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EXPLANATION OF CODES:
BLUE FONT: Original post.
RED FONT: Response to post.
GREEN FONT: Editorial comment.
POST HC-(**number**): Post identification number in this topic. Posts listed in reverse chronological order. Please refer to this post number, when replying to a post.
| The following entries, submitted by area constituents, are distributed by me in this blog as a public service to increase dialog about issues of importance to Blount and Sevier County residents. I do not necessarily agree with or endorse any statement made herein. Our form of government works best, when many, differing viewpoints are heard and considered. The process is often "messy." Read, think, and offer your opinions. Most importantly, though, make up your own mind.
State Senator Raymond Finney |
POST GV-17. ELECTION REFORM:
Received: October 4, 2007. Accepted: October 4, 2007.
The amount of money spent on state campaigns is shameful and I would even say sinful given the fact that Blount County doesn’t even have a shelter for its homeless and unwanted animals. If $250,000 was spent on the last Senatorial Race and you add the money spent on the Representative race the animal shelter problem could be easily solved in this county. I am afraid our priorities are way off track in this country, but I have a solution.
How about introducing some meaningful campaign finance reform legislation in 2008 that would put a limit that is reasonable on the campaigns, such as a maximum of a $100,000 budget? Or better yet, a $50,000 maximum would make the process reasonable so that a middle class person could afford to run. Once a maximum is reached, a candidate can still knock on doors and make phone calls, which is really what candidates should be doing. While I am sure such legislation would not make you popular in Nashville, it would most certainly be well received by your middle class constituents who currently cannot afford to run for public office. I realize I keep you busy with my concerns and comments, and I always appreciate your response.
Tona, Greenback
EDITOR'S COMMENT: Something similar to your suggestion has already been proposed. During the nearly four weeks of debate (OUCH!) on the bill that would be enacted as Tennessee's Ethics Law in January and February of 2006, there were many dozens of amendments offered. One amendment, offered by Senator Doug Jackson (D-Dixon), would establish what has been called by various names, most commonly "voter owned elections." The plan goes something like this (and I will use myself as an example for my senatorial re-election campaign). I would initially collect $10,000 from donors-- 100 donors each contributing $100. I would, then, be eligible for funds from the state government-- up to $150,000. Let's say you decide to run against me. You would have the same opportunity. As soon as you collect $10,000 to show your sincerity and some degree of support, you would receive $150,000 from the state. You and I would be on equal footing. If you elect not to receive state funds, I could obtain a limited increase in funds from the government to try to match your campaign finances.
I was intrigued by this proposal (because it would open elections to candidates who might not otherwise be able to run and because it would reduce dependency upon monied interest). In the end, though, the amendment failed. I think failure to gain enough support for passage was due to at least three reasons:
- $150,000 is probably an insufficient amount to run in a strongly contested race. You mention door-knocking. I spent hundreds of hours in 2004 knocking on doors. I found this to be an inefficient way to meet voters. Seemingly, no one stays home now (work, busy schedules, and so forth). Some people are afraid to answer their doors.
- A rich candidate or a candidate backed by supporters with deep pockets could opt out of the process, and swamp a $150,000-funded candidate with hundreds of thousands of dollars. (As an example, Governor Bredesen, who is a millionaire many times over, put in millions of dollars of his own money in the 2002 gubernatorial race, impressively out-spending his opponent, Van Hilleary. Governor Bredesen's self-funding was legal, as the Supreme Court equates money with free speech. Restricting what a candidate can spend on him-/her-self is restriction of that candidate's First Amendment right of free speech.)
- There was some concern about entanglement of government finances in political races, even though all persons-- Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and all people-- would have equal access to the funds.
I doubt we will see this proposal re-surface within the next few years. I do agree, though, that the election process is too expensive and does favor incumbents, the rich, and persons connected with special interests. It appears to me that federal office holders are more dependent upon special interest than are state office holders.
State Senator Raymond Finney, October 4, 2007
POST GV-16. ELECTRONIC VERSUS PAPER BALLOTS:
Received: September 11, 2007. Accepted: September 11, 2007.
Electronic voting machines are expensive and can be hacked. I encourage concerned citizens to purchase the book Hacked if they would like to learn more on this matter.
I have started an online petition to restore voting integrity in Tennessee by restoring paper ballot voting. A group of friends concerned about the future of our country are going with me to Nashville on September 18 to speak to the Tennessee Election Commission, present the petition and make this request.
What is the chance that citizens will be able to get the Tennessee Election Commission to do something about this extremely important issue? I spoke with Kathy Summers and she told me that legislation regarding voting integrity was put on hold by the state government, and the Tennessee Election Commission is waiting to see what the federal government does regarding this issue. Waiting on the federal government is a terrible idea, because a solution could take a long time, be costly and not fully resolve the issue. Also during this time, the 2008 election primaries and possibly more elections will still be subject to the continual problems of system malfunction, disappearing memory cards, proprietary code errors that are not transparent and more.
The state of Tennessee simply does nott have the money to waste, and voters do not have elections we can waste. What else can concerned citizens do to restore paper ballot voting integrity for all Tennessee elections? Will the Tennessee General Assembly address this issue in 2008?
Thank you once again. As a concerned citizen, I always appreciate your response.
Tona, Greenback
EDITOR'S COMMENT: There probably is not time for the General Assembly to address this issue and enact meaningful legislation before the August, 2008 primaries. Election integrity should be an issue of concern for all citizens. Paper ballots provide a better audit trail, but they may have their own problems. Remember "hanging chads" from Florida? Let us know about your meeting in Nashville, after you return.
State Senator Raymond Finney, September 11, 2007
POST GV-15. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 88-- NORTH AMERICAN UNION:
Received: September 10, 2007. Accepted: September 10, 2007.
Recently I learned that Senate Joint Resolution 88 was introduced in regards to Tennessee's involvement or lack thereof with the North American Union (NAU). I see that it was taken off notice on 6/12/07. What exactly does that mean? What happened to this Joint Resolution? Will this cause be pursued in 2008 by the General Assembly? Thank you for your efforts in making Tennessee safe.
Tona, Greenback
EDITOR'S COMMENT: I was co-sponsor on Senate Joint Resolution 88 (SJR 88). This resolution addressed to Federal government leaders urges withdrawal of the United States from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America and from any other bilateral or multilateral activity that seeks the economic merger of the United States with any other country. In my opinion, Americans need to be aware of and alarmed by any proposal to merge Canada, the United States, and Mexico into one union, with no borders and with one set of laws and one currency. Much of America's sovereignty would be lost, in patterning the North American Union after the European Union.
We were able to pass SJR 88 unanimously in the Senate on April 26, 2007 by a 29 to 0 vote. The resulution then went to the House of Representatives. It languished in the House Calendar and Rules Committee. As time for the 2007 session was expiring (we adjourned on June 12), the resolution was taken off notice on June 11. This procedure means that the sponsor of the resolution withdrew it from consideration by a full vote in the House (because it was obvious it would not pass). The resolution may be re-considered in 2008, but it would appear there is strong opposition to this resolution by powerful House members. To pass something unanimously in the Senate but not even get a vote in the House is, unfortunately, not uncommon. America is becoming less sovereign with almost every passing day, and few persons seem to care. I care, and apparently you do, too, Tona.
State Senator Raymond Finney, September 10, 2007
POST GV-14. HIGH COST OF RUNNING FOR OFFICE:
Received: September 1, 2007. Accepted: September 1, 2007.
I am distressed to see the high cost of running for a state senator position, and I can see that the cost is distressing
to you as well. Why does it cost so much to run for public office? On a federal level, special interest groups and corporations are heavily involved in financing campaigns. Where do state politicians derive their campaign funding
from? With such exorbitant cost associated in running for office, how could a common middle class person ever run? A middle class person would by far more accurately reflect his constituents, yet it appears that it is virtually cost prohibitive for anyone but a wealthy person to be able to run for office. I am sure our founding fathers never envisioned this excessive campaign process.
Tona, Greenback
EDITOR'S COMMENT: Tona, you raise good questions:
- It is very expensive to run for public office, especially for a state office and most especially for a federal office. It will require hundreds of millions of dollars to elect the next president, for example. This high cost is shameful, because it does limit office holders to extremely rich persons or to persons who are well connected to rich persons who can donate large sums of money.
- It is more difficult for poorer persons to run for office, unless they work hard and raise money from donors. No poor person should be discouraged from running for office, but the challenge will be greater.
- Tennessee limits the amount of money or in lieu services any donor can give to a candidate. Since you have chosen to ask about my office, I will use my donation limits as an example. A state senatorial candidate will face two election cycles-- a primary cycle, ending in the August primary, and a general election cycle, ending in the November general election. For each cycle, a candidate may receive no more than 1,000-dollars from any donor (a married couple may donate 2,000-dollars in separate checks of 1,000-dollars each) or 7,500-dollars from a political action committee (PAC). A political party may donate more than this to a candidate. Candidates must make a public report of contributions and expenses. You may see campaign donations and expenses for every candidate, whether elected or not, at the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance Website.
- Why is campaigning so high? Again taking my office as an example, I serve approximately 200,000 persons in my two-county district. Probably less than 20,000 voters will vote in the August, 2008 primary. I will need to buy many yard signs (4 or 5 dollars each), send postcard mailers to likely voters (at least 10,000-dollars per mailing), purchase local newspaper advertisements (more than 2,000-dollars per page of advertisement), purchase television advertisement (thousands of dollars for production of a 30-second spot and several dollars per spot aired on cable television-- advertising on network television is out of my league), and many other costs (consultants, polls, and so forth). I am actually fortunate. If my district were in a large county (Shelby, Davidson, Knox, etc.), my costs would be much higher. Realize that most advertising is ignored, so that attempts to reach voters must be repeated many times, and the cash register clangs loudy every time a new advertising attempt is made.
- I believe you are correct about our founding fathers. I believe the concept was for our nation and its political subdivisions (states, for example) to have citizen leaders. That is, a citizen would be elected by his neighbors to represent them in government for a period of time; then, he would return home for a period of time to live among the neighbors who elected him and to live under the laws he created. Election to office was intended to be made because of a candidate's reputation and good standing in his community. With modern advertising techniques and many politicians making a full-time career out of public office, this concept essentially vanished.
We must continue to elect our leaders by popular vote, but the process is weakened because it costs so much to reach voters. Campaign costs are obscenely high.
I wish I had more encouraging news, but I am afraid the costs of campaigning for office will continue to spiral upward-- and our nation will be the poorer because of it.
State Senator Raymond Finney, September 1, 2007
POST GV-13. CONCERNED ABOUT AMERICA'S FUTURE:
Received: August 20, 2007. Accepted: June 23, 2007.
I am seriously concerned about the grave direction the federal government has taken during both the Bush and Clinton presidencies. With Bush we've had the patriot act, the military comissions act, and the real ID act just to name a few. If these laws are ever enforced to their fullest potential, our federal government will likely become more tyrannical than the terrorist we are fighting abroad.
I applaud the Tennessee Legislature's efforts to
ban the Real ID act. What else can private citizens as well as state legislators do to stop our federal gov't from becoming any bigger and more oppressive of us all? Deeply concerned about our country's future...
Tona, Greenback
POST GV-12. AUTOMOBILE ENERGY STANDARDS, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, TAXES, CONTAINER DEPOSIT:
Received: June 22, 2007. Accepted: June 23, 2007.
1. Automobiler energy standards.The current energy legislation is unfair, unrealistic, and is another example of government interference that will do nothing to help American auto companies and their suppliers. Tremendous progress has been made by U.S. auto manufacturers in fuel use reduction, safety and quality-- without help from the federal government.
2. Illegal immigration. Build the wall. Issue identification cards to all illegals currently residing in the U.S. Deport those who will not register. In short, identify the problem, then determine how the problem can be corrected.
3. Taxes. Eliminate the ridiculously high sales tax on food in Tennessee. How? An income tax is one answer. Higher motor vehicle licensing fees is another. I do not think an income tax is political suicide, if offset with the elimination of food taxes.
4. Deposit law. Consider a deposit requirement on cans and bottles of soft drinks and beer. The states in which this has been enacted have experienced much cleaner roadsides.
Ronald, Kodak
EDITOR'S COMMENT: The automobile energy standards and immigration are federal-- not state-- issues. We have found little we can do at the state level to control illegal immigration.
The General Assembly was able in the 2007 to reduce permanently the state's portion of the sales tax on food by one-half per cent (from 6 to 5.5 per cent). This may seem minor, but it was a major victory for consumers and those of us who want lower taxation. The governor and many legislators opposed a sales tax reduction. This minor victory came only because of unprecedented tax revenue surplus. We also enacted a one-time sales tax holiday for certain school purchase items during a weekend in the latter part of March, 2008. GO TO this Web page to see some other highlights of the 2007 legislative session. I can assure you that a state income tax is a non-starter in Nashville at the present time.
The container deposit bill is introduced year after year, but does not gain any traction. I have been in some states that have such a deposit law. The Tennessee proposal has been to charge 8-cents per beverage can or bottle, with 5-cents refunded upon return of the container.
State Senator Raymond Finney, June 23, 2007
POST GV-11. HANDICAPPED PARKING:
Received: December 14, 2006. Accepted: December 14, 2006.
Earlier in 2006 I reviewed Tennessee's regulations related to handicapped parking. These regulations were e-mailed to me by the Tennessee Department of Safety as I had filed a complaint about a public building in Sevier County. The Department of Safety found that the public building was in compliance with Tennessee regulations; however, the regulations are, in my opionion, very minimal and not adequate for the increasingly handicapped population. I think Tennessee's handicapped parking regulations should be revised. With the baby boomers now in the late 50's and early 60's (age), more and more adults qualify for handicapped parking. Seldom does a public place-- government, business or work place-- have sufficient numbers of handicapped parking spaces. I think the number of handicapped parking spaces should be at least triple what we now have. (Most, if not all, public buildings exceed the current regulations.) Also, all spaces designated for handicapped should be those closest to the handicapped accessible door. Also, the door closest to the handicapped spaces should be accessible for handicapped during all hours the business/office is open. (Some buildings lock some access doors after a certain hour with only one door unlocked. Getting a handicapped space near the locked door defeats the purpose of having a handicapped space.
I have a handicapped parking tag because of multiple health conditions to include non-smoker COPD and arthritis but I can walk "short distances." I sometimes feel guilty for taking the last handicapped space as I think someone who cannot walk at all-- those in wheelchairs might come later and need a space and there would not be a handicapped space for
him/her. Most, but not all wheelchair persons travel in vans. I think handicapped tags and parking spaces should have a designation-- something like the following: Class 1 for those who cannot walk or walk very minimally and class 2 for those who can walk but need to park closer than the rest of the population.
Brenda, Maryville
POST GV-10. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS:
Received: December 8, 2006. Accepted: December 8, 2006.
After observing state government spending habits for a number of years, I am appalled. So little is saved for a "rainy day" financial shortfall or emergency need. Tennessee is fortunately spared from some natural disasters (for example, hurricanes), but we are vulnernable for other natural disasters (for example, an earthquake or tornado). Public health agencies recently warned of a potentially devastating avian flu pandemic in which Tennessee, like other states, would face enormous public health expenses and lost wages. We could have crippling terrorism attacks (for example, Oak Ridge or a TVA dam). We presently are enjoying a healthy economy, but the economy is cyclical and we know we will have recession in the future. I am concerned that the state government spends most of its yearly income before the fiscal year is completed. I believe we should save five per cent of each year's revenues for an emergency or for use during a recession. I save part of my paycheck for unpredictable hard times in the future. Why cannot government officials practice the same spending discipline?
Mark, Sevierville
POST GV-9. HOW MUCH TO RUN FOR YOUR SEAT?
Received: November 27, 2006. Accepted: November 28, 2006.
How much would it cost to run for your Senate seat?
Jimmie, Seymour
EDITOR'S COMMENT: It's always nice to hear from a satisfied constituent!
Seriously, a contested state senatorial race may cost a few hundred-thousand dollars. If I have one or more opponents when I run for re-election in 2008, I believe I can conduct a lean, no-frills, effective campaign for approximately 200- to 250-thousand dollars. I may need less or more, depending upon the strength of my opponent(s).
You may want to search the CANDIDATES' FINANCIAL REPORTS filed with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. You can see how much senatorial candidates have spent in 2004 and 2006 elections. Candidates in urban districts typically spend more, because advertising costs are more expensive than in rural districts. Party stalwarts can also help you estimate likely costs.
I can assure you that raising campaign funds is the most detestable, degrading part of politics. The cost of campaigning for office has become obscenely high.
It sounds like we may meet in 2008. Until then, best wishes....
State Senator Raymond Finney, November 28, 2006
POST GV-8. HOTLINE NUMBERS:
Received: October 27, 2006. Accepted: October 27, 2006.
You had a full page ad in The Daily Times last week, and you gave telephone numbers that I can call to report wasteful government spending. I misplaced the ad. Can you give the numbers again?
Joe, Maryville
EDITOR'S COMMENT: I will gladly repeat them. Any citizen who suspects waste, mismanagement, abuse, or fraud in spending of tax dollars-- whether at the state or local government level-- should call one of the toll-free hotline numbers, and initiate an investigation. Your call will be held confidential.
- For all departments and agencies, except those specifically mentioned below: 1.800.232.5454
- TennCare: 1.800.433.3982
- Workers' compensation: 1.888.243.7283
- Food stamps, benefits: 1.800.241.2629
State Senator Raymond Finney, October 27, 2006
POST GV-7. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUDITS:
Received: October 26, 2006. Accepted: October 27, 2006.
I recommend that audits be performed of local governments. I want to know the financial health of my city and county governments. Can you pass a law to require audits and public disclosure of results of local governments?
Ed, Blount County resident
EDITOR'S COMMENT: Such audits are already performed at regular intervals by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. Go to the following Web page:
Reports and Audits Search. Choose the audits of any county or municipality you wish to review.
State Senator Raymond Finney, October 27, 2006
POST GV-6. BUYING WINE ON THE INTERNET:
Received: October 21, 2006. Accepted: October 21, 2006.
I want to purchase more varieties of wine than are available at local liquor stores. Some states permit purchasing wine over the Internet, I believe, but Tennessee does not. I understand the Tennessee Legislature considered permitting Internet sales of wine, but did not pass the law. Why?
Robert, Maryville
EDITOR'S COMMENT: You are correct. The General Assembly did not pass a law permitting Internet sales of wine. There are significant problems with this practice, especially guarding against access for under-age (minor) persons to purchase intoxicating beverages. One control over prohibiting sales of alcoholic beverages to minors is the requirement that there must be a face-to-face encounter between the vendor's employee (clerk), who is held accountable for breach of his responsibility, and the purchaser, including a personal review of photographic identification (driver's license). Proponents claim this would not be a problem, as the driver of the delivery service (UPS, FedEx, and so forth) could check the identification of the delivery recipient (if, indeed, any carrier would assume this responsibility). There apparently have been problems with Internet sales of alcoholic beverages. For example, see
www.pointclickdrink.com, including its
facts Web page.
State Senator Raymond Finney, October 21, 2006
POST GV-5. SEEKING ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OPINION:
Received: September 30, 2006. Accepted: September 30, 2006.
How may I submit a question to Tennessee's attorney general for a legal opinion?
Marie, Sevierville
EDITOR'S COMMENT: You cannot submit a question directly to the attorney general for his opinion. You probably can understand why this must be the policy. If the AG tried to answer legal questions from any and all Tennesseans, his office would be overwhelmed. A citizen should ask his/her personal attorney about a legal matter. Or, he/she can see if an elected officials will request an opinion.
The Office of the Attorney General and Reporter is established by Article VI, Section 5 of the Tennessee Constitution. The attorney general is appointed by justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court for an eight-year term. The attorney general is the chief legal officer of the state. Through his staff, he represents the interests of the state in a variety of areas. Officers and agencies of the state are supposed to be represented by the attorney general in all civil litigation before state and federal courts. The district attorneys prosecute most criminal cases at the trial level. The attorney general prosecutes all criminal cases in the appellate courts and exercises original prosecutorial powers in the areas of securities and state contract fraud. The attorney general has the authority to institute ouster proceedings and civil actions for antitrust violations, consumer fraud and environmental enforcement. In addition to courtroom duties, the attorney general provides legal advice to state departments and agencies and the General Assembly. Formal opinions of the attorney general on legal issues are rendered to state officials upon request. The attorney general also approves all administrative regulations and leases as to form and legality. In the exercise of his reporter function, the attorney general reports the opinions of the Tennessee Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Although private citizens' legal questions are not accepted, the attorney general's
opinions may be read online. Perhaps your question has already been answered.
State Senator Raymond Finney, September 30, 2006
POST GV-4. THE TENNESSEE TRUST:
Received: September 19, 2006. Accepted: September 19, 2006.
What is the Tennessee Trust?
Jimmy, Pigeon Forge
EDITOR'S COMMENT: The Republican Caucus in the Tennessee General Assembly has unveiled legislative initiatives we will try to enact in 2007. Tennessee Trust initiatives will involve some of the greatest problems facing our state. I was present at the three press conferences announcing these initiatives, and I signed all initiatives as a charter sponsor. I am in complete agreement with the Tennessee Trust. The Tennessee Trust components are:
A Commitment to the Citizens of Tennessee
As our Republican representatives in state government, and those seeking to join that body, we pledge this "Trust" to the citizens of Tennessee:
TENNESSEE VALUES: We will support reforms that change the culture of the legislature and restore trust in state government, allowing us to focus on those issues of most concern to our citizens. We pledge to:
- Propose initiatives to streamline the legislative process;
- Support and fund education first;
- Strengthen and protect our families;
- Promote access to affordable, quality healthcare;
- Encourage job development; and
- Uphold our common Tennessee values.
IMMIGRATION REFORM: We will support strong laws against illegal immigration that will help take back our streets, including legislation that will:
- Require proof of citizenship to vote;
- Require legal documentation to get a drivers license;
- Require the Tennessee Highway Patrol to train a division to assist federal officials in detaining illegals who are breaking our laws;
- Require a drivers license test to be taken in English only; and
- Require proof of citizenship before receiving certain public assistance or social service benefits.
TAX AND SPENDING CONTROLS: We will support tax relief and spending control legislation that will help ensure that we will never face an income tax debate again:
- Return over-collected taxes to the people by cutting the sales tax on food;
- Control spending by strengthening a constitutional cap on the state budget; and
- Oppose a state income tax.
State Senator Raymond Finney, September 19, 2006; amended November 23, 2006
POST GV-3. READING TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BILLS:
Received: September 15, 2006. Accepted: September 15, 2006.
I am interested in three bills that came before the Tennessee Legislature last year. I know the bill numbers, but I don't know how to read the text of the bills. Can you help me?
Tom, Gatlinburg
EDITOR'S COMMENT: Yes. Follow these steps: (1) Go to the General Assembly's Website, www.legislature.state.tn.us. (2) On the home page, see a menu bar on the lefthand side. (3) Click on the "LEGISLATION" prompt. (4) On the page that opens, see the two data entry boxes. (5) In the top box, enter the legislation in questions, as directed (SB1234 would be a Senate bill, HB1234, a House bill; SJR1234, a Senate joint resolution; etc.). (6) In the page that open, there are a number of options that can be read-- text of the bills, text of the amendment(s), fiscal note, legislative history, etc. NOTES: (a) The bottom data entry box can be used something like a GoogleTM search engine. Enter a word or phrase; if somewhat lucky, you will be taken to bills and resolutions concerned with this topic. (b) In January of 2007, we will re-use these bill numbers. Do your reading before January. Let me know, if you need help.
State Senator Raymond Finney, September 15, 2006
POST GV-2. PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF RELIGIOUS ACT:
Received: September 13, 2006. Accepted: September 14, 2006.
For some time now, I have been following a proposed bill in the U.S. Congress called Public Expression of Religion Act, or PERA (H.R.2679). The bill would prohibit judges in civil suits involving the First Amendment's Establishment Clause from awarding attorney's fees to those offended by religious symbols or actions in the public square-- such as a Ten Commandments display in a courthouse or a cross on a county seal. The ACLU is in my mind an enemy of the people of our great nation and funded at the expense of those who oppose them, the taxpayer. Most people don’t know the ACLU seeks out suits that damage the charioteer of our republic just to secure funding for their progressive liberal activism on other fronts. As you know, the people of Tennessee will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional marriage amendment this November. You may not know the ACLU attempted to stop this statewide vote as our State Supreme Court unanimously rejected the ACLU’s attempt to stop the people of Tennessee from voting on the issue. My question is there any legal way to introduce a state bill to prohibit the ACLU’s capital gain of taxpayer money when they bring a suit against our state or local governments? Just thought this might be something worth looking at. Thanks for your time.
Jim, Maryville
POST GV-1. LABELING OF INCORPORATED CHURCHES:
Received: September 12, 2006. Accepted: September 12, 2006.
There ought to be a law requiring incorporated churches in Tennessee to place "Inc." after their church names. After all, incorporated churches get their charters respectively from the Tennessee Secretary of State. Don't Tennessee tax dollars fund the operational expenses of the Secretary? Can anyone say, "joined at the hips" with the state? An example of a new law sign would be: "First Self Righteous Church, Inc." Tell me, what's wrong with such a proposed law? Do Tennessee citizens have a right to lawful "transparency?"
Harold, Maryville