State Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, told members of the Pachyderm Club last Monday that his critics need to move past his vote against changes to the Basic Education Program K-12 funding formula.

“I think it’s time to get over it,” he said at the GOP organization’s lunch meeting. “If that’s the only thing that people are basing their grudge (on), get over it.”

The BEP 2.0 legislation, which solidly passed the Tennessee General Assembly last year, resulted in more funding for Hamilton County.

Rep. Cobb, whose 31st state House District includes part of Northern Hamilton County and Rhea County, said the BEP reforms “looked very bleak for Rhea County.”

His Aug. 7 GOP primary opponent, former state Rep. Jim Vincent, of Soddy-Daisy, has called Mr. Cobb’s vote a “major mistake.”

THANKS, BUT NO THANKS

Curious to peruse images of gang-related skin art? Ask Tim Akins.

At last week’s Hamilton County sheriff’s forum, independent candidate Tim Akins referenced tattoos while answering a question about the severity of the area’s gang situation.

“We definitely have a gang problem, and I can show you all the pictures you want of tattoos if you want to see them,” said Mr. Akins, a former staff sergeant with the sheriff’s department.

Moderator Kevin West, a radio personality on WGOW 102.3 FM, wasted no time with a quick response.

“If you’re talking to me personally, I’ll pass on that, but (I) appreciate the offer,” he cracked.

Democrat Greg Beck, Republican Jim Hammond and independent candidate Jim Winters also are on the ballot for the Aug. 7 race. In addition, write-in candidate Fred Fuson is seeking the post.

THREE THINGS

City Council members last Tuesday discussed the potential of a cash ban as part of a proposed policy on city employees soliciting money for fundraisers.

That led Councilman Jack Benson, a former principal, to repeat some advice he once got from a fellow educator:

“He said three things. As a new principal, don’t ever fool with the money, and don’t ever fool with women teachers. But don’t ever let ’em think you’re not man enough to if you wanted to,” he said. “I think that’s pretty wise.”

“I shouldn’t have told that,” he then said.

PRICE PRIORITIES

After Hamilton County Commissioner Fred Skillern made remarks Thursday suggesting officials look for ways to replace playgrounds and equipment pushed aside by new schools and additions to schools, Commissioner Curtis Adams asked him a question.

“What’s the price of gasoline?” asked the commissioner and East Ridge city manager.

With a laugh, Mr. Skillern, of Soddy-Daisy, said, “$3.83.9 in Daisy. I don’t know how much it is in East Ridge.”

Before Mr. Adams could respond, Commission Chairman Bill Hullander interjected.

“He doesn’t either,” he said.

A MAGNET FOR DEBATE

At Tuesday’s meeting of the North Chattanooga Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Normal Park Upper School principal Jill Levine came to thank members for their work renovating a room at the school.

Cookie cake in tow, she smiled as she received a round of applause, saying those who had helped her deserved the accolades for their support of the magnet school.

Also on the meeting’s schedule was a forum for all seven Board of Education candidates.

As the meeting got under way, school board member Rhonda Thurman, who is running unopposed for her District 1 seat, stood to give opening remarks. Ms. Thurman has publicly spoken out against magnet schools such as Normal Park in the past, saying they are the antithesis of neighborhood schools, which she supports.

“It’s not about special projects for special schools,” she said. “All children in Hamilton County are special.”

Sitting at a back table, Ms. Levine let out a brief chuckle and smiled.

HELP YOUR PET, CALL AHEAD

The newly opened McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center in Hixson is asking people who want to bring animals into the shelter to call ahead.

“Because so many animals came in at one time, the staff is processing up to 80 animals a day that will be up for adoption,” states a press release from the McKamey Center.

Between its opening Tuesday and Thursday, the center took in 99 kittens, 31 cats, 33 dogs and 29 puppies, the release states. So far, 11 cats and 4 dogs had been adopted.

Animals must be held for 48 hours before they can be adopted.

To make an appointment with McKamey, call 305-6500.

The shelter is offering a special incentive for Tuesday — two cats for the price of one. The adoption fee for all animals is $100, which includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, heartworm testing and flea and tick treatment, among other things.

CALLING THE CLASS OF ’68, ’69, ’70, ’71…

If you graduated from Oak Ridge High School sometime in the last 63 years, you’re invited to a reunion for all the school’s graduates.

From Aug. 29 to Aug. 31, the school’s alumni group will host its second BASH reunion, a way for members of every class to meet up.

Scheduled events include an Aug. 29 football game, a gala event on Aug. 30 and an Aug. 31 picnic.

Organizers suggest a $25 donation per couple.

For more information, go to ORHSAlumni.com