 years, I am surprised I’m so unaware of the horrible dark side of Oak Ridge and our corrupt mess. It’s real easy to complain and offer not one (1) specific claim to back it up. But then, I’m aware that some conspiracy theorists don’t think we went to the moon either. Andrew, I admire your efforts in many things about Oak Ridge. But I have to ask: What are you looking for and why? Perhaps more importantly, who IS still directly involved? The writer took a sad event and tried to turn it into an indictment of a whole city. With no facts to report, what grade would his journalism professor have given this article?
Andrew Howe says
You and I do agree on things, Matt. People do complain far too much without reason, and we’ve too many conspiracy theorists in our midst and they generally don’t help the greater good.
Journalists don’t usually provide a bibliography for their sources, but if you contact a journalist to contest his facts, a good one will be able to provide you often with such sources. I’m not in 100% disagreement of your assessment of the piece either, although he’s not without his accolades.
http://watchdog.org/author/chrisbutler/
Matt Bailey says
Andrew, you may make a great politician yet. You tap danced around my questions so well that even Gregory Hines would’ve been proud. I would contact the writer to dispute his facts, but he didn’t present any!
So, Andrew let’s just let this drop. I just can’t understand why such a smart guy insists on living on the dark side of the street. Things aren’t normally as good or as bad as some claim. We’ve got a lot of good, smart people in this town who’ve done a lot of good thru the years. Leave the haters behind. When people can find so very little that’s good in their community, don’t ya have to wonder what their motive is?
Andrew Howe says
Matt, I’ve grown to recognize something over the past year or so. The negativity in town doesn’t just come from elected officials who are trying to point out areas of concern or shortcomings worth working on. It doesn’t only come from slanted news articles. It very much comes from people like yourself who act in this manner.
By behaving in such a way, you are polarizing the community and also providing negative feedback towards actions of openness. In reality, it’s behavior like yours that CAUSES a lack of openness and transparency because behavior such as yours is negative reinforcement for openness.
In my case, you seem to have targeted me based on the fact I respect and defend Trina. Well, I also respect and defend Anne GG. And Tom Beehan, who married my wife and I. And I’ve a growing friendship with Chuck Hope and Charlie Hensley, too. Despite your preconceived notions there really is no mold I fit into.
Matthew, in short you really have great reason to be ashamed of yourself. You are absolutely your own worst enemy. This will be the final time I interact with you, as you have proved you simply want to cause trouble.
Matt Bailey says
Oh Andrew…I try not to argue with people I don’t know. Unless you’re a baseball umpire – then all bets are off!! 🙂
I said “let’s just let this drop”. This is your response above. And still, you haven’t answered ANY of the questions I asked. But I’ll grant you this, you’ve learned well. When you can’t or won’t answer a question, deflect it and become outraged about something else. Ashamed? Not at all. You promised a future article about your investigation. I’ll wait for that. Nothing I’ve asked of you would cause you to have to grow thicker skin. I asked questions based on information YOU supplied. I simply listened and responded. You, Andrew, talked yourself into this corner. I tried to give you a way out. Best of luck.
Andrew Howe says
Joe. You seemed completely sane, logical, respectful and open to understand the truth when we spoke in person. But in these forums you have proven, like Matt, that you simply want to cause trouble. So this is the last time I will interact with you.
However, since it does appear a bit of a public statement may be in order, here’s a link to a more full explanation of the matter you and Charlie brought up.
http://www.goethert.com/FrostBottomBoys/Heitman%20Investigation.doc
Charlie Jernigan says
Now that Andy and I have spoken, I would like conclude my comments in this thread that I started and perhaps make it a bit less obtuse to those who are confused.
The events that were the subject of the rumors that I was hearing happened over a year ago and came from the Alex Heitman tragedy. Andy’s motive was to help and I think ultimately he did. But there were other outcomes that were troubling. That is why I raised the question in a public way to get the rest of the story in a transparent way that I hoped would balance the rumors I was hearing.
I believe the take-away is that when Andy goes after something to help someone, he is relentless. Other than that, I do no believe that there is anything in this episode that should affect an individual who is making a voting decision.
And that was my quest… to see if I could reconcile my understanding of this candidate with what I was being told. My criteria for evaluating School Board candidates has not changed and my pool of viable candidates has not changed thanks to having my questions answered.
Andrew Howe says
And I in turn have an improved respect for you, Charlie. I appreciate you calling and honestly enjoyed our discussion. It’s nice to find we have much in common. And then for you to comment back onto this thread is even better. Very respectable and responsible all around, my friend. I’m glad to see you leading by example in this way.
Thank you.
Mike Mahathy says
Good points Andy. In addition to the end of negativity, which is a must, we also need full transparency from both government bodies and from each CC and BOE member. With these things trust will be possible. If elected I pledge civility and transparency.
Virginia M. Jones says
This is a welcome post, Mr. Mahathy, and I for one, was also glad to read Andy Howe’s column which advocates calling on our higher selves for civic interactions, rather than reacting in a primitive sort of way. I was surprised at the sources of some of the discourteous posts.
David Allred says
Andy, I need a little time to generate a more obtuse question to throw at you after a good article. Earning my troll badges.
Mark Caldwell says
This has been an enlightening series of posts. Bottom line for me:
– The article written by Mr. Howe is very well written with ideas that should be considered.
– Not all private investigations are for the benefit of society; some are for self promotion.
– I should always be as civil as possible.
– I do not agree with the self aggrandizing of certain city council members and their followers.
Let’s end the “culture of terror.”