Oak Ridge Today

Gov. Haslam has campaign stop in Oak Ridge on Wednesday

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Governor Bill Haslam

Bill Haslam

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, who is running for re-election this year, will make a campaign stop in Oak Ridge on Wednesday. It’s one of a series of campaign stops across the state this week.

Haslam will be at Dean’s Restaurant in Jackson Square for “Lunch with Bill” at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. He’ll also be making other stops across East Tennessee on Wednesday, including in Chattanooga, Athens, Lenoir City, Sevierville, Dandridge, and Knoxville.

The Tennessean reported on July 11 that three other Republicans and nine other candidates also are running for the state’s highest office, but none are expected to seriously challenge Haslam, a former Knoxville mayor.

Guest column: Not seeking re-election, DiGregorio offers advice to potential candidates

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Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have been on the Oak Ridge Board of Education since June 2005. My second term on this board is coming to a close in November, after what will be nine years and five months. But who’s counting?

I have decided not to seek re-election. On a personal level, I’m committed to term limits and shared responsibility. I should have been through in June of 2013, but a City Charter revision, through some smoke and mirrors, fixed things so that terms that should have expired in June of 2013 were extended to November 2014, an additional 17 months. Three current board members are in that situation.

Recently, I have been asked about “school boarding”—what the process is for running for a seat on the School Board, where do you register, how many signatures are required to be placed on the ballot, what a campaign would entail, and what time commitment it takes to serve on the School Board if elected. I am glad to provide this information and my opinions. I applaud anyone who wants to serve on a Board of Education. Public education is very important to me, this city, this state, and the nation.

There are three basic tasks for a BOE: policy, planning, and promotion. But the job is far more involved than that. Board members will not hire or fire any staff. Nor will they micromanage the work of any staff, including the superintendent. Collectively, the BOE has one employee—the superintendent.  The board hires him/her, and he/she does everything else. You do not work for the superintendent or the board, but working with those two, even if you disagree, will make things easier. Otherwise, the board may become dysfunctional. No community deserves a dysfunctional board of any kind. A 5-0 vote has the same effect as a 4-1 or 3-2 vote. The board speaks with one voice.

So: [Read more…]

Letter: Creasey has served religiously, saved taxpayer money

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To the Editor:

I have felt compelled to write a letter in support of Jerry Creasey for re-election to Anderson County Commission.

Jerry does not represent me as my commissioner in Oak Ridge. But he has served religiously, trying not to discriminate against anyone.

He has served on the Anderson County ADA oversight board to help the elderly, as well as all ages, to see that disabled rights are enforced and that state and federal laws are met.

Recently, the Oversight Committee has helped inspect the facilities at volunteer fire departments, the new Anderson County jail, and the addition of a new elevator in the Courthouse. The new second-floor bathrooms are now ADA-compliant. [Read more…]

Biloski seeks re-election to County Commission

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Robin Biloski

Robin Biloski

Anderson County Commissioner Robin Biloski is seeking re-election to Anderson County Commission in the Aug. 7 election. Biloski represents District 8 in Oak Ridge, which includes the voting precincts of Emory Valley, Hendrix Creek, and Woodland.

During her tenure, Biloski has helped secure and complete energy initiatives for the county that are sustainable and save taxpayer money, a press release said. It said she secured donated funding to repave the county’s offices in Oak Ridge by working with the County Clerk and Trustee to open a drive-through operation and actively supported the expanded and updated Dental Clinic in Oak Ridge, which are all within District 8.

“I feel very positive about my contributions to Anderson County these past eight years, and seeing the expansion at Roane State and the beginnings of the new facility for Emory Valley Center shows the continued growth within District 8,” Biloski said. “Acting as a resource for city/county inquiries is what I most love doing as an elected official. I have always considered myself a professional, independent, and educated voice in my service to all county residents. I humbly and respectfully ask those in District 8 for their vote in the upcoming election.”

Paul Spray is again Biloski’s treasurer for her campaign, the press release said. [Read more…]

Shelton seeks re-election as register of deeds

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Tim Shelton

Tim Shelton

Anderson County Register of Deeds Tim Shelton recently announced he will seek re-election to the position he has held for 12 years, a press release said.

“The people of Anderson County have placed a great deal of trust in allowing me the opportunity to hold the position of register of deeds, and for that I am truly thankful,” said Shelton, who has served three terms. “With that trust, comes the responsibility of working to make this the best office it can possibly be. In looking back over the past 12 years, I believe we have done just that.”

In a press release, Shelton outlined his accomplishments while serving as register of deeds and stressed the importance of creating an environment that is welcoming to the public. [Read more…]

Letter: Mayor pro tem seeks re-appointment

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Jane Miller

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.

[Read more…]