Cantrell says votes show independence
In the course of a political campaign, misleading statements are often made by a certain type of candidate. If a candidate can’t win on issues or qualifications, he/she will often distort an opponent’s positions because it is the expedient or only way to win.
My voting record has been deliberately misrepresented by Jim Fields’ campaign supporters. I have a notarized copy of my voting record from the Election Commission that shows a 60/40 split in my primary voting record.
As an independent, I have made no secret of the fact that I have voted for candidates of both parties. I feel free as an independent to vote for the best candidate based on his/her qualifications and character.
I am running because I believe I can do the best job for District 2 County Commission. I will not flip-flop on issues or say whatever it takes to get elected. We’ve seen enough of that. I stand for conservative financial management of the county budget, strong public schools, and careful long-range planning for the county’s growth. My opponent’s platform changes day to day. My platform has been the same since day one.
I would appreciate your support and your vote.
DAVID CANTRELL
Deficit charge against Smith false
Although I will vote for Sheriff Tim Gobble in the 3rd Congressional District primary, I want to point out that Robin Smith’s supposed “deficit spending” with the Tennessee Republican Party treasury is absolutely false. In fact, the way Ms. Smith managed the party budget is the way it has been done for 30 years.
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, I was the vice treasurer of the Tennessee Republican Party and an elected member of the GOP State Executive Committee from the 10th Senatorial District.
At that time, the state Republican Party always borrowed money from banks during election years – so that we would have extra cash available for targeted races.
The loans were always repaid from money raised during the following non-election year.
So while the outgoing state party chairman did technically leave the party with a deficit, this was planned for in advance, approved by the Finance Committee, and was simply standard procedure.
Mrs. Smith certainly should not be criticized for it.
Actually, she and her staff deserve much praise for the Tennessee Republican Party’s success in the 2008 legislative elections.
Mr. Chuck Fleischmann is simply making up an issue where none exists, and it will ultimately hurt GOP unity.
JOHN MCROY DAVIES
Signal Mountain
Swafford’s office procedures stale
The Hamilton County Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office is in need of a major overhaul. Although this office is not a high profile department as with most elected positions, it is nonetheless a very important one with many specific state mandated tasks that greatly impact the youth and families of Hamilton County.
For the last 12 years, Ron Swafford has failed to bring this office up to the minimum standards required in today’s age of data processing. Hiring more personnel instead of utilizing more efficient methodology is not the answer. Although the budget has doubled in the past 10 years, petitions have only increased 12.4 percent.
Believe it or not, hearings are still recorded on outdated cassette tapes that is not only time consuming, but results in malfunctions many times that require cases to be re-tried. E-mail is not utilized nor are other time-saving and efficient methods. Complacency and a lethargic passivity has slowed the expeditious flow of data this office generates.
Too many elected officials think they have lifetime jobs. If so, why do we need elections? This is the year for real solutions, fresh ideas, and visions for the future. Out with the old, in with the new.
BILL WATKINS
Ooltewah
Smith outlines ‘deficit’ truth
Leadership involves truth. Here’s the truth about my successful record as the Tennessee Republican Party chairman despite lies and attacks by trial lawyer, Chuck Fleischmann:
In 2008, 14 non-incumbent victories resulted in Republican control of both chambers of Tennessee’s Legislature, the secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller for the first time in our state’s history.
The party was not “broke” with a “$100,000 deficit.” A customary review was conducted after my departure, as with all chairmen, showing campaign vendor obligations as liabilities. Just as your mortgage is a good investment, so was the investment in contract services used to win. As I finished my term, tickets to the party’s annual fundraising dinner were already being sold to complete these contract obligations.
The “lavish bonuses” resulted from my request to the state committee to take my $20,000 performance bonus and divide it among my well-deserving staff.
I’ve been honored to serve conservative causes for 20 years and now campaign for U.S. Congress based on my principled record.
We’ll “take away President Obama’s checkbook” only if we elect those who have led at home with the courage to stand on conviction with results. I respectfully ask for your vote for 3rd District congressman.
ROBIN SMITH
Wamp will make a good governor
I’m amazed at the people who write some of the editorials/letters who don’t believe others have enough knowledge to vote their conscience. My husband and I voted early. After much prayer and research, we voted for the people we knew for a fact were the best people for the job.
When you have known someone most of their life, know how they were raised, know their parents, and know how they stand on the issues, then I believe that enters into making a good decisions.
Until this election I had never heard of some of the candidates. They may be great people but I just don’t know them. I do know Robin Smith. I’ve known her, and her husband Scott, most of their lives. I know their children and parents.
They are a loyal and Godly family. Knowing a person’s background and family does make a difference. We are, at least now, still Americans and each of us can vote.
I believe Zach Wamp with his integrity and heart for Tennessee will make a good governor. Mr. Wamp is a sincere man. We each have the freedom to vote for the one we feel will best represent the people of Tennessee.
TERRY & MONONA
BAKER
Haslam positive and to the point
Bill Haslam has been a perfect gentleman in his ads for governor of Tennessee. He is positive and to the point of his intentions if elected.
He made no negative comments about Zach Wamp until Wamp started his “dirt” when he saw he was not front-runner in the polls. I personally would not vote for Wamp; we all know that he has the big money behind him in Chattanooga and this certainly means there will be favors for the endorsements.
Bill Haslam has money but he has earned it.
After calling Wamp’s office twice for questions, I never received a return call as promised. I do not trust Zach Wamp to have the power as our governor. Please vote for Bill Haslam – you will not be disappointed.
HELEN MILLER
Gobble’s history makes him top pick
My wife and I had the opportunity to attend a “Meet the Candidates” event. One of the candidates that impressed us the most was Tim Gobble and here is why:
As sheriff of Bradley County, he has managed public funds appropriately.
He has actually encountered the illegal alien issue in Cleveland rather than just talking about it like the other candidates.
His background includes a history of service to our country in law enforcement as both sheriff and previously in the Secret Service.
Tim has held other publicly elected offices besides sheriff, including City Council positions. This shows that people have trusted him to represent, lead and protect them on multiple occasions.
He is genuine, down to earth and talks like you and I with common sense. He doesn’t paint grand pictures of the ideal world but rather focuses on what he will do to make things better.
This community is his home, and representing it and standing up for all the rights of its citizenry is very personal to him. If you meet Mr. Gobble, talk to him, hear him or research him, you will see that he is the best candidate for this position.
BRANDON ANTHONY
Wamp stance on oil men contradictory
I never cease to be amazed at positions Tennessee Republicans take. Some are dangerous (guns) but they don’t have a clue. They are against Social Security but many Republican seniors don’t understand. Some are contradictory as with the case of Zach Wamp.
He is attacking a man of wealth, yet he wants to be one. I thought wealth was a Republican ambition? Wamp says Haslam is “a billionaire oil man who price gouged working Tennesseans.” That is strange since Wamp voted not to give working Tennesseans further unemployment benefits!
Haslam doesn’t like Wamp’s ad and says he is lying. Wamp says negative ads are Tennessee’s way of telling the truth. It is the same method Republican state chairwoman Robin Smith used to attack Harold Ford, saying he wanted to date white women, and trying to tie Obama with Louis Farrakhan. She pulled the ad only after Lamar Alexander disapproved.
Our family has traveled across the country many times. We use Pilot stations and have never been price gouged! If Wamp is against oil men, it has come about only recently. He never complained about George Bush men in the White House!
DON MYERS
Hixson
Make Wamp unemployed
Chattanoogans and Tennesseans unite!
It’s time for Zach Wamp to be unemployed, off the public dole.
Running his mouth about God shouldn’t be brought up in politics, period! Just trying to get more votes from us Christians.
He’s got a lot of nerve thinking that the unemployed don’t deserve benefits.
Jobs are hard to find and still have to take care of their families, housing, food, utilities, gasoline, to find a job. (Insurance? Forget it. Drop it.)
The unemployed are looking to find jobs. It’s time for Wamp to get out scraping and clawing to find a real job, not just sitting and talking.
He helped bring our economy down, yet he claims credit for just about everything under the sun.
I’m a Democrat but would vote for Herslam, who is better qualified than Wamp.
I’m tired of President Obama being blasted for trying to fix the mess the GOP has made. He cannot get his objectives completed.
YVONNE SMITH