Rhetoric vs. Reality: Frank Freels Edition

Parent-led advocacy group Strong Schools released results from a survey of County Commission candidates.  The survey asked questions about where the candidates stand on issues related to Sumner County Schools.

A number of incumbent County Commissioners chose not to respond to the survey.  However, 4th District incumbent Frank Freels did respond.  Interestingly, his responses were at variance with some of his recent votes on the County Commission.

For example, on his list of priorities, he mentions that he wants to "continue to create safe school buildings that are a clean, nice environment for students and teachers to learn and work in."

This in spite of his votes against funding the school system budgets in 2011 and 2012. 

Not only did he oppose the initial budgets, his vote in 2012 to reallocated capital dollars to the school system's general fund meant that additions at Hendersonville and Gallatin high schools were delayed. That means more kids were in portable classrooms instead of fixed school buildings. 

On the issue of whether or not teachers and staff are paid appropriately, Freels notes he "Somewhat Disagrees" and calls for respectful compensation levels for teachers and support staff.

Here again, Freels' votes tell a different story.  Freels repeatedly voted to provide raises for County employees while denying the School Board the funds to give their employees raises.  He voted against initial school budgets in 2011 and 2012 that would have increased compensation for support staff. He voted to allow the County Insurance Trust to keep employee premiums artificially low while the insurance premiums for teachers continued to rise based on market rates.

Finally, Freels notes Dr. Phillips has done a great job communicating the needs of the school system.

And, while he may believe that, his County Commission votes have been consistently against funding the needs he is applauding Dr. Phillips for properly pointing out. Here's just one example.

If you're an incumbent with a voting record and you fill out a candidate survey, you should be sure your answers line up with the record. 

The Record Speaks

Back in 2012, Sumner County Schools didn't open for 8 days because of a funding dispute between the School Board and the County Commission. The issue was a carry over from 2011 when the Board proposed a budget that required $7 million in additional funds from the County Commission.  That year, the two bodies compromised.  Which is to say the County Commission ultimately provided $500,000 in new money and the Board cut $6.5 million from its proposed budget.  The system no longer provided substitute teachers in middle and high school. Instead, teachers had to cover each other's classes when their were absences.  Textbook orders were delayed.  Technology purchases were put off another year.

And then, in 2012, the Board presented its budget earlier than it had in the 10 years prior.  Commissioner Jerry Stone indicated he was pleased with the most transparent budget process he'd seen during his time on the County Commission. 

But, when the budget was proposed, it required $12 million for full funding.  The County Commission said no. And the School Board said that if the budget wasn't funded, school would not open. 

While the County sat on $30 million in reserve funds, a majority on the County Commission refused to spend even 1 dime from reserve funds to move toward a compromise budget. 

Then, some Commissioners proposed a solution.  A small tax increase that would generate between $3 and $5 million for schools.  This would require either funds from reserves or school board budget cuts.  It was a compromise proposal.  It failed.  16-8.  Here's a picture from the vote count:

And here's the breakdown:

Moe Taylor -- NO (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Mike Akins -- NO (incumbent, running again, unopposed)

Billy Geminden -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)
Shawn Utley -- YES (not running again)

Steve Graves -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)
David Satterfield -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)

Frank Freels -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)
Joe Matthews -- NO (incumbent, running for court clerk)

Ben Harris -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Baker Ring -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)

Paige Brown -- NO (running for Mayor of Gallatin)
Jim Vaughn -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)

Trisha LeMarbre -- YES (incumbent, running again)
Kirk Moser -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)

Paul Decker -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Merrol Hyde -- NO (incumbent, running again, unopposed)

Chris Hughes -- NO (incumbent, not running again)
David Kimbrough -- YES (incumbent, not running again)

Paul Goode -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Jo Skidmore -- NO (incumbent, kicked off of ballot)

Jerry Stone -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)
Paul Freels -- NO (incumbent, not running again)

Michael Guthrie -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Bob Pospisil -- NO (incumbent, running again, unopposed)

The Response to Jerry Stone's "Citizen Engagement"

So, County Commissioner Jerry Stone has made it clear he doesn't like it when his own constituents express their concerns or disagreements on his campaign Facebook page. 

Now, citizens are letting Jerry Stone know how they feel about his relative lack of engagement with those he claims to represent.  A meme is circulating that makes the point quite clear:

JOB: Customer Service Representative

A local company is hiring a Customer Service Rep.

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday.  Pay: $13.00/hour

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