Portland, Tennessee Blog

Does anyone know what is going on with all of the the tractors between 52 and Lyon Crest? New construction or????

don't fall for it this time, either........

Hello Again PORTLAND, WE ARE THE COUPLE FROM CALIFORNIA WHO ARE GAY. I was trying to give this town a positive blog entry. We are looking in all areas of TN, we like Portland because of the large homes and the great price. We want to live in a safe place with nice neighbors. We appreciate everyones input, if your input is honest and tasteful. We would really like the neighbors support this is why we are choosing to do our research.

Please let us know your thoughts.

Thanks,

MrandMr

Oooooops, forgot Ocotber has rolled around, new post has been started and I have copied all the posts from the last 2 days there.

Uhaul, I think you're right on point. I agree with you. No one should punish themselves by continuing to live in a place they think is so terrible and so backwards. Let'em go somewhere else. I know I'll get blasted for this and no offense is intended, but if half the time spent whining and complaining on this blog was spent productively trying to improve something in town, it might actually be a better place.

Uhaul - Don't know that anyone has said they LOVE, Gallatin, Hendersonville, etc they refer to having to do all their shopping in those towns, thus taking a whole lot of tax revenue with it that could be beneficial to our City if we had more choices here. mg62 hit the nail on the head with "Those of us that you perceive to be constantly complaining are actually challenging Portland to improve, else we will ALWAYS be the ugly step-child" This couldn't of been better said! I've been here for about 12 years and have seen very few changes or strides unless you are talking about the amount of new factories or new houses in the area, or how big strawberry fest has grown. You make a VERY GOOD Point in the love the County gives our forgotten city, but they sure want their county property tax revenue (which I just got the accessment today in the mail) Wish I was writing that check to the CITY and they got what I pay in City Tax. I think it's backwards.... LOL anyway glad you decided to join us with your post and hope you will continue in doing so. Not everyone thinks alike as you can see :o)

Uhaul--You've apparently missed the point entirely. We would like to see Portland advance beyond the "ugly step-child" status that you refer to. Those of us that you perceive to be constantly complaining are actually challenging Portland to improve, else we will ALWAYS be the ugly step-child, and deservingly so.

Check out this website: http://www.teachercrime.com/

I found it quite interesting!

I have been reading this blog since it started. I am so perplexed by the way people carry on. The majority of people on this blog speak of how horrible Portland is and how much they love Hendersonville, Gallatin, etc. Well, I have the best idea ever....MOVE! I mean you know that Gallatin has a Wal-Mart....while you are at Wal-Mart, pick up a can of mase, you'll need it down there. Look, I know that this town doesn't have a mall to rack up credit debt, a bar to drown your sorrows, or a movie theater to watch the latest slasher flick, but it does have some great people. i have seen a lot of really great improvements and strides in the last 10 years in this town. We have been one of the ugly step-children of this county for many years. The changes that have been made to this town have taken people a lot of work. It is very few and far between that town like Portland, Westmorealnd, and others "Up here on the Hill" get any love from the county officials. This town has a certain something that you can't get many places anymore. That something is called love. There are more loving people in this town than I have ever been to. All I am trying to say is that Portland is a great place to raise a family. A great place to go for a walk at night and not have to carry a weapon. This town may not be big city living, but that it ain't. Everyone has free-will. If you really dislike this town that much, then move. Just remember that your $120,000 to spend on a house ain't going to go far in Hendersonville or even Gallatin.

Remember, not all people do things for personal gain in this town. Some actually try to make a difference.

Sorry to burst the Mayor's bubble but i do all my shopping in Hendersonville, and Gallatin. That also includes my gas. I'm not about to pay Portland's prices. The stations in Portland are making about 60 cents profit on every gallon of gas. I have family in the gas business and that's what they said. If everyone stopped shopping at the convience store's for a few days they would drop the prices to get their business back.

I also saw the news with Wilber and he did say the retail in Portland was good because the high price of gas kept shoppers in town. Then they went on to show people shopping at Hills, guess that's all they could find to interview people at the retail locations in portland. Oh... must I forget one of the Used Auto dealers in town was also interviewed, wonder how selection was made as we have what 5, 6, 7 of them and they happened to interview the one related to one of our council people.

Fox was doing a story about GSI closing in Portland and about small town survival in tough economic times. The Mayor told them that retail sales were okay in Portland because the high gas prices had people shopping in Portland rather than going to other towns to shop.

Keep retail dollars in Portland ?? You can't buy clothes, shoes, or many many other things in Portland ! You HAVE to leave Portland if you want most things or else shop online !

I missed the mayor on the news. What did he say ??

As for those people who said they didn't want Portland to grow...they moved to the right place ! LOL LOL

Sorry for the double post. There was a technical error and it said it didn't post, but apparently it did--twice.

Anyone see Mayor Wilbur on Fox/Nashville tonight? I wonder how many people were yelling at him on the TV that the gas price is artificially high at Portland's gas stations. Case in point--yesterday afternoon in Hendersonville, gas was $3.57 at brand-name stations, not just discount stations; gas in Portland, $3.79/$3.85/$3.95. I think over the weekend the news reported that the average price of gas was $3.71 in Middle TN. We are still well above average, in fact, it almost appears that we are spoiling the statistical curve. Yeah, that's what keeps the retail dollars in Portland because people don't want to use the gas to go out of town to shop.

Anyone see Mayor Wilbur on Fox/Nashville tonight? I wonder how many people were yelling at him on the TV that the gas price is artificially high at Portland's gas stations. Case in point--yesterday afternoon in Hendersonville, gas was $3.57 at brand-name stations, not just discount stations; gas in Portland, $3.79/$3.85/$3.95. I think over the weekend the news reported that the average price of gas was $3.71 in Middle TN. We are still well above average, in fact, it almost appears that we are spoiling the statistical curve. Yeah, that's what keeps the retail dollars in Portland because people don't want to use the gas to go out of town to shop.

MrandMr I just want to say there are several of us here in town already.

LOL @ MDL Great song selection

Hey, sorry to detour the bandwagon, but I saw a sign on the square in Franklin today that Hollywood's was opening a place there. Isn't that the White House place ya'll have talked about in the past?

Also, I was thinking, don't know why this crossed my mind, but wouldn't it be great if this page played music? I know it won't ever, but I was thinking that old silly song Harper Valley PTA would be perfect........

Lighten up people!!!!!

a beautiful town????? these lovers must have been riding the backroads. yeah sounds like a hoax, anyway there goes the neighborhood.

portland fan - I tend to agree with your post below

Don't get too wrapped up in this latest topic. It has local hoax written all over it. "This is a beautiful town..." ??? I think it's just somebody local trying to have some fun and engage people in a debate.

I would love it Mr. and Mr.! I would enjoy bringing something lovely and different to Portland..... I hope you feel comfortable and make the move here! If you do decide to come this way I will give you my email address and you will have a friend already.

I do not have a problem with gay couples as long as you do not flaunt it in public.

Since you asked, I will say I do not agree with your lifestyle and I do not believe you are born that way. It's a choice you make. I could go into what the Bible says about homosexuality but I will save that for another day. I'm sure you have already heard it many times.

Good luck where ever you decide to live.

Mr. & Mr.

While I don't have a problem with it I will tell you that for the most part, Portland is a very "religious" community and I would be very cautious about broadcasting your situation to people. While Portland advertises itself as "Progressive", it is far from that. Unfortunately I don't believe you would find much compassion here with regards to your circumstance because of the Religious types that seem to rule here.

Again, I have no problem with it at all, but if your looking to "blend" I fear that you would very much stick out and get alot of whispering going on around you in Portland.

You may be better off closer in to Nashville.

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do.

I am in school and I knew about it last year! I knew its wrong all along. I was so upset thinking eveyone loved her and she was doing that on the side. I was so angry. I know its wrong and most of the students know that to. I hope she gets the punishment she desreves. She was a teacher with children of her own. She hurt us all.

I am in school and I knew about it last year! I knew its wrong all along. I was so upset thinking eveyone loved her and she was doing that on the side. I was so angry. I know its wrong and most of the students know that to. I hope she gets the punishment she desreves. She was a teacher with children of her own. She hurt us all.

Not to burst your bubble, but you won't be the first to our small town. If you don't make a big deal out of it, then there won't be a big deal.

Hello to all in Portland, I wanted to tell everyone that this is a beautiful town. We live on the West Coast and are considering moving to Portland. We are a "Gay" male couple and we want to know how the city of Portland would welcome us to your community. Please everyone leave your comments so we will know.

Thank you,

Mr. and Mr.

i am a former student of portland highschool and i graduated just last year. i was and am good friends with both boys who have been named to have relations with Mrs. Binkley. I and many of their other friends knew about it all along. I was shocked to get a message at college saying it had came out. All i know is that what the news is saying is not true. it was NOT just one time or just one boy.

Please allow me a moment to rant here. Why do so many people disregard their neighbors and allow their dogs to bark for hours at a time right here in the middle of Portland? We were enjoying a beautiful peaceful evening sitting on the back deck, only to have the peace disturbed by numerous dogs barking over in the Delrose area--probably more than a quarter mile from our house. Lands, if it's that loud and annoying here, I feel sorry for the people who live next door or across the street! If you have dogs, you have obligations. Train them to not bark for long periods of time. If you can't do this yourself, get a dog trainer or vet's advice. We're not talking about dogs barking because your stuff's being stolen--we're talking about hours of barking, almost daily, and when one starts barking, all the other outside dogs seem to join in. Your neighbors don't want to be ugly about your barking dogs but if you won't take care of the problem, then things can surely get ugly. Does anyone really need that anxiety?

This is true of other things as well, not just dogs. Ask yourself if you are being a good neighbor--is your yard well kept, do you keep noise to a moderate level, do you play your music loudly when driving, do you throw garbage out of your car while driving--these simple things go a long way to keeping a neighborhood peaceful and keeping the neighbors happy, and makes Portland a more pleasant place to live.

Okay, I feel better--got that off my chest!

I thought it was sad when I read the comments to the stories concerning the Portland High School teacher on the different television web sites. Several of the students were defending her. They don't understand what was wrong with what she did. That kind of thinking is scary.

http://www.wkrn.com/
It has a short story about it..

http://www.wkrn.com/
It has a short story about it..

lets hope its not true but......... I think praying for her dear family is a great idea. I hate to think of what they are feeling right now. I am hurt and I am not her children or husband.

all I can say is wow. we heard about this & God bless her family's hearts. I'm hoping to see them in Church Sunday but we don't blame them one ioda if they decide not to come. some folks seem to relish in passing judgement whether fairly or not. call us honey if you wanna talk.

its a same it really is....

At the school 1:30pm is News4 and one of the other newsmedia, and Newschannel5 is at the Police Dept.

she was very close to my daughter.. It has just upset her very much and I am just shocked. I am in udder disbelif. I do not understand someone throwing their life away.

Had a high school student tell me that the teacher was escorted out of school yesterday in handcuffs. Supposely the school is telling the students not to talk to the media. This is something that does not need to be kept hush hush.

I also tried to call to get info but nothing. I wonder why she had not been arrested yet? If this is the truth I am not throwing her under the bus just would like to know the facts. If she has been fired that is not a good sign

I also tried to call to get info but nothing. I wonder why she had not been arrested yet? If this is the truth I am not throwing her under the bus just would like to know the facts. If she has been fired that is not a good sign

Heard the news about the teacher/students affair at Portland High this morning. She was fired from her position yesterday. Getting news out of the school is almost impossible. They are very good at keeping things in house. Hopefully, someone will step up and tell us the truth about what is going on there.

my son is a student at Portland High and I overheard them talking about it last month. I cant believe that it has not been on the news and everywhere... from what I understand its not a surprise to most of the students who knew her.

I hope this is just a rumor. If it isn't, we might have the state and national media coming to town. Hopefully this election and financial crisis will keep them occupied and they'll stay away.

No way..... hadn't heard anything about that.

Anyone know the details about the Portland High school teacher getting arrested today for sleeping with 3 of her students?

Brooke,
The only info I have is from newspaper.
Not sure how zoning will change.
Schools are scheduled to open Fall 2009.
New Middle School is accross from High School on College Street.
There will be 2 Middle Schools for Portland.
Hope that helps a little.

I would like to know more about the new schools being built in Portland. I can find very little information on ANY website. Does anyone know how the new elementary school will affect zoning? When are the schools scheduled to open? Where is the new middle school located at? What will happen to the old middle school? I've been searching for weeks and can't find any info on these new schools!!

Terry George - No Problem, They are a great organization, just wish people would respect our town and this organization better and not leave things after hours because it sure is an eyesore to visitors that wouldn't naturally know what/why things are just left by the side of the road there as they drive thru town.

Wasn't getting on to you Judy,sorry if it seemed that way.

LOL - you will have dumpers everywhere you live, it's just how some people are, with burning being so open here which I find shocking, and the ease of getting things disposed of here IF one lives in the City limits there really is no reason for dumping!! If someone is gonna take the time to load it and take it somewhere to dump it chances are they can't afford to have trash pick up, and more than likely won't pay to dump it in it's proper place even IF it was right next door. When I lived in FL you had garbage pick up ONLY, if you had other stuff it was your responsibility to take it to one of the Dumps which you paid by the size of what you were dumping. There was NO burning of leaves, trees, debris, etc and a thrift store to give donations to there was few and far between if any. You didn't dare leave a pile of anything sitting for long or you would be cited for it. It's a whole different ball game here, but like here..... People found an out of the way less traveled road, and left there unwanted belongings there for someone else to clean up.

Terry George - I am not blaming CARES, no it is not there fault that people dump by the road, but with as long as this has been going on why won't they take down those darn ropes and atleast designate a place for after hours drop offs. Atleast it would keep it off the roads.

You cannot blame CARES for the trash out by the road.They HAVE a proper drop off place and signs stating that it is illegal to dump there.Blame the people who break the law by dumping on the state right of way.It's the same as throwing out a sack of garbage along the side of 109 anywhere else.

I apologize I wasn't being clear. What I was trying to imply without coming out & saying it is... I think maybe sometimes people dump when they don't have trash pickup. Whew, I said it.

sorry, thought we were talking City of Portland, don't know try calling the county.

Yes, we have trash pickup in city limits, but what about outside of city limits?

Trash - Inside City limits, it's simple, place it to the road on your trash day and they will pick it up or if it is too big (ex: appliances, furniture, lg trees etc) they will radio for another truck. We have never had them not pick anything up we've placed out there. If it is resellable items, one can call CARES here in Portland or the HOPE center in Whitehouse, they do pick large items that are in saleable condition. Or if you want to drive to drop things off you can take it to these same places during normal business hours or there is a drive thru Goodwill place in Hendersonville that seems to have better hours.

CARES- Will the new cares place have proper drop off places where people won't be dropping donations on the roads? Look at the one they have now on 109 I drove by there at 7:30am this morning and it was all over out front. Don't think anyone complains about the organization itself, just the trash that seems to end up at the roads after hours and on weekends.

I wonder if they have ever had a place here in Portland where you can bring your trash & pay to have it dumped? I just believe there is a lot of people who have trash and don't know how to get rid of it.

I think I would be ashamed to gripe about a place like CARES,who helps so many people.Hope you never have need of their assistance.But knowing those people like I do,they'd still help you even if you did complain about them.

Oh Just Great!! trash spread all over hwy 52 from dumpers/donators. I hope it's not the new cares bldg

It may be the new Portland C.A.R.E.S. building.

Does anyone know what is being built on Hwy 52E next to the daycare center? I hope it's not more storage buildings.

Looks like Road Construction is about to begin between 76 and 52 on highway 109. They have been putting up concrete barracades. I hope the state was smart enough to make the intersection at 76 big with turn lanes on all four sides.

You should read the story about this wrestling event in the latest issue of The Progressive. Very interesting!

GOMER - I only read about it in the paper as there was some conflict with the city, it didn't state, when or time other that at the Richland Gym in October. I did find this information on the internet

Mike Porter
National Wrestling Alliance
Board of Directors Alternate
P. O. Box 160224
Nashville, Tenn. 37216
Office: 615-262-4455

They are doing one in Murfreesboro tomorrow and it appears (not positive) that tickets are sold thru that high schools wrestling club. Hope this helps.

has anyone heard about that NWA wrestling event next month in town ? our kids would love it but can't find any details on when, time, ticket price,...any input greatly appreciated !

To heck with KFC, we need a Popeye's! Best chicken ever!

Has anyone besides me heard that they are going to fire Benny Bills tonight at the school board meeting? I understand it will take $500,000 to buy his contract out. Where is this money coming from?

I love Wendy's too but the last thing Portland needs is another burger joint. How about a Captain D's, Shoney's, or a KFC.

Portland needs a Wendy's. Go after it city council.

GOMER If your husband is going to get upset over something that simple then maybe you shouldn't be married.

does the city council here have any relevant input on what businesses move into town ? I don't live in town so I have no actual vote but would enjoy dropping a few ideas into a "suggestion box" anonymously I'm afraid. if my husband knew I even said anything I'd be in hot water !

Oh.... Tim Coker.... You are so right!! so used to U being the only Tim on the board, ooooops, sorry Tim, but you (Tim Coker) still need to consider running again for council.

Just a clarification, the Tim that posted is not me. (Tim Coker). Tis a popular name, I guess.

LOL Tim - I don't think so!!! But you should certainly reconsider running again.

I'm not thrilled about raising taxes, however I'm not against raising them either AS LONG as it is spent on the betterment of this community, and not for frivilous spending. I think this city is being run on a shoe string as it is... Nobody likes raising taxes however the revenue has to come from somewhere, there are more empty factories in this town right now that should accompany any business that might like to come here. When incentives and tax breaks come to terms end for big businesses over half of them pick up and move on to another location.

Our focus has to be RETAIL, and you will not get this without first investing to bring this place up to snuff! How about lowering the City Sales Tax base, is that an option? Would this keep more people shopping here and not in KY, if so we may make more in Tax revenue by lowering it because more money would be spent here in Portland.

Until we have the funds to properly support this town with more public safety, better water, and things of this nature we should NOT be encouraging further growth by lowering taxes on property, nor should we be incorporating any more area into the city limits. We can't handle what we have now! Besides that there are ample EMPTY houses on the market today, and will probably remain as such for the next few years why do we need to encourage new construction? Taxes here are not high!! Anyone who has lived other places and owned homes will tell you this area is about the cheapest they have encountered. The ole saying, you get what you pay for is definately evident in Portland.

sorry about the cornfusion Judy. a liquor tax, at least up north, was a city tax paid by bars, taverns, supper clubs that held a liquor permit. I don't recommend a property tax hike though. I've had people up north ask me about the area & they're interested until I send them MLS info & what they ask for a home around here without a basement, garage, paved driveway kills the deal there. for those opposed to the drinking issue has there ever been a bowling alley, roller skating rink, ....venues of this nature here ? the 1st thing I noticed when I arrived here was no new car dealership. if this is a city or county board issue of "set up shop but pay us big money upfront first" then game over. 45 years ago Chrysler wanted to build a plant where I grew up & the county board wanted big money first & Chrysler said here's the bottom dollar period. they moved 12 miles east into the next county & present day it's probably the most stable U S plant they have. if this is the case here either vote em out of town or run em outta town. there's a neat line in a sci-fi movie that goes "politicians are only interested in those who fund their campaigns".

I would love to see LBTD pass next time. The fact that it didn't pass this last time by lacking five votes is sad. That's just shear laziness of the voter to not get out and vote. We can blame govt all we want, but if we don't get out and vote, nothing will happen. I don't think it would solve the problems of Ptown, but it sure would help greatly!

Why do we need new ideas, new programs, and new taxes? Why cant we cut money from stuff that's really not vital to the growth of the city and use it where the city's #1 focus is? I know it's not like we got millions excess in programs that's being wasted, but are you gonna tell me that when the city tries to cut back on things people in this little town don't flip out?

seems everyones answer is always raise taxes. I am strongly against any new taxes.

Rather, I would like to see us increase the tax base. We do that by offering incentive to new business to come to Portland and also offer those incentives to existing businesses to either keep them here or free up more of thier money to hire more people, new construction of new homes, and yes LBTD will draw new business and increase income to those businesses that it would effect. With those increases would come increase revenue to the city. That is how we get more revenue in to the system.....adding more of a tax burden is not the answer.

Lowering the tax burden on all, is the answer, it would draw new business, draw new home construction and raise interest in this community. This combined with an aggressive campaign to "Re-introduce" Portland as a viable, thriving community is the direction we need to go. It won't happen overnight, but gradually, we would begin to see a turn.

A larger tax burden would actually deter people from building and buying here.

With the revenue from increasing the tax base, then would come the needed monies to do the other things we need to do.

I am a huge less Gov't person, with that in mind, burdening people with higher property taxes that are already struggling to make ends meet, would be counter productive.

Judy,

How absurd!! Raise taxes to fund capital improvements in hopes it will lure new retail and corporate bussinesses here? Proposterious!! And then support LBTD as well? Thats crazy talk woman! How dare you bring forward thinking to our backward thinking little hamlet.LOL.

Of course, I'm being sarcastic. I like the idea my self but its gonna be a hard sell. It doesnt affect me personally since I dont live in town, but I would be more likely to shop closer to home and spend my $$ in town if we had somewhere to spend it. Maybe you should run for council. Dont know how far you'll get on the "higher taxes and LBTD" platform but maybe it'll get some folks thinking.:)

GOMER - I'm a tad confused (doesn't take much) on what you are trying to say, are you saying we need to give tax breaks and need liquor by the drink passed or just the opposite.

I personally feel we need to raise city property tax, give this town the face lift that is long overdue, (more public safety, better streets, added sidewalks, green ways, a new city hall, old fashioned street light poles, some nice welcome to Portland signs, dress up & modernize meadowbrook park as it's visible from the road) to help influence businesses by letting them know we DO care about our town and aren't afraid to invest in it, existing businesses should be given a time line to comply with the same. AND let's get LBTD passed so we can cut those taxes back in a couple years.

ya'll have a nice little village here but be warned of this: without healthy tax breaks & the no-go attitude with the liquor by the drink issue good luck. look at the mid-western towns that had a heavy industrial base for so long then it dried up & died. whether it's the different churches or stubborn land barons please wake up before it's too late. & when it dries up you'll be left with a lot of social problems (crime) & nobody worth their mettle to handle it. that & what's the deal with home prices in town SHEESH ?!?

Lo - YES that is the building, Wow if only all of Portland could be built like this!! We'de be struttin in high class!! Kudo's to Dr Porter and the builder!

Judy, if you're talking about the building on 109 going toward 76 that I think you're talking about...it's Dr. Porter's new building. Great, isn't it?

more and more just keeps being done on this man. When is he just going to be thrown into jail?

http://www.wsmv.com/news/17442815/detail.html

Amazing! Things just keep surfacing about this man & not in a good way. He can't just go around manipulating people to do what HE wants.

Wow, that blog is a lot more exciting than this one. Kinda like a tabloid of sorts! Thanks for the link.

Well looky as to what I just found. The owner/CEO and Publisher of The Portland Progressive, Mr John Cook, assaulted someone with a metal flashlight that caused a 4 inch laceration to their face on Sept 10th. You can read about it here...

http://springcleaning.wordpress.com/

DebraP - That would be GREAT, perhaps for non emergency medical services. I travel to Gallatin to SRMG 3rd floor of hosp wing for Dr's apts and it sure would be nice to have something closer for colds & minor illnesses. Thanks for the info, Hope you're right!

What I have been told Sumner Regional is suppose to be building a clinic here in Portland.
Hope so!

Maybe someone can answer my question.

I was driving down 109 in front of the Portland Hospital and thought I saw a sign on the opposite side of the street that said Sumner Regional Medical Center Coming Soon... I happened to catch it at a glance so not sure if I read it correctly, or if maybe this is an old sign or if I was seeing things... LOL any info anybody.

BTW that new building on 109 going towards hwy76 looks FANTASTIC! Great Job! WOW!!

What I know about ZAP is that they were deciding between Indiana and KY. The deciding factor was two fold. 1. They already had a business in Franklin they did business with and 2. KY gave them over 50million in incentives.
The state did that not the city.
Would I like more high paying jobs? YES!
But many cities have no jobs, be glad we have some.
States have the ability to give incentives that make a difference on multi-million dollar projects, and they are usually structured over several years.
I am glad for them, and I would rather it be in Franklin then in Indiana, so our people can work there.
The notion that a city can go out and land thousands of jobs at one time is not very rational.
Those who put up the capital investment decides where to go. If they show interest in us, we will do all we can to help; zoning, utilities, fast-track grants. etc..

To say our city leaders do not want business and that our people are not smart, is one of the most nonsensical things I have ever heard.

P.S.
When I became frustrated I ran for office; I encourage you to do the same.

To I Don't Get It.....

I understand your frustration. The reason Franklin, Gallatin, and our other neighbors are flourishing is because of progressive city leaders, and in general, a smarter population. We have neither.

I have given up arguing the point, and will probably not even vote in the next city election, because no one who ever runs ever makes a difference.

To BoBo, yes, Peyton's and others like them are worthless because the jobs they provide do nothing to change the culture of this town. Has anyone tried living on $7.50 or $8.50 an hour? It doesn't go very far. I guess the local landlords and rental kings are happy though, because the more low-wage earners there are here, the more their business flourishes!

Even though he is gone now, I want to give props to Eddie Smith, the former administrator at the Portland Medical Center.
Very active in the community and seemed to always want to do what's best for the community.
He was involved with the chamber of commerce and they seem to be active.

We will miss you Eddie.

Re: Electric plant choosing Franklin, From what I read;

"Franklin officials learned of Waldman's desire to build this plant when the Industrial Authority Executive read about it in a newspaper article. Community leaders set up a meeting with Waldman the following week"

They agressively went after it!!
They had 13 other states submit unsolicited offers, KY's signing of an executive order to permit the use of low-speed electric vehicles on KY highways was critical to their decision over Indiana and the land already had necessary permits making it ready for immediate development.

I don't know if Portland did, or didn't go after them, perhaps councilman Callis can answer that. I've heard that Franklin went after this plant agressively and removed most any obstical in the way quickly! The incentives are based on the co's commitment to bring 4,000 new full time jobs within the first 4 yrs, with average wages at $20. per hr.

I don't know if Portland was ever a consideration. However it came down between Indiana and Franklin, KY. Franklin got the deal as they gave the best tax incentive to them and the area is really thriving.

Has anyone heard an explanation as to why the car plant that's going into Franklin didn't come to Portland? Did they even consider us?
I don't understand why Portland can't snag some of these companies.

I read in the Progressive about the new chamber of commerce president, Kim Delaney.

I don't know her, but I have heard GREAT things about her. Maybe she will energize the local community?

Ms. Thompson,

I understand. Can't business be interesting some days?

Anybody see the accident near Krystals/Jackson Rd area today around 4:30p, my husband said it looked pretty bad, hopefully no serious injuries. They really need to do something with that area.

What if,
That is an excellent question to ask. The press schedule was rearranged for optimal production; The Portland Leader was offered a chance to go to press on Monday or to take a position very early on Wednesday morning.

It was my call -- it made more sense for three reasons: one, by moving my deadline back it allowed us to give you more late-breaking news; two, if we went to press earlier rather than later, we wouldn't be able to add weekend events/news; and three, by going to press on Monday meant Leader employees would have to work all day on Sunday in order to meet press deadlines.

I realize Leader readers will have to adjust to the change. For those who want to read The Portland Leader first, our paper is out on the racks first.

We know nobody likes change to their routine -- and this has definitely been a change for everybody; but I believe this is a change we can all adjust to.

Thanks for your understanding.

Sonya Thompson, Editor
The Portland Leader

Hey,did anyone else notice the Leader has decided to come out a day later than they used to. Apparently, they will be for sale on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. I read both papers in town, so it really doesn't matter. But I don't understand why you would move from a day that makes you the first newspaper available to the day the other newspaper comes out.
I guess with the small amount of business knowledge I have, that doesn't seem to make sense. I am not sure I would do it with my business.
Oh, well. I am sure they thought about it before they did it.

Maybe Peytons will be the next to close. That place needs to be out of business because of the way they treat their employees.

Mr C____that ( I don't get it )was talking about has to be Larry Collins. Maybe one day He'll try building some retail places that would help Portland grow which would help make Portland more attractive to Higher Paying factories.

Wanted to share a site I came across today, and just in time for the upcoming holiday season.

http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/

Great variety and selection of cakes, candies, cookies, pies, and other neat recipes all printer friendly. Enjoy!

DebraP - My Sis In Law has the same worries. On the bright side, good to see you have active interest in your rental property, that is a blessing these days. There are so many houses around here that have sat for over a year with no buyers. Like you, hoping for some light at the end of the tunnel with a new president!

I know which plant you are talking about Judy. My husband works there. They have been really, really slow and have lost some key employees because of it. They have started getting houses from their other plants so the hours have picked up. My husband is salary but I still worry but the plant maybe having to shut down.

It seems every time I go out I see another house that has been abandoned. We are trying to sell our rental property and have had several lookers and a couple of offers. So it seems people are still looking to buy.

I just hope the new president can get us out of the hugh hole Bush has put us in.

DebraP - There is another factory in town that appears to be experiencing difficulties as well and they are one of higher pay, making construction related products and we all know what has happened to the housing boom. Some of their employees are fearful of their job security, and this would really hurt. I don't know what the answer is, the economy is bad all over but other areas near by are striving, growing, and moving forward against the grain. I've lived in an industrial town before and watched it fall from beneath it's feet, and Portland is getting scarier every month, I have an investment here, one that if I sold it today would take a loss from that a year ago if I were luky enough to sell it. The forclosures are popping up everywhere I don't think we've seen the worst yet.

I seen where the City of Franklin KY has proposed to lower the City Property Tax Rate AND the City Personal Property Tax Rate!!... Why? Because of recent growth! by doing so they will still receive revenue greater than the prior year! Portland could be so lucky to have this problem.

I think it's time for change in Portland too! Elections coming up early next year, I'll be watching this one also very closely! Will it be another 2 yrs of the same ol, same ol. If Portland wants to live up to it's moto they need to get moving, or change the signs..... Anybody else agree?

Portland is an industrial town and always will be. The bottom of the barrel factories locate here because they can get away with low pay.

Portland has seen many factories close over the years which has hurt. There is Lawnlite, Delmet, Cissell, Fautless, Petals, the casket factory, Sofa Express, just to name a few. I also hear the pool table place is in trouble since they moved here from Calif. GSI will be gone at the end of the month. Why can't these companies make it in Portland? I don't think it is all because of the economy. Is it the location? The work force? Poor management? Taxes?

Comments........

Is Portland doing something wrong, or are we just the black sheep of the area.

Franklin lands Lowes, Krogers + more to come, then Peebles, and now the Electric Car plant that will employ as many as 4k workers with the average wage being $20 per hr. And you can bet other auto related industries will follow them! Perhaps Portland will land the bottom of the barrel factories from the bunch to add to the rest of our wonderful industrial town! I'm sure Mr. C___ is ringing up his cash register as we speak! And figuring what land of his needs rezoning to accomodate them!

What is going on here! We have no State Income Tax, yes our sales tax is higher, but come on!! All we hear is we are trying to sell portland to businesses it is up to them if they come here, well once again our neighbors to our north come out smelling like roses and we are left in the dust! Zero Zip Nada, same ole, same ole!! And more places out of state for Portland $$$$$ to be spent! This has got to STOP!

Next to Lowes in Franklin? If so, it's a Kroger and a strip mall of several different stores. Off the top of my head, I can only rememeber one of the stores is a Dollar Tree type store. I think there are suppose to some more eating places too.

Peeples is a dept store like a Khols! I am thrilled.........

At the Council meeting last night, Mr. Hobdy asked the Mayor what is happening with Jackson Road, and I really didn't hear the whole answer, except that there is a hold-up with CEMC and the Phone Co. moving their access lines.

What I really don't understand is this: There was such a big to-do in the Council almost a year ago about getting this project going before asphalt prices went up. Well, I think its safe to say they have gone up, and yet the section of Jackson Rd between Hwy 52 and Knight Drive has been "temporarily paved" not once, but twice, and the curves and ditches are as treacherous as ever. What gives? Bring in a doggone bulldozer, straighten the road, and get it paved PERMANENTLY!

Angel Food is a program where you get good food for one low price. Also, there are no qualifications to meet. Here is their website: http://www.angelfoodministries.com/

What is the Angel Food Program and what is Peeples?
Does anyone know what is being built next to Lowes?

We've done Angel Food several times and were always impressed. Especially with the specials, they have always had good cuts of meat and you can't beat the price. Glad to see a church here in Portland finally offering it. It's a great service!

Excited about the Peebles in Franklin, they have great sales!!!

I want to take a moment to say thank you to Oak Street Baptist Church. In August I ordered from their Angel Food program for the first time. I was blown over by the amount of food we received. I am a single mom with 2 boys and it is definetly a blessing to say the least. I will definetly order again from them.

Thank you from all 3 of us!!!!

As anyone noticed that there is a Peeples going in at Franklin??

What's happening on the new place on 109 at the north end of town, (hollywoods spin off) looks like they've come to a halt on site work. Anybody have an update?