(Note: The following is a letter that Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan sent to his fellow City Council members.)
Congratulations to the winners of Tuesday’s Oak Ridge City Council election. You worked hard, and now you will work even harder as we come together on City Council to continue to move Oak Ridge in a positive direction.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the mayor of Oak Ridge for the last five years.
Jane Miller
(Note: This is a copy of a letter that Oak Ridge Mayor Pro Tem Jane Miller sent to her fellow City Council members.)
Dear Members of City Council:
By submission of this letter, I am formally announcing that I intend to seek re‐election to the position of mayor pro tem on Dec. 10.
First, I welcome and congratulate Ms. Baughn on her election. She will bring new and different ideas to the Council. I also congratulate Mr. Hensley and Mr. Hope on their successful re‐elections. Although we are diverse and have a variety of opinions on various issues, I believe we will collectively continue to make good decisions to move our City forward.
Editor’s note: The following is an edited version of a statement Oak Ridge City Council member Chuck Hope made during a candidates forum before the Nov. 6 election.
Why do I want to be on City Council? Because Oak Ridge has given me so many opportunities and provided for my family for over 30 years, I want to make sure that the next generation has those same opportunities.
How do we make sure those opportunities are available for the next “Oak Ridgers”?
We start by making sure we keep a close watch on our revenue and expenditures. We need to understand that we really only have two main sources of revenue that come into the city. They are our property taxes and our sales tax revenue.
As most of you know, our property tax rate is higher than our surrounding cities and towns. However, compared to other “full service cities,” ours is comparable. There are only a handful of these “full service cities” all across Tennessee.
But before we can start to really change the rate, we must first find revenue from other sources. Where we have the most potential for growth in revenue is in the sales tax revenue we generate. For a city our size and with the economic drivers that we provide to the region, we should be bringing in a substantially larger portion of sales tax revenue.
We must find ways to increase our sales tax revenue before we can start to reduce our property tax rate. This is where I will focus my energy. To do that, we must continue to find ways to bring in more retail options (both restaurants and shopping choices), continue to work closely with the Industrial Development Board, Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Partnership to bring additional private investment capital and jobs, then make sure the Economic Diversification Fund is working for us.
Once we get the sales tax revenue growth improving, we can then start to look at ways to reduce our property tax rate so we can be competitive within our region. All the while making sure we are diligent and remember our expenditures and stay within our annual budget. We are always looking for ways to streamline our costs while maintaining our quality-of-life services.
But one of our biggest attributes the city needs to pay close attention to is our school system. It is still the biggest reason young families come to Oak Ridge, and it is the benchmark all other education systems set the bar to. But if we don’t continue to work with the school board and find solutions to some real issues before us, other communities will close the gap, and we may never be able to set the bar high enough again.
As you can see, City Council has many challenges before them, and I believe I can contribute to finding solutions to these issues. With your support and input, I will bring my business sense to council.
Chuck Hope
Oak Ridge
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the citizens of Oak Ridge for allowing me to represent them on City Council. I am both honored and excited to go to work for you. I am eager to work with my fellow council members, the city manager and the city staff to make Oak Ridge more affordable for residents and businesses.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ellen Smith for her five years of service on council. She dedicated a tremendous amount of herself to the betterment of Oak Ridge without expectations of praise or notoriety. She is a woman of absolute integrity for whom I have the utmost respect, and I wish her nothing but the best.
Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, and other supporters (some of whom I’ve never even met) for their hard work and dedication over these last eight months. I had the most amazing people backing me and am absolutely humbled at how much time and effort you sacrificed to help me win. I thank you all for believing in me and am ready to make you proud!
Trina Baughn
Oak Ridge
To the Editor:
The Oak Ridge Schools are something we can be proud of as a community. We owe a great deal to those individuals who dedicate their time and expertise in keeping our educational system strong.
I have had the privilege of knowing Keys Fillauer for the past 25 years. Our son Billy, a 1999 graduate of Oak Ridge High School, remembers Keys as a “very energetic, enthusiastic, hands-on teacher who brought a lot to the table. He always encouraged students to be involved in the community.”
Through my affiliation with Oak Ridge Schools and the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, I have had the opportunity to work with many of his students who volunteered for programs and festivals. These students seemed to share a common bond—eager to contribute as well as to learn. How fortunate they are to have had a mentor who has time and again demonstrated his willingness to contribute his time and skills for worthwhile causes.
Specifically, I am grateful to him for being master of ceremonies for The Children’s Museum Gala and the International Festivals in past years. He continues to support the Ronald McDonald House, Boys Club, and the Oak Ridge Playhouse, to name just a few of his many accomplishments.
The future of our educational system, our children, and our community is in good hands with Keys Fillauer as a member of the Oak Ridge School Board.
Carroll Welch
Oak Ridge
To the Editor:
People keep asking me, so I decided to simply publish my recommendations for City Council.
First, please consider returning Ellen Smith to Council. Ms. Smith has the qualities of openness, responsiveness, and inviolate ethics that everyone hopes for in elected representatives. In addition, she does her homework better than any of the rest of us. She keeps abreast of what is going on in town and among the many entities which influence the town’s well-being. She avoids hurting anyone’s feelings if possible but will stand firm for what she believes is in the citizen’s best interest. Her research always helps expand my understanding of issues.
Next, I would like the chance to work with Trina Baughn. This lady also brings diligence and integrity to the table even while challenging ”the way we’ve always done it” thinking. She asks for and pursues facts upon which to make decisions. When we differ in economic or social philosophy, I have always found her willing to listen and even eager to find workable common ground. She inspires me to work harder to be well-informed. In addition, Trina brings a maturity of thoughtfulness belied by her youth and an understanding of the interests of young adults and families here.
All the candidates have their strengths and weaknesses, and I will do my best to work well with whomever you choose. Thank you for considering my view.
Anne Garcia Garland
Oak Ridge City Council member
We here in Oak Ridge are repeatedly told that we do not have a debt problem, we have a revenue problem. All of our issues can be solved simply by increasing our revenue. Translation: The city needs more of your money.
The truth is, revenues aren’t down. They are actually up by $55 million for the last 10 years.
The data shows that our root problem is not revenue-based but spending-based. Oak Ridge is the single highest taxed full-service city in the state. We have priced ourselves out of consideration, sight unseen, to new residents and businesses. Every year for the last decade, we have knowingly budgeted to spend more than we bring in (see tables below). How do we make up the self-created deficit every year? Simple. We incur debt, and we deplete reserves.
Over the last decade, over 21 million of your tax dollars have been spent in the name of economic and community development. This is in addition to the dozens of tax breaks that we’ve given to select businesses. Every way that there is to throw money at our problems, we have done it.
Yes, we have some recent developments that we can celebrate. But we need to be realistic about their impact. For each new store, how many have quietly closed up shop and left town? And how many years before we see the projected new revenues?
It is time for a serious strategy change. We cannot possibly expect to attract new residents and new businesses as long as the very people who live here say that they can no longer afford to stay. If we are to achieve any substantial progress, we have to become competitive. It is time to stop throwing money at our problems. There is only one way that city council can truly improve our economy and that is by leveling the playing field with our competitors by lowering our property tax rate, lowering our debt, and lowering our spending.
Ten Year Snapshot
|
2002 |
2012 |
|
|
Total Revenues |
$118M |
$173M |
|
Total Expenditures |
$135M |
$179M |
|
Total Debt |
$104M |
$186 |
City of Oak Ridge Budgeted Revenue and Expenditures
|
|
Revenues |
Expenditures |
|
2002 |
$118M |
$135M |
|
2003 |
$120M |
$152M |
|
2004 |
$126M |
$134M |
|
2005 |
$126M |
$134M |
|
2006 |
$131M |
$177M |
|
2007 |
$137M |
$184M |
|
2008 |
$145M |
$184M |
|
2009 |
$164M |
$183M |
|
2010 |
$172M |
$179M |
|
2011 |
$173M |
$179M |
|
2012 |
$173M |
$179M |
Source: City of Oak Ridge Final Budget for years 2002-2012
http://www.oakridgetenn.org/department/Finance/content.aspx?article=1853
To the Editor:
Vote to re-elect Keys Fillauer to the Oak Ridge Board of Education. As a teacher, coach, and board member, he has worked for over 40 years to provide the children of Oak Ridge with a quality education.
I worked with Keys for many of these years, and I know what personal qualities, talents, and knowledge he brings to the board. He taught a hands-on civics class—showing his students how to be involved, responsible citizens of a community—and he practices what he taught, continuing to be active in serving his community at many levels and in numerous capacities. He also took a genuinely personal interest in his students and the quality of education they received. As a member of the Board of Education, this type of experience is vital to understanding the true needs for developing a quality school system.
Maintaining a school system that provides students at all levels and abilities with the highest quality of education is so important in keeping Oak Ridge a progressive city. As a board member, Keys is committed to working within the community to create such an outstanding school system.
Keys has served as a responsible and concerned member of the Board of Education and has served with distinction as chairman. Our community needs his service and skills for another term. I urge you to support him by voting for him and urging your friends and family to do likewise. Let’s work to assure that he is able to continue the work he has begun for the children of Oak Ridge!
Jane Grossbeck
Oak Ridge
To the Editor:
I want to take a moment and voice my support for Mr. Keys Fillauer, who is running for Oak Ridge School Board re-election. I have known Coach Fillauer since I was a seventh-grader at Robertsville Middle School in 1978. I have also been able to see him wear many different hats in the community throughout my life, such as teacher, coach, mentor, and school board member.
First, I knew Keys Fillauer as a teacher and a coach. He was extraordinary in both roles. He was always well prepared and knowledgeable whether on the court or in the classroom.
As a teacher and a coach, he led not just in words, but also by his actions. When I think back on those days, he taught me so many lessons on the court and off, but even more importantly, in the classroom.
To me, he was the best.
As a matter of fact, he influenced me on my career choice as a coach and teacher. He had a unique way to teach civics; he made it incredibly interesting and also got the material across to the students. He was consistently starting new programs to make the civics community a lifelong memory to his students. The lessons taught to me by Keys will be used the rest of my life.
When I returned to Oak Ridge to teach in the late 1980s, I was able to be mentored by Keys at Robertsville Middle School. He was very patient and thorough in sharing the tricks of his craft with me. He was once again always amazingly prepared, and Keys was a leader for the students, staff, and the entire school community.
After Keys retired, he turned to serving the Oak Ridge community on the school board. As an educator and a member of the Oak Ridge community, I know Keys is always prepared to do what is best for the schools and the community. He has worked diligently to learn about all of the changes going on in education today, of which there are many.
He has also attempted to get more out of education with fewer resources. Coach Fillauer is not one to shrink from these challenges, but instead flourish like he did on the court as a coach and in the classroom as a teacher. He is an amazing leader and is respected throughout the community.
My wife and I are proud to vote for Keys Fillauer for the Oak Ridge School Board.
David and Michelle Scott
Oak Ridge
To the Editor:
I would like to recommend that citizens of Oak Ridge vote for the following three candidates for the reasons shown.
I have studied their publications, and have spoken with them independently.
I am not a member of any party, nor will I ever be. I continuously monitor the actions of our local government and vote on the best choices, considering the current issues. I encourage all my friends and subscribers that take the time to read this letter to vote for these people.
Trina Baughn—City Council
I have long waited for a Council candidate with such a fresh outlook and real understanding of what the real causes are of the pitiful economic situation that Oak Ridge is experiencing because of one fiasco after another.
I could hardly believe my eyes when I read her published statements in some articles in January, so I asked for a private meeting with her to query her deeply on her views. I was so impressed with her responses that I have worked with her on her campaign since February. She is the real deal.
She wants to:
All this, without sacrificing quality of life. This can be done. Her web site is trinabaughn.com.
Leonard Abbatiello—School Board
The ongoing rift between the city and the Board of Education is an embarrassment for the citizens of Oak Ridge. Leonard needs no introduction, as he was a long-time member of City Council. His campaign slogan says it all for me: “Uncommon Sense.”
What we used to think of simple common sense, is sorely needed today, and I believe Leonard will be a big factor in getting us back on track, controlling the educational system’s budget and ending the senseless rift.
John Ragan—State Representative District 33
As mentioned, I am not a member of any party. However, I am voting for Ragan because he is the best choice as it regards Oak Ridge (and Anderson County). Although I do not like the “bonding” of our legislators around party lines when the rubber meets the road, I am voting for John because I truly believe he will work to:
Robert Humphries
Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge is on the cusp of a renaissance.
Seventy years ago, the federal government created Oak Ridge as part of the Manhattan Project. Today, they are investing in our city with the 10-year, $6.5 billion Uranium Processing Facility construction project.
In January 2013, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s new carbon fiber facility comes on line. It can produce 25 tons of reinforced polymer that will help automotive and other manufacturers create stronger, more efficient products. Education and jobs are getting a huge boost with this new capability as Roane State Community College receives grants totaling $2.8 million to train workers to use the composites and operate the high-tech machines.
Taking advantage of these opportunities will require a City Council with a clear vision of the future and the skills necessary to make informed business decisions. What comes to mind is a series of big waves of opportunities—some will simply duck under and play it safe as they roll in, while others with vision will get on surfboards and ride the waves for all they are worth.
Now is not the time to duck under and cut back. Now is the perfect time to enhance the good things we have already built and to grasp the best opportunities for raising revenues and making investments for the future.
My vision for the future of Oak Ridge includes:
It’s really up to you as voters. You can elect members to Council prepared to hold their breath and duck under the waves of opportunity, or you can elect members who have the vision, experience, and courage to seize opportunities.
This town has a legacy of doing extraordinary things. We can do it again. It’s time to move forward.
Kelly Callison is a candidate for Oak Ridge City Council in the Nov. 6 election.
To the Editor:
The first, second, and third priority for any school board member should be the welfare of children.
Over the past 27 years, I have witnessed first-hand the dedication of Keys Fillauer to young people as he has raised more than $600,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. In my capacity as executive director of the House, I have seen Keys’ drive, integrity, and commitment to causes he believes in.
Keys Fillauer has been an educator, coach, school board member, and most importantly, a tireless advocate for his community. But I have seen the man who never asks why. He only asks how.
I urge your support for a school board candidate I would be proud to have leading my children’s schools into the future.
Sue Beverly
Knox County
