Unofficial results of the City of Spring Hill 2007 Election
Ward 1:Michael Dinwiddie
Ward 2:Eliot Mitchell
Ward 3:Rick Graham
Ward 4:Bruce Hull
Voting Results
Ward 1
Ron Defrancisco - 103
Michael Dinwiddie - 613
Brandon McCulloch - 457
Ward 2
Jim Gabriel - 466
Eliot Mitchell - 669
Ward 3
Sharron Cantrell - 300
Tommy Duncan - 263
Rick Graham - 435
Tim Holm - 75
Tamra Mezera - 132
Ward 4
Bruce Hull - 738
Viola Pickard - 409
Thursday, April 12, 2007
And the Winners Are...
Posted by Gorilla in the Corner at 7:39 PM
Labels: Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Election 2007
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is a series of personal opinions and is not meant to reflect an official position by the City of Spring Hill.
66 comments:
Excellent... Looks like I (and a bunch of others) know how to call 'em.
Gorilla, if it wasn't for this site, I may very well have made some BIG mistakes in the voting booth. Thank you for providing this forum. And thanks to all the commentators for the free exchange of ideas and opinions.
Ditto. my spouse and I voted for the same four. Thanks for this site...
This is the first community that I have lived in that actually has taken on the special interests head-on and beat them back.
Congradulations to Michael,Eliot,Rick, and Bruce. Again thank you Gorilla.
ole fire fighter
Congratulations to Michael, Eliot, Rick and Bruce. Hopefully we will see some positive changes from the new BOMA and Spring Hill can remain a place that I am proud to call home. If I can be of any assistance to any of you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
To my supporters, thank you for your vote. Maybe we'll try this again in two years...
Thank you ole fire fighter. You have my solemn vow that I will not forget your coffee.
Thank you to everyone who voted. You have proven that you can indeed make a difference. My only prayer is that my service to you can be as effective as your confidence in me.
Thank you to those who made up my support base. I won't mention names, but you know who you are. Your help and advice was invaluable. I did not win this election. You did.
The ones who made the absolute biggest sacrifice and who deserve the greatest thanks are my wife and kids.
Mike
I know the good ole boys will see this post so I say "Charles Raines, sir, it is now time for you to step down and let this city thrive. This city would have also voted you out if had the chance. Too bad they didn't. You are now the lone wolf. AAAAOOOOOOOO!
Can we see the number breakdown by county?
According to Todd Baxter- 1,248 total votes which 68% or 849 was Williamson County.
Early voting= 566 votes= 45%
Election day= 682 votes= 55%
I will post the breakdown in a little bit. As for the person bashing Rick Graham's contribution list....go look at it. It is all right there to see. Over 80% of his spending came from his pocket. It is really simple, city elections are about work ethic, period.
Gorilla,
LOVE the song!! "Beautiful Day" just about sums it up.
In deed it is a beautiful day, a beautiful month and a beautiful year. I can't stop smiling.
I wonder how OAM is feeling today. I am sure he is concocting another one of his conspiracies. Who will he sue next?
You know what else is freaking hilarious...looks like the guys with the big pockets should have stopped being so darn frugal and given more to their "candidates" campaign. I mean if I was a millionaire I would have donated a lot more than $500. It all goes to show that while they might all be good people that none of them are very bright in regards to city business and elections.
Campaigns take a lot more than meetings held in secret. I applaud the new alderman for their dedication and “go get um” attitude.
Thanks Gorilla for this website and congrats on the new bambino.
You know who a REAL winner is?
Someone who doesn't let public opinion sway him from doing what he feels is right in his heart of hearts. If he is a just man, or a wise woman, he or she will do, for the most part, what is right. It does not mean that winner will be perfect, but that winner will be good enough to consistently seek self-improvement in life.
A REAL winner is someone who doesn't take down competitors' campaign signs early in the morning (and you know EXACTLY who you are!). Someone who takes the high road, is gracious when the world embraces him and gracious when the world does not.
All in all, a winner knows her true worth on the inside and proves it to those who view her from the outside.
In my opinion, these new aldermen who will be sworn in on Monday have yet to prove to me that they are winners. By public vote, yes, they've won, but what did they win exactly?
A public seat of Alderman, that's all. They haven't won the respect of the city, they haven't yet won the respect of adult children thanking them for being great parents, they have not yet won the great stories and wisdom of officials from the past, and they most certainly have not won anything over on the incumbents who HAVE won these intrinsic rewards.
Perhaps they have won the right to prove themselves worthy of the shoes they are going to fill. Perhaps they have won the right for me to view them as a blank canvas, so that they can paint either a good or bad picture in my perspective with their actions.
But they are not true winners...not yet. After four years of office, we'll see if they are truly winners. A voice deep inside me tells me they will not be, or they will need another four years to undo the damage they will cause with their limited or non-existent experience.
So Esteemed Gorilla, with all due respect,
these new elected officials are not yet sworn aldermen, so please correct your slight oversight and post the CURRENT aldermen until after Monday's meeting. And if you would, please consider correcting your title of "And the Winners Are..." to "And the Results Are..." because that's all they are at this time -- results. When I see winning behavior, I'll believe these new aldermen are truly winners.
Thank you for your consideration to this matter.
Signed,
Hiding Behind a Mask (because most people here do)
Hiding behind the mask,
Can we say "Sore Loserman!" Experience in and of itself is not a compelling reason to vote for one to remain in office. If experience means voting for a massive entitlement without doing one's due diligence regarding costs and long term consequences, then give me a rookie with the courage to lead and to make the tough call. If experience means fighting to preserve a fundamentally undemocratic gerrymandering of our citizens' right to fair representation, then give me a fresh canvas with pure motives. If experience means conspiring in secret to represent the financial interests of the few at the expense of what's best for the community, then it's time to call it a bad experience and to opt for a new start. Clean sweeps start with a big broom. Well, the citizens of Spring Hill have wielded that big broom and have chosen a new direction and a fresh start. It's a great day in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The people have spoken. Get over it!
The voting public has spoken! Them folks was voted out. Well they done good but they done voted for some crazy stuff lately- especially that thing with lifetime benifits for folks that work for the city. Bewair... they want to approve for their last harrarrrsz on Monday Night to approve a school which they wood done voted in favor of because their campain money from these develerpers. Them want to spend over two million dollars of the cities bucks for their own benefit. For the love of sycamore trees… there are three ore more spots for this school. Stand up nd speak!! Dond be afraid… the mayor, the aldermen want your input and need it. Spred the word! dodnt leeeeeet these specal interests people let this happen there is better land and more importan issues that need adressed. Show up for the meeting monday at city hall. Hey Hey GoodBye!
Isn't it ironic that the same two characters talking about "littering the city with signs" and "making the city look trashy" are the same two who have left their signs up past the removal deadline? And the ones they were attacking were the first to have their signs taken down? Sort of shows you some true colors.
Anonymous,
I am working to take the few remaining ones down that I have yet to pick up. FYI, there are more than two with signs still up... I know where my last few are, but on my way to work this morning, I passed a couple Dinwiddie and Pickard signs too. Please feel free to give me locations so that I can make sure not to miss one. Thanks.
How soon we forget. Whether you like it or not, the 3 incumbents along with Jim Gabrial have had a major role in making Spring Hill a great place to live. The actions of the four helped the city achieve many goals and accomplishments.
These same four individuals along with what some of you refer to as "crooked developers", have played a major role in Spring Hill being the fastest growing city in the state and one of the fastest growing in the nation.
The growth that has happened, allowed Spring Hill to cut property taxes to zero, which is so often bragged about.
The past and expected continued growth of Spring Hill is what the HCA CON is based upon. HCA could not justify a hospital without continued growth.
The "crooked developers" are part of a business community which voted Spring Hill as the Most Business Friendly Community in the state.
The "crooked developers" have built a major portion of the quality developments in Spring Hill. I would even venture to guess that most of the individuals who are oppossed to the defeated incumbents and the "crooked developers" live in subdivisions that they built or allowed to be built.
When some of you are trying to raise funds for special projects such as the campaign in support of the hospital or for the new Education Foundation, who do yo turn to? The "crooked developers".
The actions of defeated individuals along with the developments of the "crooked developers", is what attracted and continues to attract new commercial development to Spring Hill.
Don't be so eager to criticize the ones who have created what you want to brag the most about.
The new BOMA could destroy what Spring Hill has going for it with just a few actions and a few improper statements. The economy has already slowed down and Spring Hill needs the continued growth, so be careful.
"The growth that has happened, allowed Spring Hill to cut property taxes to zero, which is so often bragged about."
Most of the citizens resent the zero property tax. Most of them would/will vote for a property tax if/when one is offered.
Seriously:
The "crooked developers" have built a major portion of the quality developments in Spring Hill. I would even venture to guess that most of the individuals who are oppossed to the defeated incumbents and the "crooked developers" live in subdivisions that they built or allowed to be built.
Quality, you call these developments quality. Sorry, but these neibghborhoods and developers and builders around here do not build quality. They plow down every tree and squeeze as many houses they can on their land. They build the cheapest house or commercial building they can get away with and make a fortune. They are not worried about quality, they are worried about one thing...$$$. For instance,a little builder John Maher...I don't believe he lives in one of his gorgous houses here in Spring Hill (nothing against you if you own a John Maher house, just showing that builders in Spring Hill do not demand quality or character). I believe he lives in Princeton Hills in Brentwood. Hmm...very interesting. I bet he demanded quality in the house he lives in and calls home. I am sick of the Beazers and John Mahers and Donnie Camerons polluting Spring Hill. We need more custom builders who take pride in the houses they build, but I guess it is impossible when certain developers own all the land. I can't wait to see Spring Hill in 15 years.
Hey, my house is built of frigging cardboard! From the outside in it's vinyl siding, cardboard, insulation, drywall. That's it. You could break into my house in less than 2 minutes with nothing more than a box cutter! Now THAT'S what I call quality. BAD QUALITY. Just wait until a strong wind and a really decent fire gets cooking in one of these subdivisions. Can you say "San Francisco"?
Professor Zorro, would you explain to anonymous the definition of quality?
Now we all know how I feel about the developers in this city, and I agree that they are here to make as much money as they can, and will leave Spring Hill and never look back once that last dolar is made. Furthermore, you can get a quality house in Spring Hill from any one of the developers, just make sure to hire your own private inspector to ensure that your house is built properly and be prepared to battle with the builder for extended periods to make sure that the deficiencies your private inspector finds are corrected (I know from personal experience). If we want quality homes here in Spring Hill, our new BOMA needs to make our building code more strict, then hire enough inspectors to properly inspect every new building. While campaigning, I heard several accounts of inspections being conducted where the inspector got out of his car, looked at the building without ever entering it and left. I wanted to not believe this, but having seen Ferrell White's ability to enforce the codes of this city on a discretionary basis, coupled with the fact that I heard this story several times, I think there be actually be something there. I even spoke to a neighbor who called Ferrell and asked for a copy of the inspection reports after a private inspector found glaring violations in her home, and was met with some very defensive comments. Now who can blame the builders here, if you have a weak building code, paired with a lack of detailed inspections, why spend extra money doing what you are supposed to do, when you can get away with cutting corners. Hopefully those days will soon be over, and our new BOMA will demand more from the developers, builders and inspection process.
Ron,
Instead of posting comments, maybe you should go collect your campaign signs...the election was two days ago.
Come on codes enforcer:
"Signs pertaining to political campaigns...may be allowed on election day and thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the polls close."
Since you didn't win, I guess you now feel that this shouldn't apply to you.
Anonymous @ 14 April, 2007 13:49 laments:
The "crooked developers" are part of a business community which voted Spring Hill as the Most Business Friendly Community in the state.
See, here's the thing that really gets me riled up. I am certain that somebody has told you, or maybe you heard it from somebody who heard it from someone else, that the reason Spring Hill was named the Most Business Friendly Community in the state was because some developer voted for us and got others to vote for us too. The problem with this is that the TN Policy Research study that resulted in Spring Hill receiving this honor was done using real facts and data that compared Spring Hill to other communities, not votes from the business community or votes from some benevolent developer and their friends.
The "crooked developers" have built a major portion of the quality developments in Spring Hill.
That all depends on your perspective.
Consider this $300,000 home in a Beazer Development in Collierville, TN.
You can't show me a $300,000 or even a $400,000 house in Spring Hill that has remotely any of the same architectural details that this house possesses. In fact, when I spoke with the Beazer representative for Harvey Springs, I was told that this home contained elements that are not available in Spring Hill because their market analysis showed that nobody else was providing these elements at this price point.
And so, the $300,000 Beazer home in Harvey Springs will look like this (yes, that is vinyl siding on the sides of the house).
Now, you tell me who's getting the 'quality'.
Oh, and Anonymous at 14 April, 2007 14:32, John Maher does live in a John Maher built home, using the same contractors that he uses in his developments, in case you were wondering.
"Can we say "Sore Loserman!" Experience in and of itself is not a compelling reason to vote for one to remain in office. ... Clean sweeps start with a big broom."
True, but every week or so, I'm sure there's STILL going to be a big mess. All you've done by voting out the incumbents is very similar to antibacterial soap - you've rinsed away the good AND the bad bacteria.
Let's face it - cleaning up only means there's more to clean next week. The messes never end; they just keep regenerating in various forms. I'm sure you remember that from your bachelor days, Gorillas.
By the way, to the anonymous poster who called me "Sore Loserman":
I've never run for political office. How interesting for you to just naturally assume I'm a man as well. I know I'm certainly not a loser in a race I didn't even run. So keep pointing fingers, Anonymous Primate. This town's small enough; you'll eventually get your man...or woman.
And please, someone give Ron a break on the signs. As long as they're down by the next business day, is it really that much of an eyesore or a crime against the city?
-Still Loving the Mask (but will always be happy to get rid of it if you'll get rid of yours)
PS. Love all the contrived and intentional typos and grammatical errors from another anonymous primate. Did you do that just for me? Awww, how sweet! I didn't think you cared so much. :-)
Hiding behind a mask like you do,
Are you so dense that you don't understand that "Sore Loserman" does not in any way refer to your gender?
There was a certain incumbent a few years ago named "Gore" who ran with another gentleman named "Lieberman" (a good yankee if there is such a thing...just kidding)who contested a certain political race for about 2 months. An enterprising business person (see I can be PC) printed and sold bumper stickers that were a parody of their campaign stickers that instead said "Sore Loserman". The term became synonomous with any supporter who would not concede that the other candidate by the name of "Bush" won the election.
So, now that we have that settled, it appears that you are living in a land called "denial" feasting on what could be called "sour grapes."
I understand; you didn't get the outcome you wanted. You're disappointed; maybe even distraught. True, you did not run, but perhaps lived vicariously through your now ousted incumbent candidate. Let not your heart be troubled. I'm sure the men elected to the BOMA will manage quite well in spite of whatever future messes present themselves.
Let's be intellectually honest. In your heart of hearts, is there any doubt at all that Hull, Dinwiddie, and Graham will be a vast improvement over the so-called "experienced incumbents" that have been involuntarily retired from public office?
It's a beautiful day in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
"Are you so dense that you don't understand that "Sore Loserman" does not in any way refer to your gender?"
Did I say I was of a particular gender to have been perceived as dense or even remotely unaware of the aforementioned slogan? Were those "Sore Loserman" bumper stickers also aimed at Kerry and Edwards? Hardly. It's hardly marketable to aim an ingenious pun toward a surname which doesn't rhyme with said slogan.
I believe your bumper sticker point is past its prime, intellectually speaking, of course. From my rationale, any nickname synonymous with the Gore/Lieberman defeat in 2000, which was not applied to the defeat of Kerry/Edwards in 2004, is null and void and, as such, has no validity on any future elections.
Furthermore, if "Sore Loserman" has only been deemed good enough and marketable enough for the bumpers of cars in a 2000 presidential defeat, those grapes are not even sour anymore. They've either been fermented into my Far Niente Special Reserve, or they've absorbed into the ground from whence they came.
Nice try, though.
In all intellectual honesty, I'm reserving judgment on the aforementioned future aldermen with a heavy dollop of skepticism. Do I think they'll be better than the ousted incumbents? Not unless they can outproduce the incumbents' positive results over nearly a decade. I welcome the new alderman to bring their full rationale, fairness, and intelligence to prove me wrong. But, in doing so, they must also forsake their selfish interests, any resentment toward the "old guard", learn not to do favors for their primates' (or others') special interests, and learn a little patience when they realize that progress won't happen as fast as they would like. They must also be willing to be so much above board that they can never be criticized for any similar behavior between themselves and their predecessors. I think it's a tall order for an inexperienced public neophyte.
You may think that the ousted incumbents weren't good aldermen, but at least they weren't tripping over Robert's Rules of Order. It'll be fun to watch the new aldermen stumble over parliamentary procedure and fumble in the dark for a light switch until they have the ability to prove me wrong.
So yes, in intellectual honesty, I'm going to enjoy the first year. I still believe there will be buckshot in the foot and crow in the mouth of many primates after four years.
With that, gorillas and evolving humans, I retire for the evening. Good night, good luck, and don't worry - I'll be stopping by in a few days to see what lovely remarks you've made about me. I'll most definitely see you all at the Monday night meeting - but you won't see me. You'll never even know who I am. Doesn't that just put a smile on everyone's face?
-In Perpetual Hiding Behind the Mask
Anonymous said...
Ron,
Instead of posting comments, maybe you should go collect your campaign signs...the election was two days ago.
14 April, 2007 19:48
Still behind a mask said...
Come on codes enforcer:
"Signs pertaining to political campaigns...may be allowed on election day and thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the polls close."
Since you didn't win, I guess you now feel that this shouldn't apply to you.
First, when I posted my comments earlier, I was at work on a break in Franklin, far from having the ability tp pick up signs. Believe me, I want all of my signs picked up along with everyone else's. The election is over, I have accepted the results and wished the best to the winners. It is time to put this election behind us and look towards the future, and the first step is removing all of the signs and returning our scenery to normal (real estate signs on every corner and construction on every main road). I only know of five more signs that I have not picked up and I will get those in the morning. Again, if I have missed one, please feel free to let me know where it is, or pick it up and have a souvenier of the election that will change Spring Hill.
I think the law should apply to me and everyone else in this election, whether they won or lost, so please be sure to let the rest of the candidates know where their signs are too, as I know that there are many signs still out there and most do not have my name on them...
Another way to break down the votes. This is how much each candidate spent per vote. It shows you who is efficient with their money (and therefore who will be efficient with yours). A few apparently did not file anything. Were their signs free or will they be fined $10,000 for not filing? By the way, you DO have to file SOMETHING regardless of the cost of your campaign. The $1000 limit determines whether the filing must be itemized or not.
Ward 1
Ron Defrancisco - $17.41
Michael Dinwiddie - $1.52
Brandon McCulloch - ?
Ward 2
Jim Gabriel - $2.43
Eliot Mitchell - $3.89
Ward 3
Sharron Cantrell - $8.25
Tommy Duncan - $15.78
Rick Graham - $11.66
Tim Holm - $64.91
Tamra Mezera - ?
Ward 4
Bruce Hull - $1.43
Viola Pickard - ?
Wow as I enjoy my morning cup of coffee and a smoke and read some of the comments I am suprised. It is hard to imagine being that angry just for the sake of being angry.
Hiding
All of your venom leads me to wonder some things. If you are so pasionate about the incumbent candidates where were you last month? You obviously know of this site and know how to comment. Why did you not choose to engage in dialogue before now? Why have you not been championing their cause before now in a positive way? Did you think that people would not have the temerity to vote them out of office? That is the problem with hubris you do not see the fall that goes with it.
If elections were only about being a good person then most of our elected officials would not be in office. I do not doubt that the ones who lost are good people. I have no grudge against any of them. I wish them long and healthy lives. I would gladly sit down and buy any of them a cup of coffee and talk about anything. My votes were about looking for a different path then the one we are on. Nothing more and nothing less.
As for our alderman elect. I have spoken with three of the four face to face and they all seem to be intelegent people with a desire to do what they believe is right. I do not see what more you can ask from someone. Are they new to this? Yes they are. Will they make mistakes? Yes they will. I would bet that when you were new at what ever your field of work is you made mistakes. I would guess that you had to survive a learning curve. I did when I got into the fire service. I had problems, learned from them and moved on able to make better decisions. I would belive you went through the same growth cycle. Something that helped me survive was that there were people who picked me up, helped me move forward. Instead of being one of those people that I see slow down at accidents hoping to see some blood or a body and yes that is how you sound. Do not sit in the audience wanting to see them fall so you can revel in it. Be one of the people that helps pick them up and get them moving forward. You just might be surprised it feels better to be the one helping than just looking to see the blood.
ole fire fighter
Oh and I forgot. Please forgive any grammatical or spelling errors. They were not intended for you to correct. IT was a long shift yesterday and it is early.
ole fire fighter
Ole Fire Fighter, if you're up for coffee in the next few minutes, give me a call. 268-9009.
Mike
For what it's worth, your newly elected candidates have not wasted one minute in getting started. In my campaign, I spoke to many people and, by far, the biggest issue on everyone's mind is the expansion of Hwy 31. Thiry minutes after the results were announced, I made my way to Beef O'Brady's where I briefly met with Mr. DuBois, Mr. Casada, and Mr. Ketron. I explained that we needed to get to work now (not in ten years) on the highway, that any help they could provide on a State level would be appreciated and that if they would simply tell me what I could do as an Alderman to help them, it would be done. They were each very positive in expressing a desire to help us with this particular situation.
Yesterday, Mr. Graham held a post-election party and Mr. Casada showed up. Both Rick and I were able to talk to him in more detail. We once again expressed a desire to work with him and the State in whatever capacity we could to get things moving ahead of schedule.
Mr. Casada informed us that there would be a town hall meeting on May 10th at the Heritage Elementary School concerning Spring Hill issues. They expect a lot of interest in Hwy 31 (and other roads) and will have a representative from TDOT to answer questions. We need a strong turnout to show those who represent us on a State level that we are truly interested in this work moving forward as quickly as possible.
I will continue working to keep the lines of communication open and to doing everything possible from my position to aid in this project's completion.
Just know that your voices have truly been heard (finally) and you have elected people who are going to actually expend energy working with other members of the Board in order to accomplish what you want. Indeed, just three days after the election, we have already begun.
I can be contacted at mdinwiddie@charter.net if you have any comments, suggestions or potential solutions. I would love to meet with our Senators and Representatives over the next two weeks with a whole list of possible solutions for them to consider.
Thank you
Mike Dinwiddie
Anonymous said...
Another way to break down the votes. This is how much each candidate spent per vote. It shows you who is efficient with their money...
The positive thing is that I have plenty of signs left for 2009 and therefore will have to spend a lot less next time around... Planning now for the future...
getting less than 10% of the vote with your "doom and gloom" message obviously hasn't deterred you.
honestly, you lost me when you proclaimed in the WAM that 900 acres of someone else's land should remain open space.
Thanks Mike... I look forward to the sounds of bulldozers widening Main St. Oh, it will be quite a mess for a while, but at least I'll know that I'm not a hostage in my own subdivision!!!
Go get 'em.
(please ignore any grammatical and/or spelling errors in the previous message.)
I think that some of the new aldermen should check into the fire chief hiring people that are not on the list to get hired. People turn in applications, take the test, go to an interview. That makes the list. When you do not hire from the list this is illegal. Another reason that Spring Hill needs and new City manager and HR department. If I wanted to make a quick dollar I would go work for Spring Hill, wait for York to screw me or do something not right and let the city have it. Then at a young age I would retire. That sounds bad and being a person that I am I would never do that I am just letting the new aldermen know. Are you listening???
Don't expect the bulldozers too soon on I-31, but it was nice of you to start building a relationship with our state reps. This problem has been getting worked on for quite some time and will take quite a bit more time to actually get moving (much less finished).
Good start though rubbing elbows with the right people. Now start building a little bit of influence.
"The positive thing is that I have plenty of signs left for 2009 "
HA! You had plenty of signs THIS time, but they all stayed in your garage. Your running mate had about 20 stacked in HIS garage. The good thing is, the Ward 1 seat might be an open seat in two years so if no one runs against you, you'll have an easy time winning with all those signs stacked neatly in your garage. The bad thing is, you made all the key players in the city mad at you so if someone with half a brain runs, you're in trouble.
hiding behind the mask..
I have never posted anonymously, always tied my name to my comments.. so feel free to take yours off.
Congrats to all who have won their election.
And to all who have nothing to do but make off color remarks, please stop, It brings the integrity of the site down.
I am not deterred. I recognize the fact that having been here for only a year, I was fighting an uphill battle for my message to be heard, but I am happy that some did hear it, and it is out there now. I am very happy that the make-up of the BOMA has changed, and I think it will be for the better. If I was not running against him, I would have voted for Mike like many of the others in this city did. I may not agree with him on some issues, but I felt that a change was necessary as many of you did, becuase the direction of our city was off track. I did what only 4/1000 of the residents of this city did by tossing my hat in the ring and running for office, and what only 11.17% of the registered voters in this city did... I voted. I feel that both of these entitle me to have an opinion here in this city now, and I intend to remain involved. I hope that the new BOMA can help us avoid what some of you have referred to as my "doom and gloom", as doing so will keep Spring Hill a great place to live, work and play. If I have offended some during this election, I apologize, but I believe in speaking the truth and not sugar coating it. I stand behind my statements and my beliefs. Could putting out all of those signs in my garage helped my campaign? Maybe, but flooding our city with signs would have gone against my beliefs, so I did not and will not flood the city with signs now or in the future. This election has taught me a lot about running for office, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to have this experience. Thank you to those of you that did vote for me, and I hope that I will still have your support in 2009. Best wishes to our new BOMA, may you provide us with the leadership and vision to help Spring Hill grow smart and stay beautiful.
One final comment to Anonymous,
My comments in Williamson AM were expressing the fact that we were building too much, too fast and that the development being proposed for that 900 acre piece of property was not in the best interests of the city with it's current infrastructure. Just because someone owns a piece of property, does not mean that they should be able to do whatever they want with it, especially if it will create a potential hardship on the city and it's residents. Just because I own land, would you want the city to allow me to build a garbage dump on it? I doubt it. But it is my land. The issue here is the best interests of the city and it's residents. That is why I felt this land should remain open space at this time. If re-zoning it from Agriculture to any other use would open the door for development that the area cannot currently handle, then I would encourage the BOMA to vote against it and reconsider it in the future when the infrastructure can support the re-zoning.
Ron,
If you are referring to the RC Alexander property, development of this land will bring a tremendous amount of improvements to Spring Hill. It may allow for the extension of Buckner Road to I65 with a possible on/off ramp which would stem the flow of traffic on 31 during commute hours so that getting children to the schools on that road will become easier. It may also become a traditional neighborhood developement which trades density for green space and includes retail which would allow those residents to shop within their own neighborhood and would also include an elementary school, also decreasing the traffic burden on our other roads. Go check out Westhaven before you deem this a bad change for Spring Hill. I have friends who have bought homes in Westhaven who have such a high quality of life that they feel like they are living on a perpetual vacation. They love staying at home because of the quality of the neighborhood in which they live. This is an awesome opportunity for Spring Hill if a Traditional Neighborhood development is indeed what becomes of the RC Alexander property.
To those who voted for me, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for believing in me and I hope I get the chance to serve you another time.
Tammy,
I understand the positives that you refer to and the things that it may bring. My position is that these things need to be in place before the first home or business is built. We already need more access points to I-65, but first we need I-65 widened or more access points will only add to the current congestion. We already need more schools. We already need better roads in the city. This new development should not be the reason that these improvements occur. These improvements should be the reason that this development can find a home on the Alexander property. I am still not sold on the TND zoning, and this may be that I am seeing similarities to South Florida. They did similar things there, and they worked great at the beginning. Commercial and residential blended and higher density was traded for more open space. As time went on though, the businesses had trouble surviving hidden in the neighborhoods and the quality of the businesses occupying the retail space declined. The once beautiful shopping centers became delapidated and the crime rose. Neighborhood convenience stores became store fronts for drug dealers. As the area became built out, areas that had been designated for open space were given approval for further development, further increasing the density of already over burdened areas.
Development is truly a tough issue, as things that seem wonderful today can become the nightmares of tomorrow. This is why I urge the new BOMA to look at other cities that have already experienced the growth and compare the developments that we are considering now to similar developments in those other cities. Get an idea of the long term impact. See if these things that look great on the five year plan will still look great in 10, 20, 50+ years, so that we are not creating problems for the future leaders of Spring Hill. Build the infrastrcture before the development. Be proactive, not reactive.
I know that some of you will start with the "gloom and doom" comments, but after seeing how a beautiful area can be destroyed by poor planning and development, I do not want to see the place that I plan to call home for the rest of my life meet this same fate. We can develop Spring Hill and keep it beautiful, but we need to slow down, take a look at the big picture and plan for the long term future of our city, not just the short term. The things we do today will affect the image of Spring Hill for many years to come. Right now that image is great, let's work to keep it that way for generations to come.
You're right Gorilla. Others have been working extremely hard on this. Now they have re-enforcements to help shoulder the load.
For what it's worth, I intend to hold office with same level of work ethic as you saw in the campaign. Don't be surprised to get a knock at your door a few times per year and have me ask you personally how you think the city's doing.
Since my position becomes official in just about an hour, my posts here will come to a near halt. I will be starting an email list to keep residents informed on what is happening in their city. If you would like to be on that list, let me know.
Again, thank you for your support.
Mike Dinwiddie
I'm sorry Ron, but this is not South Florida and we do not have the crime issues that you saw there. People here also care more about the way our towns look. Probably more than in any other part of the country where I have lived, and that includes 6 horrible months in central Florida.
Williamson County has a trend of upgrading rundown storefronts. Independence Square in Franklin is a good example of what I'm talking about. Other centers on 96 in Franklin have been cleaned up and upgraded over the years. I have lived here for over 10 years and I have seen this over and over.
Your comment shows you are not ready to lead in Williamson County. I humbly recommend that you live here for a while and become more of a middle Tennessean before you try to run for office again. You have to have some faith in the people who live here. From my experience, there isn't a whole lot that is similar to Florida here. I couldn't stand that place and in 1992 I high tailed it back to California with the intent of never leaving. Tennessee changed my mind about living outside California. There are qualities here that neither California or Florida have and its imperitive that you discover them before you decide to try and lead here. Good on you for stepping up and trying, though. Good luck in the future.
Tammy
Oh, and Ron, go look at Westhaven or McKay's Mill in Franklin. The retail is a far cry from convenience stores. McKays Mill needed to have more green space for my taste but, Westhaven is really doing it right. You'll be pleasantly surprised. I would guess you've never seen anything like it.
Tammy,
Please do not dare to start to say that HWY 96 has been cleaned up. I pray that Spring Hill does not become a HWY 96. Again, I hope the BOMA looks outside of Middle Tennesse and looks at other suburbs who demand quality and character of thier commerical fronts and residential areas. If we demand quality now, we will not have to upgrade and rebuild every 10 years.
Again, we have developers (commercial and residential) who are more worried about building the cheapest product they can get away with and then laugh all the way to the bank. Please do not accept the "upgrades" they have started on HWY to 96 represent quality retail.
As for blending commercial and retail, I now trust the BOMA to make solid, smart decisions concerning this issue. We have new faces among us and I beleive that Spring Hill is headed in the right direction.
Keep in mind that there is a difference between the BOMA and the Planning Commission. The BOMA simply changes the zoning of the land. That's it. The Planning Commission is who determines what goes on that land and how it looks after the BOMA has changed it. For instance, the BOMA had nothing to do with Starbucks going in next to Saxby's. That was 100% Planning Commission. So, when you are aiming your guns, make sure you are aiming them at the correct group.
Thank you Tammy, I truly meant the planning commissions, I just have my mind on the BOMA meeting tonight. I know the planning commission makes the decision. Believe me, I know Duda fights tooth and nail at the planning commissions meetings to ensure Spring Hill has a distinct look. I don't have any guns pointed, just hoping Duda will continue to go to bat at these meeting so Spring Hill does not turn out like HWY 96. Come on Tammy, didnt you see Silverbacks post on quality. Do you see what Beazer can build for $300-400k. Why is this not an option in Spring Hill?
Look, I did not say that all of 96 is cleaned up. There are parts of it that have been. I am just saying that in this county I have noticed that where things have gotten run down, there has been an effort to redo or upgrade unsightly business areas.
I also don't want to see anymore of that kind of development here in Spring Hill. I am sick of strip malls and those are the places that tend to become the most rundown. I was just stating my observance that in our county there is a continual effort to keep from having what Ron described in Florida. I hate the way 96 looks but, you do have to applaud the effort to clean up parts of it since it is what it is. On the other hand, I still don't want a Big Lots to come to the Kroger location in Campbell's Station. for the very fact that that is one of the worst looking areas on 96 in spite of the effort to clean it up. The main point of my post is that Ron is out of touch with his opinion regarding a traditional neighborhood development in Spring Hill. I believe I was advocating the quality that Westhaven presents. I hope more high quality is what we will start to see in Spring Hill with the new leadership in place. I'm with you about not letting developers get away with building low quality garbage. I also have a poor quality home in a neighborhood without sidewalks because that is what we got before the 2005 elections began to change things. I'm glad this election will bring even more changes for the better. Even though I didn't win a seat for alderman, since election night I have felt our whole city won with the four who were chosen and I am fully behind them and didn't for a moment feel sad for myself. I agree with the gorilla that the right people for the jobs were chosen and we are about to see great things in Spring Hill.
Speaking of "low quality garbage", what ever happened to the Charles Raines building that houses Pancho's. This is a great example of a cheap commercial building where the developer cut corners to save himself some money. He is willing to risk lives to save himself $15,000. Gorilla...what ever happened with the sprinklers that should have been installed in this building. Are there any update, does it meet regulation?
Tammy,
I appreciate your position and hope to be proven wrong. At the same time, I recognize that at the time South Florida originally developed from farm lands and the Everglades, there were a lot of people who took pride in the area and cared about the way their towns looked. Many of those people have now moved to places like Georgia and Tennessee in hopes of finding that again. The point is that the level of concern and caring residents can change at any time, and the things that seem great now can backfire without proper planning. The convenience stores were not the original occupants of a lot of these neighborhood based commercial properties, they came after the neighborhood location ceased to support the other businesses that were there originally. The crime rates were once low, they increased as the population density grew and the area became rundown. You and I have the same goal, and that is ensuring that Spring Hill remains an amazing place to call home. This is why I feel we must proceed cautiously with things like TND projects and look long term.
Forgive my ignorance, but how long have Westhaven and McKay's Mill been around? If we are not talking 30-40 years, they are not appropriate comparisons for the areas that I refer to in South Florida, as Westhaven and McKay's Mill are still in the prime of their existance as many of the properties that I refer to were twenty years ago. This is why I stress looking at areas that have experienced this growth and are now seeing the long term impacts of it, developing 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 year plans for growth, always remaining proactive rather than reactive and learning from the mistakes of others rather than having to suffer from our own.
In regards to your comments on my ability to lead in Williamson County... With all due respect, I am a Maury County resident and would represent both counties equally and fairly if elected in the future. Second, I recognize the quality of the people here and the lifestyle that exists here. It is the reason that I moved here, and the reason that I care so much about not seeing it ruined. In order to effectively lead, you have to sometimes play devil's advocate and look the the best and worst possible scenarios and prepare for both. Government leadership is all about contingency planning. The problem that I see is that some here only want to see the positives and choose to not open the eyes to the negative things that could happen until it is too late. You must be able to step outside of the box and see every side of an issue. Based on my experience in a developed area, coupled with my desire to keep our city as great as it is now, I think that I am prepared to lead here in Spring Hill if and when that opportunity should present itself.
The election's over Ron. It's time to stop running. Or are we witnessing the birth of another Charlie?
Tammy,
I called Central Florida (St. Pete and Tampa) home for 26 years. When we moved down from IL it was not quite as open as Spring Hill is today but a very nice place to live (not quite the nightmare that you described). However, over time it becamse so congested and over developed it was hard to see what the reason what that we originally moved there for. There were definately good and bad locations, but density and greed ended up winning out most over all. I ended up here in SPring Hill by chance, love the area and would hate for it to end up like what I came from in FL. Also, consider that there are a lot of transplants here and they won't neccessarily treat it with the same love and care that you might. There will always be a mix of folk, good and bad and unfortunately Spring Hill is not absolved from this. Do what we can up front to try and preserve our city so that it's soul is there for all to enjoy. I believe a mix between your position, Ron's and many others will hopefully get there, however if we don't slow down enough to look around and see what's left the only thing we'll have are memories of "what it used to be like"..
Just my .02
Don't misunderstand me Derek, I'm not a let 'em build whatever they want anytime, anywhere kind of person. I love driving by the Alexander Farm and in a perfect world it would stay there forever. Mr. Alexander is selling that land and he has a right to. Its just that, of all the things that could go in there, a TND is a pretty good thing if its like what Southern Land is doing in Westhaven. At least we will have some green space preserved with it instead of lots of concrete as would have been the case with some of the other rumored things that could go there (an amusement park, outlet mall, or a new Galleria). By the way, I lived in Orlando for 6 months after PJ and I first married and he saved our marriage by taking me out of there and back to California. I also saw some bad growth around the Silicon Valley where I spent the bulk of my growing up years. It stank to see that beauty turn into a mess. TNDs and parks are a great way to keep some green. I just don't think Ron and maybe others have had the pleasure of seeing what TNDs look like here in our area. They are a great concept that I am convinced will have a lasting attraction.
http://www.southernland.com/OfficeandRetail/McEwenTownCenter/tabid/167/Default.aspx
Check out this link and take a look at what Westhaven is like. Something high quality and almost nostalgic has been created over there and I don't even see a loss in its value in 20, 30, or 50 years.
About Tennessee values...Its up to all of us to pass on the level of care for community we found when we got here. Dialogue like this and being a neighbor to someone new the way a long time Tennessean somewhere probably has been to you will preserve the values we all found when we arrived. Its what makes Tennessee such a sweet place to live. I am now a Tennessean. They've won me over. I'm all front porch and sweet tea and talking to the guy or girl in front of me at Kroger and even some country music after a lonnng sabbatical trying not to be like my parents. I love Little Big Town right now, especially the Boondocks song. My dad used to always say we lived in the boondocks if anyone asked. He was an Okie and we lived in the most rural, agricultural part of California you could imagine. It was all Steinbeck. Its late and I'm rambling. No offense, Ron but, go look at Westhaven and you may change your mind.
Tammy,
I believe you and understand what you are talking about, but I think it is too soon to know how these TND type developments will turn out here in the long run. I still believe we need to plan for both the good and bad possible outcomes and remain proactive in preventing the bad. For now, with the new BOMA in place, I will change my concern level from "Frightened for the future" to "Cautiously Optimistic".
Anonymous,
I am well aware that the election is over. I got a copy of the results from the Election Commission on Election Night. My signs are down. Just because the election is over, does not mean that I intend to stop offering my opinions on city politics or being involved in the government of our city. I am pleased with the results of the election, and have no intention of filing any lawsuits. I believe that the winners won fairly and all deserve their place on the BOMA. I hope that last night was just the beginning of things to come, and hope to be able to offer praise and positive comments in regards to the performance of our new Aldermen. I am not bitter about the results, but you seem to have a bitterness about me expressing my opinions like many others on this site who did not win and did not even run. What is it that makes me your favorite target?
Ron-
Please continue to post your opinions. Yes, the election is over, but that does not mean you need to hide in the shadows like Sharon and Viola. It is good to see you continue to show concern for the city and will remain active. AS I did not vote for you, I still respect your opinions and concern for the betterment of Spring Hill.
Anonymous,
Thank you for your support. I will continue to offer both postive feedback and constructive criticism here on this site, as well as remain active in the politics of our city. You will always know my comments, as my name will be attached, and I will remain in the light of day, rather than in the shadows. Not winning a seat on the BOMA has not discouraged me, but rather encouraged me to work harder and involve myself more. I hope that you will continue to support me and my views in the future, as well as support our new BOMA now. Thanks again.
Ron,
I think it would be tragic to not allow the proposed TND and get something we will regret even more in its place. I also firmly believe that if we took your stance, in 20 years we'll be kicking ourselves for not doing it because these TNDs are being built with timeless, high quality appeal, unlike the resort communities in Florida.
The TND Ordinance passed Monday night.
I also have reservations on the long term success of mixed use developments in a rural setting. They may work is a urban setting but how about a rural city like Spring Hill?
What types of businesses would survive in a shopping area contained within a community? And would they be advertised to residents outside that community? Or buried in the community and not advertised? What would the signs look like? Would they be allowed to put up signs at the entrance to the community to advertise their existence to bring in business? Or would they be located along the main road (Buckner in this case) to get the attention of passers by?
I can see a few store fronts for a convenient store (residents could buy gas, lottery tickets, beer, etc.) or a coffee shop or an ice cream shop or a game room within walking distance for neighborhood families and a place for adolescent kids. But does the developer want to put 20 store fronts in that could remain half vacant and attract vagrants, vandals and mischievous kids?
The questions I would have for the developer would be how many store fronts and what types of businesses are they going to try to attract. Also a guarantee of green space which would never be developed and a guarantee that commercial areas would be correctly fit into the city and not just into the community.
Another major concern is traffic in and out of a large, high density community. How do developers propose to get people in and out of the community? Buckner lane is already over utilized and Thompson's Station and Critz Lane are no longer quiet country roads due to the high volume of traffic heading to the Interstate. How fair is it to residents that live on these roads to continue to increase traffic and endanger their children, quality of life and property value? Also, when residents of this community want to get to Lowes, Home Depot or Super Target they have to travel Buckner Lane and either Buckner road, Duplex road, Thompson's Station road and 31 compounding an already over utilized road system.
A property owner does have the right to sell their land but a developer should not have the right to do anything they want with it. It's up to the city to decide how a property fits into the master plan. I hope the right decision is made.
SeanM, all of your issues fall squarely on the Planning Commssion.
Except for, of course, where to put a Starbucks :^D
It was the Planning Commission, not the BOMA that approved a Starbucks.
SeanM:
Go get a copy of the TND Ordinance from the city. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well the ordinance addresses many of your concerns.
The TND Ordinance does not replace any of the existing Ordinances. Also, a TND will be very expensive thus limiting the development of these communities to a very few with DEEP pockets.
Go check out Westhaven if you haven't already.
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