Dear Spring Hill Resident:
It is election time in Spring Hill and your vote is critical in the upcoming City elections. An informed voter is an effective voter. Before you decide “who” you want as your local Alderman, I believe it is important that you know “what” some of these candidates stand for and “where” their interests lie.
In our recent past, the Board of Mayor and Alderman voted to re-apportion the voting districts within the city so that representation on the board would be proportional to the citizenry each Alderman represents. This allows for a more fair and balanced local government, where one particular segment of the population does not dictate policy and local law for the rest of the population.
The road to getting reapportionment passed was a long one. I was very involved in getting petitions signed in support of reapportionment and am relieved that it passed. But I am not quite sure we are getting what we asked for yet. The only way we get the representation that we need is to go exercise our right to vote. That time is now to vote for candidates that reflect YOUR needs and values!
In our upcoming election, there are 12 candidates running for four Ward seats. All the candidates are from varied backgrounds and have certain strengths that they bring to the table. Of particular importance to me as a voter is:
(1) how do I begin to determine how these candidates measure up and
(2) are there fundamental differences that set them apart from one another?
In order to make an informed decision on who I will vote for on April 12, I started to do some digging.
As I have been reading articles on these candidates and researching past voting records of incumbents, it has become clear to me that some of the candidates are falling into one “distinct” category based on their personal motives and self–interests. Ironically, it appears the very individuals that did not support reapportionment or more equitable representation, fall into the same category. That category is panning out to be developer-driven with a focus on getting “their guys in office” to continue to promote their personal agendas. Which leads me to the “Coalition.”
I recently learned that there have been several meetings taking place between 4 candidates in particular and they are Sharron Cantrell, Viola Pickard, Brandon McCulloch and Jim Gabriel. It seems that in their meetings, as well as in Sharron Cantrell’s and Jim Gabriel’s own campaign financial documents, these 4 people specifically represent a few special interest groups within the city and ignore many citizens’ concerns in regard to many issues.
The time has come now to go to the polls this Thursday. All of our work for re-apportionment has done one thing very well and that is give us viable choices for elected officials in every area of our city. Now is the time to do our part and get out and vote. We need to take our city back from the few special interest groups, and make this our family oriented community.
I am not here to tell you who to vote for, but I am here to tell you in depth information about each candidate to make the decision for yourself. If you are interested in learning about the candidates, please visit www.UniteSpringHill.com.
Most importantly, GET OUT AND VOTE, and have a fantastic day!
City of Spring Hill Election – Thursday, April 12th from 8:00AM to 7:00PM
Maury County Residents – Spring Hill Community Building on Maury Hill Street Next to Evans Park
Williamson County Residents – Campbell Station Fire Station, 4000 Campbell Station Parkway
Sincerely,
the Gorilla
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Day of Change is HERE!
Posted by Gorilla in the Corner at 9:46 AM
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.
48 comments:
Hey Gorilla
Just a quick thank you for the election coverage. Your posts on the election were thorough. It is good to have a format like this at a time like this.
ole fire fighter
Ditto... I've learned a lot from this site. I especially appreciate the voting records on the critical issues. This alone was enough to convince me not to vote for 3 of the 4 incumbents.
I agree. Thank you for taking the time, and from the looks of things, A LOT of time, to put this message board together. I can't believe that some of these people runnning for reelection say they will represent citizens but take money from developers. All anywone has to do is to take a look at their voting records. I mean who votes against more trees in this city? Now I know why the first thing a developer does is clear the land of all trees. Because they can.
Did I hear Clean Sweep!! Looks like the citizens of Spring Hill actually listened. Spring Hill is hopefully headed in the right direction. Pack your bags Good Ole Boys, your reign is over!!!
Amen, amen and AAAAAMEN!!!!!!
young Gorillas,
I hope in the next mayoral elections you use the same scrutiny you displayed in these posts with those candidates.
I'd hate to find you become "special interest groups"
Honestly Gorillas,
just because you vote a few new guys in office you think the Good Ole Boys system of Sping Hill is going anywhere? Ha...Good Luck!
Yes, that's exactly what we think. And it's exactly what has happened. Good luck to you. Your caue has become futile.
The Spring Hill "Good Old Boy" system, as you "gorillas" call it, isn't some evil alliance opposing change. I know for a fact that these are good people who want the best for a bloated, swollen city which is leaking at the dam gates.
These people who you wanted out of office are good people, people who've made this city a place where most of you newcomers would want to live. These aldermen are someone's high school teacher, someone's mother or father, someone's friend, someone's fellow church member. People who unfortunately bear the brunt of false rumors about their accepting special interest money, when I know for a fact that one in particular turned down money from everyone who offered, including many developers, because that person was afraid that people would talk and assume the wrong things. Well, it seems that even when they DON'T accept special interest money, you decide to spout rumors anyway. You'll make up anything about anyone to pursue your agenda.
These good, honest, intelligent, reputable aldermen, who were ousted by YOUR misguided alliance, are people who made a REAL difference when a great mayor named Ray Williams was at the helm. Mayor Williams was all about change and so were these people you voted out last night. People who handled change in a safe and slow way instead of getting impatient (like you do) and wanting to implement so much change at once that the city would be crippled by it. People who abolished property taxes so YOU could have an affordable life in this city. Now you bite the hand that has given you more food on your table than any other city would ever give you, for YEARS.
Mayor Williams did WONDERFUL things for this city. He got things done and yes, because of his good nature, promoted harmony within the city council, which is something I hardly see Mr. Leverette doing. Mayor Leverette will NEVER be able to fill the shoes of Ray Williams, and if you noticed, only his "pets" who side with him on city issues really seem to earn his favor.
Personally, Gorillas, I don't see your cause improving the future of Spring Hill. All the people you ousted had years upon years of experience handling city affairs. Do you think these new aldermen will just be able to step in and take over smoothly without that benefit of experience, particularly in such a crucial time for this swollen city?
These new aldermen will have a lot to learn, and this city will suffer in the meantime. Who knows if the damage which will be reaped from their seeds of inexperience will EVER be undone?
Time will tell what these new aldermen are made of, and I guarantee you they will never be able to do their job as efficiently and as fairly as the people you booted out of office. I don't believe for a minute that your puppets -- and yes, I call them puppets because they have virtually NO political or municipal experience -- have any talent for the jobs they wanted.
You want more cracks in the dam of Spring Hill? I think you just got your wish. Good luck - you all deserve each other, your aldermen, and your constituents. You'll see that sometimes when you get what you want, it's not the best for you. I would've thought your parents would've taught you those truths by now.
Signed,
If You Want to Know Who I Am, Stop Hiding Like Gorillas in the Mist.
No, I am sure Donnie Cameron will not go far, but you can see by the results that his pockets only run so deep!!! With Sharron, Brandon and Viola gone, Charles will really just sit like a lump on the log like he already does. He has no one to support him any longer. I can't wait for the first BOMA meeting. It is going to be new faces sitting before me. I wonder if the Good Ole Boys will continue to show up to the meetings now that they are just a citizen of Spring Hill. Now they get to see what it feels like to be a concerned citizen. My guess is they no longer show up. What a great day it is for Spring Hill!
Get real...hidding behind a mask. Terrorist are also mothers, fathers and teachers. Does that make them good people when they strap a bomb to their chest. Good people don't always do good things.
Brandon was smart not to take money from Donnie, the Raines and other other "special interest" groups. However, his votes while alderman speak louder than contributions. We know who his ties are with are WERE with Doesnt matter anymore. If anyone is a puppet that would be Sarron and Brandon. They have been put in a box and retired.
I am sure Monica Raines could find you a beautiful house out in Lewisburg. Leave!!!
I can't wait to see the progress, I really believe the newest alderman are going to make us proud.
mBehind a mask @ 11:03:
These good, honest, intelligent, reputable aldermen
Agreed, but you are totally missing the message that was the reason for this change; these good, honest aldermen did not represent a majority of the citizens, or at least the majority of the city did not feel like they were being well represented.
We were lucky to have these aldermen for a time, but they did't respond to the concerns of the citizens and only respond to the concerns of a few...The definition of Good 'Ole Boy politicians. Issue after issue of late these aldermen yielded their control at the detriment to the city (remember lifetime benefits? Do you really think that Mayor Williams would have supported that?)
I applaud Brandon McCulloch for standing up on his own two feet and not taking the bait. I applaud Jim Gabriel for bringing accountability to the Ward 2 race. I applaud Sharron Cantrell for always doing what she believes is right, and I applaud Viola Pickard for her loyalty and love of the city.
Will there be a learning curve?
Certainely.
Will there still be a need for checks and ballances?
Definately.
Yesterday's message was that the citizens like each of us that post on this blog are ready to take ownership of the issues that shape this community....
A suggestion to my fellow commentors - be gracious in this victory.
To our newly elected Alderman and members already on the Board...
As we all know, this is a critical time in the growth of Spring Hill. I urge you to look at other cities around the country that have experienced the growth were are currently going through and learn from their victories and mistakes. You are all now in positions to be in the history books of Spring Hill, and the decisions you make now will help or haunt the city for many years to come and make you heroes or villians in those history books based upon the direction you take this city.
Take care of our city employees... They are the ones who take care of us as residents, and are the ones who can make you look really good or really bad based upon the service they provide and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. Happy employees are always happy to go the extra mile.
Good luck to our new BOMA, make us proud!
Gracious???? C'mon, we have watched from the sidelines for way too long as the now outgoing alderman made multiple errors in their voting. For Charlie to get on here and give me a lesson in morality, please. What he does not understand is the people of Spring Hill spoke up yesterday? If he believes that this website alone voted those people in, so be it, but it is quite insulting that Charlie believes that educated people like myself cannot make an informed decision....Gracious goes out the window...
You see, this is where I have got to disagree with you. Who said anything about Charlie? Why bring his name up? It detracts from the rest of your good points.
Charlie is a man who loves his city. Do you know of anybody else who has attended every city work session and meeting at the frequency that he has?
I do agree with you that it is insulting that there is a presumption that we can't make our own decision or that our opinion is diminished because we have not lived here for X number of years.
Its true, this website is not the only reason these 3 alderman were lost. C'mon, only around 170 people even voted on the blog! What is that compared to to the hundreds of people who showed up and voted for some one new? I spoke with hundreds of dissatisfied citizens over the last few months who were just looking for someone else to vote for. Alas, it was not me. In spite of that, I feel like a winner in that my city will really begin to go in the direction in which the majority of its citizens would like.
Brandon, Viola, and Sharon,
Thank you for your years of dedicated service and for being friendly to all of the candidates. It was nice talking with you over the last few weeks.
Micheal, Rick, Elliot, and Bruce,
Congratulations! I'll be praying for you all. I'm excited about the future of our city. Don't lose touch with all of us citizens. We are counting on you.
Sincerely,
Tammy Mezera
Silverback....
Agree to disagee, but the comment was written very similar to Charlie---especially the number of times Mayor Williams was brought up....Victory is sweet, even if you have differing mentalities regarding it.
How about this for "gracious" - let's PACK City Hall Monday night to standing room only. And when the new Board is sworn in and takes their seats, everyone cheer like the Titans have just won the SuperBowl.
Hiding behind a mask like you do! I do not hide behind a mask, I post using my real name unlike yourself! You are only compounding the anonymous postings issue.
First off good, honest politicians should not take campaign contributions from special interest people and/or groups. IE: Developers and/or real estate agents. The contributions are public and factual knowledge.
I find the statement "People who unfortunately bear the brunt of false rumors about their accepting special interest money, when I know for a fact that one in particular turned down money from everyone who offered, including many developers, because that person was afraid that people would talk and assume the wrong things."
There is no assumption necessary, if you take hundreds of dollars from a developer or multiple developers and people who stand to make millions of dollars from rezoning developments you help approve as a BOMA member or someone else with a special interest this is wrong. Whoever this was is just in turning down the offer for whatever reason.
As far as past Alderman making the city what it is today... do you mean a city that will soon be overdeveloped with no road system to support it, and with everything stuffed on the Williamson County side while the Maury county side is looked down upon? Or a city overrun with construction traffic which is ruining the already antiquated roads and has no means to financially support itself after the developers have finished and the dust has settled? Or perhaps a city that cannot seem to separate commercial and residential development properly and seems to think it is a good idea to put a Home Depot right in the middle of town center, two coffee shops next to each other (and right at the entrance to a neighborhood) and residential development at the back door of city hall? Or perhaps a city government that thinks it's a good idea to build a cities road infrastructure (or lack there of) right in peoples back yards... putting homes and businesses so close to existing, over utilized, roads that there is little or no room left for widening and sidewalks. All such good planning and foresight by past leaders I just can't contain myself!
Personally, I embrace change and hope the new members of the BOMA can guide the city better than in the past, without special interest and by listening to the residents both old and new.
On another note, I just want to know who is going to clean up all these campaign signs laying around? Hopefully they will be gone today.
Behind the mask, please further explain your point:
"People who unfortunately bear the brunt of false rumors about their accepting special interest money..."
Hello, what rumors are you referring too? It is in black and white as to who contributed to their campaign. There was no misguided agenda here, just the facts. There is no hiding behind anything, gorilla just speaks and provides the truth on this blog. Yes, the truth hurts....and it sure did hurt Sharon. Brandon and Viola didn't have too accept money for S.H residents to know who they truly represent. So i don't know what rumors you are referring too. Try again.
SeanM,
Well put. I look forward to seeing what the new BOMA does to fix the problems from the old now that it is here. We can only hope that we see a change for the better.
Anonymous said...
Get real...hidding behind a mask.
Why don't you learn to use spell check, or at least have the intelligence to leave a properly spelled post if you want me to even remotely take you seriously?
You state your ignorance as well in this quote:
Terrorist (s) [added because the plural form should have an 's'] are also mothers, fathers and teachers. Does that make them good people when they strap a bomb to their chest. Good people don't always do good things.
Can you have the gall to think your opinion is even remotely intelligent when you can't even bother to put a question mark at the end of your questions? (i.e., "Does that make them good people when they strap a bomb to their chest.")
You must know a lot of terrorists if you can actually state what you said in public. As for myself, I know none in this city, particularly our good aldermen who've been ousted unjustly.
Brandon McCulloch is a good and decent man who doesn't subscribe to politics as usual. He never accepted any special interest money and never wanted to be obligated to any special interest groups. He raised two beautiful daughters and three stepchildren. His oldest daughter has served the city as a national anthem singer for free, sung in New York at Carnegie Hall, has a Master's Degree, and who has been a Tennessee Arts Commission Fellow. She brought tears to my eyes when she sang at Mayor Williams' funeral. His other daughter just moved back to Spring Hill, along with her husband, who also grew up here, and is a dancer, singer, and from what I saw on election day, a very good first time mother.
When I look at Brandon McCulloch, I see a mature, wise, spiritual man who for nine years has put the welfare of the city before the interests of individual citizens. Not everyone will agree with his votes or his opinions, but no one can dare say that he does not act out of fairness for the city.
Besides, how can a man be such a detriment to thousands of citizens when you look at his children? I'd like to see the progeny of these new aldermen measure up to Brandon's. Then we can talk who's a better steward of the city because you can't just talk the talk; your children will really show that you walk the walk.
When I look at Sharron Cantrell, I see a woman of compassion, of fairness, a woman who makes an educated opinion about every issue she must vote on, and votes her conscience. I see a woman who guides many children and young adults through the educational system and has been a mentor to so many of them, even to this day. I see a wonderful mother who lovingly raised four beautiful children and who has always been kind to everyone. Again, I believe she walks the walk, not just talks the talk. You can see it in the way she looks in your eyes when she talks to you. You know she truly cares about your concerns or your celebrations. So what if she took some special interest money? I never gave her a dime and I felt like I was the most important person in the world when I would talk to her after meetings.
Brandon and Sharron are not bureaucratic puppets to be used at a whim; these are good people who, from my experience with them, educated themselves from all angles, looked out for their fellow citizens, voted their consciences, and always had the interest of the city in mind. Which means, gorillas, that if your particular interests weren't served, then you weren't coming out directly and speaking out enough to them to be heard. Perhaps if you actually came up to them PERSONALLY, not calling them or emailing them, and addressed a problem with them, they would've responded to your concerns. If you didn't want to come up to them and get to know them, or have your issues addressed personally, then you have no right to judge them for things they weren't able to do for you.
So I don't believe for a minute this bull about Brandon and Sharron not representing the majority of the city. If you believe the majority of the city wasn't represented, then the majority of the city wasn't complaining loud enough to Brandon and Sharron. That statement was just a smokescreen to detract from these gorillas' obvious crusade to perpetuate their individual interests and agendas, to get rid of the people they didn't like.
I also find it very interesting that good things are only said about incumbents after they've LOST an election, not beforehand. If you wanted a fair election, you would have mentioned these positive things to voters instead of letting them believe that all aldermen were corrupt.
I have never seen anyone from your "old guard" not address a valid concern from any citizen. In fact, I've seen them bend over backwards to make sure the city is represented fairly and justly. But it's hard to address concerns if they're not personally brought to the aldermen.
It'll be interesting to see if your puppets (and I believe still that they are the real puppets) actually have the ability to serve YOUR precious agendas, whatever they may be. I honestly think not.
But, as I said in my original post, you all deserve each other, you and your puppethead politicians. I'll be observing from afar, smiling to myself when you realize that change never happens as fast as we would like. I can't wait to see the buckshot in your foot or the crow in your mouth at one of these future city council meetings.
And to the ignorant poster who knows so many terrorists, and can't bother to use spell check or proper grammar:
I've only seen "If you don't like it, leave" on bumper stickers attached to beat-up redneck trucks. How about a more intelligent offense if you want to run with the smart boys?
Signed,
Hiding (not Hidding) Like You (only with a more dignified name than Anonymous)
PS. Note also the question mark at the end of my last sentence. It's called punctuation. Learn it.
PSS. To the poster who asked who was going to clean up all the signs, I haven't seen a campaign sign by Mr. McCulloch all day. Hmm. Guess someone so "corrupt" as he has no problems doing his part and picking up his signs. Now that's integrity, picking up the pieces quickly, even when you've lost.
To Sean McGirk:
I can only take your word that you use your real name. Kudos for taking the high road on at least one aspect of civilian duty. If more Gorillas in the Corner would do the same, then we might have had better communication between last year's board and a forum named after primates.
Regarding your quote:
As far as past Alderman making the city what it is today...do you mean a city that will soon be overdeveloped with no road system to support it, and with everything stuffed on the Williamson County side while the Maury county side is looked down upon...All such good planning and foresight by past leaders I just can't contain myself!
First of all, AlderMAN is singular. AlderMEN is plural. Learn it. Furthermore:
Why don't you build a time machine, go back to about 1990, run for Mayor, live about 17 years in those shoes, and then you will see how even some of the best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry. Bonus points and kudos if you can post the author of that quote in 5 minutes after my post.
If you don't have the finances, the brains, or the ability to travel through time, why don't you just go out and buy an old version of SimCity and play Mayor for a week or so? Create your OWN city and watch your citizens either leave, stay, praise or complain. Then you'll understand just how much responsibility is resting on an official's shoulders when unexpected growth happens far too fast for any small town to be able to handle efficiently.
If you're so upset about the traffic, the sidewalks, the narrow roads, the delays on improvements, and you haven't voiced these concerns to an alderman directly, it's really not your place to complain. Besides, aldermen and mayors can't control everything in a city, and often can't perform miracles to solve all your very minor problems. If you hate the traffic, visit Los Angeles and drive on Interstate 5 during gridlocked rush hour for a week and you'll learn to appreciate Spring Hill, Tennessee.
The dam of Spring Hill is cracking, but I think the aldermen of the past few years have been good about fixing the leaks. If you want to fix more leaks yourself, you're welcome to do so, but I think you just missed an election.
I hope you have learned patience in your 72 years, because nothing happens overnight, even in this instant gratification society. I doubt these new aldermen will make anything happen any faster.
If you haven't lived here since before the mass influx of people to Spring Hill, and even then, if you haven't served in public office or made officials' lives a little easier, you really have no right to complain. You would have certainly lived here long enough to bring these matters to someone's attention long before they became a problem. These problems are the bad inheritance which the aldermen of the late 80s and early 90s have foisted upon their successors.
By the way, I'm sure your life was lived absolutely perfectly in your 72 years for you to be casting stones so vigorously. Perish the thought that you had any oversights and left *your* progeny to pick up the pieces of your mistakes.
Signed,
Hiding Like Most (because most hide)
Good Lord!!! Now we're back to personal attacks and mud-slinging. Those that were voted out did what they thought best. Apparently, the citizens didn't agree and have spoken. Now it's time for the new crew to do what they think is best. I, like many others, did my research, spoke to the candidates and made my decision. Why my vote against 3 of the 4 incumbents has to be twisted into an insult is beyond me. Monday starts a new phase in Spring Hill. Can we please grow up a bit and get this show on the road?
Flame away...
I don't think correcting someone on grammar or pointing out cultural perceptions of other people's choice of words is mudslinging. By the way, mudslinging is a compound word, and is not to be hyphenated.
Mudslinging would be saying, "I think you're a backwoods idiot who needs to think before you open your mouth." Mudslinging, or a real insult, would be, "Grow up."
Wait a minute. I believe you are guilty of the latter, Anonymous.
I find it funny that people resort to terms like "mudslinging" when they really can't think of a fast, or intelligent, offense or defense. Or, perhaps, they decide to sling some mud of their own because they just can't run fast enough with the smart ones.
As far as insults are concerned, the owner of this blog and the people who agree and/or are swayed by the owner's perspectives have already insulted themselves by being known as "Gorillas". "Guerrilla" would have been a more socially appropriate (not to mention reputable) name, if the Gorilla in the Corner truly wanted change and some journalistic respect. Instead, his points, and his blog title, bring outsiders such as myself to the blog for a good laugh. It further encourages those "gorillas" who really can't go up to these aldermen personally (there aren't that many aldermen, you know) and learn the REAL truth.
So keep hiding behind your masks and snickering in the shadows. If we really want to grow up, we shouldn't take ANYONE's opinions as gospel, and we should've all personally gotten to know the candidates to find absolute truth.
Besides, if we seriously want to accuse people of mudslinging, let's look at Charlie, who's been bashing Mayor Leverette since he lost to him two years ago. Sour grapes, anyone?
So, let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I welcome it.
Signed,
Still Hiding
My dear wordy friend. Why do you think my comment was limited to you? Good luck to you my friend. Life's too short to consume ourselves with anger.
Hiding
Who are you to tell us how we should respect Brandon and Sharron in retrospect? Sharron and Brandon both voted for lifetime benefits (among other dimwitted votes) without even reviewing the financial projections. Hiding, not sure of the business that you are in, but any individual with business acumen would know that business decisions are not made without knowing the full costs associated. Furthermore, do I really have to address these folks in person? I gave them my name, address, and phone number when emailing them---I guess that was not enough. Nevermind the fact that Brandon's daughter does not charge for her services to perform the national anthem---who cares? Is this supposed to remove memories of his voting record?
You compare the road situation similar to the 5 in California. I am confused on how you could compare Spring Hill to Nashville as San Diego through Los Angeles. Sure, there is some congestion in Spring Hill and Thompson's Station going North, but I would not consider this LA.
As I have said in previous posts, I believe Spring Hill could be a much better place than it is with proper city management in place (i.e. BOMA). I travel a lot with my job---mainly to suburbs of major cities. When looking around, I often compare Spring Hill to other cities. Alpharetta to Atlanta, Collierville to Memphis, Dublin to Columbus, Farragut to Knoxville, Schaumburg to Chicago, Dublin to Columbus, Carmel to Indianapolis and the list goes on and on. What I have noticed is the standards in Spring Hill fall way below the previously mentioned cities. With all your wisdom and extensive travels to California, please share your opinion of Spring Hill as compared to other suburbs.
You are more than welcome to pick this post apart, but I will sleep easy knowing your omnipresent attitude comes across as bitterness. Anyone can use a thesarus to make their posts sound smart, but my due diligence and attendance at meetings gave me all the information I needed to make an informed decision, not a website.
If these candidates do not work, I will still be comfortable knowing the alternative is not in place.
On Monday we will have new leadership on the Board... I think the next step would be some new leadership in some of the staff positions to properly serve this new BOMA and the citizens of Spring Hill.
"Never argue with a fool. They will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience."
Oh, that old saying? I didn't think the Gorillas liked anything antiquated. ::grin::
"Why don't you name the author of that in five minutes you contemptuous prick."
Oooo! Now THAT'S mudslinging. Thanks, you uneducated, uncultured horse's ass. Now that you've started it, I feel free to engage in the same behavior you've just begun. By the way, you should have put a comma after "minutes" for your amusing suggestion to have been grammatically correct.
And to the other gorilla who wrote:
"You compare the road situation similar to the 5 in California. I am confused on how you could compare Spring Hill to Nashville as San Diego through Los Angeles. Sure, there is some congestion in Spring Hill and Thompson's Station going North, but I would not consider this LA."
"Anyone can use a thesarus to make their posts sound smart, but my due diligence and attendance at meetings gave me all the information I needed to make an informed decision, not a website."
I wrote about Los Angeles more in sarcasm than for comparison and contrast. It's called HYPERBOLE. A thesaurus (which is the proper spelling for the word) is not needed, only a dictionary, if you're unfamiliar with the term I've just thrown out at you. Any traffic will be better than Los Angeles traffic.
Go ahead, rest easy for now; you won't be resting so easy when the inexperienced aldermen you elected make fools of themselves. I could be wrong, but then again, I could be right. I'm counting on the latter.
Dear, dear Gorillas, you've obviously missed my point entirely. I'm sorry you are still living under false perceptions and assumptions about certain aldermen. Believe what you will, agree to disagree. I'll rest easy myself, knowing that I've written what I felt needed to be written.
-Still Loving the Mask (unless some of these anonymous people would like to identify themselves)
Why did you avoid any questions asked? You pointed out the fact that I missed a letter in thesaurus, yet you have no defense for the argument I proposed regarding Brandon & Sharron's voting history along with suburbs in comparison to Spring Hill.
Furthermore, please explain your bitterness. I am obviously not as educated as you, so please let me know what I am missing out on with Brandon, Sharron, and Viola being ousted.
Please give me facts regarding your candidates and not some words of how well he fathered his and his step wives children. The words of Brandon voting for Spring Hill retiree benefits still ring in my head...
Are you freakn' serious?
Where do you get off calling someone you don’t even know uneducated? You sure seemed to know a lot about Brandon’s daughters. Care to enlighten us on your academic credentials or your gardeners, your barbers, your mother’s half sister’s beautician.
With all that proper grammar you should co-write the next article for the Informer with OAM.
looks like you are hiding with the rest of us. welcome.
if i were you I would stop posting on this blog before you become one of us.
we use poor grammer, are for the most part uneducated and we often hold secret meetings where the gorilla often sings the National Anthem for free.
When I look at Brandon McCulloch, I see a mature, wise, spiritual man who for nine years has put the welfare of the city before the interests of individual citizens. Not everyone will agree with his votes or his opinions, but no one can dare say that he does not act out of fairness for the city.
Like this?
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.
That won't happen, buddy. The new Board is being sworn in at the BEGINNING of the meeting rather than at the end. ;-)
I just want to say 'thank you' to the aldermen who served this city previously. I appreciate you giving up your personal time to try and make this city a better place. I didn't always agree, but I will trust that the decisions you made were the best ones you could make.
I would hope that your passion for the city will not expire, and that you will continue offer your opinions and constructive criticisms to assist the new BOMA in growing into their positions and helping make this great city even better.
Look I like Brandon. I bet if we took a vote most of us do like him. In fact I actually wanted to vote for him. Do I think Brandon would have been a better choice than Michael Dinwiddie? Of course I do. If Brandon had not been at that secret meeting and rather at the meeting with the Denning Lane folks he probably would have received my vote. I don’t know him personally but I am sure he is a good man with a fine family.
I think it is time that you “outsiders” start seeing us as the future of this city. If you think we are going to fail and the city is going to be worse off then roll up your sleeves and help. For a bunch of undeucated people with bad grammer, we sure rolled up our sleeves and look what we’ve accomplished.
Before the election, all we talked about was change. Now that we have it, everyone seems apologetic. Why all the gushing about how great these people are? Who cares about Brandon's daughter singing somewhere in New York? Did she run for office? Who cares about Sharon's loving smile. I have NEVER seen the woman smile. All I see is a perpetual scowl. I for one am extremely glad that Brandon is out and Dinwiddie is in, that Sharon is out and Graham is in and Viola is out and Hull is in. I think this new crew will do a great job. Let's give them a few months to re-adjust the ass imprints in those chairs and just see what they can accomplish. I'm willing to bet they cover more ground in 6 months than the others did in nine years.
Hiding behind a mask (Zorro):
You have sent me spiraling into an unstable mental condition. I have only become stable recently by setting up a candlelit shrine of Ray Williams in the corner of my bedroom and meditating before it prior to bed. I need mental stability daily and at this point I do not know of whom I should now set up my shrine to worship. Ole' great "masked one" please advise which of the three Williams, McCulloch, or Cantrell should I now knell before prior to the close of my day.
Please respond ASAP so I can quit wondering around aimlessly!
Better be prepared, because the stupid ass is only going to tell you how you mis-spelled the word "knell" and then pummell you with insults. Such is the intellect of the losing side...
I think our grammar Nazi lost his internet connection and unfortunately for us his daughter left late last night for a meeting with the Dalai Lama.
Someone call Tibet and get his daughter on the phone to walk him through the reconnection process.
We're waiting. Heil Zorro!
Hiding...this is a blog, not the New York Times. I can't wait for you to point out all my grammatical (oh no, did I spell that right) mistakes in this post:
First, I seriously doubt people are more concerned with thier grammar vs. the real issues at hand. You can avoid the questions all you want, but you can't avoid the truth. Most important, these people you call good people make poor decisions. That is why they were voted out. It has nothing to do with the family they raised,it is called politics, not family values.
That is just so sweet Brandon's daughter brought you to tears. Maybe you can call her and ask her if she can sing a song Monday night at the BOMA...
NA NA...NA NA NA NA...HEY HEY HEY HEY...GOODBYE!!!!
That would truly bring tears to my eyes.
I am anxiously awaiting for your English 101 class.
What the heck is Cindy Williams doing on here and why is she hiding behind masks?!!???!!!
Anonymous @ 13 April, 2007 21:26 said:
I believe Spring Hill could be a much better place than it is with proper city management in place (i.e. BOMA). I travel a lot with my job---mainly to suburbs of major cities. When looking around, I often compare Spring Hill to other cities. Alpharetta to Atlanta, Collierville to Memphis, Dublin to Columbus, Farragut to Knoxville, Schaumburg to Chicago, Dublin to Columbus, Carmel to Indianapolis and the list goes on and on. What I have noticed is the standards in Spring Hill fall way below the previously mentioned cities.
My thoughts exactly!
By the way, you probably won't get a response from 'hiding', becuase there is not one, just as there is not one instance in which Chuck Norris has ever cried (even though his tears could cure cancer.)
Oh, wonderful primates, have you missed me? It seems you have missed me, judging by the sweet vitriol you decided to spew today in my absence.
Of course I'd love to continue to post here, but being one of you is certainly not what I have in mind. Unlike you, I actually had a life today, so I couldn't check these glowing responses. It seems you're more worried about me than I am about you. I will, however, address a few points regarding your many posts today:
"Most important, these people you call good people make poor decisions."
Wonder of wonders! Someone actually wrote something true and beautiful on this board. You know, I'd like to take a poll here, seeing as how we're such "informed" voters. How many of you have made poor decisions in life and consider yourselves good people?
I doubt there would be a lowered hand in the room. Everyone has the right to think they are good people, no matter how harmless or atrocious their actions might be.
So, good people, if I'm correct, then why don't you all serve your city and run for office in two years? You just might see for yourself firsthand how you can't please all the people all the time. Perhaps our great Abraham Lincoln, who penned this phrase, spoke from experience. Not even one of our national heroes could please everyone; John Wilkes Booth apparently thought otherwise.
Yes, Brandon and Sharron are good people. I'm glad someone recognizes that fact. As long as you revile the action and not the person, then we are all in agreement that better decisions could have been made. I do have to argue, however, that some very good decisions HAVE been made, more often than not, while Brandon and Sharron were in office.
Will better decisions BE made by these new aldermen? Time will tell. I'm not placing any bets for some time; I'd like to hold on to my money for a while.
I brought up character statements in my original post because I've never read anything nice about Brandon and Sharron on this blog before the election. I thought it was time for someone to shift some of the balance, because balance is the key to a happy life.
Primates, here's a human lesson, should you wish to evolve into something higher: A healthy dash of criticism is almost always mollified by a proportionate dash of praise. Do you have to praise the action? No. Praising the person, however, and trying to understand why the poor decision was made, will give you much more clarity in life.
And how flattering someone should think I'm Cindy Williams! You'd just love for her to be here, wouldn't you? Oh, how very wrong you are! I'm so low profile in this city that you'd probably never recognize me unless you knew exactly where to look.
I don't know Cindy very well, but I would guess Cindy has better things to do with her life than to live it here, bickering between you anonymous primates.
Come to think of it, so do I. Really, boys and girls, it's been fun, and thank you so much for the personal attacks. I'm very happy I ruffled a few feathers on this board, because they deserved to be ruffled. I'd love to say your attacks were equally as effective, but I'd be lying. I think they missed me by about a mile.
It's been so refreshing to observe your true colors, primates. Some of you who are balanced, reasonable, and willing to praise the person over the action, you all are something more than just gorillas in a corner. You deserve and warrant my esteem and respect. You truly are not worthy of being associated with gorillas in the mist.
Those of you who sling mud and attack from the hip, well, there aren't many nice things I can say about you. You really are gorillas in a corner.
I'm sure my posts make the gorillas wonder who's posting these tidbits under my nom de plume. You all will be looking at everyone during the meeting Monday night, wondering which person in the audience is the Person Hiding Behind the Mask. You'll be whispering among yourselves, wondering just who I am, what I'll say next. Who knows - if I continue to be impervious to your attacks, it might actually bother you to no end.
As for me, it won't be hard to spot you. I'll just look in the shadows, not at the citizens' podium. You won't have the courage to stand there. It won't be difficult to hear the primal grunts or the unusually large hairs sticking out of your polo shirts and khakis, the giveaway of the horizontally shaped cranium or the signature abundance of lower lip. Your actions will give you away by the roar of your fervent applause and primal screams on Monday night when these inexperienced aldermen are sworn in.
As for me, I'll be sitting somewhere, but you'll never know where. You can scan the crowd, but you'll never know who I am. That, dear primates, is one of the many pleasures I absorb from all those beautiful insults and juvenile attacks. Wonder all you want; let it eat away at you, because I'll know you before you know me.
Oh, yes, that's right - I have a life to which I must return. Taunt among yourselves, primates. I've heard gorillas only display animal behavior with the rudiments of human action, but I never fully experienced it until I visited your little cybercolony.
To those humans which choose to associate themselves with gorillas, do them a favor. Teach them the beauty of constructive criticism and a balanced, fair rationale. Truly, our reasoning is the only thing which keeps us from stepping down to join these gorillas on their rung of the evolutionary ladder.
Worry not, primates. I'll check in from time to time to see what lovely insults you have to sling my way. I'm looking forward to the comic relief with my evening tea.
-In Perpetual Hiding Behind the Mask (and signing off for now)
You sure do think a lot of yourself.
Don’t flatter yourself, hiding behind a mask like you do. You are merely relieving my Sunday afternoon boredom.
Not to mention you are just the warm up band prior to the concert. See you at the meeting.
Not on topic, but what kind of background check did you do on Ken Weaver? Why has he changed jobs 20 plus times. Why is he in his 3rd job in less than 6 months; Eunice NM to Albany Ga, to Spring Hill TN. Won't take the Mayor long to conclude that any of the 47 other candidates could've done a better job.
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