Sat
Oct 27 2007
10:52 am
Attention City of Knoxville: Did you know there's an election going on?
By: R. Neal

In case you didn't notice, there's a City of Knoxville Election going on, and there's even a contested race with an actual Democrat running.

Although the Mayor's race was settled in September, there is a runoff election on November 6th. Early voting is underway through November 1st.

There is only one contested race, and it's for City Council At Large Seat A. This means that any and all of Knoxville's 84,000+ registered voters can vote for a candidate in this race. In the primary, only 5890 people voted in this race, which is less than 7%, which is pathetic.

Knoxville is lucky to have two good, qualified, viable candidates for City Council in this election.

Joe Bailey is the incumbent. He is a Republican who says on his website that he worked on the Ronald Reagan campaign and served in "high-level capacities for President Reagan, President George H.W. Bush, Vice-President Dan Quayle" and others.

Ray Abbas is the challenger. He's a Democrat. His career has been in the non-profit sector, working in the community to feed the homeless and help people get work.

I'm sure they are both good guys, but the contrast couldn't be more clear. Does Knoxville want more good old boy government for the benefit of corporations and developers and the wealthy, or should working people have a seat at the table and be represented by someone who is out on the streets every day doing good work for the community and the less fortunate?

Here's an opportunity to vote your values. And all you Democrats should be ashamed if you don't get out and vote. Party building starts in the wards and precincts. And low-turnout "meaningless" elections like this one can result in big surprises. So far after eight days of early voting, only 627 votes have been cast. Y'all have got to be kidding me over there, right?

Anyway, early voting continues through November 1 at: Downtown - Old Courthouse, West Knoxville - Downtown West Shopping Center, East Knoxville - Five Points Village Plaza, North Knoxville - Northgate Plaza Shopping Center, South Knoxville - 235 W. Young High Pike. Hours are 10AM to 6PM except Sunday, with extended hours from 10AM to 8PM on October 30, 31 & November 1. Any registered voter can vote at any location. You can go vote today. It only takes five minutes. The general election is November 6th.

And here's a special message from Don Daugherty, Chairman of the Knox County Democratic Party, about Ray Abbas and the importance of this election for all you Democrats and anyone else interested in progressive local government.

Topics:
bill young's picture

VOTE ABBAS!!

Submitted by bill young on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 12:01pm.

Have YOU voted?

YOU..reading this RIGHT NOW.

Have YOU voted?

One Vote can make a difference.

Thats YOUR vote.

Ray Abbas is THE candidate for a new day & a new way.

GO VOTE NOW!!!

Stan G's picture

Thanks for the Reminder, Randy

Submitted by Stan G on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 1:16pm.

I meant to post something the other day after reading MP. One would think the KNS would find space on the front page for a brief daily reminder that early voting is in progress.

Early voting is more than half over and through Thursday, a whopping 627 votes have be cast more than half in West Knoxville and Downtown.

Who would have thought that Bill Young would take time away from his Big Orange incantations to read Knox Views on a game day? :-)

Sandra Clark's picture

Yo, Bill

Submitted by Sandra Clark on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 1:25pm.

Ray Abbas is THE candidate for a new day & a new way.

Gosh -- where have I heard THIS before? Could it have been that campaign 4 years ago for the new day, new way Bob Becker?

The living wage guy actually got elected ... and you've not heard from the living wage effort again. But, of course, Becker is running for reelection unopposed.

Jack Sharp had a term for it -- "we'll fold him into the deck."

It's no wonder no one votes! -- s.

gingerjamrog's picture

Jack Sharp had a term for it

Submitted by gingerjamrog on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 1:47pm.

Jack Sharp had a term for it -- "we'll fold him into the deck."

That's exactly what happened... Becker turned out to be a real disappointment. Between convincing constituents he really cares and spinning stories according to some agenda I could never figure out, he has done nothing but play politics. Too bad there's no one willing to run against him in the 2nd, despite great qualified, active people... ???

Carole Borges's picture

I like Abbas also...

Submitted by Carole Borges on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 2:15pm.

I heard him speak at our neighborhood association meeting along eith Bailey and it couldn't have been more clear that they would have different approaches. Non-profit experience tends to make people more worldly and realistic. Bailey seemed especially proud of his involvement in golf course activities. Abbas spoke much more naturally, where Bailey had the air of a more practiced politician. Though he did have a certain quiet elegance about him I liked.

Hey, I like Bob Becker. He comes to almost every neighborhood gathering. He is a walking encylopedia of knowledge and though I'm not really aware of all the ways he has voted in the past, since I moved here, I've always found him to be accessible and encouraging.

gingerjamrog's picture

I voted for Abbas... Becker

Submitted by gingerjamrog on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 2:37pm.

I voted for Abbas...

Becker is good at that Carole. I knew him quite well, from working with him directly at Held Law Firm. He goes to all the neighborhood gatherings... what exactly has he done though? I initially really liked him but found out over time that he is all about playing games. Of course it's just my humble opinion. I've been known to fall for all kinds of "encouraging" "accessible" people... I hope that I've learned something by now. I just wonder, what has Becker done?

Carole Borges's picture

What he Bob Becker done?.

Submitted by Carole Borges on Sun, 2007/10/28 - 10:43am.

I'm talking on a real personal and grass roots level here, but in the 'hood Bob Becker is known as a really good guy who has the best interest of the community in mind. He has personally offered me suggestions about how to proceed to learn more about things I wanted to promote in my neighborhood. He also has a very comfortable style, so at meetings he explains things to people exceptionally well. Our Neighborhood Association has been overwhelmingly in favor of obtaining an overlay plan, and Bob has taken a lot of time to help us know how to achieve that and he comes to our meetings to explain to people exactly what it means.

I haven't been here long enough to have tracked his total voting record, but I can assure you he is well respected and has the genuine fondness of most people in his district. His campaign kickoff packed the Time Warp Cafe. You don't get that kind of support without voting for the people's choices. He has also been very helpful when it comes to the stormwater issue. At last month's Association meeting one of the members of the community who was obviously highly informed about stormwater issues, pointed to Bob when he was asked a question. "You'll have to ask him. He's the guy who does his homework," he said. "He knows more about it than I do."

Bob has the ability to translate legal and scientific jargon into understandable language. He might not be perfect, but it's easy to see why he runs unopposed. Who could match the time and energy he puts in for the amount of money they would get? Who could match his knowledge?

Other people might find fault with Becker, but it's clear his constituency feels mighty glad to have his representation.

knoxrebel's picture

Abbas

Submitted by knoxrebel on Mon, 2007/10/29 - 11:16pm.

Thanks for all of the pro-Abbas comments. This fella is a genuinely good guy and well qualified to serve on City Council. If anyone disagrees I would have to assume they haven't met him. This guy is no politician and doesn't want to called one. He wants to help his community and his career thus far demonstrates precisely that. On another note, I am extremely disappointed in elected Dems Joe Armstrong, Mark Brown, Tank Strickland, and also Diane Jordan, who hosted an event for Bailey the other day at Magnolia Cafe. It brings to mind Madeline Rogero's mayoral campaign 4 years ago when many Dems supported Haslam. Madeline may very well have won with their support. She nearly won without it. And Becker, well, I believe that Bob could have and shuld have helped Ray more than he has done. At least he hasn't been completely disloyal like Armstrong et al. If you are a Democrat or an Independent and you don't vote for Abbas this time around, someone ought to kick you.

Up Goose Creek's picture

Neighborhood Zoning

Submitted by Up Goose Creek on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 3:06pm.

Bob Becker has been putting a lot of work into new neighborhood friendly zones & ordinances. He has put a lot of effort into Lonsdale.

I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I understand the city's minimum pay has gotten fairly close to what BB had been working for.

Plus, thanks to Bob my tomatoes are now legal in the SW1 zone.

____________________________________
Less is the new More - Karrie Jacobs

Rachel's picture

I think you guys are too

Submitted by Rachel on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 3:40pm.

I think you guys are too hard on Becker. Bob is one of the hardest working people on Council. He works well with other Council members (and no, that doesn't necessarily mean he gets co-opted). City officials have told me on several occasions that he's one of the two or three Council members they see most - because he really does his homework, asks questions, and tries to understand issues.

I guess if you wanted a leftwing firebrand who wouldn't be able to get anything passed, you should be disappointed. If you want someone who works hard, tries to find consensus, and tries to do the right thing, you get Bob.

That does't mean I agree with all his decisions and votes. But to finish where I started, I think you guys are too hard on him.

(And BTW, Bob represents the 5th district, not the 2nd.)

"The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones." - John Maynard Keynes

gingerjamrog's picture

Maybe I experienced a

Submitted by gingerjamrog on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 3:57pm.

Maybe I experienced a different side of Bob. His heart was more into the work he did with Council, but I felt he waffled in COIN.
Thanks for correction on the district, Rachel, I appreciate your work in the community.

bill young's picture

dang

Submitted by bill young on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 5:10pm.

thought i was being clever.

Bobs done a good job & will for 4 more years.

fry the chickens

go vols

Pam Strickland's picture

the challenger

Submitted by Pam Strickland on Sat, 2007/10/27 - 5:38pm.

I had already planned to vote for Abbas before I meet him, yet when I met him in person I was even more impressed. He was at UT the night that Bob Woodward spoke. Some older folks ahead of my friend and I were a bit confused about where to go, Abbas - who didn't have any campaign sticker on -- very politely asked the couple if they were looking for the Woodward event and then gave them directions, actually walking with them part of the way. One of the folks asked if he was a student, and he that's when he said, "No, I used to be, but I'm a candidate for city council." I didnt' hear any more of the conversation, but I thought his politeness and genuine kindness was admirable. I then made a point of introducing myself and telling him that I was a supporter.

Pam Strickland

"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." ~Kurt Vonnegut

Lisa Starbuck's picture

Becker is Responsive

Submitted by Lisa Starbuck on Sun, 2007/10/28 - 11:44am.

Being in the county, I don't have much dealings with city council. However, my neighborhood friends who are in the city say that Becker is a good guy, someone who "gets it," understands the issues and listens to the concerns of the neighborhoods. The few times I've talked to Bob about issues, I'd agree with that assessment.

One thing that smart politicans learn early is that it takes a majority of votes to make something happen and politics is truly the art of compromise. The key is to persuade the others to see things your way, and you often have to give something to get something.

StaceyDiamond's picture

Becker

Submitted by StaceyDiamond on Mon, 2007/10/29 - 7:27pm.

I am dissapoinetd at how Bob has turned out. The only events I've seen him at lately are where he is back-slapping with Bill H. and Bill L. I worked on his campaign, but he hasn't spoken to me since I asked him pointed questions about what the redevelopment of the Central Ave. and North Knox area meant for renters, and he never answered the questions. I hope he actually is doing stuff as Carol said, because some who worked hard for him are dissapointed. I didn't want a left-wing fire brand, its just as ginger mentioned, he seems to be to be insincere and that type of politician makes me question who I spend time working to elect and why.

gingerjamrog's picture

Ray Abbas and Bob Becker

Submitted by gingerjamrog on Tue, 2007/10/30 - 10:42am.

Stacey, you have articulated what I was trying to say much better than I did. I need to apologize for just popping off about Bob without facts or a coherent argument. My experience with Bob was personal, and more or less along the lines you mentioned (worse actually, but I should never have brought that here - sorry everyone).

The post on Bob brought out general frustrations I've had trying to work in the community in good faith. Abbas exemplifies the kind of representation Knoxville really needs, and this contrasts with what I think people expected from Bob as opposed to some of the experiences folks have had with him.

That being said, we do need people who understand how things are done here and who can effectively "infiltrate" to make a difference. Becker, as compared to some others, is a step in the right direction. I would hope that those who consider running for office in the future will be aware that one of the most important factors as to how we judge their performance will be a sincere, honest and transparent dealings with all constituents and officials, no matter what their connections are.

Thanks again for saying what I meant to say.

bill young's picture

non-partisan

Submitted by bill young on Tue, 2007/10/30 - 11:41am.

City races are non partisan.

In partisan races..I always vote the Democratic ticket.

Which means I always vote for Joe Armstrong,Tank Strickland & Diane Jordan when she was on the ticket.

Vote for Mark & Bob in the city wide general elections.

I voted for Ray this time & Madelene last time & will vote for her NEXT TIME!!

Madeline for Mayor in 2011!!

knoxrebel's picture

partisan v. non partisan

Submitted by knoxrebel on Tue, 2007/10/30 - 12:41pm.

Bill:

I appreciate the fact that city elections are "non-partisan", but the truth is, we all know that Joe Bailey is a self-proclaimed Reagan-Republican and that Ray Abbas is a Democrat. Just like we all knew that Bill Haslam, while maybe the least Republican of the family, was still Republican, and Madeline was a Democrat. It doesn't matter that we call the City races non-partisan, because they obviously are very partisan. But what's strange is that statewide Democratic candidates traditionally win or do very well inside the city, but in purely local races, the city traditionally elects Republicans (with a few exceptions). The GOP controls the county, because the majority of county residents lean Republican. But while the Dems should control the city, because the majority of city residents lean Democrat, we do not. And we will not until Democrats quit supporting Republicans in city races. In 2001, Victor Ashe (of whom I am no fan) said that he would be the last Republican in his lfetime to be elected mayor of the city of Knoxville . . . and that is the way it should have been. If elected Democrats not only refuse to support good Democratic candidates but support their Republican opponents, it is going to be difficult to recruit good Democratic candidates because they see precisely the same thing happening to them.

R. Neal's picture

I am extremely disappointed

Submitted by R. Neal on Tue, 2007/10/30 - 12:48pm.

I am extremely disappointed in elected Dems Joe Armstrong, Mark Brown, Tank Strickland, and also Diane Jordan, who hosted an event for Bailey the other day at Magnolia Cafe.

That's interesting. I'd like to hear Diane Jordan's explanation re. how Bailey would better represent her district v. Abbas.

I'd also like to hear how things are going over there after they helped put Bill Haslam in office the first time around. What was promised and what has been delivered? That was the most puzzling aspect of that election.

knoxrebel's picture

Randy, I'd like to hear it

Submitted by knoxrebel on Tue, 2007/10/30 - 1:14pm.

Randy, I'd like to hear it to. The Magnolia Cafe event last Thursday was probably the first time Joe Bailey had ever set foot on Magnolia. Abbas has done more for East Knoxville as a private citizen than Bailey has done or will do as a City Councilman or help us, as mayor.

bill young's picture

to each his own

Submitted by bill young on Tue, 2007/10/30 - 2:26pm.

By law city races are non partisan & thats the way I look at them.

I just dont vote party in city races.If one does thats fine.

However,one can also see that I vote for those considered Democrats in city races(Ray,Mark,Bob,& Madeline).On the other hand,I've also voted for some that arn't Malone,Hultquist & Mayfield.

But when it comes to partisan races I vote for & support the Democratic ticket.Last year,in the county general election, I wanted both Billy Tindel & Mark Harman to win & I was pleased they both did.Plus I worked for Tank & Diane on election day.

In '08,I will proudly support & vote for Joe Armstrong & the entire county Democratic ticket.

Fact is,10-N(the Fort)went for every Democratic candidate,last year, ..including our congressional candidate.Plus we do a pretty good job of turning out a big vote for the Democratic ticket here in the 1st district.

We are going to give it our best shot to do it again.

In this city race as I have in the past I'm not going with some of my fellow 1st district Democrats.I voted for Ray.

But this wont stop us from working together to elect Democrats in '08.

StaceyDiamond's picture

city

Submitted by StaceyDiamond on Tue, 2007/10/30 - 7:40pm.

Bailey had a fundraiser and support on Magnolia last time. Some of the funeral home owners out on Magnolia always have GOP signs up. It wouldn't be as big a deal if a few crossed party lines ocassionally, but this big group, led by Randy Nichols, does it consistently and the Democrats who call them out on it have gotten crap for going against the status quo and are still given crap for it currently. Why do you think people were so eager to oust Billy and Diane and those supported by Billy and Diane, they are two of the most obnoxious Haslam Dems. About Bailey, he's not horrible, but I really like Ray since I met him a few months ago and if we can have a council member who doesn't name his kid Reagan that's a step in the right direction.

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