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Dean ‘counter-a-tax’ with TV ad
Mayoral hopeful Karl Dean Wednesday launched a new television commercial countering competitor Bob Clement’s recent TV claims that Dean isn’t as serious about keeping taxes as low as he is.
Dean earlier in the day issued a press release on a completely different subject, saying he would make a priority of the Police Department’s Domestic Violence division when filling vacant police positions.
The division, Dean said, has been operating with only half its recommended staff.
“Old-style politics,” the narrator begins Dean’s new commercial. “Bob Clement is attacking Karl Dean on taxes using two seconds of video and twisting his words.”
“Karl Dean has told Bob Clement over and over again, ‘I’ve said I’m not raising taxes,’”
“On all of these dates, Karl Dean has said he’s against raising taxes,” the narrator continues as a list 15 dates scrolls across the screen.
“Karl Dean for Mayor — new ideas for Nashville, not old-style attacks.”
Clement is pictured during his election-night speech when he emotionally attacked Dean on several fronts. The ad closes with Dean smiling in front of the Nashville skyline.
Dean campaign manager Jim Hester said the intention of the commercial is to “correct the record — we feel like Bob Clement’s ad was misleading, and we want to correct the record.”
Clement’s commercial, after reiterating the former congressman’s pledge that he will not raise taxes if elected, shifts its focus to Dean, playing a sound clip of at the Aug. 20 debate, on the topic of taxes, saying “you can think of all sorts of scenarios.”
Hester said Clement’s ad, which hit airwaves Monday in tandem with a direct mail piece, is negative because “what they did is they twisted the truth. … What they did is took two seconds of a debate, and they twisted it to make it appear … that Karl said something that was not his position, to inaccurately portray his position. That’s not comparative — that’s misleading.”
Clement spokesman Ben Hall denied this.
“It is just a comparison on an important issue that voters should be aware of before going to the polls,” Hall said. “The question that was asked is printed clearly,” in the commercial, Hall said. “Bob Clement has consistently answered the question about property taxes the same way.”
At a news conference Tuesday, Dean said flatly, “I am not in favor of a tax increase. I am opposed to a tax increase,” and said Clement voted in favor of income tax increases several times as a congressman.
Clement’s campaign Wednesday circulated a YouTube video on the Internet claiming Dean flip-flopped on the matter of a tax increases during the mayoral debate last Saturday. The video says Dean is using “lawyerly language” to avoid taking Clement’s no-new-taxes pledge, something Dean calls “a gimmick.”
Dean’s full quote from the Aug. 20 debate, as transcribed by his campaign, is this — “I believe the question as to raising taxes would have to be submitted to the voters. I have no plans to seek any increase in taxes.”
“What situation could come up where it would be required? You can imagine all sorts of scenarios where there is a disaster or some downturn that the city is actually in danger if we’re not able to fund our bonds. We have to pay for our bonds. We have to maintain our infrastructure. These are all critical issues, but my goal would be to manage so that doesn’t happen. My goal would be to manage so that my priorities of public education and public safety are reflected.”
Dean’s domestic violence release Wednesday said he would concentrate on filling the Police Department’s vacant positions.
“Dean is on record having said a fully staffed police force will be one of his top public safety initiatives as Mayor,” said the document.
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I liked Bredesen and I like Purcell even more....I believe Karl Dean is a wolf in sheep's clothing for the taxpayers of Davidson County.
Come on guys, read Dean's lips. He says over and over again that he does not favor a tax increase but has not said that he will not ask for one. He has said there could be some emergency. Well he knows that an emergency already exists, one of his making. His legal memorandum of understanding while legal director allowed Metro Water and Sewer to run an illegal stormwater program which has spent tens of millions of ratepayer dollars outside of the area from which rates were collected, an illegal act and a class action lawsuit in the waiting. This was done without a public or even council vote, but thru an executive decision in the mayor’s office. Dean knows how to tax us without a tax increase, by raising water and sewer rates, etc and then illegally spending the money somewhere else. He orchestrated this before and I am convinced he will do it again.Dean is slick and smart, and as Frank Brown posted, a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Karl Dean failed for years to force the City of Brentwood to pay its share of water and sewer costs. Was he timid? Lazy? Or could he not decide which of his cadre of outside lawfirms should get the business he was hired to perform himself? Whatever the excuse, Davidson County taxpayers have subsidized Brentwood's residents for years on Karl's watch.
Bob Clement's campaign of misinformation is the most deplorable type of old style politics, the kind that assumes voters are stupid and easily manipulated. I hope that assumption is wrong.Using four words ("all sorts of scenarios") of a paragraph long answer by Karl Dean, Clement asserts that Dean's position is exactly the opposite of what he's repeatedly stated it to be. That's just dirty and dishonest.I have a hard time understanding how anyone could consider voting for someone who is so opportunistic, dishonest, and without conscience.
Bob Clement will embarrass Naaaaaashville just as GWB has embarrassed Amaaaaaarrika. Both have shown time and time again that they are unable speak on a subject without a script. Any attempt otherwise is always, always a debacle.
At least Bob Clement is the more honest of the two. My water bill this last month was $500, and electric was $497.... I'm paying for storm water projects in Bellevue, and they don't pay into the same funds like I do.... that's "taxation without representation" and I'm sick of it! It's time Nashville has it's own "Boston Tea Party" here...we could take containers of water down to Mr. Dean's office and pour it out! No more taxation without representation. I'm sick to death of paying for Brentwood's water and every other Tom Dick and Harry's as well!! And you think Mr Dean is suddenly going to become a good Christian and stop reaching his hands into my pockets???? Are you seriously that inept???? Just like Clinton, Mr Dean can't keep his hands out of my pants... pockets, that is.... geez
Hey Dean, get you hands out of my pants... pocket.
Look inside. The courthouse crowd favors Clement. He's politics as usual.Happy with the way Metro is running things? Clement won't change them.
better than being raped every day.... there will be a change in the structure if Clement takes over. None of this "robbing the poor" will just slide by anymore. Purcell won't be around to defend inept 911 Call Center people anymore. Hey, Purcell was advised by Dean all these many years. That's why your water bill is so mind numbing right now. And your yard is dead, right? What, can't revive it with your sprinkler? Water bill too high? Call Dean. It was his doing that put us in this disastrous mess. And we're in violation of all kinds of codes right now. Dean's going to rob you blind to pay for all of his mistakes he made along the way...you just can't see the train behind those lights at the end of the tunnel!!! LOL
Wow, how many of you cannot grasp the fact that the MAYOR does not pass property tax increases! Your city council does, so why all the foolish retoric about Karl Dean or Bob Clemment's thoughts on taxes they cannot do anything about it. Please keep your eye on the moving target...The most important fact is are you all going to get out and VOTE, or are you just writing blogs in your pajamas?
Clement has made too many promises to keep even a third of them. Especially when they are contradictory. The most disingenuous and shameful is the popular notion that he could fire Serpasm which required him to play footsie with the Teamster goons. Dean may not be ideal but he is a far better candidate than a recycled do-nothing Congressman making prtomises he can't or won't keep. Those who remember the last down-home do-nothing Congressman who become mayor know what to expect.
The Dean camp began a whispering campaign to the effect that Clement was going to "go negative" long ago as a way to "innoculate" voters against ads that focus on his record. His record is fair game, and questions about it are not a personal attack. Unfortunately, thirty second ads do not lend themselves to full and fair discussions of issues; but,at least voters so inclined can then make the decision whether to inform themselves on the issue highlighted and then make their own decision.
The mispelling of 'Serpas' was an accident but it turned out somewhat humorous.
girliegirl, how in the world is your water bill $500, unless you are the owner of Nashville Shores waterpark. My water bill is never more than $20. My electric bill is never over $100. Perhaps if you're paying so much you should look to yourself and your obvious overconsumption to find the answer. Blaming Karl Dean for your high utility bills is, frankly, a bit insane.
actually, in my workout clothes, but thanks for being so thoughtful. As for the tax increase, the mayor can "dip" into the General Funds, which is what our past mayors have done "religiously" for their little pet projects. You've paid for a stadium, arena, etc... with GF's and now you're going get slammed for Storm Water violations out the back side. AND... there won't be a vote...it'll just come out of other areas. Council will have to pass a tax increase, like Dean said, or violate our Bond Rating. duh.... this is all preordained crap that Dean has known about for years and years now. That's how he's getting away with his semantics, and lawyers are "slick willies" when it comes to verbage. LOL "Never trust a lawyer unless he's on YOUR retainer?"
"3186
I should say... if you're married to an avid golfer, his lawn is VERY IMPORTANT... so it's getting more attention than the guy who doesn't care about weeds and death in his front yard.
And you have electric sprinklers?
Clement's vote for tax increases while a Congressman is not comparable. The federal government was running a huge deficit, something which Metro cannot lawfully do. The tax increases were matched with welfare reform and other spending cuts. As a result, the federal government under Clinton not only had a balanced budget, but achieved surpluses that paid down the national debt and enabled the economic boom of the 90s. We're seeing now the long term effects of Bush's federal budget deficits and the resulting high interest rates. High interest rates are just as much of a drag on the economy as high taxes, but they hurt small businesses and start-ups (not to mention exporters) disproportionately while favoring banks and large business, especially importers, with cash reserves or primacy in credit markets. Karl Dean knows this: He supported Clinton and Clement back then.
Hokey - You are dead WRONG about Clement being the "courthouse" crowd favorite. There is no question that Dean was put in the mayor's race by this crowd. Why, because he is one of them. Clement has not been rolling around in the mud with this crowd for the past 20 years like Dean. You must be either the biggest liar or worst political observer of all time with that accusation.
Well, like I said, your overconsumption is the place to look, not Karl Dean. If $500 a month is too much, I might suggest you don't need to live on a one acre lot that's kept to golf course standards. But in any case, that's a decision you've made. I'm flummoxed at how you turn around and place the blame on Karl Dean.
Now global that sounds like a personal attack on ol’ Bob there. What happen did his brother put you or your mama in jail somewhere along the way, or did he just not pass a law you wanted, cause we all know that you would NEVER let something personal get in the way of anything, would you? Deep pile there buckwheat, deep pile!rossrylance – while the mayor cannot directly raise taxes, he can by passing a budget and then “persuading” the council to go along get the money he wants.As to the metro crowd, the bulk of the Judges, the Honorable A.A. Birch not withstanding, are opposed to Dean for many reasons. He is a flip-flopper to the nth degree. But apparently some of you here can’t see that yet.
Silence, the word I hear is that the mayor-appointed department heads feel confident that their jobs are secure under Clement, and believe they'll be fired if Dean wins.Do you know differently?I remember very clearly when Bill Boner was running for Mayor: Courthouse employees were out pounding his campaign signs into yards to save their jobs. This is no different. When the Prince of Darkness, Bill Fletcher - who was Boner's advisor - is now advising Congressman Clement, the situation is pretty obvious.
because if you did any research on the water bill issue, you'd have found out what the rest of us know to be true.... That certain powers that be have been robbing that fund BLIND for countless years...and the bill is now DUE in Full. I realize that the average Joe doesn't grasp all the legal terms involved, but just because you don't understand a thing does not make the "thing" disappear. It's still there. And thank you for accusing those of us who have bird sanctuaries in our backyards of being "gluttonists" How utterly kind of you to label us like that. We do our very best to keep water in the birdbaths, keep food in the feeders, keep the neighbor's cats at bay.... how wonderfully kind hearted you are to see our koi ponds as "wasteful"..... My neighbors enjoy my yard. But then, they don't throw stones, do they..... and my 4 children enjoy our one acre lot every day. They actually enjoy running in the grass. Wow! What a concept~ OMG... you need grass to run in it you bid dope. DUH....
Good God it is amazing how much this state whines about its pathetically low tax rate. The truth is that this whole damn state is undertaxed and we have the crappy schools, low wages, filthy air, and robber barons to prove it. If y'all cared as much about schools, infrastructure, the air, the water, HALF as much as you do about saving that whopping $100 a year, we might stop everyone from leaving the county to send their kids to school and putting more of a drain on our infrastructure without paying their fair share for using it.Whiny anti-tax Republican bitches please SHUT THE HELL UP!
It comes down to this: who is the candidate that you trust.... who will it be that you can actually turn your light off, lay your head down on your pillow, and honestly sleep..... without waking up screaming in the middle of the night? And when you say your prayers at night, did you just admit to yourself that the "status quo" of the current administration is OK with you????? seriously
And one more thing... state law requires that property tax rates be revenue neutral. That means that we are not allowed to raise the rates with the purpose of getting more money. It's property reappraisals that determine who pays more and who pays less. If your property is worth more, you pay more in taxes, dumbasses. Sounds to me like a lot of greedy people want their property values to go up AND their taxes to go down. Typical Republicans - wanting a free handout at the the expense of everyone else.
Girl, he may be a twit, but you sound like a nitwit.
If anybody wants to see how well Purcell has done with our city, and Dean as his right hand man, stroll on down to the Bordeaux area. Go down D.B Todd, Jefferson, or any of the streets in that area and look at the disrepair of the streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, etc., etc., etc. They are in CRAPPY shape, and need attention, and have needed attention for some time. But take a look at the fancy Mayors office, the roads in Green Hills, Brentwood, Belle Meade, etc. Hey they gotta ride smooth and look good, or somebody is gonna get an ear full!! Keep the green where it belongs, vote for Dean!!!
Girlie girl, you still CHOOSE to water your yard everyday DESPITE being informed of the situation regarding Metro water charges. That’s YOUR choice, so take some responsibility.
I find it hilarious that Karl Dean is accusing Clement of "old-style politics." Dean is part of a small of group of power-hungry elitists who think they can control the city and tell everyone else what's best for their own good. Dean's group is using deception, smoke and mirrors and a ton of money to try and sneak their candidate into office. THAT is old-style politics.Bob Clement, on the other hand, is an honest public servant who is supported by thousands of REAL PEOPLE and not his wife's checkbook (like Dean.) Clement has proven through the years that he truly cares about the people he serves and his decisions will reflect that position. Dean has done nothing to earn any trust or prove he will run this city ethically and efficiently. VOTE FOR CLEMENT!!
<< And thank you for accusing those of us who have bird sanctuaries in our backyards of being "gluttonists" How utterly kind of you to label us like that.>> Um...you never mentioned maintaining a bird sanctuary in your yard until global criticised you for keeping a huge lot green to golf course standards. I doubt it costs $500 a month to keep bird baths full and fresh and trees, shrubs and flowers watered. I suspect $450 of that figure is for keeping an Augusta National quality lawn. :-)As far as Clement and Dean, I'm not thrilled with either one of them! Clement doesn't come across as the sharpest tool in the shed. I'm sure he's a smart man, but his way of speaking does not present him in the most flattering light.
Like the Union’s General McClellan in Serpas’s mind, he will never have enough troops to do the job that he was hired. He will always need more, more and more. Yet still make excuses why he cannot reduce crime in Nashville.
Hokey - You need to get some new informants then. Tell me this, why would department heads be more safe under Clement than Dean? Weren't they appointed under Purcell? Who wants to be Purcell Jr.? The department heads are pulling for Dean hoping to keep the current status quo at the courthouse (the same small group of people with all the power). In regards to the rank and file metro employees, yes, they are supporting Clement because they have seen, first hand, the last 8 years how badly the city is being run by this small group of people, which includes Dean. This should send a strong message to all Nashvillians, the people who saw Dean work on a daily basis are strongly opposed to him.
morpheus120 “under taxed?! You are free to contribute ALL of your money you wish to the government. You do not need a tax increase to enable you to give to the government. BTW, Republicans are not necessarily low tax advocates. Nor are low taxes exclusive to Conservatives. Many Liberals and Moderates are also low tax advocates. Now, about your snotty “SHUT THE HELL UP”, again, feel free to practice what you preach – bitch!
Interesting reading, though I suspect a substantial number of posts are being written by people "very close" to the Clement or Dean campaigns.Couple of fact errors to correct:1. We don't have a city council. We have a Metro Council.2. The mayor can't pass a budget. He holds hearings and submits a budget, but the Council must pass it.3. Voters must approve property tax increases in Davidson County.4. Property tax reassessments, which are required by state law, must be revenue neutral. Tax increases, by definition, bring in additional revenue.
Girliegirl, I do not know anything about you other than you are advocating a desire for a lush landscape and bird sanctuary, and to that, I applaud you. However, even with the summer drought and summer heat, I question your landscape watering practices as you may be over watering. Therefore, if you are hand watering or using a portable sprinkler or an automated irrigation system please allow me to make a suggestion that will allow you to save resources of time and water/money. Most landscape plant material needs at about an inch of irrigation every week. To know how much time is necessary to achieve that goal the following is the standard for gauging the time required to properly irrigate your landscape. My yard requires an hour before it changes sectors. Place a one-gallon flat bottom bucket in the center of the area you are watering. Turn the water on and record the time that it takes the bucket to accumulate an inch of water. That is the time that you should allow the sprinkler to stay in one location before relocating it to another location. Cool season grasses and bedding plants (annuals) need more frequent irrigation (twice per week) than do well established trees and summer grasses that typically need irrigation only once per week Also, consider using low maintenance (low water requirements) ground covers and perennials wherever appropriate. Remember, Metro charges TWO gallons of sewage in addition to EACH gallon of water consumed. Thank you Bud Adams and Phil Bredesen.
Morpheus, please explain how more money has ever equaled better schools. The fact is the more a school district spends on schools the worse the schools are. You can use any measure you like, the results are the same.
Great post lgraves except I think you are confused (or maybe I am) on point # 4you can not implement a property tax increase for revenue during the FY of the increase thus cost neutral then the Govt in the next year of re assesment of property values collects at the higher rate of the value of the property and the new higher tax rate using some formula that I could not even begin to explain but once again very informative post.
Regardless of how much water Girlegirl uses, The fact is that a large portion of the water bill she pays goes to fund an illegal stormwater program authored by Karl Dean. In 2001 Karl Dean drafted a legal letter of memorandum that transfered Metro Stormwater from Public Works to Metro Water and Sewer. Water and Sewer is operated using revenue generated by ratepayers. His clever yet illegal move freed up money from Public Works for pet projects (like sidewalks to nowhere) while burdening Metro Water and Sewer customers with paying for a $100 million dollar stormwater program. To make it even more illegal, much of the money spent on stormwater has taken place in areas like Bellevue where people do not even use Metro Water ( they use Harpeth Valley Water). You can not legally take ratepayer money and spend it outside of the area from which the money is collected. Like Girliegirl, my water bill is high, and I do not water my lawn. I have a wife and five children and we use a lot of water washing clothes. My bill is always over $150.00 per month. My sister who has as many in her home as us has a water and sewer bill that never exceeds $30.00 per month and it even includes trash pick up. Karl Dean can easilty say he will never raise taxes, in his own legal opinion only the Metro Council can, it gives him cover. He has not stated he would not ask for a tax increase however. He is an attorney and knows that as Mayor he can write an executive order that can tax us in many different ways. He has helped do it before and he will do it again.
Karl Dean and Bill Purcell went duck hunting in rural Tennessee. Dean shot and dropped a bird, but it fell into a field on the other side of a fence. Dean climbed over the fence; Bob Clement drove up on his tractor and asked him what he was doing. Dean responded, "I shot a duck and it fell in this field, and now I'm going to retrieve it." The Bob Clement replied, "This is my property, and you are not coming over here." The indignant Dean said, "I am one of the best attorneys in the United States and, if you don't let me get that duck, I'll sue you and take everything you own." Bob Clement smiled and said, "Apparently, you don't know how we settle disputes in rural Tennessee. We settle small disagreements with the 'Three Kick Rule'" Dean asked, "What is the 'Three Kick Rule'?" Bob Clement replied, "Well, because the dispute occurs on my land, I get to go first, and I kick you three times and then you kick me three times and so on back and forth until someone gives up." Karl Dean quickly thought about the proposed contest and decided that he could easily take the old codger. He agreed to abide by the local custom. Bob Clement slowly climbed down from the tractor and walked up to Dean. His first kick planted the toe of his heavy steel-toed work boot into Dean’s groin and dropped him to his knees. His second kick to the midriff sent Dean’s last meal gushing from his mouth. Dean was on all fours when Clements third kick to his rear end, sent him face-first into a fresh cow pie. Karl Dean summoned every bit of his will and managed to get to his feet. Wiping his face with the arm of his jacket, he said, "Okay, you old fart. Now it's my turn." Bob Clement smiled and said, "Nah, I give up. You can have the duck."
Time to take off the tinfoil hat, "honest" . The transfer of the stormwater program was done by a memorandum of understanding, don't know what a "legal letter" is. And how was it illegal? The 2 departments involved both wanted to do it, especially since it makes inherently more sense for Metro Water to handle the stormwater program. But again, you have no basis, because there is no basis, to claim it was "illegal". No clue what on earth you're talking about with executive orders and taxes. Your understanding of the Mayor's office and the law seems to be about as thin as Lil' Bob's.
Honestvoice,Water and sewer rates haven't been raised in over a decade.
It's a simple observation lou. Anyone can see it how Bob dodges and evades any substantive issue. Is that a personal attack? You're a little off, I think.I have nothing personal against Bob Clement. (It's evident, however, you have something personal against Karl Dean). I think he's a nice man, in fact. I simply don't want him being our Mayor. I think he's full of empty rhetoric and empty promises. He wants this job as mayor for the wrong reasons. It's the only political office left for him. Karl Dean doesn't need this job. Hell, he doesn't need ANY job for that matter. Therefore, I believe he wants the job because he has a passion to make Nashville a great city and keep it on the same progressive course it's been on for the last 10-12 years. I applaud that.Do you think Bob Clement would have deigned to a piddly office like Mayor 15 years ago? No, that was beneath him. But his star has dimmed a bit, so he's willing to take a consolation prize now. I simply want someone in the office who has the public good in mind, not their own ego or quest for public prominence.
revolou, how often are YOU on Jefferson St. or Bordeaux. I think it might have been a while. I'm there often. They're not crappy. They're not in bad shape at all. I think you're just spouting.And besides, a mayor can only do so much if the residents of an area won't do their part. It's their yards and businesses. It's up to them to keep them orderly and looking neat. If they won't do that, what should the mayor do? Kick them all out and gentrify the neighborhood? You'd be screaming even louder at that. Face it, you'll whine either way.
dear "Theplantsman
To: Hokey PokeyGood grief, you have it completely backwards. Dean is part of the current courthouse crowd machine, not Clement. As a matter of fact, Dean is one of three confidants APPOINTED by Purcell (Karl Dean, Bill Phillips, and David Manning). Curt Garrison replaced Bill Phillips recently and he is married Liz Garrison of “The Nashville Scene” infamy. The Metro Department Heads (brought in by Purcell) want Karl Dean to win, so things can stay the same. Most of them will go if it turns out to be a Bob Clement administration.To: RossrylanceYou are wrong. Citizens do not vote of the proposed budget. The entire property tax RATE increase discussion, and maybe a vote by citizens, will be triggered by the Mayor.The Mayor presents a recommended budget to the Metro Council. If that recommended budget exceeds revenue projections, then that is precisely what starts the ball rolling on whether a property tax rate increase will be required. If the Council passes the Mayor’s recommended budget or an amended budget that still exceeds revenue projections, THEN the voters will become involved under the new scenario where we must vote on a property tax rate increase.A tax rate vote might even be circumvented the second year if a lot of properties were assessed at a higher value during the first year. It could happen!Also, just who do think said it was okay to move Metro Water Services reserve funds into the Metro General Fund? Now that the Metro Water Services needs the funds it had been saving, the funds are not there. So Metro Water Services will have to raise our rates AGAIN because the funds accumulated under the present rate structure were "impounded" and spent on other things. Unless you live in one of the affulent areas where Metro Government subsidizes your "way too low" water bills.Hey, somebody said it was all legal. It's like part of your water bill payments funded things like that big red metal "whatever it is" down on the river bank. I know it's art and it has abstract meaning to the beholder. I think it means "you idiots paid me $350,000 for this crooked pile of scrap metal".
Scott J and Preddevil,You very accurately have just pointed out the basis of the illegal move of stormwater. Even if the two Departments agreed to the move, the public was denied due process.The Metro Charter does not allow Metro Water to operate a stormwater program; it is a function of Public Works and only Public Works. The move was done without a public vote thru a questionable memorandum of understanding by Karl Dean. What makes it even more illegal is that the stormwater program is a countywide program yet Metro water and sewer rates are not collected countywide. A Utility set up to provide public water and sanitary sewer service can not just suddenly decide to fund a stormwater program. It violates the covenants and basis of the utility district and spends ratepayer money on something other than water and sewer. By the way people in Bellevue for instance pay nothing to Metro Water yet get stormwater projects for free. Also the people that generate the most stormwater, say a paved parking lot downtown, pays nothing for stormwater because they do not pay for a water or sewer bill. I am very aware that water rates have not gone up. In 1995 the Metro Council audited the Department because it was found that we had one of the highest rates in the nation. The result of the audit was an excess of revenue in many tens of millions of dollars, A fact that the past administration used to fund a stadium and the current administration and Karl Dean were very aware of. That is why stormwater was moved, to raid all of the excess revenue in order to fund pet projects. It is a fee or a tax that the public pays yet was forced on us without a public vote.Metro and Karl Dean is very aware that something will have to be done to correct Karl's mess, thus the emergency need for a tax increase. If you see the editorial by the City Paper yesterday you will find that Karl Dean has stated that he would not support a tax increase unless a emergency were to occur. Surprize, One of the emergencies quoted was water and sewer. Finally, the way has already been paved by the Metro Council to now establish a stormwater utility district. If the current situation really was legal, then why would Metro set up a utilty district to manage stormwater. Council resolution NO. RS2006-1683
Honest- You're just not correct. What constitutional right is being violated that would create a basis for due process?More importantly, you are way off as to the Council Resolution you reference(link below):a) It's a resolution, unlike an ordinance, which does nothing.b) It doesn't even request anything about a utility district.c) In the resolution, The Metro Council requests that Metro water investigate the feasibility of an "adopt a stormwater problem" program similar to an adopt-a-highway program. That's it, a study.So either you really are severely paranoid and believe what you are writing, or more likely you are lying about the situation then trying to make the ridiculous connection to Dean. Nice try. http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/rs2006_1683.htm
ScottI am sorry Scott, I did give you the wrong resolution number. The resolution is:RESOLUTION NO. RS2006-1448A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Department of Water and Sewerage Services to determine the feasibility of funding the stormwater program on the basis of a charge per parcel, and to study whether fees should be imposed concerning the review of stormwater plans for new developments.In this resolution it points out the inapropriate manner that the program is funded by at present, using water and sewer rate moneys.I am not trying to get personal or insulting like you are to me. I certainly know the difference between an ordinance and a resolution. Maybe you should talk to Emily Evans and Parker Tolier so you will know the intent of this resolution. It is the groundwork to establish a new utility district. If you know anything about Metro Government, and it sounds like you might, you know that they almost always do a study before they pass an ordinance that would impact us as much as this will. It gives them cover.Answer these simple questions:1. Is it legal to spend utilty rate payer money outside of the area from which it was collected? If I pay for Metro Water in Antioch is it legal to spend it in Bellevue or Madison were they do not pay for Metro water?2. Would it be ethical to take my water and sewer rate payer money and spend it on something that is not water and sewer related? 3. Under what authority did the transfer of stormwater take place? The answers are1. No2. No3. A memorandum of understanding authorized by Karl Dean. This memorandum of understanding has placed this City in a bad place and has set us up for a lawsuit and most likely a tax increase. It is just that simple and not a personal attack on you Scott. It is not a personal attack on Karl Dean either, it is just a fact about a bad decision that Karl Dean made that is going to cost us all in the end. One more thing, if you link to the resolution below, you will notice that the resolution passed without the mayor's signature. Since the mayor authorized the tranfer using Karl's legal blessing, the Mayor does not want to sign this resolution since it would be an admission of guilt.http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/rs2006_1448.htm