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November 09, 2007
We're Number Three!
It's almost like he's come over to my side and is actively working against himself. Ron Littlefield says such stupid things, that the headlines in the mainstream press are reading like headlines in this website. Yesterday a Times Free Press screamer head announced that Ron admitted to scheming to gerrymander Marti out of District 6. Yeah, sure, I said that weeks ago, but he seems to forget that that kind of sleazy backroom maneuvering--while common--is why people hate politicians and don't trust their government.
It reminded me of the first time I read the Crutchfield/Littlefield transcripts: disgusting on its face and because the 'playing' is so clearly an everyday occurrence. He doesn't see his duties in re-districting as a civic obligation to allign districts with population movement, it's just a great chance to push a possible future opponent out of the way. If you didn't read it, you need to go back and look it up.
Now today's paper has a quote from Ron saying that it is his lifelong goal to be the number three city in the state. Leaving aside the grammatical issues, I think we really must stop to ponder a leader of a city that claims a lifelong aspiration to THIRD PLACE!
I mean, it's great that Chattanooga is finally gaining population after years of decline. Frankly a lot of hard work went into that--none of it by this poser. But as I read it, I imagined Chattanoogans sitting with their morning paper wondering about the psyche of the man who is supposed to be leading the way to the future, glowing about being the third largest city in Tennessee.
I can imagine the ad agency that handles the Chamber of Commerce account went right to work on a big, "We're Number Three!" campaign.
The punch line here (well, one of them) is that we aren't number three. We're still the fourth largest city in the state. Ron, on behalf of all 168,000 of us: just shut up.
On a personal note, I really believe that Chattanooga is far, far better than Knoxville, a city I find to be ugly and a blight. I like Chattanooga better than Memphis as well. If it weren't for the Titans, the Preds and the amazing Ryman Theater, we'd be pretty damn close to Nashville too. However, I look forward to getting back to making Chattanooga the best it can be by standards somewhat higher than Ron seems to have. I just wanted to remind all of us that a better mayor is crucial to building on the momentum of past great mayors. As Tony Soprano might say, "Don't Stop Believin'."
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| By Billy Blades | 06:36 AM
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