July 25, 2006

Pith In The Wind reports. You decide.

Readers may be curious to know that GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Bryson's prayer force has reached 61 members statewide. An excerpt from yesterday's email "prayer alert" asks the almighty not just to "undergird" the candidate, but also to strengthen the "prayer force" too:
[God Bless Him - Pith In The Wind - 07-25-06]

July 24, 2006

The following story comes via Bill Hobbs. This is an outrageous violation of both the letter and spirit of laws protecting open and transparent government in the state of Tennessee. Corker is the likely Republican candidate to run against Democrat Harold Ford Jr. for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's open Senate seat. Democrats should join conservative voices who are demanding these records be produced.

Former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker's official e-mails are missing from the city of Chattanooga and may have been stolen, according to city officials and a police report. The e-mails, contained on a compact disc, were discovered missing after the campaign of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ed Bryant sought to obtain them last month through an Open Records Act request, officials said.

Mr. Bryant, Mr. Corker and Van Hilleary are seeking the Republican Senate nomination in the Aug. 3 primary election. The request for the e-mail was made as researchers from the Bryant campaign comb through Corker-era city documents, including audits.
[Corker e-mails missing - Chattanooga Times Free Press - 07-22-06]

July 21, 2006

Wow. As the Tennessee Republican Party asks him to consider ending his campaign for governor, Volunteer Voters shares Albertini's side of this post.

Mr. Albertini sounded quite displeased with the evening's events. He relayed to me the dishonor that this charge had brought to his wife and his Lord. He said he had never been charged with "anything like this before." No DUI, nothing.

He told me that the charge had not been just "dropped" but that he had pled "no contest" and that the charge would be removed from his record.

As to his alcohol consumption, he said that he had only a glass of red wine five hours prior to his arrest. He was given no field sobriety, no breathalyzer, no blood test. He was simply approached by two officers and was told that there had been "some complaints."
[Albertini: Eight Months of My Life Down To This - Volunteer Voters - 07-21-06]

July 21, 2006

One candidate for TN Governor poops in the yard, and now this.

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Mark Albertini was taken into custody on a public intoxication charge Thursday evening, Knox County Sheriff’s officials said today.

The arrest of the Chattanooga businessman was made after a Republican rally at Elizabeth Lane Farm in Knoxville, where GOP U.S. Senate candidates and those running for governor were invested to speak.

Albertini was still being held in the Knox County jail shortly before 8 a.m. Nashville time today, sheriff’s officials said
[Albertini, candidate for governor, jailed on drunkenness charge - Tennessean - 07-21-06]

July 21, 2006

If you could profile the small business owner that hires illegal aliens in the Middle Tennessee area, what would that profile be? Make a list. Would it include someone as ruthless and with little value on human life as this story indicates?

Police today identified Simon Lopez Ramirez as the man who seems to have died of heat-related causes after being pushed out of a slow-moving truck last week.

He was left in the grass on the exit ramp of I-24 West at Shelby Ave., according to a police statement. Investigators are looking for the driver of a white Chevy Silverado pickup truck with an extended cab and a red temporary tag.
[Man who died after being pushed from car identified - Tennessean - 07-20-06]

July 21, 2006

Ever since state environmental regulators stopped BFI on March 20 of this year from shipping Nashville's poop to Rutherford County, one neighborhood has been dealing with a stinky backlog... pun intended.

Sludge at Metro's wastewater treatment plants is backing up because the company that was hired to haul it away has fallen behind and is taking away five fewer truckloads a day.

The 1,850-ton backlog has slowed the treatment plants' operations, increasing the costs of processing waste and raising fears of an eventual public health problem, according to Metro officials involved in a contract dispute with the hauler, which is unhappy with its current pay.

And while officials said the backlog doesn't have anything to do with the extremely strong odor often emanating from the plants, at least one nearby resident was skeptical after learning about it from a reporter.
[Sludge backlog causes a stink - Tennessean - 07-21-06]

When problems like this arise, sometimes you have to put people in office that can really fix the problem.

Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howard Switzer has an old-world way of fertilizing his garden at his 65-acre home in Linden, Tenn. Even though the house, which he’s remodeling, has indoor plumbing, Switzer and his wife, Katey, prefer to go to the bathroom outside. The waste, rich in nitrogen, isn’t actually wasted at all.
[Political Crapper - Nashville Scene Off Limits - 07-20-06]

July 20, 2006

They must water their lawns in Franklin, TN. A water emergency has been declared. Hmmmm...

The city is asking residents and businesses to immediately curtail non-essential water uses such as surface and non-commercial car washing, filling swimming pools, use of water for construction dust control, and watering of lawns, shrubs or gardens during daylight hours (watering plants is acceptable from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.)

Water is drawn from the Harpeth River and purchased from the Harpeth Valley Utility District.

"If Harpeth Valley's pumps go out, we'd be in trouble," Miller said.
[Franklin declares water shortage emergency - Tennessean - 07-20-06]

July 20, 2006

I don't know why he wasn't serious. Would most Republicans vote to defend marriage by banning divorce and criminalizing adultery? Either the institution of marriage is sacred enough to protect it from these real threats, or it's just another right to be exercised between willing and consenting adults.

Rep. Lincoln Davis was not being serious when he made comments on the House floor earlier this week suggesting that divorce and adultery should be against the law, his spokesman said today.

Tom Hayden, the spokesman, said Davis, a Democrat from Frentress County, made the over-the-top comments during a debate Tuesday on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage that the issue was being brought up by Republicans as an election year ploy.

"The intent of the Congressional speech was not to say that he intends to introduce legislation making divorce and adultery a felony," Hayden said. "Rather the intent was to point out the purely partisan nature and timing of the amendment."
[Rep. Davis not serious about outlawing divorce, spokesman says - Tennessee - 07-20-06]

July 19, 2006

Since my post just last night listing several pit bull attacks in the past couple of days, two more girls were viciously attacked.

"I seen the dog jump up onto two girls." said Curtis Cosby, who was working at nearby job site and watched the attack. "One of them was hollering and screaming. Then the guy tried to pull the dog back, but it got away from and jumped on the other girl. The dog started going after her stomach and her arm."
[Girls Injured In Hunter's Point Pit Bull Attack - FoxReno - 07-19-06]

A pit bull attack two weeks ago of a Putnam County boy has prompted Putnam County Sheriff David Andrews to seek a ban on pit bulls similar to a ban in Sparta.

According to CDC data, shared by Aunt B. of Tiny Cat Pants, A majority of fatal dog attacks between 1979 - 1998 were done by pit bulls. A majority of the fatalities (70%) were children. A majority (78%) of these fatal attacks occured on the pet owner's property.

July 19, 2006

This Tennessee gubernatorial candidate and his wife poop and pee in the yard. I kid you not. Read for yourself at Nashvile Scene's Off Limitis. (via Volunteer Voters)

Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howard Switzer has an old-world way of fertilizing his garden at his 65-acre home in Linden, Tenn. Even though the house, which he’s remodeling, has indoor plumbing, Switzer and his wife, Katey, prefer to go to the bathroom outside. The waste, rich in nitrogen, isn’t actually wasted at all.
[Political Crapper - Nashville Scene Off Limits - 07-20-06]

July 19, 2006

As MTSU moves forward with its 20-year growth plan into Murfreesboro, local unorganized property owners are left confused by their tactics in taking their property.

Mike Willman is scratching his head over a letter he received Friday afternoon notifying him the state is condemning property he owns next to MTSU.

"I was actually shocked," said the Franklin resident. "I didn't think they would do any eminent domain action."

Now it looks like the owner of a 125-foot-by-60-foot lot at 121 N. Baird Lane, across the street from Domino's Pizza, is being forced to sell his property to MTSU for what the university says is its appraised value. An independent appraisal conducted by MTSU valued the property at $44,500.
[MTSU condemns land - Daily News Journal - 07-19-06]

July 18, 2006

At the heart of Murfreesboro's story of massive growth and development is a clash between community values and change. Too often, the community expresses outrage well after permission was granted by elected officials for developers to demolish historic sites for strip malls and housing.

The latest opportunity for area residents to preserve history from the threat of 30 town houses while they have a chance is the McCulloch House.

James Patterson is hoping the group he leads and other historic preservation groups in Rutherford County can come up with $500,000 in 30 days to purchase the McCulloch House and the nearly 2 acres it sits on at 565 River Rock Blvd. and save the house that played a significant role in the Battle of Stones River from demolition. Property owner Howard Wilson decided to extend the offer of selling the property for its appraised value to the group after reading in The Daily News Journal about the groups' efforts to save the Hiram Jenkins Home on Gresham Lane — the home on the National Register of Historic Places was razed June 10 — and their attention now turning to the McCulloch House.

"If they are going to do something, I want to give them the opportunity," he said, but "time is of the essence."
[McCulloch House owner offers chance for preservation - Daily News Journal - 07-18-06]

July 18, 2006

I'm biased, but we did choose Murfreesboro when moving back here from the Washington, D.C. area.

Murfreesboro ranks 84th in the magazine's list of the Top 100 places to live in the country. It was the only city in Tennessee to make the list.

"I think it is just another testament to our great quality of life, pro-business climate and affordability," said Holly Sears, director of economic development for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. "It is a testimony that Murfreesboro is not only a great place to live but a great place to do business."
['Boro tops Tennessee for living - Daily News Journal - 07-18-06]

July 17, 2006

Three Republicans are fighting a nasty primary in a closely watched race for Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's open seat. A recent allegation that a chicken assaulted a campaign worker is just the latest. The winner of the Republican primaries will face Democratic Senatorial candidate Harold Ford, Jr.

Tennessee Political Pulse sums up an earlier story from the Chattanoogan about an alleged assault and has some pretty good ideas as to what really happened.

According to an account Friday in the chattanoogan.com a Corker campaign staffer - Bryan Shannon - claims he was "assaulted" by a kid in a chicken suit early Friday as Shannon worked the early voting polling place. Shannon said he was assaulted as he innocently attempted to snap a photo of a kid dressed like a chicken who was holding a sign critizing Corker for being too chicken to debate the other Republican primary candidates in his home town of Chattanooga.
[There's more to this Corker chicken tale - Tennessee Political Pulse - 07-13-06]

According to Chattanooga Deputy Police Chief Charles Cooke, who witnessed the incident, it appears the chicken was the one assaulted.

Chief Cooke said he was present just after noon Friday near the election office at Fourth and Lindsay and saw what appeared to be a "struggle" between the chicken and a Bob Corker partisan.

Chief Cooke said he saw Brian Shannon chasing the chicken down Lindsay Street. He said the chicken was trying to get away from Mr. Shannon.

The deputy chief said Mr. Shannon "was trying to stop the chicken from getting into the Volvo" he was driving.
[Deputy Police Chief Cooke Witnessed Chicken Incident - Chattanoogan - 07-17-06]

Of Course, Mr. Shannon denies.

There seems to be a concerted effort amongst some in the blogsphere, attempting to somehow make the events of Friday afternoon out to be my fault. This is both sad and distrubing. While I would like to think that deep down people want to do what is right, it is clear that some people are not wired this way and will stop at nothing to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
[Conservatives For Corker - Let's Set the Story Straight - 07-16-06]

Read more: Volunteer Voters: Entering The Spirit World

July 15, 2006

As long as it only "bothers" you after they have permission from elected officials to destroy our history, developers don't really care what you think. Without much protest made to our elected officials when it mattered, the Loyd Haven Farm home is now destroyed.

A Lascassas home that was the site of countless parties and charity events for decades is gone.

Developer David Waldron of Waldron Enterprises said earlier this week his company hadn't finalized plans to tear down the 171-year-old Loyd Haven Farm home on East Jefferson Pike, but a demolition permit for the house was issued Thursday.

By Friday, only debris remained.

"I hate to see the history of not only the county but the state destroyed," said John H. Phillips, who owns property on East and West Jefferson Pike. "It bothers me to see these things torn apart."

Phillips, a lifelong resident of Rutherford County, said he understands a property owner's right to develop his or her own property, but added it shouldn't come at the expense of preserving history.
[Developer demolishes Loyd Haven Farm home - Daily News Journal - 07-14-06]

July 14, 2006

That's the kind of mayoral leadership the people of Cooperstown, TN voted for in November 2004 when they elected convicted felon Danny Crosby. In fairness to the people of Cooperstown, 2004 was a year that a lot of Americans were conned into believing those running for office would be law-abiding and represent this country's best principles and values.

Robertson County Chancellor Laurence McMillan Jr. said he found “clear and convincing evidence” to support suspending Crosby because:

• Crosby told a police officer to make false comments about political detractors on the Internet;

• He ordered an officer to issue citations to those who signed a petition supporting his ouster and also threatened to sue them;

• The city’s police chief said Crosby was an irrational and dangerous person;

• Crosby encouraged police to target his adversaries for traffic violations.

McMillan said that, while he found allegations that Crosby used racial slurs and vulgar terms “inappropriate at best and disgraceful at worst,” those did not play into his decision.
[Judge suspends Coopertown mayor - Tennessean - 07-14-06]

July 13, 2006

Volunteer Voters has a good discussion going on the fact that today is Nathan Bedford Forrest Day in Tennessee. He even provides the Governor of Tennessee's official proclamation. This is a special observance of a Confederate General in the Civil War and the founding Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.

Pursuant to the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated §15-2-101, each year it shall be the duty of the governor to proclaim the following as days of special observance:

January 13.........Robert E. Lee Day
February 12........Abraham Lincoln Day
March 15...........Andrew Jackson Day
June 3..............Memorial or Confederate Decoration Day
July 13.............Nathan Bedford Forrest Day

More on the Klan's founding:

Six college students founded the Ku Klux Klan between December 1865 and the summer of 1866 in the town of Pulaski, Tennessee. Former Confederate officers, the six young men organized as a social club or fraternity and spent their time in horseplay of various types, including wearing disguises and galloping about town after dark. They were surprised to learn that their nightly appearances were causing fear, particularly among former slaves in the area. They quickly took advantage of this effect and the group began a rapid expansion. Various factions formed in different towns, which led to a meeting in April 1867 to codify rules and organizational structure.

At this meeting, former Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest was elected Grand Wizard, or supreme leader, of all the Klan. The organization was divided into a number of realms, dominions, provinces and dens, which were in turn led by Grand Dragons, Titans, Giants and Cyclopes.
[Ku Klux Klan - Anti-Defamation League]

July 12, 2006

Just in case you were confused by a post at KnoxViews expressing concern over "a big surprise on election day" that could cause "massive voter disenfranchisment" in upcoming elections here in TN, Volunteer Voters did some homework. It turns out that there will be no paper ballot offered in several counties with the state's permission. Early voting starts July 14. The general election is August 3.

July 11, 2006

Either several upstanding officers are lying on the stand, or Coopertown Mayor Danny Crosby is one of the most tyrannical and corrupt politicians in recent state history. Mayor Crosby's method for raising revenue for Coopertown's anti-tax leaders is shocking.

One Coopertown police sergeant testified that Coopertown Mayor Danny Crosby offered “a steak dinner” to the officer who arrested one of his critics and told him to send the woman a “nasty e-mail” under a fake name.

And another officer, who says he was wrongly fired after 30 days on the job, said it was clear Crosby didn’t want a traditional police department in the small Robertson County town.

“He wanted storm troopers,” said Corey Mead, who now works for the Sumner County sheriff’s office as a jailer.

Several current and former Coopertown officers took the stand Monday in a hearing to determine whether Crosby’s mayoral powers should be suspended immediately while an ouster lawsuit against him is pending.

They described an administration in which the mayor pressured them to target Hispanics, soldiers, nonresidents and political foes during routine patrols. Several said Crosby told them multiple times to ticket more drivers so city leaders could spend money without a property tax.
[Cop: Mayor sought 'storm troopers' - Tennessean - 07-11-06]

July 10, 2006

Some irresponsible politicians borrow and spend into record deficits to avoid generating needed revenue from taxes, but Coopertown Mayor Danny Crosby has found a much easier way.

Coopertown Mayor Danny Crosby routinely told police officers to ticket at least three or four motorists a day so the city could pay for services without a property tax, two town police officers testified in court this morning.

The mayor also told police that Hispanics were “easy targets” for tickets and told officers to monitor particular roads in search of political adversaries, according to testimony.

District Attorney General John Carney filed a court petition to have Crosby ousted from office. He’s accused in court filings of illegally running a speed trap in the small Robertson County town; having cops profile Hispanics, soldiers and out-of-towners for tickets and using officers to harass and threaten some members of the community
[Coopertown cops say Crosby told them to ticket motorists, including Hispanics - Tennessean - 07-10-06]

"Easy targets" helped increase Coopertown's revenue last year 1500%. Y'all come back now, ya hear?

Coopertown, Tennessee Mayor Danny Crosby is sitting on a huge budget surplus after he lowered the town's speed limits at the beginning of the year. Before the change, the town made just $10,172 from traffic citations in the last six months of 2004. In the first six months of this year, however, revenue jumped 1500 percent to $152,324. The cause, according to the mayor, is clear.

"Coopertown lowered speed limits and began enforcing them creating a big jump in revenue," Crosby told the Robertson County Times. "A big jump happens with good management."
[Tennessee Town Lowers Speed Limits for Revenue - TheNewspaper - 07-28-05]

Read more about the charges against this disgraceful mayor from this "Complaint For Order Of Suspension From Office and Writ Of Ouster" filed June 27, 2006

July 07, 2006

Take a look at this video of how unresponsive pit bull dogs are to supposedly responsible owners when they decide to attack people. Below is a story in today's Tennessean of yet another mauling of a child by a pit bull in the presence of the owner. Legislation is being considered to ban individuals from owning pit bulls.

Michael Winebarger was crossing Whitaker Road to play at the home of neighbors when Killer escaped out their front door and attacked, said Detective Donny Dunkan of the sheriff's department. "The mother" of the home where the dog lived "followed it out and beat it on the head and tried to get its jaws open getting him free," Dunkan said. "The boy got about a hundred stitches, mostly bites and puncture wounds, and it would have been a lot worse if the mother … hadn't saved him."

Dunkan said he would meet with the district attorney general's office today to consider the full legal repercussions of Friday's attack.

He said Harry Josh Lovell faces charges of dog theft for attempting to turn in a look-alike instead of Killer after the attack.

Killer is in custody at the Putnam County Animal Shelter in Cookeville.
[Call to ban pit bulls arises in Putnam County after mauling - Tennessean - 07-07-06]

View more video of this vicious and uncontrollable breed.

• Pit Bulls are tasered by cops
  
• Pit Bull attacks as owner fails to control pet
  

May 25, 2006

The Rutherford County Democratic Party (RCDP) launched our website today to help increase the party's profile and connect with one of the state's fastest growing populations. I am very proud to have worked with RCDP Chair Kellee Inskeep in designing and implementing this much-needed tool.

The website launch comes just a couple of months after the RCDP achieved its goal of opening a new office space off the square in Murfreesboro, TN. It also coincides with a visit to the county by Governor Phil Bredesen.

Rutherford County residents are broadly served by elected Democrats and have also experienced the fastest growth in the state and nation for new jobs (U.S. Dept. of Labor). The new website and offices for the RCDP will help bring county residents together and help shape our party's vision for our county and for the state of Tennessee.

April 24, 2006

The Mayor of Murfreesboro, TN today confirmed that he opposes "open meetings" reform that goes before the Tennessee Senate today.

"I believe the current statute is adequate," Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg said in an email asking whether he opposes or supports the "Sunshine In Government Improvement Act of 2006" (SB2471 / HB2495). The bill proposes to fine elected officials who fail to comply with the current "open meetings" law.

Mayor Bragg confirmed that neither he nor his office communicated his opposition to "open meetings" reform to the state legislature. "I have had no contact with the County Services Association," Mayor Bragg asserted. "The City of Murfreesboro does not employ a lobbyist."

Mayor Bragg was re-elected without opposition and will be sworn into office on May 1, 2006. Although voter turn out was a disappointing 13%, Mayor Bragg pronounced the silent majority's consent.

"Silence usually means consent," the mayor said. "I think the citizens understand government has been open and responsive in Murfreesboro. We try to include as many people as often as possible."
[Voters stay away from polls - Daily News Journal - 04-20-06]

Tennessee recently received an "F" among government agencies for openness and accountability, allowing many elected officials to operate behind a veil of secrecy.

First, the good news: Thanks to changes to state ethics laws, a watchdog group has moved Tennessee from 44th in the nation to 32nd in how much lawmakers are required to disclose about their business and financial interests.

Now, the bad news: Despite its improved ranking, the Volunteer State still has an F grade, scoring only 57.5 out of 100 possible points for disclosure requirements.

The ranking came out this week from the Washington-based Center for Public Integrity.
[State gets good, bad news in latest ethics ranking - Tennessean - 04-22-06]

The three candidates who won election to the Murfreesboro City Council, along with the Mayor, were among those candidates that received the most money from developers.

Of the almost $170,000 in receipts reported by the 11 council candidates on their preliminary financial disclosures, $29,000 was generated by $1,000 contributions, the maximum allowed per individual per candidate. Five candidates — Tim Davis, David Edwards, Leslee Dodd Karl, Shane McFarland and Doug Young — had two or more $1,000 contributions. There were 50 contributions in the $500 to $975 range which accounted for $26,625. All but six of the contributions in this range were for $500.

John Floyd, president of Ole South developers made a number of those contributions, including $1,000 to McFarland and Young and $500 to Edwards. Since preliminary reports were filed, he has made additional contributions to Karl and Davis.
[Pro-growth donations total $30K - Daily News Journal - 04-16-06]

Also Read:

• A Clarion Call For 'Open Records' Reform in TN Government - April 23, 2006
  
• Tennessee Government Gets 'F' For Accountability - April 22, 2006
  
• The Cost of Secrecy in Tennessee Government Increases - April 20, 2006
  
• TCOG Responds to Chattanooga Mayor's Actions - April 19, 2006

April 20, 2006

The candidates who appeared to receive the most backing from developers won their elections for Murfreesboro City Council. The voter turnout was a only 13%.

While the low turnout is disappointing, it was probably as much as could be expected, said Mayor Tommy Bragg. Bragg, who ran unopposed Tuesday, was returned to office with 4,494 votes.

"Silence usually means consent," the mayor said. "I think the citizens understand government has been open and responsive in Murfreesboro. We try to include as many people as often as possible."
[Voters stay away from polls - Daily News Journal - 04-20-06]

One of the biggest challenges facing the new city council is growth and development.

Rutherford County is experiencing the fastest job growth in America, statistics released Thursday by the United States Department of Labor show.

The number of jobs in Rutherford County jumped 9.2 percent for the third quarter of 2004 compared to 2003 as measured in September, with 91,600 jobs provided at 3,700 places of employment.

David A. Penn, an assistant professor of economics and finance at MTSU, said that the area's employment increase is "monumental."
[Jobs growth No. 1 in nation - Daily News Journal - 04-15-06]

It would be a mistake for those elected to translate a 13% turnout as majority consent for irresponsible development and budgetting to keep up with growth. As the public becomes better informed of the council's decisions, any increase in voter turnout in the next elections will have a profound impact.

April 18, 2006

Murfreesboro votes today for City Council while Rutherford County votes in May 2 primaries.

Why anyone would abrogate this last line of defense against those who supposedly represent you, I have always failed to understand. Voting is such a simple maneuver that anyone eligible can do it. Honest!

It is often a last chance to rid yourself of crooks, hangers-on, rubber stampers, ineffectives, big spenders, opportunists, malingerers and any number of those who just like to hear themselves talk, and those who like to be a part of the "good ol' boys."

The voter turnout in our city and county is so pathetic that it's almost an embarrassment to show up at the polls, but I'm going to do it anyway, each and every voting cycle.
[Time to change the city's system with votes - DNJ - 04-18-06]

April 16, 2006

What does $1,000 have to do with John Floyd, president of Ole South developers, and candidates for the Murfreesboro City Council?

Of the almost $170,000 in receipts reported by the 11 council candidates on their preliminary financial disclosures, $29,000 was generated by $1,000 contributions, the maximum allowed per individual per candidate. Five candidates — Tim Davis, David Edwards, Leslee Dodd Karl, Shane McFarland and Doug Young — had two or more $1,000 contributions. There were 50 contributions in the $500 to $975 range which accounted for $26,625. All but six of the contributions in this range were for $500.

John Floyd, president of Ole South developers made a number of those contributions, including $1,000 to McFarland and Young and $500 to Edwards. Since preliminary reports were filed, he has made additional contributions to Karl and Davis.

"I supported five different candidates," Floyd said. "These candidates want to be the leaders of this community. It's in my best interest to support people like that."

He rejects the idea the contributions come with strings attached.

"I have only one expectation: For the candidate to return my call and let me state my case," Floyd said. "I know we're not always going to agree, but you're not going to know my position if you don't return my call."
[Pro-growth donations total $30K - Daily News Journal - 04-16-06]