Portland, Tennessee Blog

DeAnna,

Sorry...guess my eyes shifted a little too far! It was "confused" who wrote the post that I was responding to. Oh well, that's what I get for blogging in the evening!

Debbie

I have stated this before, but since this thread concerns the May elections, I will state it again . . . I am just thrilled that Jody was voted Vice-Mayor. I know he will do a great job and will continue doing what he has always done which is represent the people of this town to the best of his ability. Congratulations Jody!

Michelle, Thank you very much......appreciate your checking too. I went back to see what it could have possibly been...it can get confusing here sometimes...LOL

DeeAnna -
looking back over the posts, it looks like Debbie confused you with the person who signs themselves "CONFUSED". It's ALL so confusing ;)

Debbie...
I just read your comments. I have no idea what it's in reference to. I'm in no way offended...and no need to apologize. Maybe you have me mixed up with someone else ???

DeAnna,

You seem a bit defensive about my post. I suppose you took what I said the wrong way. Yes I did state that about Jody, not stating it as something to be true, but merely bringing to light the fact or demonstrating how anyone's situation could be used against them. It is important that we only judge people's actual actions not pre-judge them for what they haven't even done yet, don't you agree? In no way did I mean that to be negative...I was just trying to prove a point. As I said before, I was not implying that YOU yourself had done anything. I was speaking in regards to the fact that people get pretty ugly on here. I would just like to see us being more constructive and proactive.

I hope you have a wonderful day...and I apologize if I offended you!

Sincerely,
Debbie

Just got The Portland Progressive a few minutes ago -- looks like another parent has a problem with a school in Portland. Did you all see this bug bite story?? According to the article and the doctor's statement this could have had a very different outcome - a potential tragedy had medical attention not been given when it was. Sounds like the school doesen't want to acknowledge any responsibility at all.
I look forward to seeing the outcome of this.

I was referring to the Committe meetings in my previous post.

I know the City Council meetings are on Channel 3.

Just wanted to correct that.

I think it would make a difference,if nothing else, to show that the residents of Portland are interested and concerned and make the Council members more aware of the weight of their responsibilities and decisions if they saw that numbers of people would be there to actually see and hear what is discussed.

Are the minutes of those meetings made public and on public record or do you just have to be there.

"Does anyone think that more people actually showing up would make a difference?"

The question is, what difference do you want to make? Not in general, but specific.
I had some preconcieved notions, so I took some time and went to all the comitte meetings. It changed my view on things. Did not see any evil, just saw people trying solve real problems with limited resources.

And yes, I feel that the presence of the public would make a difference in how the issues are studied.
But hey, that is just what I think......;)

Question:

How many people on here actually go to the council meeting? I have to admit, I have been to very few. Does anyone think that more people actually showing up would make a difference?

DeeAnna- yes, that was passed a while back, but so far I have yet to see one of our Councilmen exercise that right - Not to say that I haven't possibly missed something, and not to say that it won't eventually happen- but SO FAR, to the best of my knowledge, our Councilmen are still abstaining.

I just saw this on another section of the blog...it's concerning the conflict of interest issue...did you all know this??

Under the new Ethics legislation that was passed due to the Tennessee Waltz scandal, Aldermen no longer have to abstain from voting as long as they disclose their conflict of interest.

This is interesting , I think. Thought it was worth mentioning.
I didn't know about the new legislation till I read it on this blog.

Mack...

Well, it was called Bo's Market or something like that....

NOW, this past week, I notice that it's turned into a Shell Station ! Now I don't have to drive out to the interstate to get Shell gas and use my Shell card !

I was reading the Portland Progressive and noticed that Walter "Buck" Morris placed an ad congratulating the winning candidates as well as the voters who placed a vote for him. How refreshing!

Judy-
Very well stated! I understand your concerns about conflicts of interest and I agree whole-heartedly that anything that is of a personal nature, or that would benefit them financially, should be cause for Erin, as well as the rest of the Councilmen to abstain from a vote . . . I commend council members who have done it in the past and I hope that all newcomers will follow suit.

And thank you for your compliment. I can get a little carried away sometimes, especially when I feel passionately about a particular subject. but I really do try my best to "listen" to everyone . . . including those with differing opinions. I mean, think about it, if we all thought alike, there would be no need for a blog.

That isn't a new Shell station is it? I just thought the old station had erected a new sign. Regardless, it's not NEW, I don't believe.

Jazzy3--

Thanks for your comments in reply to my posting -

If and when an issue did come up concerning the police dept. I don't really think she should have a vote or be able to break a tie-vote - so excusing herself would be the right thing to do, I think.

Another thing I don't like is the City Council being able to propose and vote in their own salary increases. It's possible that the same people who raised the salary could still be on the Council when they took effect, right? Some have stayed on the Council year after year, right?

I was just in town on some errands, and noticed that there is a new Shell station across from VolState Bank ! I was happy to see that. :)

Hmmm....you're right...haven't seen too much of Councilman Callis here...maybe since that comment from someone and his response to his deleting some of his posts...I don't know.

It's interesting to read the blog, I think.

Michelle

I truly enjoy reading your posts, very sincere & well thought out. And I am going to try to do so here. You pointed out that you saw something different out of these elections, and went on to tell about Erin and you are right, she took the step that 99.9% of us wouldn't or haven't done, she has conquered a great challenge.

Your point of the only negative that you have seen about her is that her husband is an officer on our Police force, I don't feel that this was brought into the picture as a negative, by all means this is an honorable profession. Did I vote for Erin, No, am I disappointed she was elected, No, everyone who is elected by way of majority vote should be given the opportunity to accomplish and prove that they can make a difference, to try to conquer her goals so to say for why she wanted this position. Do I think she can do that, absolutely. Even though I have voiced my concern on this blog about not feeling it was a good mix due to her relationship with the Police force does not mean if she was elected I wouldn't throw my support behind her.

To address the conflict issue, I will try to keep it short. And this is just my opinion. Let's just say that her husband goes in line for the next promotion and equally qualified candidates exist, or raises for members of the force, maybe additional paid benefits, or worse case scenerio, employment reprimand issues like with the most recent issue with another officer, how could she make an unbiased vote on these issues, the right thing to do and again this is just my opinion would be for her to abstain from voting on issues where her spouse would directly benefit, much like Mr Bratton abstained from voting this past Monday on an issue regarding property on Hwy52 as he owns land in that area and didn't want to create a conflict of interest. As for other issues with the force where her spouse is not subject to benefiting directly from, ex; new building, new officers, general matters, etc I don't see a problem.

There will never be "PERFECT" Candidates, in my eyes the majority speaks, now we must get behind this council and hope for NEW Beginnings for a better tomorrow in Portland!

There have been times when a council person did excuse themselves from voting because of a conflict. Or another council person might ask someone to excuse themselves if they think there might be a conflict.
Just like in ALL government there will be back room discussions, under the table deals, etc. etc. but when it is something the public will see of course the council members will do the right thing.
Every member on the council will sometimes during their term have a conflict of interest.

Funny, we haven't heard from Mr. Callis since the election.

Michelle --

If you will look down on the same page a few posts down...you will see what I said about Jody.
I said I wish there had been 4 Jody's to fill those Council Seats. He was the only one that I was enthusiastic about voting for this time. I've been very impressed with how Jody has conducted himself and think he is very fair minded and is really working for the best interest of Portland as a city.

I don't know Erin and have nothing to say about her. I will just wait and see how she does before I comment on that. But, from what I read in the Progressive today about the City Council's firing of a police officer and the Council's having mixed emotions about the case....I am just wondering about the advisablility of having a police officer's wife on the Council. If a vote came up concerning her husband...would she be exempt from voting ?? Just wondering. I guess that's where I see the conflict.

I don't know how things work with the Council really or the City...it just seems to be an area where a conflict could arise at some time.

And one more thing, all I can say about Jody McDowell is that if you have ANY question, ANY problem, ANY issue you want to be raised by the council, JODY has proven over and over and over again, in public - ON RECORD- that he represents the people of this community.

And if the issue isn't controlled by the City Council - and believe it or not, they don't have control over EVERYTHING, he will let you know that too. (and in many cases, I have experienced personally, and heard from others, that he will go beyond his duty as Councilman and help people figure out WHERE to go and WHO to ask for answers, help, etc.)

Personally, I DID see something different. I saw a mother who made a commitment to LEARN SOMETHING NEW so that she could serve her community . . . the community in which she is raising her family.
The "worst" thing that anyone has said about her is that her husband is a police officer,and last I heard, that's supposed to be a honorable profession.

What "conflict" is everyone talking about? He is ALREADY a Lieutenant, so I don't think she is looking to influence a promotion. And I can only ASSUME that he doesn't have any serious, if any, disciplinary problems or he wouldn't be a Lieutenant in the first place. Again, what conflict?

I have a thought on why we don't see new faces running- it's not for lack of wanting to serve- it's not for lack of money - it's not for lack of wanting better things for this city- personally, I think it's because most people don't want to put themselves under the scrutinizing microscope of the public.

KUDOS to the McLearan FAMILY for their committment to serve their community!

Tim....just read your latest posting here....with point #2....you just identified the problem with Codes. ( and Portland as a whole ) That's exactly it ! The truth has been spoken !

And you're right about the voter turnout -- that's it. No new ideas, nothing to get enthused about ......everyone knew it would be just be "more of the same Portland politics"

Look forward to hearing your show again soon.

This is a very interesting topic. I covered one of them on my show last week, and when the District Tournaments in baseball end, they pre-empt my show, I'd like to tackle the other one.

As someone that has been wathcing this problem from the outside and the inside, I have some ideas as to why voter turnout has been so low. As to how we can progress in this city and "clean up the town" so to speak. I have some comments about that too. I really don't have the time, or the finger stamina, to type it all out here on the blog. If you want, call in on my show Friday from 4-6 (when we talk about just about anything), 325-3250, and I'd like to share some of those ideas with you.

VERY briefly, I'll just list the ideas below, but would like to discuss them more.

1.) One of the major reasons there was a low voter turnout is because none of these candidates really stood out from the other. I interviewed them all, and they all pretty much gave the same answers to suestions. It takes new ideas to inspire new voters. Also, there was really only one new face in this election. Everyone else was either voted out, or had run and lost before. We need new faces with new ideas.

2.) To have a Codes Department that is effective, you have to have a Mayor and a Council together that will back him or her up when the influential businesspeople in the town get upset when he or she cites them. As long as they cave to political pressure and not take a strict stand on the codes, no codes person will put their neck on the line to really make sure Portland is up to snuff.

I have to respond to this previous post...

Hey, wouldntyouliketoknow, if you read AT ALL, you will see that I have NEVER spoken bad about the Bandys. In fact, more than one time, I have mentioned that they have been good to me. Personally, I like their straightforward dealing.

The reason I posted who owns property is because someone asked in the previous posts.

And by the way, I support Jody McDowell, too. More than one time, I have personally asked him to run for mayor.

I don't understand some people, where they get off trying to put folks down and openly shame them. There is plenty of that here. I suspect no one is perfect. I never claimed to be.

Jody was the only candidate for Council that I was enthusiastic about....and I was proud to vote for him. I've said this before, but I wish there had been 4 Jody's to fill those Council seats.

Yes, there needs to be more emphasis on absentee voting....with the ability to sit home and fill in the ballot and put it in the mail...that would erase all excuses for anyone not voting, wouldn't it?

And you're right...there needs to be more enthusiasm for voting...I don't know how that could be accomplished...but maybe instead of just signs being posted all over town..maybe the candidates that are running could actively campaign and go door to door to meet people or hold more debates or meetings where they could get people more interested ....I don't know.

I know if it continues the way it did this past election.....with only 28% voting...they may as well not even have an election. People don't realize how important the City Council office is. They make a lot of decisions that affect all of us.

Confused and Everyone ELSE who reads this

I have known Jody McDowell since I was a small child going to church with him and school as well. Jody as anyone else has had their faughts and have paid dearly for them. I know for a fact Jody is a very honest and outstanding citizen. He use to be on the streets PROTECTING you from harm, and the hipocrites are up in here judging a man for past mistakes. I find it hard to know that I grew up in such a narrow minded town with narrow minded people. Jody you will always have my vote in anything that you decide to do if anyone deserves it you do..... Roll with it lets see some changes in this town. Get the hipocrites and the Saints of this town on their knees.

I think it is pretty sad that Portland has become such a hipocritical town. You have a councilman who says he hasn't ever drinked and he was a drinker back in the day. We have the biggest sinners and those who try to be the Saints in this town, that cannot wait to get out of church on Sundays to hit the store to buy them a six pack so they can go home and watch the race. When they saw their preacher standing up there at the Polls " I had better vote no or I will be deemed to hell" Get real, most Preachers, probably drinked back in the day. I am not saying that God cannot give them redemption, Who or anyone else gives them the right to judge us for what we do. We will have to pay for that on Judgement Day. Just as those "Saints" who voted against LBTD " The Lord Knows that you bought that 6 pack, Seen you at Penny Savers, or the Shell station" Oh by the way Dale, Sweep your own porch off, not anyone else's. Don't you have any skeletons in your closet you would like to tell us about it seems like you know what Mr Bandy rents and owns Maybe you don't like him because he has money and doesn't take crap off people who like to make trouble.....

Debbie regarding this part of your post below "I’m all about spreading the positive. Negativity, mudslinging, and bashing our neighbors will get us nowhere. (Not implying that you were doing that in any way…but sometimes this blog gets downright ugly.)"

Are you the same Debbie that also posted this comment on blog topic "And The Winner Is" just 15 minutes earlier?

"If we can look past all of the "incidences" in Jody's past and not be concerned with the fact that he is a business owner, then why should it matter who Erin is married to? If anyone would have motives, the logical choice would be Jody since he was relieved of duty. For all anyone knows he could be disgruntled and have a vendetta against the PD. Just food for thought."

Posted by: Debbie at May 8, 2007 08:52 PM

DeAnna,

I totally agree with you that we should all exercise our right to vote when possible. My only thing is that if you don't know much about the absentee voting, and I don't...chances are that many others don't either. This might be something that the council wants to really publicize in the future elections. I do know that there was early voting, in fact my husband voted early. Unfortunately, the day and hours weren't any better though. I suppose bosses are supposed to let you go to vote, but sometimes that just doesn't work. Lawyers can't walk out in the middle of a court case, teachers can't abandon their students, daycare workers can't leave their post...and so on. Maybe absentee voting is the way to go. I am going to investigate it. I think that the constructive thing to do would be for the city to see who voted and who didn't and attempt to find out why. If it was due to conflicting schedules, then they will see that there needs to be another option that the public is fully aware of and motivated to utilize. I would love to see the council getting in there with the people and motivating them so much that they are excited and anxious to vote. They need to feel important and valuable. It’s sort of like when you miss a few Sundays and the church comes to visit. We really need to get in touch with these people and help draw them back into our community. I’m all about spreading the positive. Negativity, mudslinging, and bashing our neighbors will get us nowhere. (Not implying that you were doing that in any way…but sometimes this blog gets downright ugly.) Thanks for the tip on absentee voting, I’ll let you know if I find something out.

Debbie

Gene,

I think what RD meant was the perhaps that the fact that the presence of the pastor being there that had put the ad in the paper...was meant to be a tactic to perhaps influence the vote. Maybe not...that's just what I thought he meant by it.

There was a misunderstanding yesterday when I called City Hall. I asked for the Codes Director and was mistakeningly given Randall Hinton's name.

Gene was correct and I was incorrect. Kevin Tabbs is the Director/Inspector and Randall Hinton is a codes enforcement officer who also assists, when needed, with other duties.

When I spoke with Mr. Hinton this morning, he said that he is currently working on close to 50 codes violations.

RD,
Why would you be intimidated by a pastor? He's no different than anyone else. His 'influence' should have nothing to do with your beliefs OR your voting preferences. Just like the LBTD is NOT a moral issue. If you feel his presence was to make those who vote for it feel like they are bad Christians, then that's a personal issue. If in his mind, that was his intent, then that's HIS personal issue and whole another mess!

OK PEOPLE!! I thought I'd add my two-cents worth and add fuel to this fire! Am I the only one that noticed this? The election commission had the pastor of the Corinth Church of Christ (Bro. Parker) working at the polls (at the Fountain Head precinct). If you ask me, this was intimidating to voters at THAT precinct who very well may attend his church! I think this needs to be addressed immediately! And I wonder who was working at the Richland Community Center polls? Does this pastor ALWAYS work the polls? or was he there for a reason? I noticed that his church had a HUGE advertisement taken out in the news paper voicing AGAINST LBTD. I think we all need to demand something be done NOW!

About not being able to vote....I thought there were early voting days....and I always thought that employers were required to give employees time off to go vote. Anyone know anything about this...? I heard it somewhere. There's always absentee voting, too....if one can't be there in person. It's just a matter of being determined to vote...and do it one way or the other. Otherwise....the people who do stick together and vote...always win for their side. I know it's not always possible....but when it can be worked out...your privilege of voting should always be exercised.

I just noticed the new statement on the front page of this Website....that IS something new, isn't it? The statement that explains that this is NOT a city website.....I didn't know that.
Well, that is interesting.

I realize that the outcome of the election is not what most of us desired. I also realize that many of the people who did not vote may have not been able to get to the poles. I work in Madison, TN and my children are in daycare. By the time I got off work around 4:00 and picked up my children...I barely made it. For people who don't get off as early as myself...there is really no way for them to make it. Maybe we should consider early voting on a weekend. Personally, though I see the problems that we are facing, I am not ready to give up on this city. I have lived here for 9 years and am still proud to call Portland home. If you think that Portland is a dump...take a drive through Madison. They have liquor by the drink in that area and that place is still nasty. I do hope to see LBTD pass one day, but let's not put all our eggs in one basket. Think positive people...we can make a difference. If we think otherwise then that makes us no better than the people we are complaining about.

Welllll...that's interesting.

Portland does not have a website. Portlandtn.com is NOT owned by the city. It is a privately owned for-profit business. It is the only business enterprise that carries the endorsement of the city, as the 'official' business in its field. I have notified the city council and past mayors about this several times, that the city is putting itself in a huge liability situation because of this. I based that on significant professional expertise in the field of web development for over a decade. No one would listen to me.

The signs that used to say "Proud Progressive Portland" were replaced with "City on the Grow"...should be replaced with "Portland". Period.

I thought it was Kevin Tabb???

The CURRENT Codes Director is Randall Hinton.
You can reach him at City Hall - 325-6776

Maybe they don't have a current Website Administrator either !! LOL

Portland needs to update their web site. Duh!

Is there a Codes Director for the City ??

Just wondering.

I have not been the Planning/Codes Director for almost a year.

Thanks,

Jonathan S. Britt

Unkempt yards are unsightly, I agree. We mowed ours before the rain last week and you can't even tell it now, lol! We'll do it again this week too. Sky high gas prices don't help either though.........

I am a newly widowed mother of 4 who works a full time job and under no circumstance will I let my yard get out of control. I say this not to get sympathy but come on people there is no excuse.I have a neighbor who does not work,has a riding mower and still refuses to mow.Lazy Lazy people..Maybe we could sit up a volunteer service for those who are elderly or disabled? I would be willing to help those who can not help themselves and have no one else.

Lawns, easements, what about the big lot that the city owns right behind City Hall ?? Do you think the City mows it?? Nope....they don't. It's kept mowed and looking good by the neighbor who lives next to it.

On the Subject of Lawns, (which is off topic - Sorry but...)

I would like to know WHEN the City is going to mow the swells/easements on the outskirts of the City. In some area's it is well over knee high/about 2 ft and truly an eyesore. I have not seen them yet this year! Most homeowners such as myself maintain this area ourselves, but those that don't and leave it for the City...... it looks pitiful. But then again we are out of site so I guess we're out of mind and last to get anything for our tax dollars.

Angela -- well, I just don't understand how the Mayor and the people that have the authority to get things done...just sit back and let the town continue all these trashy ways......it's no wonder people have about given up on Portland. It truly does seem to be a little clique town. You'd think those people would care, though, and put pressure on to get something done.

If CARES were open, or had a drop off building so people that actually work past CARES business hours can drop of donations it wouldn't be a problem. By the time a lot of people get off work, its closed, and on Saturdays they don't stay open long enough to leave your donations. I and many people I know are taking things to Goodwill instead. They actually seem to want your things, and will stay open to get them. This whole town is just backwards. What other town rolls up the sidewalks at 7/8pm? I'll just buy groceries/gas/etc and donate my things outside of this town. It's gone to hell in a handbasket and nobody cares to get involved because unless you have connections, nothing is gonna change.

Does anyone know why does the City allow the dumping that goes on by 109 at CARES ???

Is there nothing that can be done about that???

Gallatin does not seem to have that problem ...and White House dosen't have that problem at the Hope Center....

Just wondering about Portland and their ability to control anything.

Well, they don't sell beer in Portland on Sunday's, so I drove a couple miles away and bought me a six-pack at the Penny Saver. No one kept me from doing it, but it makes me feel good that I didn't give the city any sales-tax revenue as well. I also bought gas for my mower and car prior to my trip to the Penny Saver at Marathon in Franklin, KY. Gotta save money!!

OH YEAH! While we are on the subject of codes violations, did anyone notice that Pizza Hut's lawn is about 2 and a half foot tall? I noticed that today as I drove through Podunk...I mean, Portland.

Digman--we did a story about overgrown lawns last year, I believe around June, the headline was mow, mow mow your lawn...there were some horrible looking lots with nice homes that you could barely see from all the weeds. Very interesting stuff.

i've got an idea on the lawn fiasco.
have the progressive take pictures of overgrown lawns and put them in the paper, maybe we can shame them into some landscaping.but then again we have neighobors that after several complaints to the city still wont mow.its like the more complaints that are lodged the more determined they are not to mow it.
as for junk cars, how do you tell joe 6-pack to get rid of his antique ford when you have all thses buisinesses that make the town look like the slums of the bronx.and as for buying portland first. not me i will drive to shop to save myself money. i really hate it for these hardware stores in town when lowes in ky. opens. that is where i will shop from now on. im not about to go out of my way to spend more money to prop up a town that insist on staying in the stoneage.we need to raise total cain every time these council members
that dont want to let consenting law-abiding adult taxpaying citizens have an adult beverage with their dinner try to increase taxes or fees of any amount on anything!!!!they dont want the benifit of the revenue it would raise, let them make do with what they got and not one red cent more.believe you me election time is over and the talk of increases is on the way.

John -- well, they may laugh. At first. I've been sitting here thinking. You know...there is power in numbers. Sometimes the numbers don't have to be so many....referencing this last election...sometimes it just takes doing something.
I've been sitting here thinking about...what if there was a Citizens' Council for Codes Enforcement ..or something similar. What if they became as much a voting block as ....hmmm...other groups in town were ? I don't know...just thinking. What if they were really a group of concerned citizens working toward a better Portland, one that we could put those signs back up that said..."Proud" on them....

Do you think if we all wrote letters to the editors of the local papers that the "Almighty Powers" in this town would read them and laugh or take our comments to heart?? Would be interesting to see.

digman-

you just echoed one of my previous posts about all these places coming to Portland and paying poverty level wages. I looked on Careerbuilders.com and saw the new Federated Stores DC(Macy's) listed, and listed under their "benefits" was "Air-conditioned facility"...Granted that may be somewhat a luxury compared to the rest of these factories in Portland, but my no means is it a BENEFIT!

Benefits are good pay, health, 401k, stuff like that. Not "Paved parking lot" and such...lol

To those once again talking about codes...codes are a joke in this town, all you got to do is drive through the subdivisions, such as mine, and see lawns that have yet to be mowed since mowing season begun, and cars with expired tags backed into the back of driveways, so that no one can see that they are breaking the law. Here's how to remedy such problems. I once again will bring up White House. In WH, no yard can get over 8 inches. In Portland, it is 12 inches!!! That's right, a yard can grow up over a foot tall before it is in violation of codes. That's ridiculous. And if these people are sent letters and don't comply, the fines are next to nothing. What's even funnier is to see these people get out and trudge through their 2 ft tall lawn after they have been sent letters, and then they either, don't mow around their shrubs, and the grass around the shrubs stays 2 ft tall, or they just mow their front yard, and don't touch their back. Only in Portland...only in Portland.

Here's what you can do ATTENTION COUNCILMEN: Knock the height limit down to 8 inches, and increase the fines of junk cars and unmowed lawns into the $250-$500 price range. If they don't pay it, or mow their yards, throw them in jail.....SIMPLE. Check to make sure they are mowing ALL of their yard.I am tired of trying to keep my place looking nice, and people around me letting theirs go to s@$#!

Oh course it's unacceptable....that's why we are all so upset...but nevertheless...it's the reality.

Doesn't the Codes Dept. have any authority over Codes? Does it take a petition or everyone calling the Mayor to let him know before things can get done???

If I get a speeding ticket, it dosen't require letting the Police Chief know anything...the law is the law....

Is there no "teeth" in the Codes of Portland?

Why does it take a public outcry to let the Mayor know how we feel ? Seem to me the Codes people should just be able to take care of things.

But, I'm just a housewife...I don't know how the City operates.....it just seems to me that a lot of people's toes are being saved from being stepped on because of who they are or their positions in the town.

Just my opinion.

This is unacceptable!! If a building does not meet codes and is not brought up to codes in a certain length of time the building should be destroyed. I don't care who owns it!!

Let the mayor know how you feel.

KMayor@cityofportlandtn.gov

Codes Director

Jonathan Britt
(615) 325-6776 (Voice)

It is my understanding that the car wash is owned by Larry Bandy. I could be wrong, but I have been told that by several people. He owns the Christ Community Church building, Shrums old place, the small white building beside Shrums, the large brown building behind the carwash, 3D Financial, the small white beauty shop building behind 3D, etc.

Not sure about the tool and die. Bandy also owns the building where Jody McDowell's Cash n Checks used to be located.

well once again we will be governed another 2 years by the local theocracy.
it is clear that the majority of citizens want lbtd this time they just didnt vote.
as for the codes issue: its all about who you know.thanks dale for clearing up who owns some of this junky property. do you know who owns the run down car wash or that shutdown cowboy store across from the police station? these places should be demolished.what about the tool and die
junkyard at the south entrance of town? they must know somebody, huh? i guess that was zoned "legal junkyard".i also just love it when these new sweatshop factories open up and advertise their ribbon-cuttings and their $7.50 hr. jobs.
why is it that these companies only hire through
these sleasy temp services that take about 3-4 dollars an hr. away from the workers and pay it to the temp services? why not pay the worker a decent wage? why doesnt the council make it a requirement that these new factories deal in pay directlty with the workers? oh but thats right, the collins have a stake in the temp services, city council better not upset that!

Judy -

You're so right about the public being in the dark...but I think the dark days are slowly coming to an end....I get the sense that people are getting fed up with how things have been and are asking for and getting some answers to their questions. Two radio shows I have recently started listening to are very good sources - Tim Coker's talk show and Daniel Suddeths on WQKR - Portland are very informative.

As for the park -- The City or the powers that be, need to really look into making it the "entertainment" center for Portland...there's a lot of potential there for a lot of good things.

Dale -
Thanks for the info on the properties -- well, it looks like these people who own these properties, don't want to spend any money on them for any reason...maybe they are just saving them for their children's inheritance or waiting for time to make the property much more valuable and they will make a lot more money without having to spend anything now to improve them or have the hassle of renting them. I don't know...but thanks for the information. It's a very discouraging picture for anyone who wants to have a business here, that's for sure.

Another comment about zoning: Who decides how things are zoned ? Is that the business of the City Council ?

If so -- would being a property owner be a conflict of interest for a person sitting on the Council ? Seems they could decide things in their own best interest.

This is one thing I would like to see the City do.... You know how the papers have a Police report..... well I for one would like to see all the Codes offenses posted in the paper weekly listing the buildings, what they are written up for and the owners names. Maybe, just maybe having their names plastered all over the paper might make these folks take a better look at their property. Right now the Public is so in the dark!!

I do agree with using the park for functions, especially since they are the only area's that are available to accomodate many people. Maybe a battle of the bands on a Saturday night, at the new ampitheater, give the youth of our town something to do, I'm sure there are many young kids that are musically inclined and would like the opportunity to perform. I know we have a group that practices next door all the time, and I for one would LOVE it if they had somewhere else to play once in awhile ;)) ahhhh silence! The question still remains.... would it be cost effective or not.

Okay... here goes
1) TrueValue store, Main St.
2) The building next to the Chamber, Main St.
3) The building BETWEEN Victory Church and Morris Plate Glass, Russell

All of these are owned by one family. No tenants for years. The price I got quote for the True Value store "IF" they were to even consider renting, was MORE than the square footage of Rivergate Mall, with NO RENOVATIONS to the existing property by them.

The shop location in the building with O'Reilly. They won't rent (corporate), and it wouldn't matter. They are moving because of the 109 project.

The house next to O'Reilly. Won't pass code. It does not have 50' setoff from the road, inadequate parking and no dustless surface. The patrons would have to back into the street to use it, especially after 109.

Garages south of O'Reilly. Same story.

On Main Street, there is a property that used to be half of ERA. It was rented by Melissa's portraits. No longer for rent at any price. Wiring is not up to code and won't be fixed. For sale to a mortgage company only.

Houses south of the Middle School on 109. Zoned Commercial professional, which means NO RETAIL.

Most available buildings between pizza hut and Portland Builders on 109 are owned by Larry Bandy. That is not a problem. However, there are zoning issues with some. Site plans will be required. It would be costly to attempt anything.

Acreage on 52 just west of the main light. It is running, at last count, at about $150,000/half acrea. Too high for the average person to consider, and then you have to deal with the issue of setoff. Most places don't have enough footage to accommodate a store of any substantial size.

Acreage near Bubba's/Portland Collision - I have called on this for 3 years. I can never get a call back.

Hopefully, this at least starts the conversation on properties. If you want stores, you have to have places to put them. Owners have to rent, either because they want to or because statutes dictate that they MUST.

Mack --

Just read your comments. The blog is a good thing, isn't it?

MoMo's is a great restaurant..I like to drive down to White House myself....there's just a different "feel" to the town ...I can't explain it...it dosen't have the suffocating feel to it that Portland does.....do you know what I mean?
I like to go to Cracker Barrel and KFC, too.

Three years ago, we had several customers suggest to us that we print "WHITE HOUSE SUCKS" on some shirts. As a fluke, we did so. It was NOT a big seller BUT it may surprise you that we sold MORE of them to White House residents than Portland. We discontinued the shirts. I can't say we printed more than 3 dozen or so. If there were more, someone took the idea and duplicated it.

Just in case you are trying to avert blame to our business, I wanted to come out with this info right away. You are right that this is football, but you are wrong that it is JUST football when you compare WH and Portland. For the record, I have no dog in the fight. I also don't know if wearing a shirt that says that is necessarily juvenile.... just good ole jabbing at a sporting event.

Man, so many great points being brought about! I love to hear how everyone admires White House. I drove through WH tonight on the way home from Nashville around 8:30 pm, and almost ALL their restaraunts....Bob and Rhonda's, Hollywood's, MoMo's, Rainbow China, the new Mexican rest right beside Quiznos (I forget the name), you name it, they were ALL busy!

WH is a town of just under what Portland's population is, and their proximity to Rivergate should drive out a lot of diners, but evidently, as seen by myself tonight, that in a town the size of WH, if there are enough DECENT choices, people will stay at home to eat!!!

Growing up here, this town has always had some ridiculous underlying hatred of White House (maybe all along it was just envy), so much that at last year's WH-Portland football game , NUMEROUS FULL GROWN ADULTS were wearing PROFESSIONALLY MADE t-shirts with "WHITE HOUSE SUCKS" emblazoned on them! That's hilarious! It is utterly pathetic to see many of Portland's adults partaking in such juvenile behavior, and it only gives outsiders, even those visiting from WH for a football game, a glimpse as to what the overall mentality seems to be in the City of Portland, TN. (I mean c'mon people, these are KIDS playing a GAME!)

This town has so much potential, I only wish we had more than one person on the council with the cohones to stand up and push it forward ..........give us a reason not to take revenue to our neighbors....

Ok...no more complaining from me about Portland. I know it's not productive, and solutions are what is needed. I don't have any answers, I'm not influential, or have any way to influence anything -- discussion is good in a forum like this though to get the ball rolling sometimes. Maybe someone will have an idea that would be good enough to actually get done.
Another good thing about forums like this is things get brought out in the open and things brought out in public that have been kept from the public. I am still wondering about Studio16A and why it's had such a bad experience here in town...and I really would be interested in who does own all the vacant buildings and why would they rather they stand empty. Dale, if you have the time...maybe you could email me and answer a question or two for me. DeeAnnaEdens@aol.com.
Thanks.

As much as I would also agree to fix up old buildings, this currently contradicts the codes enforcement everyone wants. I have documented alot of this. We seem to have a circular conversation on it on this blog.

I like old downtowns, shops, etc. Folks, the 109 project will take alot of this. Most of the older buildings don't meet zoning, and are of no use. There is also the question of whether or not those buildings are actually for rent. A few persons own most of them and are sitting on them. They won't rent to ANYONE. They are satisfied to let key buildings sit vacant, no matter what price you offer. I could list them all on this blog, if you want me to give you an inventory. It is frustrating. I think key buildings should not be allowed to sit vacant in our town for more than six months. No owner should have the ability to do that. I know this is America, but we also have to think about our economic survival as a city.

What would make me proud to live here? Fix up town, clean it up- instead of new businesses building entirely new buildings, why not use some of these abandoned buildings and fix 'em up? For example,I always thought that building by O'Reilly's would make a nice little hair salon or craft shop. If the buildings are so far gone they cannot be repaired, for Pete's sake, somebody bulldoze them. Dress up the storefronts, paint something and slap a ribbon on it for all I care, just make an effort to have your businesses look appealing.

As for making some money for the city, here's an idea. We're in the South, birthplace of many genres of music;Ronnie McDowell a hometown boy.There are many people in this town who play or sing either solo or in a band. Teenagers included! Why couldn't we do some kind of amateur night on the weekends at one of the parks? Set a reasonable entry fee for an act to play, sell tickets for maybe 5 bucks a piece and watch the people come. Think about it, it not only gives the community something to do and appreciate, but it gives these people a chance to showcase their talent. Even if only for one night. Young people need encouragement to reach for that dream. We may have the next Christina Aguilera or George Strait in our own town. Once when I was in high school a Bobby Tomlinson's rock band played at MeadowBrook Park, and I was amazed at how many people were there.
Just an idea.

Judy I understand what you are saying and I agree to a point. I have also been a vendor at different places. I done well at some and lost money at others. If you do not have the right advertising,such as, Nasville and surrounding areas newspapers, radio, signs, flyers, etc., then you are dead in the water. This is not something that would happen over night. The market would have to build a reputation. As the reputation grew so would the vendor count.
Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!!!

I went to the Market St Market last weekend. There were about 10 people there shopping. I spent $40.00 and was happy with my purchase. People were still coming when I left.

The parks still need alot done to them. Lights, fencing, upkeep, etc. is not cheap. So if the money from a flea market would help the parks what is wrong with that??

To all of you with the mind set, "This IS Portland Remember", tell me exactly what would make you proud to live here??? And what can you do to make that happen? Complaining is getting you nowhere.

The people of Portland do NOT care. And it's because no matter what you want to do to change things, and make this town better, it all boils down to who you are and who you're related to. If your last name isn't one of the prominent Portland names, no one will listen. It's that simple. Voters just aren't interested, because they believe their vote doesn't count. Not when you have the same people running for office with the same old arguments. I think new blood should be brought in. Someone NOT from Portland who can breathe new life into this place. New ideas, fresh faces. But that's just my opinion.

My family has lived in Portland for generations. We're hard working country folk, like a lot of the long time residents here. But when you live on the outskirts, there's not much you can do about getting involved. We have no votes, no voice.

Portland isn't going to stay the nice, quaint little town it was in the 50's, we know. But it appears as if some 'higher ups' are determined to keep it that way- it's as if they're afraid to do anything new because they're afraid outsiders will invade. It's ridiculous. Why don't they realize that due to that way of thinking we are smothering to death? Industries sucking up acre upon acre of land- while offering nothing to residents who have office skills, for instance. Not all of us work in factories you know. It's as if the ONLY option we are supposed to have is working in a factory for low pay in order to support our families. I've done it, it's hard. If you want to succeed, you must leave here to find opportunity elsewhere. If you want to have a nice glass of wine with dinner, you go elsewhere. Want to spend money- you go elsewhere. Because the only thing you can do in Portland is eat fast food, grocery shop at Hills, rent a movie and buy cleaning supplies at the Dollar Store. People live here because property is cheaper, but they actually *LIVE* elsewhere. Get what I mean? Kids run wild because no one cares enough to keep something open for children to do. When I was a teenager, we drank, cruised back roads, and partied at each others houses when their parents weren't home. Well guess what? Today's kids do the EXACT same thing. Would it hurt to open up an underage dance club or a teen only pool hall? In a large enough locale that the kids aren't packed like sardines on top of one another causing fights and short tempers?

How do we get Poor Pitiful Portland out of the ghetto and make our residents support the town, when in all honesty, Portland doesn't support us?

Judy -

Well, now I'm discouraged again...you know from personal experience -- I only can imagine how things MIGHT work...but the reality is what it is.
You're right...we do have to remember this IS Portland we are talking about -- well, we'll think of something great for that park and something that will make money..and they will have the Portland Bloggers to thank for it ! LOL LOL
Seems we are the only ones working on it !

Daniel - I'll be listening to your show at 3:00 !
Sounds like you're going to have a great topic !

Don'tMakeMeLaugh

I respect your opinion, however, having been a vendor paying $20-$25 for 2 full days of set up at some events that attract 25 vendors tops and up to $50 for a weekend at the Fall Craft show that can hardly bring in 50 vendors there is no way a City Flea Market would pull in that kind of money from very many people little own pay to park so you can look. This is Portland remember!!

Have you been to the Blue Grass center in KY IF they still have their FLEA market open, (I don't see any signs for it anymore) and see how few vendors they bring in at I think it was $28 for a 3 day weekend, and parking is FREE for shoppers, at best I've gone by there when 5 cars were there. There used to be a year or so ago a FLEA market on hwy31w in Portland and the place was dead, they didn't charge for parking either, I think there is now one at the old shirt factory wonder what kind of crowd they are bringing. There's also a place in town consignment/vendor store, advertises over 20 vendors whoohoo, GREATTT, got a booth at "$25. per month +10% of sales" they didn't have 20 vendors more like 5 or 6, and I got screwed in the end for over $200. in merchandise, Yeah they are still in business with ONE vendor... Besides all that anything that is done at the Parks the funds go to them, and I for one think they have been given enough money over the years to squander.

PS - two yrs ago for the hwy52 yard sale my daughter's home which fronts Hwy52 2 miles out of town with tons of road frontage and easy in and out parking, she advertised space at $5 for the weekend, got zero takers.

These are just my experiences and my thoughts on the Flea Market topic, sorry if I rained on anyone's parade.

If you're bored this afternoon listen to my show on 1270 AM from 3-4, going to talk about the election and other issues, I'll try not to put you to sleep

Don't Make Me Laugh --

Well, I thought the Flea Market idea was great...then when that person said they thought that it could only make $1,000 a month...)and me, not being a financial- minded person,) it was discouraging and then I thought...well, maybe it wouldn't be worthwhile.....but you make it sound really do-able.....you make it sound like what I was hoping for...I wish we could do something like that...and the Arts Council is a great idea !
You're right about the town getting cleaned up...
you know..since a LOT of money has gone into that Park....we need to make IT start making some money....there's potential there, huh?

DeeAnna...Make up your mind. In one post you like the idea of a flea market then as soon as someone doesn't like it you don't either.
I for one like the idea of a Flea Market type of thing. You start on Friday and end on Sunday. The fee would be way more than 10.00 a spot. More like $25.00 to $30.00 a day. With 100 vendors for 3 days that's $7500.00 to $9000.00. You would also charge for parking. At least $1.00 to $2.00 a car. Now you are looking at around $10,000.00 a month. Have the Flea Maket 6 months a year and that's $60,000.00. The city could do alot with that money.

I also liked the idea of an Arts Council. How about concerts and movies in the park?

There is so much the city can do to bring in revenue if only they have the VISION and GUTS to do so. But first this town has got to be cleaned up from top to bottom.

JW - Your comments about the codes and how they should be enforced are right on target ! Portland could be a beautiful little town...but the people who have the authority to enforce the codes seem to be afraid of stepping on anyone's toes and really getting in there and making things happen.
You're right...it's all goes back to leadership.

The Flea Markets in the Park wasn't a very good idea, was it? Well, I'm still thinking about what could be something that we could do....I'm almost at a loss and out of ideas...LOL. Portland just needs something very unique and creative.

These past few posts have been great -- and very informative about what has happened in other towns .....very interesting reading.

Thanks, JW. Nice.

I am not from here. I came from a small city in Mississippi called 'Petal'. They were the same size as Portland until a few years ago, and oddly enough, they were the "Panthers". I was a member of the Petal Chamber at the time and I owned a design/advertising firm in the city called "Studio16a". Our chamber decided, with the city and area/state development agencies, that they needed to promote the city. It had always been a bedroom community much as Portland, and residents had always gone out of town to shop.

I was asked to develop a campaign and materials to promote the area. I worked with area photographers, economic development agencies and local colleges to produce a brochure with materials. The theme was "When you heart says Petal". It won statewide acclaim, and it is still used to this day.

The mayor at the time, along with the Chamber, also spearheaded several festivals, got behind community events like Relay for Life (Studio16a produced the first live multisite webcast for a Relay for Life in 2000), and a Family Y.

A bypass was added and zoning was applied.

Codes were set, and foliage was put in the city to beautify it.

I assisted in starting an Area Arts Council, with dinner theatres, art shows, etc.

I just called the Chamber after several years of absence. According to the Director, they now at at full capacity for retail space, with most new developments fully booked before opening. Also, the average home price is now $150,000, when it was only 90,000 just 5 years ago. New housing developments are slated for the next few months. One of them has 1400 plats.

They have a topnotch police force, and it is so good, that it trains other police from out of town at a new training facility.

You are right... it is a vision thing. I DID NOT make it happen. I was a part of it, though. It took a concerted effort of mayors, council, city hall employees, county/state agencies, schools, and chamber members/businesses. They were not and are not enemies down there. They work together because they bought into a common vision.

I have personally suggested some of these things to local chamber, councilmen, mayors, and fellow business owners for over three years in Portland. Hopefully, your suggestions and those of others will get this town moving.

I am deeply concerned. I don't see the failure of LBTD passing as a win for the conservative population, so much as a signal that we are staying put. To me, it would have signalled a step ahead, even though I do not think that currently an O'Charleys would move to Portland.

JW says, "I still think LBTD will save this city." What an ignorant statement. It's a shame that JW and 600 friends nearly won the day Tuesday.

There are a lot of very interesting responses here.....seems one common theme.....we live is a town that is dying a slow agonizing death! for reasons that have been stated here over and over. I won't re-visit all of those reasons.

I will tell you a little story though. I have lived in Portland for 4 years. Before that I lived in White House, but moved to Portland because I could get twice the house for the money in Portland. In other words property values are substantially less in Portland then they are in White House. Mainly because of lack of amenity and low demand. I have stayed in Portland because I have a special needs son who loves his school and the staff at his school have bent over backwards for him....and he loves his school. I am now, however seriously considering a move back to White House, because it just seems there is no drive in this town, no desire to "progress". I just can't put my teeth in to a town like this, there's no meat to bite in to so to speak.

I come from a small town in North Central Illinois. The town I am from was in a situation very much like Portland back in the early 90's. The name of the town is Peru Illinois. Back in the early 90's Peru experienced a population explosion. How did this happen? Those of us that lived there got sick and tired of living in a run down little town with little to no vision, so we elected a Mayor by the name of Donald Baker and it was the best thing that ever happened to our little town.

Here is what Mayor Baker did......He enforced building codes and even changed some of the building codes particularly in the downtown area. Those Business that did not have the "look" that the Mayor insisted upon were given a certain amount of time to bring the buildings up to codes, if they still did not do this, they were then fined and given a second warning...if they still did not adhere to the codes, the city would then come in and bring it up to codes itself, if the owner refused to pay for the upgrades....the city would add it to the business or home owners property taxes.......if they still didn't pay...well....what normally happens when you don't pay your property taxes.

Now this may seem a bit harsh to many....but within 24 months Peru Illinois had become the FASTEST growing community in the entire country...did you all get that...because of the building codes and oh by the way, they also passed LBTD...Peru Illinois was the fastest growing community in America!!!!

Now don't anyone tell me that a little vision and leadership can't change things.....I have seen it done, don't tell me that passing LBTD won't wake up a dying town....I've seen it happen.

Now I know there are those of you out there who think I am nothing but a loud mouth Yankee, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that vision and drive will change this community....I care about Portland, this is where my kids go to school, this is the community I wake up to everyday, this is where I CHOOSE to live, and this is where I have many, many friends. Change can come if we want it bad enough. But only WE can make that change with our Votes...

Below are a couple of links to my hometown, if you want to look at them, just copy and paste them in your address bar. Perhaps if our city officials would look at this they may learn something.

http://www.peru.il.us/mayors.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru,_Illinois

Thanks for letting me rant a bit......

I've seen it before and those of you who think it can't happen.... WAKE UP!

I lived in upstate NY for 5 years long enough to watch a booming industrial town that my family grew up in crumble and fall beneath it. When all the tax breaks & perks the industries were given came to terms end 90% of them packed up and headed south to another area. Companies like Nestles Foods, Miller Brewery, Birdseye Foods, Hammermill Paper, Armstrong Flooring, the list goes on. A once thriving industry dependent town (much like Portland) now had one of the highest unemployment rates in this country and monthly property taxes more than most mortgage payments. A family member sold their house after marketing it for 4 years at $40k below it's appraised TAX value, their taxes at that time were over $6k a year and I'm talking a home with 6 acres & 1,800 sf with a tax value of only $165k.

I'm not posting this because LBTD didn't pass but because of the town's location and more so the lack of our community's desire to change. Whitehouse has the location being closer to the interstate, they have been successful in bringing businesses & retail to their area, they ARE a City on the GROW, They are PROUD & PROGRESSIVE! The Voter turnout as many have said speaks for this town and where it is going. The only hopes this town has is when the wonderful Gas Pipeline goes thru that they strike Oil!!

Flea Markets in the park, not to put the idea down, but, they might bring at best 100 vendors at what maybe $10 a pop, what's that $1,000. a month, that would make a nice petty cash account for the parks dept as that is where it would go, and would be all the revenue it would create. Would it bring in people from other towns, doubtful, this town is too busy going elsewhere to meet their needs, and where would they eat, Arby's, McD's, Sonic, Hardees, these are a dime a dozen in any town, Portland couldn't even support a Ponderosa when we had the opportunity!!

But think about it, 5Chef's does a whale of a business, only open for lunch mon-fri, evidentally there are people in this town that care to have a NICE place to sit down and eat. I see busses there from other Cities all the time for banquets & the like! Too bad nobody's listening! Too bad the majority of the people like what they have (next to nothing) and don't want it to change

Lori...After reading your comments Lori, All I can say is well put!!! I have made the move out already.
Portland is one angry town, I wanted to see how the LBD turn out, that is why I'm here reading this blog "if you call it that"

If I was a betting man I would have bet that it would have pass, I was wrong...

All I can say is enjoy your fast food folks..

I feel about the same way as DeAnna and DSC. Portland is stuck in the 50's and will never move forward. I have to laugh when I see the signs that say: 'Portland, a City on the Grow'. Give me a break! Who came up with that, and how is Portland growing at all? The only thing growing around here is industry! We will never have anything in this town because there are too many hipocrites that were too afraid to vote for LBTD! But, on the other hand, even if we had it, no decent establishment would come here because it has become very trashy and run down! I too, am considering moving to another city. One that is truly not afraid to progress! White House use to be 'small town', now look where it is! It is sad to me that a lot of my friends and family have moved away from here because there is nothing to keep them here. They have either moved to larger cities, and a few of them have even moved to different states. I don't blame them at all! They are now living in places that are truly progressing, and they and their children have things to do, and people where they live REALLY do care! They now call Portland a 'redneck, hick town where dreams go to die.' The voter turnout on Tuesday made it clear that people in this town really don't care. As it has already been stated by several posts on this blog, don't gripe about things and not make any efforts to change them Portland gets what it deserves, which is NOTHING!

DSC- I just read your post. I'm thinking now...what IS wrong with Portland ? What IS the problem that they can't enforce a few codes standards -- I think I could walk around town in less than an hour issuing citations for businesses that need cleaning up. If, would then, be up to the court to make them pay or clean up their places of business, I guess.
As for LBTD ..it really dosen't matter, you're right. If I were to pay that much for a drink in a restaurant..it's going to be somewhere nice with some atmosphere...like Opryland or Montana Grill, etc....not anywhere here in town.
I'm afraid Portland is going to have to resign itself to being an industrial complex town that has a Strawberry Festival and a town caught in the middle who's very location is it's downfall, it seems. Right now, Portland's main purpose seems to be a route for truckers to use !
I keep hearing about the water and sewer problems...and how it's affecting new growth....that is probably the biggest issue.
As for putting your house up for sale and moving...I've been thinking the same thing...I'd like to live somewhere else, too....somewhere there is some scenery and something to do without having to drive 30 miles ! Oh well, just my thoughts.

LBTD? Does it really matter if we have it or not? I mean, just look around this town, there are more drunks in this town then Vegas! There are a lot of low life people in this town that live paycheck to paycheck, and all they care about is drinking and drugs. If you really want to see how people care about their town, go look at Food Lions parking lot. Look at all the trash that is thrown all over the place. Three weeks ago I was in White House on business, there was all kinds of things for kids to do and go, nice places to eat, even a sports bar, and soon a Super Wal-Mart. What's wrong with Portland you ask? It's the people. Just look at how the voting went. All in all, I put my house up for sale one week ago. Off to White House for me and my family, the only thing I wish is that it was farther away from Portland. I use to love it here, but this town has gotten so trashy and crooked it's not funny. Why? Just look how the voting turned out that's why. It's very sad to see how things are going. So sad.

Debra -- you're right .... I'm sure the flea market in the park type thing would be a good draw for Portland -- if not from travelers, then certainly from people from all the other towns around here...it would bring a lot of people into town to eat and spend money. Portland could be quite a neat place if specialty shops like that would open here...and have specialty food shops, etc....that would be neat.

It's over. I would have liked to seen the LBTD pass just for the revenue but it didn't. Let it rest and move on to things that can be done to HELP this town.
The first thing Portland needs to do is encourage all the business in Portland to dress up their store fronts. What a difference this would make!!

There are so many things that would bring revenue in if people will just stop and think. How about a monthly flea market? The city could rent spaces in one of the parks. A flea market would be a big draw if advertised right. A sign out by the interstate would really bring the people in.

If people wants Portland to stay small then give it that hometown feeling with speciality shops, ice cream parlors, antique shops, etc. You get the idea. People from big cities eat that stuff up. I love to just get in the car and drive the backroads and find little towns like that.
Forget about O'Charlies and LBTD. Let's stay with our roots...A small rural town. I don't think that will ever change and I like it that way.
There are many events the city could sponsor if they would just take the initiative to do so. I hope the new Chamber of Commerce director reads this blog and gets an idea or two.

Mischelle,

I'd like to know about this close vote, too !! I think a lot of other people are wondering, as well.

One possibility....do you think maybe those 11 people could have just not cast a vote for the liquour issues? I doubt that, I'm just wondering.
I don't think anyone would take the time to go vote and NOT vote on a particular issue...but it's possible maybe. I think something is funny about it being so close.
As I understand it...the LBTD failed by only 5 votes.....

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070501/NEWS03/70501081/1001/NEWS

The link above is to an article that lists the number of votes recorded for each candidate and the yes and no's for LBTD and the proposed sales tax increase. Now I'm not a rocket scientist, but I can add. There were 1288 TOTAL votes on the question about raising taxes, but there were only 1277 votes for LBTD.

With the decision being so close, I want to know about those 11 votes.

JW - I have to agree with you......yesterday was truly pathetic. I think it does reflect leadership.
I think you are right....people here don't care.
They are quite happy to have it just like it is - they don't want change of any sort. Change and growth would mean they would have to change with it -- and that would put them out of their comfort zone.
I don't think LBTD would have had any effect on Portland whatsoever...what restaurant in town would serve liquor ?? Sonic, Hardee's, McDonald's, Stroud's, 5 Chefs....????
And as for new restaurants coming here....that's not going to happen....

Right now..I'm just wishing Portland had a good donut shop !! LOL

Yes, I did vote for LBTD and always will. I expect to see a Crime free & accident free city now that we are assured of not having any liquor in town...LOL LOL.

Daniel -
Well, this 5 vote loss is making me wonder if someone DID sneeze....I really think that a recount should be done, too. Seems that there should be law or rule for elections...that there has to be a recount if the difference is under, say.....a certain percentage. But 5 votes....the more I think about it....hmmm...guess I better stop thinking and just let it go, huh?

Well, Portland seriously needs to think of something that no other town around has, to get people to come here and spend money. Something to attract people. So far the only thing I can come up with the historic aspect ....or how about...using that park over there to help pay for itself??? How about Portland Park Festivals...and have different organizations rent the park to hold specialized festivals of all kinds ??? Artisans and Crafts, Music Festivals, etc...everything could be in the park and it wouldn't interfere with traffic in town, etc. The Chamber of Commerce could even have a Business Fair..with all the businesses in town promoting themselves and have food booths, etc....Car Shows..there are a lot of possibilities.
Until Portland can get going and become Proud and Progressive....maybe it being known for it's Family- Oriented Entertainment in the Park would be something that would be do-able and get people to come here --at least get our name out there.

Judy- Well, I had forgotten about the hours at 5 Chefs....that's right...it's just a lunch place.
Well, it's got such potential for a pretty restaurant....especially for evenings. About MOMO's.....I've eaten there...it's really great !!
Well, I am thinking that someone else will have to open the "for dining" restaurant for evening hours.

Absolute pathetic showing for voting yesterday.

I think it is a loud and clear indication that MOST of the people who live in Portland simply do not care. Which enlightens me on why there are so many buildings in dis-repair, why there is not more retail in Portland, among all of the other things we have talked about before.

BUT, as I have said before....attitude reflects leadership!

I have actually considered running for Office, But I am not originally from Portland and it has been made loud and clear that if your not from here, you won't be accepted. So, I hestitate to run.

As for the results of the election....I still think LBTD will save this city...it is too bad people don't have enough foresight to see this.

Funny isn't it...If I wanted an Abortion I could find an abundance of places to get one....But I don't have the choice to have a drink. Anybody else see screwed up priorities here?

Oh well, with the low voter turnout...as far as I'm concered Portland deserves what it gets!!!

Daniel,

Oh, gosh.....the more I think about that 5 vote difference and no recount....it really makes me wonder...seems there should be some official "rule" about elections and that they would have to be won by some percentage of votes or else a recount would have to be done to make it above board. I'm wondering if this is going to be Portland's "hanging chad" scandal. LOL

Just wondering how LBTD passing would bring in more retail? I understand more restaurants maybe.
Does anyone know of any restaurants I could go to in BG or Gallatin to get a great steak & baked potato(not Ryan's or buffet style) that don't serve LBTD?

I don't understand what Dale ever did? He operated a very popular business and tried to give kids who don't like to play the traditional sports something to do besides drugs or vandalism, and he was succesful in doing just that. Plus everyone who has shopped with him has said they do great work.
BTW, being a lowly reporter is far from a "power" position, if you don't believe me I'll send you one of my check stubs. I'm far from disgruntled about Portland's future, it's very bright, it's some of the people who only complain that are bringing it down. Whether those opposed of growth will admit it or not nothing stays the same, it either gets better or it gets worse.
DeeAnna, they said they weren't going to recount the vote because there were so few ballots, I would like to see them recount any vote that close though, if someone sneezed a couple of times that could be five votes right there. But you're right, the historic and antique draw is currently about all we have to offer the traveler on I-65, if they're hungry, next exit, need a pair of socks, next exit...it's okay if people want Portland to stay small but remember that when property taxes are raised to pave streets or when funding for the senior center is cut to pay the utility bills, you can't have it both ways.

Actually, I did not say no one will rent to me. I said that Mr. Knight did not want to do so BECAUSE we would represent a direct competitor to one of his existing tenants. I actually commend him for this. However, when I posed the idea of a non-compete, he already felt that we were a direct competitor, and that he has not called back. I just want to make that clear.

I could go down a list, but you clearly seem to imply something else.

We did in fact have to vacate at a previous facility BECAUSE we sold skateboards. I have that IN WRITING, and the direct cause was Subway management. I can document that, in court, if you wish to make it that way.

What I have said is very simple: there are NOT alot of places to rent. It is NOT because of Studio16a. It is BECAUSE there simply aren't enough buildings.

And, FYI, we CAN rent in this town. We did FIND a building. The planning/zoning new regulations made it impossible to function at that facility. I think I have documented that on this website ad nauseum.

As for Daniel Suddeath, I have personally found him to be a very researched reporter. You may not always agree with him, but he is at least accessible and honest in his stand.

As for Mr. Hensarling, there's some of us in town who know the real reason no one will rent to you and it has nothing to do with skateboards. Mr. Suddarth, if you are so pessimistic about Portland's future, why are you here? Is it the "power" position you hold?

DeeAnna - I like your thinking about Portland being stuck in the past, and they are going to stay there for a long, long time. As for your thoughts on a great meal at 5Chef's, yes that could be done, providing it is during the week and before 2pm as they keep less than bankers hours for that establishment, too bad... as they are really the only place in this town that I call a restaurant. I take my evening dining out to MoMo's in Whitehouse, as a rule they do offer a nice menu at reasonable prices.

Daniel,
You're exactly right.....how can we expect anything better if the current attitude stays the same and people won't vote? Portland will grow somewhat, but not for a long time, I think. It's just a matter of time. Change will come...and progress will come....but in the meantime, we just have to drive out of Portland for most of everything: shoes, clothes, cars, household furnishings, electronics, cameras,scrapbooking supplies, have a nice meal, even for a real ice cream cone we have to drive to Chaney's !!Hmmmm...the list is endless. You know, you'd think for a town so stuck in the past, there would be a lot of antique stores....maybe that's what Portland should turn itself into...a historic town with antique stores ...something like Bell Buckle......that might be a good tourist draw...shopping on the Square and a great meal at 5 Chefs.....that might work !

Tim,

Thanks for providing that information about the recount. Did you say there were 7 paper ballots??
How does one vote on a paper ballot? I didn't know they had those......can you tell me more about that? Thanks...
Oh, by the way, you did an excellent job on the Forums and the coverage on Election Night.

I spoke with the Registrar of Voters today. She said thre will be no recount on teh liquor by the drink vote. There were only seven paper ballots used and they have already been verified. All the other votes were taken by the machines and those votes will be certified on the 9th. Looks like the results as reported last night are the official numbers.

What does it say to our children when we don't vote? How can we say we support a war in Iraq when we don't even support our own freedom? How can people say Portland is such a bad town when they'll do nothing to change it? The commission has confirmed the votes, there will not be a recount on the LBTD. Question, how will we get revenue in the future? How will we get anything with our current attitude? Better yet, why would we deserve to get anything? Congrats to those who won though, at least the council race was clean.

well im glad it didnt pass really. i would like nice rest. but yet i dont want the LBTD, so what do you do? it just makes me sick to see all the vote for LBTD signs everywhere though!

The old Quilter's Junction building is perfect. The owner will not rent to me. He also owns the building where PT Designs is located.

I did offer to open a store with JUST sporting goods, skateboards, medical scrubs, and so forth (without screen printing or embroidery), but once he knew who I was, he will not return my calls. That is too bad. I could have been fine opening the rest of our business right there, but it must be taboo for me.

TJ
When I went to Clyde Riggs to vote at 8:30 a.m. the doors were indeed locked, I went around to the main entrance, the Principle tried telling me I didn't push on the right door, that one is locked and the other is not so he took me down there to show me and lord & behold they were BOTH Locked! he said...oops the custodian must of locked them back. Wonder how many people had your same experience and didn't go the main entrance.

Dale
Have you checked out the building that Quilters Junction was in, they have moved to your old spot next to subway, I know it may not be a perfect location being next to PT Designs, but what the heck competition can be a healthy thing.. Good Luck!

I just read in the Progressive newspaper about the election results - I'm wondering if there shouldn't be a recount of the votes on the LBTD ? What difference in votes is required for a recount? Does anyone know the answer to this?
Five votes seems too close, to me.

I am very disappointed in the results. Disappointed that people don't care enough to vote - or that they think the issues don't concern them. The issue to me is about having one group of people here make my decisions for me -- and wanting to decide what is best. It's about control. As long as there are elections, I will continue to vote -- I wish everyone would appreciate what a difference their vote would make .... and go vote !
Maybe when they see that LBTD only needed 5+ more votes......that will impress them that voting really does matter !

I did vote yesterday. It was sad to see so few people did. Granted it is hard to make it, given being during the week and the hours. If you work out of town, and a ton of people do (no decent paying jobs locally!), you're already on the road before the polls open and hard to make it before it closes if you have to rush to pick up kids, etc. Luckily, I was off yesterday! We went to the Community Center and all went well. I think there were more supporters lining the road than voters inside!!

I went to vote at clyd riggs at 8am the doors were locked even thou the vote sign was up I could not get in the doors

I have been trying for 2 months to put my business back in Portland. The city is not going to let it happen in a building I am leasing, zoned commercial, etc etc. This election is something I have been watching. I get it. What was I thinking? When we were forced to relocate because we sold skateboards, I read this blog to keep up with things. I thought you guys wanted a retail store. I was sadly mistaken.

It may (or may not) interest you to know that there are FEW IF ANY locations for retail in this town. It is really hard to find a place.

What was I thinking?

I'm disappointed too guys. Its frustrsting to see so few people turn out for any election. LBTD and package stores got beat again. Oh well. You guys say you've quit caring. I dont know your situation, but I've lived here my whole life and I quit caring a long time ago. If the religous folks want to put this whole town under roof and run it the way they want, so be it. I dont live in the city limits so I didn't get to vote and my taxes also wont go up to cover expenses later. I'll continue to do my shopping in Gallatin, Franklin and Lafayette because its about the same distance to either town from my house. And when I get the hankering for a beer with my burger I'll continue to go to T-Rods in Franklin. Their burgers are great. The sad thing is that as many people that have moved ot our town over the years, there are still very few of them willing to step up and run for council or even go vote for Gods sake. The city gov't could do a little more more to attract bussinesses, but the change for our city has to come from the people that live here, not the ones that sit on the council.

I don't care either, Judy. As much as I would like to support my hometown and shop here, it's too expensive. This town cares nothing about generating revenue. We will never have a place to buy clothes, we will never have nice restaraunts. We won't have anything. Factories will continue to be built where people are payed below-poverty level wages (That new state-of-the-art Federated Stores DC? It pays $8.50 an hour! WHEW! I bet you could raise a family on those wages!I bet you could even afford to bypass the no-tax groceries in Franklin huh?), chrurches will continue to spring up in every abandoned business, because Bubba and Johnny Bob don't see Jesus eye to eye, old cars will still sit in unmowed yards...you know the drill....I could go on....oh well...

I don't know. I don't care.

This election was a disgrace, only 28% of the registered voters showed up to let their voices be heard. A SMALL Percentage of this town CANNOT make a difference in making Portland a better place!!

I've pledged to "Shop Portland First" and done a pretty good job of it, I've been PRO Portland a dedicated resident & homeowner for over 12 years. My way of thinking will definately change, why should I care!

Every time I comment or start a topic on this blog, I see the heading at the top of this page that reads, "We hope you will use this blog to exchange ideas to make Portland a better place." I've tried but forgive me..... THE PEOPLE OF THIS TOWN DO NOT CARE!! and with that they will get what their actions ask for.

Well, it's done. Much as I would like to see it pass, it didn't. We need to finally give it a rest for a few years and do what we can to make this a good place to have a business. We need to work WITH businesses, not against them, which was the original reason for this posting. The religious right wins. Let's accept it and move on.