opinion 4A • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014
guestview: Gov. Bill Haslam As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to look back at where we’ve been and ahead to where we’re going. In Tennessee we have a lot to be proud of. We balance our state’s budget each year and do so without raising taxes. We have the Bill lowest debt of any Haslam state in the Tennessee nation and Governor the third lowest overall tax burden per capita. Tennessee ranks first in the Southeast and 10th in the nation for personal income growth and second in the Southeast and eighth in the nation for job growth. One of our top priorities has
been to make Tennessee the number one state in the Southeast for high quality jobs, and we have a lot of momentum. Since January 2011, more than 130,000 new private sector jobs have been created here. And while I don’t believe government creates jobs, I do believe it is state government’s role to make sure Tennessee offers an attractive business climate to attract new investment and encourage existing businesses to grow and expand. Last year, we updated our worker’s compensation laws, streamlining the process and making it more equitable to both employees and employers. That came on the heels of overhauling our tort laws to provide more certainty to business and other efforts such as expanding captive insurance opportunities for companies. Part of an attractive business climate is also a well-trained an educated workforce. Tennessee has become a national leader in
presstalk
education innovation. Last November Tennessee was named the fastest growing state in the nation in education gains. After years of ranking in the 40s in education, we’re solidly in the 30s and getting close to reaching the national average, so we still have a lot of work to do. As we’ve asked more from our students and teachers, we want to be sure we’re compensating the leaders of our classrooms to reflect the professionals they are. Now that we’re the fastest improving state in academic achievement, our goal is to be the fastest growing state in raising teacher compensation. Our state’s commitment to education is preparing more Tennesseans for high-quality Tennessee jobs, but we still have more work to do. Currently, only 32 percent of Tennesseans have a certificate or degree beyond high school, and studies show that by 2025 that number needs to be at least 55 percent to keep up with job demand.
That’s why we launched our “Drive to 55” initiative last year, which includes the following: The launch of WGU Tennessee, an online competency-based university aimed at the 940,000 adult Tennesseans who have some college credit but didn’t graduate with an associate or four-year degree. The creation of a $47 million endowment from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) designed to provide nearly $2 million each year for “last dollar” scholarships to fill the gaps between students’ financial aid and the real costs of college that include books, supplies, room and board. The launch of the SAILS program (Seamless Alignment of Integrated Learning Support) that prepares students for college by intervening and eliminating the need for remedial courses — a program that will save students time and money while raising their likelihood of completing college work.
Legislation by Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville) and Rep. Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga) that created the Labor Education Alignment Program (LEAP) to better coordinate key stakeholders on the state and local level to address workforce readiness issues. New online learning innovations through partnerships with edX and Coursera. You will hear more from us in the coming weeks about our Drive to 55. We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with the legislative branch, and as the return of the 108th General Assembly approaches, we look forward to working with legislators on the important issues that matter to Tennesseans including jobs, education and a more efficient and effective state government. There are a lot of good things happening in Tennessee, and I am committed to building on our progress in 2014.
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presstalk@farragutpress.com
• It is Sunday night, just saw a story on the news about the [restaurant] employee who asked a mother to remove her child’s squeaky shoes because they were disturbing other patrons in the restaurant. [The restaurant] was so quick to make a statement assuring that the employee was new and that they do not discriminate against any of their patrons ... . Asking someone to stop being rude is not discriminating. I can see fear is the motivation behind that state-
ment, fear that they might lose money if they offend possible would-be-customers from coming in, who cares about the customers who enjoy going to [restaurants] to eat on regular visitations. You see this same spineless attitude at the Farragut Library while more oft than not some kid begins to screech and whine relentlessly while their mothers wait in line to check out 35 books for junior to take home. The poor kid is tired of waiting after all, that’s
understandable, but what is not acceptable is the mother, who does nothing to quiet the little tyke, no matter that the entire building is having to listen to this poor child carry on. Oh no “we” must be tolerant to this child’s tantrum-meltdown that not only lasts for 2-3 minutes but at times can go on longer. Do you ever hear the librarian tell the mother to please control her child or step outside as the other patron are trying to enjoy the quiet of the library? NO, of course not,
and why is this? Well I have it on good authority by friends who work at the local Knoxville libraries that they are not “allowed” to ask anyone to be quiet ... now that is just plan funny. Have they forgotten they work in a LIBRARY? You see they are fearful of losing their jobs if they exercise their authority to shush anyone. Who cares about the rest of us, we have to be “tolerant,” our comfort is of no importance. What in the world has happened to manners in this
country and doesn’t anyone know that tolerance works both ways, getting your way at the expense of the other person is not fair or doesn’t that matter either? Oh please someone else sound off on this lack of social graces, I can’t be the only one with a brain in this Town. Oh and just so you know I mean what I say, so don’t go trying to turn this around and make it something else.
FMPC
One example would be a flood plane overlay regulations over commercial zone regulations. The proposed ordinance would have an overlay allowing accessory dwelling units. That unit could be a rental building. “On this whole subject, I’m rather dismayed and puzzled because Aug. 17, you folks took a vote and the jest of it was you didn’t want to proceed any further with this,” said Ken Frazer, who lives at 217 Village Green Parkway. “And, here we are now in December and we’re still talking about it.”
HWWW
After the presentation, Matthews thanked Rooney then reiterated, “We’re going to make sure this trophy never leaves Knoxville Catholic.” Prior to the ceremony, Matthews said, “We’re just ecstatic to get the award, and thankful for farragutpress and 3 Minute Magic Carwash and everything they do by covering high school football and giving these young men recognition.” A handful of Irish players commented about winning the 3 Minute trophy, giving the Irish a way to compete against Farragut and Bearden despite not playing
either in 2013. Saying he had a cousin playing at Farragut and “a couple of friends” playing at Bearden, senior offensive tackle Nick Natour added, “It’s an honor wining this. Bearden and Farragut are great schools.” Senior wide receiver Harrison Huber said, “It’s an honor to get that award. Some of those schools are huge compared to us.” Senior linebacker David Hamilton said, “We worked hard, and I’m happy to be recognized with that award.”
From page 1A
ty development director, proposed the amendment to the language of Chapter 3 of the Farragut Zoning Ordinance. It would create an overlay concept in which the Commission and Board could allow accessory dwelling units within single-family residentially zoned neighborhoods. Singley said with an overlay district, the overlay is a layer of additional requirements or allowances on top of a base district, such as R-1 or C-1.
From page 1A
ate our business, our company and ourselves with winners. This is our fifth year sponsoring this award. “We do the same as your football team does, we have hard work and dedication. We want to win as well.” Including the program’s three playoff wins, “Congratulations for winning 10 games, and I’d like to present this trophy to you on behalf of 3 Minute Magic Carwash,” Rooney said to Matthews.
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