Oak Ridge Today

Letter: Dodson has gift for collaboration, teamwork, problem solving

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To the Editor:

We hope by now that everyone is aware of Jim Dodson’s strong record of community service. The lists of organizations in which he participates and the awards he has received are extensive. His community service alone is enough to recommend a vote for him for Oak Ridge City Council. But there is something else about Jim Dodson that we believe makes him an excellent candidate. He so actively listens to others as they express concerns.

We first encountered Jim Dodson as our children’s teacher. His ability to keep a classroom of middle school students engaged, encourage them to participate in school and community projects, and bring out the best in them is remarkable. His ability to coach middle school athletes and also to bring out students’ creative talents in the art studio demonstrates his ability to appreciate all aspects of his students. The fact that the Tennessee Education Association granted him the Distinguished Educator Award, that he was named National Middle Level Art Educator in 1999, and was appointed to the Tennessee Board of Humanities by Governor Haslam speaks volumes for his qualities as a teacher. And as a teacher, he has experience with and appreciation for the diverse population living in Oak Ridge. [Read more…]

Letter: Former Children’s Museum director endorses Dodson for City Council

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To the Editor:

I strongly endorse Jim Dodson as a candidate for the Oak Ridge City Council. During the 19 years that I have known Jim, I have always found him to have the good of the community at heart. While serving as executive director of Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, collaborating with Jim was always a highlight. His fairness and sincerity are outstanding qualities that I have experienced and observed through the years. He has the ability to draw people together and is extremely adept at working with a group to accomplish set goals.

He has worked with Children’s Museum staff to bring educational experiences to the children of our area and served on the museum’s Board of Trustees. His educational endeavors are known throughout the state, accordingly earning him several well-deserved honors for his work. [Read more…]

Letter: Make Vogel one of your three choices for City Council

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To the Editor:

We are very fortunate to have several candidates running for City Council on issues that Council actually works on. Continuing good schools seems to be on all platforms and should be. Safety for citizens and the community is also very important. How to pay for these without raising taxes is probably the most important part of the platform. Oak Ridge is a city dependent on the U.S. government more than most Tennessee cities. During the early years, scientists and engineers from the “plants” lived in Oak Ridge and made it a well-run, highly educated city that was famous the world over.

Some of the “plants” are still here and now are making scientific breakthroughs that are changing manufacturing in this country. 3-D printing, carbon fibers, and the Spallation Neutron Source are part of great scientific achievements. However, less than one-half of the employees live in Oak Ridge, and almost no new manufacturing is moving here to take advantage of this great success coming out of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex. That can change. [Read more…]

Letter: Dodson has positive outlook, believes passionately in Oak Ridge

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To Oak Ridge Today:

We have known Jim Dodson, candidate for City Council, for almost 30 years. We first met him when he began teaching art at Jefferson Middle School, where he still teaches. A superb artist himself, Jim has fostered the artistic talents of many students who have gone on to win local and regional art competitions.

Jim has a positive outlook on life. No matter what the circumstances, Jim looks for the best in every person and every situation. This has made him a fantastic teacher and leader. He has served on the board of directors for several arts and civic organizations and is highly respected for his leadership abilities and his work ethic. I served on the Arts Council when he was president. He was always highly organized and prepared for every meeting. He researched the issues involved before each meeting and treated every board member with respect. [Read more…]

Letter: Motorcyclist thanks medical responders, travelers, THP Trooper Kennedy

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Note: This letter was submitted by John Such. He was part of the motorcycle group involved in one of the two crashes that injured eight people on Interstate 75 near Rocky Top on Saturday morning.

I was part of the mororcycle group yesterday involved in the crash on I-75. The semi crash happened immediately after the bikes went down. Cars traveling southbound stopped to either look and/or offer assistance to our riders down. The semi that was unable to stop crashed into traffic that had slowed down or stopped.

I can’t thank all those medical responders and travelers who offered hope, encouragement, water—anything they could to comfort all those in need. [Read more…]

Letter: McNutt an involved citizen, small business owner with desire to serve District 8

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To the Editor:

I would like to ask other District 8 voters to join me in supporting Angeleque McNutt for County Commissioner.

While I certainly don’t want to discredit the other candidates who are running for this seat, and I appreciate their willingness to be involved in our county operations, I do feel that Angeleque has handled herself in a professional, informed, and non-confrontational manner since she was appointed in August 2015, and has proven herself to be a quick study on the issues affecting Anderson County, and in particular District 8.

In addition to her sworn duties as our District 8 representative, she has also demonstrated her desire for a deeper level of involvement through her participation in several committees within county government, as well as her general involvement in many community events/activities throughout Anderson County. [Read more…]

Letter: Yager has experience, education, volunteer spirit for District 8 seat

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To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Phil Yager, candidate for County Commission in the Eighth District. In the past year, I have come to know Phil, and having attended the recent Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum and listening to Phil discuss his experience, education, and volunteer spirit, he is the best candidate to represent our district on the Anderson County Commission.

Phil and his wife have been homeowners in Oak Ridge since 2006. He has a B.S. degree in Business Administration and has had a 30-year career in the investment industry. His background in financial management will be a great asset to the County Commission. He also has experience in the areas of mediation and arbitration, having served as Director of Mediation and Arbitration for the Better Business Bureau. This position gave him experience in conflict resolution and will enhance his ability to work with other commissioners and city, county, and state official to facilitate positive opportunities for our residents. [Read more…]

Letter: Yager’s experience, education help make him best-qualified for AC Commission

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To the Editor:

We support Phil Yager for Anderson County Commission’s Eighth District. Phil has a long list of experience, education, and attributes that make him easily the best-qualified candidate in this election.

In the area of finance, his B.S. degree in Business Administration coupled with 30 years of work in financial management and investment give him a great background for making wise and prudent decisions about budgets and fiscal decisions. Phil’s work as Director of Mediation and Arbitration for the Better Business Bureau give him insight into the importance of making impartial and fair decisions after careful consideration of multiple sides of an issue.

To say that Phil Yager cares about the community he lives in is an extreme understatement. In the 10 years that he and his wife have owned a home in Oak Ridge, he has amassed an impressive list of boards and organizations that he has been appointed to or has joined. Included in this group are the Industrial Development Board, the Board of Housing Code Appeals, the City Charter Review Committee, and the Site Specific Advisory Board. He also has volunteered in various capacities with Emory Valley Center and the Emory Valley Center Foundation; the Rowing Association; Keep Anderson County Beautiful; United Way of Anderson County; and Neighborhood Watch. [Read more…]

Chief Deputy Lucas thanks community for support of Sheriff’s Department

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Mark Lucas

Mark Lucas

To the Anderson County community:

These are difficult times for the law enforcement profession. Since July 1, 10 officers have lost their lives in shootings. Two others died from vehicular assaults and two more from car crashes. Many others have been hurt or injured while performing their duties. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all officers that have died or been injured in the line of duty.

Our deputies are reminded to always be vigilant as they go about our duties—perhaps even into harm’s way—something they do every day without hesitation. Being safe and going home to their families at the end of the shift must remain foremost in their thoughts.

We have received many messages from our community extending their support for us, thanking us, and praying for our deputies. We are blessed to have a good relationship such as this in Anderson County. This is a direct result of what our deputies do—and how they do it—every single day. Our community supports us, and we support them. [Read more…]

Letter: Pleased to announce sale of Oak Ridge City Center to RealtyLink

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To the Editor:

We are pleased to announce the sale of Oak Ridge City Center to RealtyLink. This is the moment that everyone has been waiting for, and finally, the transition of the Oak Ridge City Center Mall will begin. RealtyLink is a great company and will be a fantastic partner with Oak Ridge throughout the process.

As sellers, we want to extend our greatest appreciation to the leadership of Oak Ridge and to the citizens of Oak Ridge for your patience and commitment to helping realize the highest potential of this important property.

This could not have happened without the vision and tireless efforts of Mayor Warren Gooch and the elected officials; Mark Watson, Kathryn Baldwin, and the city staff; Parker Hardy, Chamber of Commerce; and the behind-the-scenes efforts of Ray Evans. We have all been at this a long time, and without everyone’s support, this important day for Oak Ridge would not have been possible. [Read more…]

Letter: Asked Council to proceed with caution on AMSE transfer

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Note: This letter was sent to Oak Ridge City Council members before the Monday evening vote on a property transfer resolution related to Main Street Oak Ridge and American Museum of Science and Energy.

Members of Oak Ridge City Council:

I have several questions regarding the proposed transfer of the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) land and surrounding property to the newest mall developers. My questions arise from 45 years of tax-paying residency in Oak Ridge, and decades of hearing  many eventually broken promises about mall redevelopment.

(1) What will happen to the Museum? The AMSE has been a showcase (somewhat faded in recent years due to DOE neglect) for Oak Ridge’s proud history. With the advent of the Manhattan Project National Park, its significance would seem to be enhanced. It will take  years for the National Park Service to finalize its plans and perhaps develop a local headquarters for the park, and so the Museum would appear to be especially important now. If the mall developers do take possession, will the Museum simply be bulldozed, in the hope of attracting more retail establishments? Given the city’s previous experience with organized retail development, I can easily imagine a large pile of bare dirt sitting undisturbed for decades, perhaps with an abandoned rusty earthmover on top, where we once had a monument to our history and scientific leadership, and a resource for teachers and tourists. [Read more…]

Letter: Community Mediation appreciates support, enthusiasm at Big Ed’s Golf Tournament

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To Oak Ridge Today:

Community Mediation Services of Anderson County deeply appreciates the support and enthusiasm of golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and the Oak Ridge Country Club at the 15th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament.

Thanks to you, at-risk youth and families in Anderson County continue to have a way to peacefully resolve difficult issues with solutions they themselves determine. The golf tournament also honors Big Ed Neusel and David Neusel and their legacy of giving much to others while seeking recognition from none.

We look forward to seeing you in 2017 on the last Friday in April at the 16th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament. [Read more…]