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December 16, 2005
Good Cop, Bad Cop - Cotton is in, Pitts sets sail, water talk cooler
[Cross-posted from the Pulse.]
Is the Heat Off?
Our civil protective forces have had a few too many unsavory moments in the media spotlight of late; let’s take just a moment to solemnly recognize the many faithful officers who put themselves in harm’s way every day for you and me. These men and women really do see us, their fellow citizens, at our worst; and they act like professionals. They perform a most vital component of keeping an orderly society. All without raping us, driving our confiscated cars and boats, exposing themselves to us, or shaking us down for bribes and political favors. Good for them. Now, what’s wrong with these other crazy cops? I do have to say that I’m going to miss our former highway patrol chief’s jowls and their starring roles in those “Thuh Heat Is Awn” public service announcements. Those advertisements made for perfect video post cards to send to friends in, say, Boston.
2006 Election Highlights: County Commission Districts 3 and 4
A few County Commission districts will see both primary and general election contests next year. District 3 is now officially an open seat – Charlotte Vandergriff has chosen not to seek it again – so it was no surprise to see a couple of candidates qualify early. Terry Conley and Al Smith will face off in the Republican primary in May. There may be others, too, as it’s early yet. No official Democratic candidacies have been launched as of this writing, but one rumor has North Chattanooga clergyman Barry Kidwell forming a campaign team. In District 4, the Democrats will have the primary energy – that is, if William Cotton is not convicted of his felony bribery and conspiracy charges by May. Cotton has said that he will seek re-election, so we’ll see a rematch of the extremely close 2002 race between him and Dr. Warren Mackey. Another rumor I’ve come across says that Cotton will see his indictment count rise soon, this time based on the investigation into alleged election fraud in that same 2002 contest. I don’t know how one could survive all of these charges and still be in the running, but stranger things have happened in politics. Whatever the case, the Democrat chosen on May 2 will be opposed by Brian Caldwell, whom I don’t expect to see challenged in the Republican primary. This will be an interesting general election. District 8 is guaranteed to get the spotlight next year, but the 4th could see a significant shift in electoral power dynamics, no matter whether Caldwell or Mackey is the winner.
TAWC Amongst Yourselves
The city is once again looking at acquiring the Tennessee-American Water Company. It’s not exactly déjà vu: the opinion pages seem to be much quieter on this issue than my memory says they were when former mayor Jon Kinsey attempted a takeover. I’m curious as to why so many took the side of a firm that they didn’t really know, but now that the company is voluntarily for sale, that may be a moot point. Should Chattanooga buy it? I’m comfortable sleeping on this one for a fortnight or two. This decision should be made carefully. I look forward to hearing our community build consensus.
Pulsations | By joe lance | 01:41 PM