KnoxViews exclusive: A conversation with Ward Cammack

Thu

Apr 30 2009

07:05 pm

By: R. Neal

Democratic candidate for governor Ward Cammack was in Knoxville today for a taping of WBIR's Inside Tennessee program. We caught up with Mr. Cammack at Calhoun's on the River for a wide-ranging conversation on a variety of issues.

Mr. Cammack has an impressive command of the facts, and a refreshing, holistic view of how jobs, health care, education, and energy policy are all interconnected with the drivers of our economy. He is passionate about his vision for Tennessee and a good communicator who can articulate it. Oh, and he rolled up in a Prius sporting an Obama bumper sticker.

We first asked why he got into politics and why he is running for governor. His answer sums up his platform and where he believes we should be going.

continued...

"That's easy," he said. "I'm running because I'm compelled to do it. It's having an acute understanding of the economy that we're in." Mr. Cammack noted that he has been in the investment and finance business for thirty years, starting businesses and working with local governments, utilities, and hospitals to help with financing and planning.

Regarding the current economy, he said we are at a critical time and that "it's not a recession, it's a reset. It's a recalibration, and everything that we know in terms of how we thought economies work, what drives them, they're all turning upside down. It's a great opportunity if you know what to do, but it's to our disadvantage if we don't."

He went on to say that "This election is going to determine not where we're going over the next four or eight years but where we're going over the next one hundred years, because we're entering a new age."

He said it involves more than what some may call the "green economy," and that it means demographics, with fewer young people and more older people, and "businesses across the board looking at their vulnerabilities with respect to natural resources. We're going from a world of abundant, infinite resources to finite resources."

"This changes the pricing," said Mr. Cammack. "Businesses are looking at the fact that there's no more away in throwing away. It's their business, too. Somebody else's waste impacts our business and our waste impacts somebody else's business."

Mr. Cammack says governments have recognized this, noting that last year there were 683 climate and sustainability action plans and 1193 mayoral initiatives across the country. He says this is not happening because of "purely an environmental viewpoint," but rather "because of need, because of economics, and just pure, basic business interests."

He feels that the policy shift is also driven by demographics. "Take housing for example, which is a huge employer and has been for years across the country and across Tennessee. But by 2025 there are going to be twenty-two million large-lot, acre and up surplus houses in the country."

He goes on to say that "The proposition isn't going to be who can borrow the next more money so that the previous owner maintains their value or gets their money out. We've seen that play through in full and we'll continue to see it for quite a while. But the housing prices didn't come out of nowhere and it didn't happen just because people took on too much leverage. It took place because of a basic demographic change in the country and it affects all states. Some places just got built out to a greater degree or leveraged to a greater degree than others."

He says that the new proposition will be "how houses conserve energy and how they tap in to renewable energy and how we can finance those upgrades through energy efficient mortgages, or EEMs, for example. It's going to be about how we put through state-wide conservation plans to help people upgrade their house who may not be able to afford to do it."

He cited another interesting statistic as an example. "Wal-Mart last year sold two hundred million energy efficient light bulbs, up from a hundred million from the year before and sixty million the year before that. Those customers who bought those two hundred million bulbs will save six billion dollars in utility bills over the life of those bulbs."

Mr. Cammack stressed that we must start thinking in terms of renewable energy and conservation and how much that can add back to the economy. "We have so many opportunities and if we can get off the environment argument and get on to business facts there's a lot we can do. We can create jobs and we can take care of our health care situation and we can turn our budget around."

He also mentioned the role of community and technical colleges, and the opportunity to bring back funding for vocational schools. "Our dropout rate in the state is heartbreaking. It's one out of three or one out of four depending on where you get your statistics. But we have made the decision that everybody has to be on the same path of going to college and not everybody is. We have to afford more choice and more opportunities that link our schools to jobs and businesses and a direct, success-driven path that people can take."

We'll have a series of reports with highlights of his views on these and other topics. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to talk with Mr. Cammack and thank Mark Brown for arranging our meeting. Also be sure to watch for his segment on WBIR's Inside Tennessee, Sunday at 9:30AM.

the role of community and

Submitted by bizgrrl on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 7:22pm.

the role of community and technical colleges, and the opportunity to bring back funding for vocational schools

I think that is a great point he brought up. Community colleges are a great asset to all communities :) If only they could get the rep of some of the good universities. I certainly enjoyed my time at a community college. Teachers have time to teach.

Alumni the key

Submitted by obama supporter (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 10:48am.

Alumni associations are the key to effective marketing and building reputation.

If you can point to strong alumni with marketable skills and good jobs, then you will draw people to your school.

That's why the "good universities" spend so much time, energy, and attention on developing their alumni programs, the fraternities and sororities, etc.

One thing that Tennessee could do better is create a more robust alumni relations program, and help people to take more pride in their school. The New Jersey college system has done a phenomenal job of this, by the way.

community colleges

Submitted by adanovi on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 11:42am.

This comment makes as much sense as a comment I recently heard from a voter that asked me how a candidate I am supporting was going to make a high school diploma as competitive as a college degree.

I think community colleges have their place and I certainly think they offer great applied skills and opportunities in specific fields in the medical industry, law, and other fields. They provide a great base for students to move on to a 4-year degree. However, a 2-year degree does not equal a 4-year degree. Also, just as I have said to my students who get beligerent with me about courses and information that we teach and that we expect them to learn, a university is not a trade school it is a place where you learn to think, analyze, plan and follow through.

They provide a great base

Submitted by R. Neal on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 11:47am.

They provide a great base for students to move on to a 4-year degree. However, a 2-year degree does not equal a 4-year degree.

The original poster went to a community college and finished up her degree at a state university. She's not suggesting that a two year degree is equal to a four year degree. Didn't see where she said that at all.

At any rate, I think Ward Cammack's point is, and I agree, that K-12 eduction is focused on everyone going to college and not everyone is on that path and not everyone needs to be or is suited for it. We need community colleges and technical and vocations schools as options and we shouldn't look down on people who take that path.

Plus, plumbing and electrical work can't be outsourced.

A community college is not

Submitted by bizgrrl on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 11:56am.

A community college is not necessarily a trade school. Community colleges are great entries into higher education, especially for people who are uncomfortable with huge university with huge classes taught by television or student teachers. At a community college a person can get the first two years of a 4-year degree with smaller classes and a cheaper price (usually half the price).

And, puhleeze, in comparing the general basic first two years at UT to the community college I attended out of state, I'd take the community college any day. FYI, I attended UT for my first 27 hours of course work, then finished my two years at a community college and the 4-year degree at a different university out-of-state. If it wasn't that my family has a lot of history with UT, I might never have bothered attending there. I'm not really sure that 4-year colleges want to bother with students the first two years anyway.

taught by television or

Submitted by adanovi on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 1:58pm.

taught by television or student teachers.

I had full professors my entire first year (1996) and in fact the only time while completing my BS that I had a teaching associate that was in charge of teaching the entire class was for one anthropology class.

I don't know ANYONE who has been taught by television.

I also attended Shelby State (now Southwest TN comm college) for one year and was completely frustrated with the student population, their constant griping about homework, other issues that I just found totally childish in regards to the students with whom I took class.

We have an excellent institution here but every day people can't wait to bash that institution and perpetuate false information such as students are taught by television sets, that professors don't care about you and only have time for their research and find teaching to be the preverbal stone around their neck that keeps them from their research. None of that is true. The professors care about their students and want their students to learn. That is why they work so hard to revitalize their classes and struggle over how to best reach students and feel so frustrated when students purposely cut themselves off, don't study, and fail to attend lectures.

I have spent some time on almost every university campus in this state and I believe UT is the best. I've also spent time at and worked with peer students at: UGA, Southern California, Radford, U of Central Florida, Miss State University, U of Minn, and CU Boulder. They all face similar budgetary issues and student life issues that we face at UT. But, I do think that UT is an exemplary institution.

UT or any institution may or may not be the right fit for any one particular student but that doesn't make it a poor institution nor does it mean that one should perpetuate false rumors about it.

I don't know ANYONE who has

Submitted by Rachel on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 2:03pm.

I don't know ANYONE who has been taught by television.

I was, in some intro classes at UT in the early 70s (George Spiva's intro econ class, for one).

It sucks.

Aahh, memories. Spiva just

Submitted by bizgrrl on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 3:21pm.

Aahh, memories. Spiva just did a presentation on the current economy at the O'Connor Senior Center. My mom loved it. She has an unlimited thirst for knowledge. For a while they lived not far from us. The only people in the neighborhood, I think, with a pool.

I went to a pool party there

Submitted by Rachel on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 6:01pm.

I went to a pool party there once. One of my friends dated a guy who lived in the pool house.

And at least Spiva wasn't boring. I also had an industrial management class on tee vee and I think I slept through 90% of the lectures.

does it mean that one

Submitted by bizgrrl on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 3:33pm.

does it mean that one should perpetuate false rumors about it.

How could I be perpetuating false rumors when all 8 members of my immediate family, 9 including the hubby, attended UT at some point in time, resulting in approximately 9 degrees between them, two Phds, one attorney, two masters degrees? I'm know 3 of them had televisions in their classes. One of my brother's television classes had 200 students. What a joke.

I don't hate UT. I probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for UT since my father became a professor there right after getting his Phd. The university provided him with a good living and he got to do what he wanted. UT was our home away from home while growing up. I never feared UT but then I knew all the ropes to avoid tv classes and large classes. I did, however, get a few really crummy teachers.

You implied in your response

Submitted by adanovi on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 8:47pm.

You implied in your response to me that TV classes are taught today, which is not the case. More teaching associates are being used as a cost-saving measure that has to do with budgetary issues.

I had the "TV class" conversation with someone else who went to UT in the 1970s. Using that information without putting it context implies that UT does that today, which is not the case.

I do think administration needs to be evaluated but I had great relationships with all of my professors even when we had disagreements. They do care about all of their students and trust me, the university is bending over backwards and doing everything they can to cater to the freshmen. Heck, apparently, increasing freshman retention towards 95% was one of the major reasons why we ended up with a new provost 2 years ago.

Walters State

Submitted by bill young on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 7:49pm.

Proud grad of WSCC.

WSCC has been great for Morristown.

Tons of folks have gotten AS degrees and it's just
a wonderful opportunity to receive a higher education.

The community college system has been a boon for our state.

community colleges vs. universities

Submitted by adanovi on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 8:46pm.

I agree with you, bill, about the community college system. My sister is currently attending southwest TN comm college in Memphis and will have a radiology tech degree next May. She did not want to go to school after HS despite my mother pushing her to attend college.

Now, her Radiology technology program fits perfectly with her goals and lifestyle and is a good opportunity for her.

I personally could not wait to get away from home and from all those people I went to HS with and I could not WAIT to attend the big university and be involved in everything, travel, compete on the Lady Vols track team (which I did as a freshman walkon) and do the big university. I had not even seen UT before coming here but I knew it was the perfect fit. UT happened for me through student loans (with a 3% interest rate, thanks prez clinton), student worker program where I worked in presidential cafeteria, a dependent of teacher discount and assistance from TSAC. i went pre-lottery and didn't qualify for minority scholarships! My life has been dramatically different and more fulfilled because of UT.

I think UT is an amazing place and I know it has helped lots of people including minorities, underprivlidged, and non-traditional students.

Ultimately, my point is that there is a purpose for community colleges but to compare them to universities makes little sense given their goals and purposes.

but to compare them to

Submitted by R. Neal on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 9:03pm.

but to compare them to universities makes little sense

You seem to be the only person making the comparison.

R

Submitted by bill young on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 9:51pm.

We are off base here a bit but I wanted to add this.

I had a long talk one Easter morning over a decade ago with the former president of the Board of Regents,R.Jack Fishman.

He was frustrated that the UT Board of Trustees would not work with the
Regents on the new tech that was out there to intergrate 2 & 4 year schools.Give broader opportunities to Tennesseans seeking higher ed.

So the Regents embarked on this mission without the UT system.

I think the frustration Jack related to me on the unwillingness
of the UT system to work with the Regents on a project for the
betterment of higher ed in the state is why the Governor is looking to merge the UT Board of Trustees & the Board of Regents.

merging of board of regents, board of trustees and THEC

Submitted by adanovi on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 11:28pm.

Im not going to comment extensively on the merging of these administrative organizations because there will be a legislative study committee about it and reports and recommendations still have to be developed and filed.

I did have conversations with Cameron Brooks, head of UCW, about it and I spoke with several of our legislators about it. This proposal, I believe, has a lot to do with money and how much is being paid out to these administrators and whether or not we need this much administration. I think these are fair arguments.

I don't know what in the world merging a 2-year community college with a 4-year university even means. I would hope that if 2-year students would end up with access to 4-year facilities and research faculty, they would get the tuition bill that would come along with that as well but of course that would defeat the purpose of community college.

What does merging mean in terms of standards? Does everyone get in and then you have to re-apply? Do students who need a tremendous amount of remedial work get to take classes with students who are prepared for the 4-year university? Would students only have access in the first 48 credit hours to 2-year campuses

Currently, our community college system is set up so that students can transfer those classes and many classes have already been pre-approved for transfer from Tennessee community colleges to Tennessee universities.

I am interested and intrigued by the proposal from the Governor but I don't think we will see the Pellissippi state freshman/sophomore - University of Tennessee Junior/Senior/Graduate student institution very soon.

Back in the day

Submitted by bill young on Sat, 2009/05/02 - 9:06am.

The UT folks 30+ yrs ago were arrogant about accepting credit hrs from community colleges.Kinda looked down on 'em as glorified high schools.

It took a long time for UT to believe 2 yrs at Walters State et al = 2 yrs @ UT.Some still may not.

I know personally how UT looked down on credit hrs earned @ community colleges because from '76 till '84 me,my brother & my sister fought to transfer credit hrs from WSCC to UTK.

To be honest UT's got a bit of the high hat for the 4 yr schools in
the Regents system,also.

When I talked to the president of the Board of Regents,Fishman,for about
an hr 10-12 yrs ago?..maybe more.The internet was begining to click.

The idea of internet classes was devoloping.The Regents were trying to
come up with ideas on how one could not only take 2 yr credit hrs but 4 year credit hrs via the internet.

I have no clue how it's done.I'm going on a decade + old memory.The theory,at the time,of internet classes was that students needed to sometimes go to a location to talk about the class.

The Regents system unlike the UT system has tons of locations.

It made since to Fishman that the Regents & the UT trustees could
work together to build the the internet program.

UT said thanks but no thanks.I think UT was wrong & Fishman was
right.

Me,my Dad,my brother & sister,5 uncles & 1 aunt,plus 5 first cousins
all graduated from 4 yr colleges in Tennessee.

Some from the UT system others from the Regents system.

We all sit at the same table Thanksgiving.

I dont see why the Board of Regents & the UT trustees cant
do the same for higher ed.

R. Neal: I’m not sure why

Submitted by adanovi on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 11:01pm.

R. Neal: I’m not sure why you're continuing your line of antagonistic commentary against me other than I think you just want to be disagreeable because of a fair comment that I posted in regards to Mr. Cammack and all of the various comments posted on here in response to the article.

The comment that I ORIGINALLY posted to was:

"I think that is a great point he brought up. Community colleges are a great asset to all communities :) If only they could get the rep of some of the good universities. I certainly enjoyed my time at a community college. Teachers have time to teach."

This comment was CLEARLY comparing community colleges to universities and was implying that professors of large universities don't have time or care about teaching. We have a university which is a huge employer of the state and the county right here in our backyard. That university is also a huge developer of future employers and employees. The university serves the economic, public, and educational good for citizens of the entire state of Tennessee and in certain areas for the United States and the world.

Discussing community colleges is important within the context of a gubernatorial candidate debate. Comparing community colleges to universities and implying that community colleges should have the same reputation of a good university is a flawed argument given the scope and goals of each type of institution. Further, making a sweeping statement that teachers have time to teach at community colleges further implies that professors don't have time to teach and do not care about teaching or their students at universities. Such statements are flawed and misguided.

Someone I know very well is

Submitted by bizgrrl on Sat, 2009/05/02 - 6:21am.

Someone I know very well is a college professor, and they say there are still the "publish or perish" issues for most teaching faculty at 4-year universities, especially large universities. Community colleges, and some small universities, do not have this subtle requirement. Thus, community college faculty have more time to teach.

adanovi, universities seem to be a touchy issue with you and UT appears to be an even touchier issue. Don't take it all so personal. I disagree with you and that's all there is to that. I recommend community colleges for the first two years of a college education to many people.

I hope your excitement about UT continues throughout your life. I hope you are contributing to the alumni association, I think they need it this year.

bizgrrrl I think UT is a

Submitted by adanovi on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 7:15pm.

bizgrrrl I think UT is a touchy subject with you and I hope that you refrain from discussing the university because you have shown ignorance in regards to higher education in general and UT specifically. I contributed 20 dollars to my alma mater a month ago when they called me. Given that Im a TA and am down to the bottom of my funding, it was the best that I could do at the time.

Have you contributed to your community college this year? You seem to be a superstar supporter of it and I know that all of higher ed needs the money!

I'll just leave it with this:
1) two year colleges are not for everybody
2) there is nothing wrong with going to a 4-year, research based university from day one
3) You didn't pick the right school for yourself in the first place

bizgrrrl I think UT is a

Submitted by R. Neal on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 7:23pm.

Well, that is just about the most ignorant, uninformed and insensitive remark I have seen on this blog from a so-called (albeit naive and apparently immature) progressive in quite some time. Obviously you don't know who you're talking to or anything about (or any respect for) her life experience.

Not that it should matter, given that we have a tough uphill climb in this state and, trust me, we all need to be in this together and stop the circular firing squads and even worse handing the opposition our ammunition to use against us.

I left my comment at the

Submitted by adanovi on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 8:12pm.

I left my comment at the bottom of the comments section.

Im not sure what your point is here, other than a personal attack, which is unfortunate, especially from you.

you have shown ignorance in

Submitted by Rachel on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 11:15pm.

you have shown ignorance in regards to higher education in general and UT specifically.

You know, you really should know more about a person's background before you make a statement like that. In this case you're just embarrassing yourself.

what about the donations?

Submitted by charlie o'walker (not verified) on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 9:25pm.

I'm not knoxrebel and I'm not complaining. I'm just curious. It's not anyone's imagination. It's factual. Cammack donated heavily to Frist, Alexander, Corker. Why did he abandon Democrats then and is now an ardent left-winger seeking the governor's office? It's a legitimate question that at some point he's going to have to answer. And why are the left-wing nuts, the ones who led Obama to a more than 2 to 1 primary defeat to Hillary in Knox Co. and the 2nd District and who couldn't even hit 40% of the statewide vote against McClain so ardently embracing this man at this time?

I don't see this guy as an ardent lieft winger..

Submitted by ANGRYWOLF on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 11:49pm.

Of course right wing repubs think everybody who isn't a member of their obsolete old boys club as a left winger.I guess that includes ARLEN SPECTER now..Lol.
A democrat has to be a moderate to win in TN...
As walker should know by now a lot of repubs voted for Bredesen...of course walker might be choosing to forget that...

Wait a minute

Submitted by bill young on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 8:04pm.

The primary in Knox County:
Clinton-19,064
Obama-16,849

No, I think I've said it

Submitted by knoxrebel on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 1:34am.

No, I think I've said it enough, and anyone who cares, probably already knows. This man cannot win a statewide election in Tennessee. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact he's donated to Frist, Alexander, et al, or that he's a political chameleon. Rather, it has to do with the fact that he is now casting himself as a progressive Democrat in a state that, well, by and large is not very progressive. It is going to take a conservative Democrat - fiscally conservative, while perhaps liberal on some social issues - for a Democrat to win here for the next 10 years or so. Cam-MACK does not fit the bill.

" If our own candidates and

Submitted by time after time (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 10:07am.

" If our own candidates and their supporters trash each other.... then we are going to wind up on the losing end yet again. Dems need to wake up and realize what's going on..."

You said the same thing about Obama

Submitted by Obama supporter (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 10:43am.

It seems to me that I heard something very similar ("He can't win") about President Obama.

I'm not going to listen to the naysayers. I'm going to listen to the candidates, decide who has the best ideas, who makes the most sense, and who has the best organization.

Ward Cammack is winning 50% of the vote on the Knoxviews poll that was put up earlier this week. No one else is above 20%.

Sorry, Don, but I think you're prognostication skills are terrible.

prognostication skills

Submitted by charlie o'walker (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 12:47pm.

This site is great. It allows us to vent and/or to comment. It shows the scope of the "big tent" of the Democratic Party. It allows people like me to pooh-pa the chances of conservative Republicans running as Democrats; and at the same time to salute the Unions and the men of the people like Joe Hill on a May Day.

But it has nothing to do with Knoxrebel's prognostication skills. What he has to say makes sense to anyone with a modicum of political savy. The polls here really don't. Obama, in the poll here, had about 75% of the vote as I recall. He lost the Democrat Primary in Knox County by 2 to 1 and ran here and statewide in the general election worse than Kerry did against Bush. The polls here are entertaining but hardly proof of anything except this is a "progressive", read that "far left", site.

You and the rebel keep

Submitted by time after time (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 2:52pm.

You and the rebel keep posting the same figures about how Knox County and Tennessee can't elect a progressive. America was ready in November however it will take a while for Tennesseans to catch on. I predict President Obama will have to walk on water before you believe in him. As to your remark about the polls on this website. The results prove that Knoxviews members have a clue about what is really going on in America.

This isn't rocket science, time

Submitted by knoxrebel on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 4:45pm.

This has nothing to do with Barack Obama. The guy's a once-in-a-lifetime phenom. What I'm saying is that Tennesseans in general and Knox Countians in particular are not going to support a progressive candidate to such an extent that he or she might actually have a chance at winning a general election against the likes of Bill Haslam et al. Is that a good thing? No, it's horrible. But it is what it is and it was demonstrated in November here and elsewhere in Tennessee. Most of the US was ready to accept an exceptionally intelligent, politically savvy, progresive candidate, who just happened to be a biracial candidate. Tennessee and Knox County were not. It's our fault, not Obama's.

And the poll is fun, and is a fair barometer of progressive, web-savvy voters, but that's about it. Compare the 2008 Knox Views and Democratic Party primary polls with the actual vote. Compare the 2008 Knox Views poll and the actual vote. Obama won the Internet polls by fairly wide margins, but he lost the vote by equally wide margins. It's really not that complicated.

If you're gonna try to

Submitted by knoxrebel on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 4:56pm.

If you're gonna try to paraphrase me, at least get it right. What I said was, Obama can't win in Knox or in Tennessee. I wish he would have, but he didn't.

New Media at its Best!

Submitted by WhitesCreek on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 7:31pm.

Well done, Mr. Neal.

Ward Cammack seems to be real. Now let's see if he can run a campaign that connects. So far, I'm in.

I should note that the

Submitted by R. Neal on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 7:51pm.

I should note that the building in the background of the photo is the Knox City County Bldg. I joked that Bill Haslam was probably watching from his window. Ward Cammack tossed a friendly wave in his general direction.

Jumping to conclusions

Submitted by Up Goose Creek on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 10:30pm.

There you go, jumping to conclusions and lumping us all together. Are trolls incapable of discerning individuals?

As I recall, Bubba and the Mrs were HRC supporters in the primary.

________________________________
"Capitalism will never fail because socialism will always be there to bail it out." --Ralph Nader

The career politicians have

Submitted by Futurama (not verified) on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 11:32pm.

The career politicians have put out their trolls to attack Cammack. They can't compete with him on the issues, so they squawk, "He gave money to Lamar!"

Hey, career politicians, this election is about our future, not about the past. Step aside and let us move forward.

Has as much chance of winning

Submitted by ANGRYWOLF on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 11:45pm.

as a snowball in hell...

Until the people of TN wake up and realize repubs don't represent the common man I don't feel any confidence about the next election..

That episode of Inside

Submitted by Jake Jost (not verified) on Thu, 2009/04/30 - 11:52pm.

That episode of Inside Tennessee will air this Sunday. Should be up on our dotcom by noon or so Monday.

Speaking of gubernatorial candidates and teevee, Mayor Haslam's gonna be on 10 News at 5 on Friday, talking about his budget proposal. You can submit a question/vote on questions for him at (link...) .

--Jake, wbir.com

vote for these questions

Submitted by jcgrim on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 8:48am.

Hi, I've never gone online to solicit votes before but I'd like your help. I submitted 2 questions for Mayor Haslam's interview on WBIR today and I'd like for the mayor to address them. WBIR is soliciting votes so I'm asking for you to vote for them, if you think you would like them answered. My username on WBIR is jgrim. Thanks. Here are the questions:

1. Do you have any plans to move Knoxville towards more sustainable energy sources that are independent of oil and gas company interests and in the public's best interest?
2.In light of the recent TN attorney general's ruling that Pilot Oil overcharged for gas during the oil shortage in 2008, how did you demonstrate a commitment to protecting Knoxville citizens from this gouging when you have family and financial ties to Pilot Oil?
jcg

Good Interview

Submitted by bill young on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 10:12am.

I found R's interview to be informative.

Since '74 I've always gotten behind a candidate early:

Butcher,Fulton,Tyree,Fulton,McWherter,Cohen,Hooker,Nichols
& Bredesen.

Don't know about this one.

It's interesting that Ward

Submitted by adanovi on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 1:20pm.

It's interesting that Ward Cammack appears to be a progressive. I simply have a real hard time seeing how someone supports candidates and a party that has ideals completely opposite of those of the Democratic Party but now wants to run as a Democrat.

They are serious questions that deserve an answer.

I don't know where this idea of "career politicians" has come from in regards to our candidates and that somehow running a business is the only thing that qualifies someone to seek the Democratic nomination and be the governor of Tennessee. Our candidates have various educational backgrounds, various work experiences and various public service experiences.

I want a candidate who understands our party, our values, has extensive life and professional experiences beyond chasing a bottom line (which is the precise purpose of private sector business).

Kim McMillan has all of those experiences. She's currently serving as a professor at Austin Peay State University. She understands a state budget because she's sat on the budget committee in the state house of representatives. She's had to advocate for budgetary priorities and deal with the consequences of cutting state programs. She has run her own business with her husband when they had their own law firm. She attended the University of Tennessee and attained a great public education and graduated with her undergraduate degree and law degree with honors. She works with regular Tennesseans every day and has been for years.

She also has a unique situation of having been adopted and can relate and understand "non-traditional" families that actually now make up the majority of families in Tennessee and the United States.

Kim McMillan’s experience that includes public education, public service, and private sector work and development of her own practice while supporting our values as a party, qualifies her to be our nominee.

She is a true Democrat who has proven an ability to work across party lines and will be the best person to be our nominee and governor in 2010.

I don't know where this idea

Submitted by R. Neal on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 3:35pm.

You certainly read a lot between the lines of what people say on a lot of different topics.

Look, this post is an interview of someone who looks like a pretty good guy and a pretty good candidate to me. The purpose wasn't to attack McMillan or anyone else, just to tell folks what he said and some of my impressions. Feel free to post your interview with Kim McMillan or have her call me and I'll interview her, too.

Either way, I won't come on to someone else's post about a Democratic candidate to trash the candidate. I'm saving my criticism for for the Republican nominee.

R. Neal I hope you interview

Submitted by nobody (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 3:52pm.

R. Neal I hope you interview all of the candidates for Governor. I would love to know where they stand on the issues.

I in no way trashed Ward

Submitted by adanovi on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 6:44pm.

I in no way trashed Ward Cammack. I concurred with some posts and disagreed with others but in no way did I trash Ward Cammack.

I offered an alternative point of view on an open discussion about a candidate specifically but which had gone into broader discussions of all of our candidates. I apologize if you took offense.

I think there is a problem with Cammack's past including the fact that his first vote for a Democrat came in 2008 according to an article (the same article) that was linked to HIS website that provided direct access to his problematic past financial disclosures.

R. Neal Do you know where

Submitted by JaHu on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 10:28pm.

R. Neal
Do you know where Cammack stands on a state income tax?

Against it. See part 3 (or

Submitted by R. Neal on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 10:32pm.

Against it. See part 3 (or watch him on WBIR today).

I can go either way on it (as someone who has paid thousands upon thousands in Tennessee income taxes that allegedly doesn't exist).

I agree with his point that we should be looking at more creative and "new age" sources of funding. I'm just not sure what they are.

when the rebel yells it goes on on on's picture

Sorry Adanovi. KnoxRebel

Submitted by when the rebel yells it goes on on on (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 3:41pm.

Sorry Adanovi.

KnoxRebel says McMillan will be the first to drop out.

Hey when, you are getting a

Submitted by knoxrebel on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 4:29pm.

Hey when, you are getting a bit out of hand on the name thing. Do you change your screenname each time you stick a post throwing down on me or what? Anyway, I actually think I've been quite subdued of late, not picking on Chipster or the Chipinista, certainly not attacking Gloria J. It appears that Bredesen and the Congressionals have Chip etc. firmly under control now, having let them know in no uncertain terms that Bredesen et al. will raise the money, but only if they have complete autonomy over spending it.

But it is what it is. The McMillan info came from a local politico who helped her early on. Nothing has shown me that it isn;t likely. I like Kim, but she isn't getting much, if any, help from her biggest fan.

The real deal will be when the July 15 financial disclosures come due and we see who has done what on both sides. Cam-MACK will have raised some and still have some money in the bank - raising $200K or so. Herron will have about $300K or so (but only $25-40K of it new money - most of it will have been transferred from his senate account). McWherter will have $150K or so, but all within a 45-day period. And Kim will have about $50,000 or less, with little ($20,000) new money.

On the GOP side, you will see big money from Haslam ($3.5 mil). Wamp at maybe $1.3 mil). Ramsey will get his boost in June and come in with a cool mil or a bit more indirectly from King Pharm guys (his financial target is Wamp, not Haslam). Gibbons will be barely competitive with $400-450K.

Learned that trick from you.

Submitted by screen name surfer (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 4:35pm.

Learned that trick from you.

Somebody has tricked you, that's for sure!

Submitted by knoxrebel on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 4:51pm.

Hey, the only thing I have is my screenname, dude, and it hasn't changed since the first email I sent in 1992 and the first post I made on this site in '07. So, somebody has tricked you, that's for certain. I'd even authorize Randy to confirm that fact, if you want to place a wager . . . .

I would love to see McMillan

Submitted by jcgrim on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 8:25am.

be considered seriously as a candidate. Thanks for your post.
jcg

LOL

Submitted by Konamazed (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 3:50pm.

Nice work, Neal. Did you wipe his ass for him too?

Seriously, dude. I respect you.
But not one hard question? Not one challenge?
You sounded like Sean Hannity interviewing Karl Rove.
Even had his Obama bumper sticker, huh? Was it brand new? Like, he bought it yesterday? Did you ask him who he voted for in '04?
I hope I'm wrong about the guy, I really do. But some of you guys and gals need to be honest enough with yourselves to at least keep one eye on the possibility that Cammack's words and sight gags could be a great big sheet of wool.

I'm not 100% sure Cammack is full of shit, but I'm not even close to certain he isn't.

His pre-primary money is here:
LINK

If everyone can stop cussing me just long enough to examine a donor or two, we might find it interesting.
On the donor list at the link above, we find some individuals who can tell us much if we listen. Just average politically involved people...

1) William Harbison: Nashville, TN
Harbison is a solid Democrat as can be seen HERE

That might bode well for Cammack, unless Harbison has his blinders on like many seem to. It's possible he would donate to anyone wearing blue. Or perhaps he did his research. We'll never know.

But then there's this...

2) Rew Linberger: Brentwood, TN
"Rew" is a Republican through and through.
I couldn't help but ask myself why someone like Rew would donate to a "Democrat". Very strange.

And still yet, there's this which is quite disturbing...

3) Bailey Robinson: Nashville, TN
Robinson is a Pig. Voted for Bush in '04 like all vermin did. Staunch NeoCon if ever there was one.

Why would someone like that support Cammack?

I advise against dismissing this info until some deep consideration is applied. You know how you all will feel if you find out he played us and you supported him. I would spare you that humiliation.

Blinders off, it is valid to ask why such deep Red people would give their money (the thing they love the most) to a "Democrat" running for Governor.

I apologize if anyone found this post insulting, but we owe it to ourselves, our state and each other to look past a politicians words and find the realities.

Regards,

Try following the money on

Submitted by Nobody (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 4:29pm.

Try following the money on Bredesen and they will run you out of this state. Why is it in Tennessee we will not consider allowing a Republican to become a Democrat. The Democratic party will never grow if others are not welcomed. If you dont like Cammack work for another candidate but dont just throw stones. Dude!

:)

Submitted by KonNobody (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 4:44pm.

LOL

I did more research in 5 mins than you've done in your lifetime and you call it "throwing stones".

Like I said, Blinders are obviously on. Unless you're a Repig, which it sounds much like.

"why" don't we want Repigs become Democrats? Because they're untrustworthy, destructive, self-serving lying filth. Can you think of a better reason?

Easy, Brother

Submitted by WhitesCreek on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 6:31pm.

Ive talked to personal friends of Bob Corker who say they thought Corker was uncomfortable in the Republican Party and might be a closet D. That was before Karl Rove opened an office in Chattanooga. These same folks are shocked at some of Corkers statements now.

Now I think you mean well, but this stuff is a bit over the top...Ok, a lot over the top. I've looked at Cammack's record and frankly I like what I see. He's got a strong history of supporting environmental causes and that's my bottom line on any candidate.

I don't care that he used to be a Republican and saw the light. In fact, I think that's a badge of honor that takes guts. If we continue to rule out D's that used to be R's, how in the hell are we going to win people over to our side if they know they will always carry the mark of Cain in our eyes? That's absurd on the face of it and I would hope that you and others, who think that there's some purity test to be a Democrat, give this some thought.

Personally I welcome Ward Cammack to the good side of the force. May he live long and help us to prosper.

And I'm more than gratefull to Randy Neal for taking his own unpaid time to go and interview Ward Cammack and post it for us to argue over. Your words of encouragement in that respect fall well short. I want to read the rest of Randy's interview with Cammack.

Look...I know lots of Republicans who are good people and aren't any of the things you tarnish them with. We simply haven't made our case to them as well as we should have. Some of them figure it out on their own, like Cammack (and one of my closest friends, for that matter).

Now you take a few minutes and figure some things out for yourself. Take two minutes if you need them.

Steve

Nice work, Neal. Did you

Submitted by R. Neal on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 4:55pm.

Nice work, Neal. Did you wipe his ass for him too?

Seriously, dude. I respect you.
But not one hard question? Not one challenge?
You sounded like Sean Hannity interviewing Karl Rove.

Seriously, dude, screw you. That was one answer to one question, the first. I said there would be more, but I don't know why I bother. My entire mission was to convince you and I see now that it isn't possible, so I have failed and now I should just go away, I guess.

Anyway, this is a Democrat-friendly blog, and I'm not in the business of trashing anyone who is willing to step up and run as a Democrat, especially in Tennessee. Yes, we will do what we can to put them in the best light. Some I will like more than others, but I'll save my criticisms for the Republican nominee.

But seriously again, all this "repig" stuff and other juvenile crap isn't helping our side. You sound a lot more like Hannity and Rove than I do. It really gives people a great impression of the Democratic Party and so-called progressives.

(And no he didn't just buy his Prius. He traded a Highlander Hybrid because his wife had a Prius and was getting much better mileage. But I'm sure you don't believe that either, and that it's all just a front. Whatever.

:)

Submitted by Konelated (not verified) on Fri, 2009/05/01 - 5:49pm.

"Screw you"

Heh, nice to see you in a slightly higher gear.
Your customary neutral is so boring.

Your entire mission was to convince me of what? That you would support Grover Norquist if he said he was a "Democrat" and slapped an Obama sticker on his car?

You (scratch that, anyone), anyone who would refrain from scrutinizing a candidate to the fullest extent possible does a disservice to the Democratic party, not a service.
And no one suggested you "go away" or stop or "whatever".

I asked what you thought about some of Cammack's individual donors and if you thought it meant anything.
Do you want to discuss this or evade? It's your blog, do as you please. You already banned me long ago for being right, all you have to do is ask and I'll never post here again.
The questions I posed are sound. And I'm still undecided and could, if evidence persists, still cast a vote for Cammack.

But so far all I encounter is fellow Democrats who don't want to question a candidate who above all others needs to be questioned.

I realize I made your ol' lady mad at me during the primary and that you dislike me because of that. Believe me, I care about as much for the two of you as you do for me.
But I'm not going to let that interfere with finding the facts and supporting a genuinely Democratic candidate.

If you can't handle the dissent that's your problem, not mine.

I'm not going to waste time arguing with sheeple. The integrity of a candidate for our party is important to me. I thought it would be so to you.
Seems I was mistaken.

I'll take my leave.
Regards,

"Mr. Cammack noted that he

Submitted by JaHu on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 8:58am.

"Mr. Cammack noted that he has been in the investment and finance business for thirty years, starting businesses and working with local governments, utilities, and hospitals to help with financing and planning."

I'd like to see more in depth answers to this. Was this for the betterment of the people or for the institutions?

"Wal-Mart last year sold two hundred million energy efficient light bulbs, up from a hundred million from the year before and sixty million the year before that. Those customers who bought those two hundred million bulbs will save six billion dollars in utility bills over the life of those bulbs."

Part of the reason for that is the darn things burn out to fast now.

"I'm not knoxrebel and I'm not complaining. I'm just curious. It's not anyone's imagination. It's factual. Cammack donated heavily to Frist, Alexander, Corker. Why did he abandon Democrats then and is now an ardent left-winger seeking the governor's office?"

This is a very legit question!!! I'm also curious about it, and would like to hear his explanation behind the reasoning. You know it will be brought up in the campaign.

Is he originally from Tennessee?

I'm not saying I wouldn't vote for him, I'd just like to know more about him.

Guess I'll be hitting the google search.

Is he originally from

Submitted by R. Neal on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 9:31am.

Is he originally from Tennessee?

Yes, he says he was born and raised in Nashville. Here's his bio page:

(link...)

"Mr. and Mrs. Cammack

Submitted by JaHu on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 11:20am.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cammack support the ... Eating Disorder Coalition of Tennessee"

Does he hate fat people? He might have a tough time drumming up support here in Tennessee.

Maybe he is trying to fatten

Submitted by bizgrrl on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 11:30am.

Maybe he is trying to fatten up skinny people (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating) and then he'll get lots of votes int TN.

Ahhh... true! I might be a

Submitted by JaHu on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 11:57am.

Ahhh... true!

I might be a teensie bit defensive about my weight and didn't think about the opposite end of the spectrum. Not that I have a weight issue you see, but if I did I might be a little defensive... Ok... I'm fat now you all just leave me alone about it okay!!!! Geeze!!!

Actually, his daughter

Submitted by Lucy (not verified) on Sat, 2009/05/16 - 4:13pm.

Actually, his daughter suffered from anorexia. Some people donate to causes for non-political, completely personal reasons.

I'm sure your academic

Submitted by redmondkr on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 7:27pm.

I'm sure your academic advice is every bit as sound as your screed on Barack Obama during the primaries.

Visit us at:

The Home

R. Neal, Why be so

Submitted by adanovi on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 7:55pm.

R. Neal,
Why be so derogatory towards me? Now you are personally attacking me for no reason. I at least have my name and photo up. bizgrrl is just posting stuff so why should I have respect for anything she says. I suppose if I hid behind a half photo and an unintelligent screen name, then I could post whatever I wish as well.

Public education is one of the great strengths of our country. UT is one of the great strengths of our region and our state. It is unfortunate that people both here and on Knoxnews perpetuate false information or their idea of what reality is, even if that reality is 30 or 40 years out of date (see televisions in classrooms).

Bzgrrl has proven both ignorance in her discussion of higher education and a flawed argument by comparing two forms of educational institutions that really cannot be compared and further flat out indicating that professors of higher education, in general but UT specifically, don't care about anything but themselves and their research.

I have been fighting for higher ed since my freshman year when I learned first hand how budgetary issues affect our education, the lives of students, the lives of professors, and the standing of our institution and the educational and economic level of our state. I have lobbied the legislature, served in numerous leadership capacities, served on a state-wide organizing committee to deal with higher education and budgetary issues, met with our student THEC representative when UT held the position, stood at football games and passed out information to the UT "fans" on the state of higher ed and much more. I have personal and professional friends who are professors and PhD candidates. I have recruited students for this school who have graduated with honors.

I also have served as a mentor to students who needed the community college opportunity and have been better citizens because of it. I attended, for a short while, Southwest Tennessee Community College. I just stood in Bill Dunn's office about 6 weeks ago as he attacked UT for wasting tax payer money for teaching remedial classes and informed Representative Dunn that UT has not been teaching any form of remedial class (an academic class that you do not receive college credit for because it is a sub-college class) since at least the mid 1990s because all those classes were eliminated just before I began my freshman year. When Representative Dunn then referenced Pellissippi State as wasting tax payer money because they were teaching remedial classes, I defended that institution on the grounds that the population of students they were serving was entirely different and that in order to provide the educational services we needed in this state, institutions like Pellissippi needed to offer those classes for students who needed them so they could graduate and become higher paying citizens and higher contributors to the tax base.

I think if we are going to be a vibrant DEMOCRATIC party that we need to have good information and open discussion. I am contributing to the discussion but have apparently made you and bzgrrrl (bizgirl) uncomfortable because now this is just personal attacks on me.

This is actually getting

Submitted by R. Neal on Sun, 2009/05/03 - 8:43pm.

This is actually getting pretty funny. But please do carry on.

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