I really appreciate all the regular club members that came up to me, thanking me for my service and saying how they wish that I had agreed to lead the party the next two years. I thanked them and told them that I would continue to work for Republicans.
Elected Officials present were Register of Deeds Sherry Witt, City Councilwoman Barbara Pelot, former City Councilwoman Jean Teague, City Councilwoman Marilyn Roddy, former City Councilman Ed Shouse, County Commission Chairman Scott Moore, Trustee Fred Sisk, Sheriff Jones, Chief of Staff for Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. Bob Griffits, State Senator Tim Burchett was represented by his mother and Farragut Alderwoman Dot LaMarche arrived a few minutes late. Notable Knoxvillian’s Gus Regas and Jim Clayton were also present.
The following individuals announced their candidacy at the meeting. Walter Wojnar, County Commission Fourth District Seat A. Ruthie Cuhlman, County Commission Fourth District Seat A and former City Councilman Ed Shouse, County Commission Fourth District Seat B.
Mayor Haslam said that he loves his job. He reiterated how government moves much slower than business. The biggest accomplishment that Mayor Haslam took credit for is the 3.0 mile revitalization of the South waterfront. In 5 years the City anticipates a $1 billion dollar investment, primarily with private dollars. He indicated that the City’s revenue increases 3-4% while the City’s expenditures increase 9-10%
In addition to the South waterfront, the Mayor cited Downtown redevelopment. Which included $22.0 million spent on the Tennessee Theater, $3.0 – $4.0 million on the Bijou Theater and an 8-plex Regal Cinema. The Regal theater will open the end of June or first of July 2007.
Also the Mayor talked about the I-275 business/industrial corridor where Sysco is locating a high tech distribution center and will provide an additional 300 plus new jobs.
Mayor Haslam said that for many years, Knoxvillians had a community inferior complex. Nashville, Chattanooga and other communities could do it, but not Knoxville. With the new spirit of cooperation Knoxville and Knox County can do it and the attitude is changing.
Mayor Haslam opened up the floor for questions.
1) What will happen to Holston Gases with the South waterfront development. Mayor Haslam indicated that the Baxter’s have indicated that they would be willing to develop the property but would like to be the developer and are supportive of relocating Holston Gases elsewhere.
2) The Convention center and the News-Sentinel story about the Convention Center losing $12.0 million a year. Mayor Haslam said that with the swap of some Hotel/Motel taxes it is losing $4.5 million in debt services and $1.3 million in operating cost. He said that prior to taking office it was losing $2.0 million in operating cost.
3) Consolidation of City/County services like using one envelope for the City and County property tax notices. Mayor Haslam said “allot easier said than done” He went on to say that there are different employee groups with different interests.
4) Unification – our taxes are lower compared to Metro Nashville. Compared with the City of Knoxville the taxes are 35% more in Metro Nashville compared to Knoxville. The County area of Nashville the taxes are 20-25% less. “Interests are not the same with City and County functions” But, it will get everybody on the same job.
5) Transit Center – The Mayor said that the City is still very involved in the Church Street site. It is a less expensive site. It is a creative location due to the City of Knoxville’s footprint of downtown being smaller. This in the Mayor’s opinion is the best site. However, there is a viable business that does not want t relocate and that is what the City is working on.
Next month’s meeting will be on May 14, 2007 and Commission Chairman Scott “Scoobie” Moore will be the Speaker..jpg)
Note to Georgiana Vines, I will be at the club meeting to hear the comments from my Commission Chairman.
