Oak Ridge Today

Guest column: A competitive advantage for Oak Ridge

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Note: This is a copy of a letter sent to Oak Ridge City Council members by resident Martin McBride.

I came to East Tennessee 25 years ago to work with Oak Ridge nuclear facilities. One of the first things my new employer did was to set up an appointment with a Farragut Realtor. The realtor gave my wife and I a lovely tour of the west Knox County area.

When I hesitantly mentioned Oak Ridge, he quickly responded, “You realize the property tax problems over there?” For the next several minutes, the realtor went over the tax rates, emphasizing the tax advantage of living in Farragut.

He then compared the Farragut lifestyle to that of Oak Ridge. Amazingly, Farragut kept getting the edge. According to that realtor, Farragut had all the advantages—especially in tax rates. [Read more…]

Guest column: Kudos to Kiernan and her book, ‘Girls of the Atomic City’

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This month, national author Denise Kiernan gave a wonderful talk at the American Museum of Science and Energy. Ms. Kiernan was in town to discuss her new book, “Girls of the Atomic City—The Untold Story of Women Who Helped Win World War II.”

The book made the New York Times best seller list.

Ms. Kiernan’s book chronicles the fascinating stories of the many women who came to Oak Ridge between 1943 and 1945 during the Manhattan Project. It’s great to see these pioneers recognized for their important contributions. [Read more…]

Guest column: The City Council should negotiate with EPA

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At its next meeting, the Oak Ridge City Council will consider whether to attempt to negotiate a better deal with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the sewer upgrades or not.

About three and a half years ago, the EPA inspected the Oak Ridge sewer system and noted excessive rain water leaking into that system during storms. In April 2010, EPA sent the city a show cause letter which requested a face-to-face meeting to “show cause” why EPA should not intervene. Instead of meeting with EPA, the Council chose to phone in an informal response. Subsequently, EPA imposed a 20-page administrative order filled with expensive add-on requirements and a $170,000 civil penalty.

The total cost of the sewer improvements is in the neighborhood of $50 million. Paying for these improvements has so far required two major utility rate increases and a major increase in city debt. More rate hikes are likely.

[Read more…]

Letter: Urged Council to defer debt increase for sewer system

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Note: This is a copy of a letter that Oak Ridge resident Martin McBride wrote to City Council prior to a Monday night meeting. During that meeting, Council approved the borrowing of $18 million in low-interest state loans to pay for sewer system work meant to comply with a federal order.

Dear City Council Members,

A sizable increase in the Oak Ridge city debt will be placed before the Council at a special meeting this coming Monday.

Passing this debt so hurriedly:

[Read more…]

Guest column: Recommends more negotiations with EPA, DOE on sewer system upgrade

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Note: This is a copy of a letter sent to Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan and Oak Ridge City Council members, among others.

Dear Mayor Beehan,

Next Monday evening you will begin considering a major increase in the Oak Ridge city debt to finance the sewer upgrade project. This increase and the associated utility rate increases:

[Read more…]

Letter: Time to try a new mayor in Oak Ridge

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Note: The following is a copy of a letter sent to Oak Ridge City Council.

Dear City Council Members,

Over the last decade, while he was vice mayor and mayor, Mr. Tom Beehan accomplished some very noteworthy things.

Oak Ridge completed a major upgrade to its high school. The west-end turnpike was modernized. The Guest House (Alexander Inn) was preserved. And Oak Ridge was selected to host a brand new Kroger Marketplace store.

Despite these accomplishments, it’s time to recognize that the clock is ticking on our city’s economic problems and move to a fresh new approach.

[Read more…]

Letter: Baughn, Hensley, and Hope will provide results on Council

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To the Editor:

This year, your vote can make a real difference to the Oak Ridge City Council. We need leaders like Chuck Hope, Charlie Hensley, and Trina Baughn on the Council.

Oak Ridge is a beautiful place to live and work. Yet, unfortunately, the city’s economy struggles with non-competitive tax and utility rates.

For years, surrounding communities have enjoyed much lower property tax rates than Oak Ridge. This year for the first time, Oak Ridge utility rates have also reached the point that they are non-competitive.

[Read more…]