« Our Wilder years will soon be behind us (for realz - see update 2) | Main | Gov. Richardson endorses Obama »
March 21, 2008
The state of the City is..anxious..demoralized..?
I did not get to attend Mayor Ron Littlefield's State of the City address the other evening, due to a schedule conflict. (The wife and I did get invitations, and I'm afraid we failed to "Répondez." Apologies are hereby offered.) I've talked with a few attendees, though, and the sense I get is that there is somewhat of a disconnect between the words spoken and the "situation on the ground," as they say.
It's not a secret that I endorsed Littlefield's main rival in the 2005 election, but I have made a conscious effort to keep the past where it belongs, and to generally support the current administration in its efforts to run the city, except where something obviously needs to be criticized.
In truth, though, I haven't taken the time to point out all of the things that have needed it. I'm not coming at this from a "you beat my candidate, so I'm going to naysay everything you do" perspective, as I suspect some others have. I'm simply underwhelmed, and at times even disturbed, by what appears in the media (and, ahem, what doesn't, which is a whole 'nother problem).
I accept, in anticipation, the line "well Joe, if you think you could do a better job, then why don't you get up there and do it?" It's not that I think I could. I know it is tough. I also know that Bob Corker, now our junior U.S. Senator, with his faults and with his naked ambitions intact, did a better job than our current mayor is doing. I look forward to electing a new mayor who will combine Corker's ability to get things done, with the highest ethical standards, and a true empathy with the everyday citizen (among other qualities). Does such a candidate exist?
Rumors are starting to pop up now about possible contenders in next year's election. I don't have the authority yet to drop any names, but maybe you do. Let's start a list now, so that we can vet these people well, and take care of any "grooming" or whatever needs there may be, and thus put to bed early this notion that Ron Littlefield lacks any serious opposition. If the voters decide that they would rather keep Littlefield for four more years, then so be it; but let us make certain that they have at least one attractive, viable alternative over which to choose.
Just for fun: the mayor's address has been put into song by Billy Blades.
And here's another song inspired by one of the mayor's initiatives.
Chattanooga City Elections | By joe lance | 12:28 PM
Comments
That speech was long on back-slapping and very very short on substance.
My favorite part: "Let me repeat something that I just said – and underscore it. If you wish, we will send you a monthly e mail reminder just before your recycling day. Simply call 311 and have your name added to the list."
Posted by: davidm. at March 21, 2008 01:09 PM
But whatever you do, don't go to our City website to try to sign up for that list!
Ruth Holmberg for Mayor!
Posted by: Josiah at March 21, 2008 04:15 PM