Katz says localism seedbed of quasi-independent city-state, prosperity
Researcher Bruce Katz of Brookings Institution and Marcus Shaw of Chattanooga discuss lococentrism at a local economy-boosting event in Chattanooga. (Photo David Tulis) This book argues that in local economy people can exercise self-determination via the city-state and escape an impoverished political and national status quo. (Photo David Tulis) Boosters of local economy and tech-driven […]
Rhea plan would ‘define, prohibit, abate, suppress, prevent, regulate’
A law to regulate much innocent activity as a nuisance in Rhea County, Tenn., is under consideration by the county commission. (Photo Tnvacation.com) The Rhea County commission is considering a proposal to seize power against the people under authorization of a state law that gives broad authority to cities and counties with token language about the […]
Musician, hairdresser in Nashville sue to legalize home businesses
Musician Lij Saw is suing to overturn a ban in Nashville on home-based businesses. (Photo Beacon Center) Nashville hair stylist Pat Raynor says it is unjust and ugly for city government in Nashville to make her an outlaw for practicing her trade. (Photo Beacon Center) NASHVILLE, Dec. 5, 2017 — Today, the Beacon Center teamed […]
Sharp raps TIF subsidy for local developer
Helen Burns Sharp Helen Burns Sharp is a model for other concerned localists in knocking commercial government in Chattanooga and Hamilton County. She offers list of criticisms for a F$5 million tax subsidy for Evergreen Real Estate to extend West M.L. King Boulevard to the Blue Goose Landing Trailhead on the Tennessee Riverwalk. Note artist’s depiction […]
2,000 jobs given to inmates, but CoreCivic hired no staff to supervise, insider says
Rep. Barbara Cooper By Grenda Ray Harmer, No. 88710 First, I want to discuss my letter to Barbara Cooper, state representative. I’d be interested to know why she didn’t conduct an investigation into my claims of fraud. Then I’d be interested in knowing why any legislator I sent a copy to didn’t request the legislature […]
AirBnB ordinance takes effect, illegal on yet new grounds
Donna Williams is charged with enforcing city council’s AirBnB ordinance, an illegal intrusion upon the city’s thriving “Gig City” Internet economy. (Photo LinkedIn) Taking effect this week in Chattanooga is city government’s so-called short-term vacation rental ordinance, one that is illegal on several grounds — including a new one that comes into view on a […]
Future of Chattanooga as a city-state; but first, let it become own county, Crockett says
Chattanooga in the city-states futureWhat are the major trends that bode well for Chattanooga being richer, freer and more independent? Dave Crockett lassos prospect. A major hitch, getting the general assembly to pass a bill letting big cities become counties. Posted by NoogaRadio 92.7 FM – AM 1240 on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 What are […]
Q&A: Guards abusive in prison system that enriches corporations
Tennessee prisoner Grenda Harmer complains of abuse at several state slavery installations, the most recent one in which he is confined run by CoreCivic, a for-profit company trading as CXW at about F$26 a share. (Photo David Tulis) The following is my interview by correspondence with Grenda Harmer, a whistleblowing inmate consigned to Morgan County […]
50% tax cut would spur sharp improvements in county schools
This graphic from the 2016 CAFR shows where the county’s money comes from. It is possible to empathize with Hamilton County Commissioners who are being asked to consider a tax increase of F$100 million to pay for the state factory school system in the Chattanooga area. The reason one might sympathize with board members is […]
10 forms of slavery blacks endure today (largely without realizing it)
This monument to a Confederate general, A.P. Stewart, should offend less than the requirement of the party represented in the building behind, one that says black people cannot marry without state permission. (Photo MP on Flickr) Black activists and Democrat-oriented sympathizers have it easy. They complain bitterly about statues of Confederate notables such as Gen. […]