Benny Bills for State Rep?

It's a question on the minds of many community leaders. Will former Superintendent/Director of Schools Benny Bills -a Gallatin Democrat -- make a run for the 44th District House seat being vacated by Mike McDonald of Portland.

Bills previously indicated interest in the 45th District seat currently held by Debra Maggart of Hendersonville. However, he has spent his life in Gallatin and once served as principal at Westmoreland Middle School -- both in the 44th District.

He would likely draw a strong Gallatin vote and could be a competitive campaigner in the district's Hendersonville precincts. As of today, he's not yet picked up a petition.

Brewer Pulls State Senate Petition

Former Sumner County Democratic Party Chair Maria Brewer has pulled a petition to run for the State Senate from District 18. Brewer becomes the second Democrat to pull a petition -- long-time County Clerk and former County Commissioner Jimmy England has also pulled a petition and has indicated he's actively seeking signatures.

Brewer begun calling Democratic leaders this week and expressing the sincerity of her desire to run. It is not yet clear whether she will challenge England if both qualify.

The deadline is April 5th.

County, School Board Keep on Fighting

Now, it's about funding for proposed projects -- some of which the County Commission approved and one of which was promoted from 38th to the top of the priority list -- in a procedure that may have violated Board protocol.

Assante May Seek 44th District House Seat

In the wake of State Rep. Mike McDonald's announcement that he won't seek re-election to his 44th District House seat, Vol State Professor Len Assante has indicated he may make a run as a Democrat. Assante serves as Executive Vice Chair of the Sumner County Democratic Party and ran for County Commission in 2006.

McDonald Eyes State Senate Bid

44th District State Rep. Mike McDonald of Portland announced that he will not seek re-election to his seat in 2012. He indicated he may be a Democratic candidate for state Senate from district 18 -- a new, open seat that includes Sumner County and Trousdale County plus a portion of Davidson.

There are currently 5 Republicans vying for the nomination.

Sumner County Commission Meets Tonight

Here's the agenda.

Competition Comes to Hendersonville Taxi Business

Currently, there's only one taxi company in Hendersonville. And that means long wait times and little resolution for complaints.

But the Board of Mayor and Aldermen have approved a second franchise to an operator who currently does business in Nashville.

Sumner County to Get Digital 911

Will mean better coordination and improved response.

Walton Ferry Project Moves Forward

With more information on the table, the Walton Ferry realignment project is moving forward.

Allers adds to GOP Senate field

Gallatin planning director and Hendersonville resident Tony Allers has picked up and returned a petition to run for state Senate in District 18. He becomes the 4th Republican to enter the race.

Jimmy England Picks Up State Senate Petition

More on the open seat in the 18th State Senate District (all of Sumner and Trousdale and part of Davidson Counties).

Stone and Vaughn: Low Taxes More Important than Good Schools

On the heels of a failed wheel tax referendum, County Commissioners Jerry Stone and Jim Vaughn continued to attack the School Board and deny that property taxes should be increased slightly in order to keep up with tremendous growth in Sumner County.

Stone and Vaughn point to elusive "other means" of generating revenue while the School Board faces a pending $10 million shortfall in the 2012-13 fiscal year.

Neither are willing to acknowledge that Sumner County funds schools at $934 per pupil less than the Tennessee average. Neither have been willing to address the stunning lack of adequate technological resources available for students. Neither have suggestions on how the school board could or should improve its budget, other than to just "cut."

During the 2011-12 budget debate, both men raised objections to the School Board budget and noted that was why they opposed a tax increase. They quibbled over roughly $300,000 in spending in a $188 million budget.

Meanwhile, Comm. Stone can be seen here looking at a light pole at the Beech High School athletic facility. He apparently has no problem expending County funds for this purpose but can't seem to find the creativity to use a combination of the county's ample reserves and a small tax increase that would ensure adequate funding for the system's academic needs.

At the same time, Comm. Jim Vaughn is certainly not objecting to use of county funds for a proposed fieldhouse project at Station Camp High School -- nevermind that athletic booster clubs have at other schools paid for similar projects.

It's only March, but it's not difficult to see a huge battle brewing regarding the budget for Sumner County Schools.

While so-called "leaders" fight about who is to blame, our schools suffer. How long can this last?And will the community continue to tolerate it?

Can the Public Trust the School Board?

That's the question being raised by long-time Board member Will Duncan of Bethpage.

The controversy boiled over at a recent study session. It seems some Board members and the Director were kept out of the loop by the Facilities and Maintenance Committee. Proper procedures may not have been followed. Accusations of back door deals were flying.

All of this as the Board faces yet another tough budget year and resistance from the County Commission.

Sumner Voters Reject Wheel Tax for Schools

Sumner County voters overwhelming rejected a proposed Wheel Tax increase of $25 per year last night. Nearly 80% of voters rejected the proposal which would have dedicated the $3 million in new revenue to the school system.

The School Board has said it faces a potential $10 million shortfall in its 2012-2013 budget and the Wheel Tax would have started to fill that whole.

Board members have also indicated their desire to offer employees a raise in next year's budget for the first time in 4 years. It is uncertain whether the County Commission, which gave its own employees a 3% raise this year, will fund the School Board's request.

Chance to Support Schools at the Ballot Box Today

Today's Election features a referendum that would direct $3 million in new revenue to Sumner County Schools -- yes, it's a $25 increase in the Wheel Tax -- all of the funds from the $25 increase will be directed to the stretched school budget -- helping to fill a projected $10 million hole.

Polls close at 7PM.

County Revenues Up -- Will this mean more $ for schools?

County Executive Anthony Holt reports that revenue is up. What will this mean for our schools?

Outsourcing of School System Employees Raises Concerns

Once again, School Board members are considering outsourcing system employees - a scheme that has been tried (and failed) in the past in Sumner County and that carries significant financial and safety risks.

Walton Ferry Realignment May Move Forward

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen has a Special Called meeting for March 6th to reconsider action on the Walton Ferry realignment project.

Maggart Takes on Pimps -- AND WINS!

At least on the House side. Here's the story.