Assault at the Taj Mahal

County Commissioner Paul Goode claims he was assaulted by County Commissioner Merrol Hyde outside a recent meeting of the Sumner County Commission, according to a story in the Hendersonville Standard:

The simple assault allegation stems from a reported confrontation that took place between 10th District Commissioner Paul Goode and 8th District Commissioner Merrol Hyde inside the Sumner County Administration Building shortly after midnight on Tuesday, June 18.

Goode and Hyde have long been at odds, with the former Director of Schools (Hyde) resisting efforts to fund Sumner County Schools and other government entities with new revenue. Former Goode associate and former 45th District state representative Debra Maggart was also embroiled in the conflict between the two men at one time, attempting to push a different financial management scheme on the county by way of her position in the legislature.

It's not clear whether Goode will pursue prosecution or whether filing the report was just one more attempt to embarrass the already has-been Hyde.

What is clear is that the county is in the early stages of a potential financial crisis reminiscent of the one (led by Hyde's inaction) that caused the closing of Sumner County Schools in 2012.

Perhaps instead of bickering in the papers, Goode and Hyde could hold a WWE-style wrestling match and use the proceeds to fund volunteer fire departments?

For more on news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner County, follow @HvilleNews

Silverman to Challenge Rogers in 45th GOP Primary

Incumbent State Rep. Courtney Rogers will face a primary challenge from businessman Len Silverman in the 45th House District.

Rogers defeated incumbent Debra Maggart by a 20-point margin in 2012 in a race largely dominated by ads paid for by out-of-state special interests. 

Now, Maggart has recruited Silverman, who served on the Board of COMPASS (an organization where Maggart previously worked as Executive Director and now works as a consultant) to challenge Rogers.

Silverman claims his business experience and community involvement will be an asset to Sumner Countians if he's elected to the General Assembly.

It's unclear how involved Maggart will be in the race as she now holds a lucrative position with a Nashville lobbying firm.

COMPASS Direction

It won't change all that much... Debra Maggart, now a Senior VP at lobbying firm CivicPoint, will remain in her role as Executive Director of COMPASS.  Only now, the non-profit that works to build partnerships between schools and businesses will be contracting out for "executive director services" and using Maggart's firm (and Maggart) to provide those services. 

The organization spends nearly 60% of funds raised on salary (Maggart is currently the only employee) and under the new arrangement, is seeking to add a part-time assistant, increasing its staff costs. 

The group spent just 26% of its revenue on grants and scholarships directly benefitting schools. 

Silverman Considers Challenge to Rogers in 45th House District

Republican Len Silverman of Hendersonville is considering a challenge to incumbent State Representative Courtney Rogers in the 45th House District.

Silverman owns a Huntington Learning Center franchise. He has also served on the Board of Directors for COMPASS, a foundation that helps raise funds for Sumner County Schools.  Until recently, COMPASS was headed-up by former State Representative Debra Maggart, who lost to Rogers in the 2012 Republican primary - a bitter battle involving thousands of dollars from outside special interest groups.