Portland, Tennessee Blog

Concerning the Mayor and Alderman's raise --

What is the rule about how long the Mayor can serve?? or Aldermen?

Can they not get re-elected and stay on the Council for years at a time?

Didn't Caudill serve on the Council for 16 years?

So...how is that they said they were NOT voting on their own raises ? It looks to me like they really could have been.....

callous (oops) callis is more and more condesending and smug with each blog he writes.
but he is of course right about everything.
too bad he's not up for election he would surely
lose.
p.s. this was written by a cowerdly no name blogger who lives in another hemisphere and whose opinion doesn't matter anyway.
down with the civic center spaceship.

"You are too funny!!"

Judy you been peeking at my picture??

jwmason - You are too funny!! ;)

Sorry about off topic.

"It's kinda cool that someone in Texas wants to read about our little town. Makes me wonder what the big attraction is."

I was looking for a friend last year. She lives there in Portland. Also Kroger has a Peyton warehouse there (I work for Kroger).

It's also quite entertaining with all the fighting ;-)

Rodney made a good point.
But the numbers are moving to the pro side.

The sad thing, no matter your view, is that only 35% of those eligble to vote actually voted.
I would love to see our city hit the 75-80% on turn-out.

Here are the numbers for the last 2 elections when voting for the LBTD measure.

2003
For - 641 / Against - 795

2005
For - 854 / Against - 921

DA,
Good question.
I think their points of concern and questions would be respected.
I will give you an example.
Many times people come and ask for water, but they live outside of the city.
While we want to give it to them, sometimes we have to say no if we think it will harm the tax paying citizens.

Speaking of water; that previous example is why we need the lake. The county will not provide the needed water and it is left up to us.
We want people to have safe drinking water and the lake will give us more volume to reach out.
Right now some environmentlist(insert spell check here) are holding us up.

It's kinda cool that someone in Texas wants to read about our little town. Makes me wonder what the big attraction is.

Mr. Callis has said that it isn't possible to tell where someone lives by their posts. That is true. I would like to point out, however, that there are many people outside the "legal limits" of Portland who still shop, work, eat and do business within the City Limits. Even though their residence isn't "legally" within the City Limits, they are still very much affected by the decisions made by the City Fathers.

Do these folks deserve to have some kind of voice in the process? What if some of them showed up at a meeting? Would their opinion be respected? I'm not talking about living in another town or state; just folks who live outside the City, but within the Portland Planning Zone. Where do they plug in?

"The “legal citizen” refers to the fact that you must reside or own property in the city of Portland."

I understood this. But then I live in Texas.

I could say lots more but it's so much fun reading most get thier shorts in a bind.

The Internet being what it is. Who's to say your who or what you pretend to be or live.

I will try again.
Most of our misunderstandings are due from short burst of thoughts.

Many times it has been stated or eluded to, that those on this blog want to be heard.
It is not that you are not worthy to be heard or that your ideas are not valid ones, it’s the fact that no one knows if you are really a resident of Portland, and if you want to be heard you should come to the meetings.
You need to convince more than Jody and myself; it takes 4 votes to effect change.

The majority of the council does not even read this blog, let alone post on it.

The “legal citizen” refers to the fact that you must reside or own property in the city of Portland.
The point is, should someone in Gallatin take precedence over someone in Portland?

There is no anger on my part, I am usually smiling and laughing while I read and post.

If someone has been offended, then I apologize.

I thought we could have point counter-point dialogue, but I will digress.
I viewed this kinda like playing chess....;)

Councilman Callis ... I am surprised at you!!

"Should someone posting under some name or with anonymity be given the same attention as a "legal citizen" of Portland contacting their Mayor or counilman or coming to a public meeting?"

Excuse me, but no where on my Property Tax Bill does it say "You are not a legal citizen until you go to the Mayor, Councilman or attend a public meeting so don't pay your bill until this requirement is met"!

Councilman Callis,
Again we see your tendencies toward sarcasm and anger in your posts. Who is "we"? Assuming you weren't just being sarcastic and were asking for real, it is those of us who read and sometimes post to this blog. Most who post are anonymous...that's the way blogs typically work. It doesn't make us less of a citizen or less caring about Portland nor does it make our opinions less valid as you indicate. It's your choice to belittle me and others by saying if you don't know who we are you don't care what our opinions are - you only want to represent "real" citizens who show up at meetings. But remember this in a couple of years......on election day, we anonymous folks have a vote just like those who post using their name (whether real or not)! If you continue with your current attitude and tone of response, I know what I'll do.

Councilman Callis,

"You could live in India and post on this blog.
Should I listen to your complaints about Portland above those that live here? No.
How do I know who is a citizen and who is not?"

Do you ask for photo ID from everyone who stops you on the street, or at City Hall?
GET REAL!!

Councilman Callis,

How do we know you are really Councilman Callis....?

I can't believe a city official would get on this blog and say some of the things to people you have said, some in a very sarcastic and almost angry way.

The definition of anger is FEAR....well anyone who has read my theory on fear in other sections of this blog certainly knows where the FEAR comes from.....so Councilman Callis, I think perhaps me any many of my fed up counterparts will be at a meeting in the very near future. And we will see if what you say is true........

You could live in India and post on this blog.
Should I listen to your complaints about Portland above those that live here? No.
How do I know who is a citizen and who is not?

You want to use this blog for public exchange but not personal soapboxing?
Sir or Madam, what is the difference?

Anytime you put forth your "exchange" you are "soapboxing".

Dear fed up,
Who are "we"?

I agree with Callis on this. Why hide behind a fake name and give everyone your real name. If your so upset about something show up at a meeting and express your frustrations there. More people in the town need to be more involved with their kids education and their hometown.

Mr. Callis,
a) I did not say that my ideas and thoughts should be put into action. I said I am entitled to an opinion. That's not a double standard.
b) You want to make the best decisions for this town as you see them. OK. But if the decisions you make oppose the wishes of many of your fellow townspeople, you're going to take some heat.
c) I didn't say that all government is bad, or that all politicians are crooked, or that all city workers are lazy. You said those things. I said that I disagreed with you on certain issues.
d) Should someone who is posting under some name or with anonymity be given the same attention as a "legal citizen"? Gee, I think so. I didn't know that I was considered an illegal citizen because I don't come to the meetings you are vaguely referring to.

My understanding of this blog is that it is a public forum for discussion of whatever issues the people who read it are interested in discussing. If that is LBTD, ok. If it's police protection or trash pick-up, ok. The blog is simply supposed to be a place to exchange ideas. It is not meant for personal soapboxing. I would hope that, as a public figure, you would be able to spend some time really listening to what the public of your town are saying. Maybe you should be willing to admit that the way you see an issue may not be the best for the town. Maybe you could present your views as opinions rather than the absolute truth. That would help reduce the heat you are getting from the bloggers.

Don’t you just love it when the official(s) you elected to office talk to you this way (although the continuous cliché’s are entertaining). I love the statement “The citizens have a place to come and voice their opinions and concerns; at the meetings”. I take this to mean that those of us who express our views and opinions on this blog are not worthy of being heard. Councilman, do we really have to appear in person to have an opinion that you will recognize? Do we have to go public to be a “legal citizen” of Portland? I voted for you to represent me and others not just when we appear at the meetings but any time and any way we share our views with you. If you have a set of standards by which we must abide in order for you to consider our views, then say so. As I’ve seen you say so many times, BE HONEST and admit that. I agree with others….you seem to be on the defensive in most every post. Do you ever wonder why? We do.

JW & DA & their "MANY",

Everyone has opinions, but opinions are not action.

You say "your" ideas and thoughts should be considered and put into action, then you say I have a personal agenda. That is a Double standard.

Yes I do have an agenda. To make the best decisions for this town as I see them. That is what I ran on and I was elected.

Misinformation and Disinformation are rampant, come and see what is really going on, and maybe your view will change; or you can stay in the mode that all government is bad, that all politicians are crooked, that all city workers are lazy, and that all ideas put forth by the "man" are bad.

The citizens have a place to come and voice their opinions and concerns; at the meetings.

They come and state their name and their address and tell us their problems.
Public turn out can effect the voting; or at least shed some new light on the subject at hand.

Should someone posting under some name or with anonymity be given the same attention as a "legal citizen" of Portland contacting their Mayor or counilman or coming to a public meeting?

I still stand behind what I said, if "YOU" want change the way "YOU" want it, then get involved.

No dishes needed, just hard work.

And Sir or Madam, that is the truth.

DA,

very well said! Couldn't have said it better myself....you are speaking for not only yourself, but many, MANY others in your post.

Mr. Callis,

Yes, $100,000 is a lot of money, but it's all relative. Just what is the annual budget needed to run the City of Portland? And what percentage of that amount is $100,000? Chances are, it's not much. I think most people would like to see any extra monies raised by yet another census used to improve the quality of life in Portland for EVERYONE, not just the members of the City Council and their friends.

And no, I'm not running for City Council. What does that have to do with my right to have an opinion on how the City is run? I know you have recieved a lot of flak on this blog, Mr. Callis, and some of it has been from me. But my mother always said "Don't dish it out if you can't take it." You truly do present the attitude that your focus on the Council is to push your personal agenda, and I don't get the impression that you are truly interested in hearing any opinions but your own. Sorry, that's just the way it looks from the comfort of my keyboard. Having an opinion that does not agree with Councilman Callis does not make a person a "conspiracy theorist", just a free-thinking individual.

Jody,
You're right, I didn't do the math. Perhaps the Councilmen would be making the same amount of money, but it would have come gradually over a period of ten years, not all at once. That is my point.

Debra P - I realized you were being sarcastic, I was merely stating how I felt on the subject. I also feel it hurts more than it helps when a candidates, race, religion or in this case gender becomes a focal point. Believe me people read things differently than the way they're meant to be said on this blog as without our tone of voice we're left with just the black & white print to speak with.

No harm, no foul, I look forward to learning more about this candidate and others. Like you said maybe it will encourage more females to get involved.

Judy...Lighten up. I was just being sarcastic. I did not mean to imply that anyone should vote for her just because she is a woman. I may or may not vote for her but I do give my thumbs up just because she is a woman. Maybe she will encourage more women to get involved.

DA, in response to what you were saying about "I think the people of Portland would be more receptive to voting a raise of 3% or even 5%, but not 50%!!!" If you really want to get technical, the council's pay has been $400.00 since 2001. If the council had received a 5% raise each year, when the $400.00 was enacted in July 2001, by the end of 2011 (which is when this new increase could be changed if so desired) it would be over $650.00, so i guess we haven't done too bad

JW,

Nothing "sarcastic and nothing "snide".

Just plain facts and simple questions.

I thought you would appreciate that.

Debra P - As much as I agree new faces on the council are needed and if one of them is female thats great, however, the addition of a "woman's touch" to the board is not an important issue in the candidate I vote for, I truly hope she is a highly qualified candidate with priorities in line with mine and she will definately get my vote, not because she is a woman but because she will be the person I feel is best qualified to do the job.

Jazzy3,

There is a woman running. Her name is
Erin McLerran. She is kicking off her campaign on March 20th at 4:30. It is to be held at the Richland Center in Richland Park.

It's about time. This city council needs a woman's touch.

This is an interesting issue councilman Callis brings up.

It makes me very frustrated when I see "ELECTED" individuals talking to people this way.

Councilman, most people don't have the money or time to run for office, thats why we elect people, to represent us. You seem to have lost touch with that given the sarcastic and snide nature of your post.

Just remember, you were elected by people, you can also be UN-elected by them!!!!

amen

Let me get this straight, adding a possible $100,000 in revenue is not a good thing?

I was approached about the census and the raises by different people at different times and never looked at one relating to the other.
But then again, I am not a conspiracy theorist.
I thought both had merit.

As far as the council not changing, who’s fault is that?

Are you running this time?
Why not?

Many on this blog obviously feel their answers and solutions are better, but why will they not put it to the test?

Many challenge the city to do a better job; I challenge more citizens to get involved and serve.

Not one person showed up and complained about the raises or any other issue.

I went to the council meetings and I spoke out; when I felt I was not being heard I ran for office.
You may not like my stand or the way I vote, but at least I had the nerve to put my thoughts into action.

Are your ideas better?
Do you want change?

It will take more than the comfort of your keyboard at home.

It will take YOU putting forth an effort and serving your community to the best of your ability.

you have a point...

One other thing; this newest Census. I'd sure be interested to know what other people think about the City taking a Census every three years. The reason is supposed to be that we could get another $100,000 in federal money. OK. Then the Council wants to raise their own wages by $31,000 a year. Hmmmm.....

I think that doing another Census, to get $100,000 is like a family who doesn't have enough to pay the Electric Bill spending their time digging under the couch cushions for money, rather than going around and turning off the lights.

Daniel,
I don't think anyone will disagree that the Mayor and Aldermen, like anyone else, deserve an occasional raise. We all know what is happening with the cost of living these days. I think what most people object to in this situation is the amount of the raise.

Many people in our town are working at, or barely above, minimum wage. Many are not getting raises at their jobs because the economy is so bad. Others, like a friend of mine, just got his annual raise; 3% of his hourly wage. At $8 an hour, he got just 24 cents an hour more. The company wouldn't even round it up to a quarter.

Now the City Council wants to raise their own wages by 35 to 50 percent. I think the people of Portland would be more receptive to voting a raise of 3% or even 5%, but not 50%!!! And all the talk about it not going into effect until 2009 is really a smoke screen. Look at the history of the City Council, and guesstimate how many of the current Aldermen will still be on the Council in two years. The personnel on the Council really doesn't change much over a period of ten years. There is a core group of men who have run this town for years, with an occasional new face being elected. Those are simply facts, gentlemen.

In this case, politicians. In my opinion, you have to increase the salaries every now and then so you can ensure quality candidates will run for office. Plus, the mayor here does more than most mayors, but this is my opinion. I think the important thing to remember is this is not to take affect until 2009 so you have two election cycles before then.

In this case, politicians. In my opinion, you have to increase the salaries every now and then so you can ensure quality candidates will run for office. Plus, the mayor here does more than most mayors, but this is my opinion. I think the important thing to remember is this is not to take affect until 2009 so you have two election cycles before then.

Daniel

Do you mean “People” or “Politicians”? Two completely different animals in my train of thought.

MacksMentor

Are people never supposed to get raises? Why or why not?

Good Gracious! I had no idea we'd stir this much up. I told Luther when he started studying this that we'd catch flack from it. The thing that made me comfortable was the fact that it wouldn't go into effect 'til 2009. It's not legal for a council or mayor to vote themselves a raise. So we were actually doing for the guys/gals in the future, because they (whom ever it may be) won't be able to do so. I hope you all will have a little understanding.

It's funny to hear all this wah-wah crying over how much our city leaders pour into the city with their hours, etc., and that they are under paid. Whatever. It seems to me that each and every member of our council seems to have an agenda of some kind. The pay of only $400 a month is minute compared to the fact that they are in a position to zone their own properties, make decisions that aid their business ventures, help increase memberships into their upstart churches, etc.

They may only get $400 a month for sitting in that seat, but the money poured into their own pockets through deciding what's in their own best interests easily outweighs that small amount of pay.

You mean the Portland Leader actually had a news story? Now thats news.

I had put a call out for women to run and asked that some on this blog would.
But each one has to make their own choice.

I am looking for someone who works hard, learns the issues, honest about their beliefs, and who is willing to push their principled based ideas.

Not just someone I agree with on an emotionaly charged point.

Why is it that NO women are on the city council?
Is this a MEN only club?

If passed, no raise would go into effect until 2009.
That goes for Mayor and Council.

The portland leader had a 30 year old story in it from 1977.
The council tripled their pay from $25 to $75 and the mayor's doubled from $300 to $600.
I bet people's heads exploded over that.
Anytime politicans raise their salaries, it always draws heat.

There have been several good candidates, but they just didnt think they good give the time needed and still meet their financial obligations.
People complain that mostly business men are on the council, well if you want some of your peers on there, they will have to be able to make up for lost time at work.

I am fortunate. I work in machine shop and my job allows me take off when needed.
My wife and I live simple lives and money has not been a major issue, but it is nice when I take off to know I can recoup some of that loss.

Debra, While I understand what you are saying, I don't agree with this whole you get what you pay for mentality, after all don't our Senators and Congressman and President earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year?

Just food for thought

councilman callis's wife

First let me say I think your husband is one of the hardest working councilman that has been on the board in quite a while, and he has taken more heat from this blog than anyone. I for one don't necessarily agree with everything he does/thinks, but then again we can all agree to disagree at some point as not everyone thinks alike. I don't feel that the majority of the heat is directly reflected at him as a person but more so as an outlet for some to let their voices be heard to our council.

As for the Pay Increase Issue, I could of swallowed that news better if the increase was done in steps, maybe $100 for current council and then in 2009 another $100. The same holds true for the Mayor, which I took the reading to say that this $15,000 raise would go into effect for the current mayor unless I read it wrong.

My husband is a Superintendent and receives a salary wage regardless of the number of hours he works, his days some times start at 4am like this morning and many don't end before 9pm and in the spring/summer 7 days a week is not out of the ordinary, I know all about dedication & determination to get a job done regardless of sacrafice. Was he aware that his job wasn't necessarily a 9-5 job when he took it, yes, did he know what the salary was, yes, don't get me wrong, there are days when he says, Is this really worth it? Everytime the answer is yes because this is what he loves doing. If a raise or bonus comes along for a job well done, great!

There is somewhat of a flip side to what DebraP said, If the salary for these positions got up there to where they were that attractive we could have people in there that are only there for the money and cared less about our town, so I don't necessarily think it's a matter of "you get what you pay for"

I very rarely read this blog but when I do it always seems that almost everyone that post has nothing but criticism to say.

As the wife of a councilman, let me tell you about this “overpaid” position. My husband works a full-time job and manages to serve this City as a councilman. He is rarely ever at home in the evenings due to meetings and community events that he attends. That does not include all the research, reading and training that he does. The criticism alone is worth more than $400. On average, he spends about 25 to 30 hours a week doing what he loves to do as a councilman. Did he know this when he decided to run? Yes!! He didn’t want to be a councilman for the money but for the opportunity to serve this City to the best of his ability. He wanted to make this community a place where his child, grandchildren and future great grandchildren would want to call home. A city where they could live, work and play.

As for the Mayor’s salary, the pay has been behind the times for years. I don’t not know of another person who has the responsibility that the mayor has that does it for the amount of money the City currently pays. There again, this position is not an 8 to 4 position. If you asked Mayor Wilbur if he does it for the money, I am sure he would say no. He will probably tell you that he does it for the same reason as my husband. He does it for the love and betterment of this City!

How many people on this blog would work for mimimum wages if you could work some place that paid better? That's how I look at the raises the city wants to give the "future" mayor and councilmen. Do you want someone running this town that would settle for $5.15 an hour or someone that wants $10.00 an hour?

Remember......you get what you pay for. Which would explain alot in this town.

Judy,

very well said and I think a majority of the people would agree with you even if Mr. Callis thinks "The actions by the few here on this blog are the result of freedom."

Seems to me Mr. Callis, that the majority of the people on this blog DISAGREE with you. But then again, you have stated in the past that you only represent those that agree with you.

As for raises in pay, You all knew what the pay was when you got in to this right? I think, if nothing else, the pay should be LOWERED, maybe then we would see the real intentions and motivations of many of the powers that be in this city.

If your response to that is that your not in it for the money, then you shouldn't mind not getting more of it and letting that money be used for more appropriate matters.

Sure if the Mayor did something he might deserve a raise but I have not seen him do ANYTHING. I had a problem that I took to him not to long ago and he never responded. Good job? I think not.

cool post judy! go girl go! did anyone catch the part about the councilman’s post that he was told “not” to give people a choice? i’m glad he choice to, but who told him such, is what I wonder. fred

Councilman Callis, and anyone else that may be offended by my heading "City gone Wild" all I can say is that is the best I could come up with in the heat of the moment after absorbing what I've read today not counting all I've been reading on this blog. You want to chastise me for my heading, go for it!!

Maybe I'm not as in touch with what goes on in this town as I thought I was, because this is surely sending me into a negative spin.

We have people begging and pleading for more police protection & a better facility, a cleaner more attractive city, improved sewer, healthier drinking water, the list goes on and on.... but yet priority goes to a Skatepark, Amphitheater & raises to the council and Mayor. I don't know where said monies come from which Pot or where it can go, all I see is money being spent that could go to help where it is REALLY needed.

I'm not saying the Mayor is or isn't paid fairly, however, I believe he knew how much he would make if he won the election when he ran for office.

Judy I am suprised at you.

"City Gone Wild"

Either we are doing nothing or we doing to much and no matter what is done it is wrong.

Ampitheater and Skatepark both come from impact fees for the park.
The skatepark is needed for those who skate.
The ampitheater will be a nice addition when complete and hope to have many shows there in the future.

I was asked about the raises and said that they were fine as long as they did not go into effect until 2009.
Your Mayor only makes 45,000 and he has to manage 120 employees. Compare that anywhere and you will see the need to raise the amount.
As far as the council pay, I thought it would be good to attract more candidates. For those who work regular jobs, it would be hard to take off for all that is needed without loosing their pay.

As for the civic center, vote it up or down.
I was told not to give people any choice at all because of things like this, but I thought some choice was better than none. I quess not.

The actions by the few here on this blog are the result of freedom.

Amphitheater: I wonder who select the contractors? Smells fishy if that is all is be done.

I am very strongly against any raise for that lame council and joke of a mayor. What has the mayor done and only one council memeber has a back bone, Jody he is trying to get liquor pass or is in support of, The rest are still living in the dark ages and wonder why things are like they are.

If you think that the civic center is the answer, build it enjoy it, then wait till property is appraise and taxes are raise to cover the expense, I was hoping people would have learn after the city bought the land for richland park......I guess not.