The Paddling Alderman

Hendersonville Alderman Russ Edwards has come out decidedly in favor of paddling in schools in a Facebook post. Here's what he had to say (and the picture he attached):

I distinctly remember being paddled many times by my middle school principals and teachers, almost all of which I deserved. They hurt so badly, but I couldn’t cry because I would have been made fun of. I couldn’t tell my parents because I would have gotten in trouble for getting a paddling. My parents certainly wouldn’t have complained to the school or taken my side in any way. It was just something I accepted - I got in trouble, I got paddled.

Mine was probably the last generation of students to get paddled at school. I know this is a controversial topic, but I’m glad I was paddled.

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LeMarbre to Become Interim City Administrator

Alderman Russ Edwards with an update on BOMA business from last night's meeting:

Our meeting last night (Nov. 26th) lasted until almost midnight. A substantial majority of our time was dedicated to discussion of appointment of an interim city administrator. That was approved by a vote of 10-3.

Dave LaMarbe, Hendersonville’s former parks director, was named the interim CA. He is very well respected and will able to help us transition to a permanent CA. One of the stipulations in the resolution is that he will NOT be named the permanent CA. Al

so, this position is only for 6 months.

This was an incredibly difficult decision for me, one that I really struggled over. I voted in favor of it along with Darryl Woodcock and Eddie Roberson, and all three of us consistently voted against having a CA. One of the reasons for my vote is that I did not want any more accusations that the hiring process for the permanent CA was be obstructed in any way. The interim CA will oversee the advertising process of the permanent CA. While I did not want a CA, out of respect for BOMA’s decision to hire one by a majority of its members, we need to move forward with hiring a permanent CA as expeditiously as possible.

I really wish we we did not have to make the decision to hire an interim CA, and I’m not blaming anyone for it. I feel, though, that the correct decision by BOMA was made last night under the very difficult circumstances that are presented.

As I said in the meeting last night, this to me is similar to having an unplanned child. Having a CA was not in my plan, but now that it’s here we need to embrace it and try to find the best person to fill that role. I want the CA to succeed in making Hendersonville an even better place to live, work, and raise our families.

On a lighter note, I wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

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Edwards Pushing Term Limits for Mayor, Aldermen

In a Facebook post, Alderman Russ Edwards indicates he's a strong supporter of term limits for both the Mayor and Hendersonville aldermen:

I assume most people support term limits for BOMA members? I do, and have asked to co-sponsor the ordinance along with Aldermen Darrell Woodcock and Eddie Roberson sending the issue of term limits to the voters via a referendum.

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Edwards Campaigns for Hendersonville Trader Joe's

Hendersonville Alderman Russ Edwards has taken to Facebook to campaign for a new middle Tennessee Trader Joe's to locate in Hendersonville.

While it's not clear the store has any plans to come to Hendersonville or even to open another store in the region, the Tennessean is taking a poll on the hot-button issue. It seems likely that Trader Joe's will use the responses of a Tennessean poll to determine where to locate it's next store in the area.

Hendersonville has experience with a "higher end" grocery outlet, having seen a Fresh Market in the area for a short time before that store closed due to low revenue.

Of course, Trader Joe's operates at a lower price point than Fresh Market AND Hendersonville is growing rapidly, so perhaps that combination would entice the chain to open a store here.

Next, of course, will be the discussion of where the would-be Trader Joe's would locate...

Thoughts?

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Taxes, Trash, and Tires

Alderman Russ Edwards with an update on key BOMA votes from this week:

We adjourned our meeting tonight (Tuesday, August 27/Wednesday August 28th) at 12:30. Some very important issues were voted on, notably:

- Firestone attempted to open a tire store next to Lowe’s on Calender Lane. We rejected this by denying the rezoning for the property. So Hendersonville will not have another tire store, at least for the time being.

- Anderson Park was approved. This will be a housing development behind Lowe’s. The developer agreed to pay $288,000 within 90 days that will be used specifically for much needed paving throughout the city. More impact fees will be paid to the city as the houses are built.

- The garbage fee was rolled into the general fund and will be paid for with property taxes. Citizens will therefore no longer pay the $293 yearly garbage fee.

- The property tax rate was increased to $0.92 per $100 of assessed property. This means that those with property worth $350,000 or less will save money because of removing the separate trash fee.

These were incredibly difficult issues; ones that we all struggled with. 

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