Author Archives: Joe Lance

What do you get a trophy store as an award?

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A certificate!

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (Left) stands with Mr. Trophy, Inc. owner Dorris Prevou (Right) and manager Linda Herrmann (Center) after awarding them his certificate for Economic Excellence.

This press release explains further:

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann handed out his second Economic Excellence Award today to Mr. Trophy, Inc. in Red Bank.

“I was honored to give my second Economic Excellence Award to a worthy company like Mr. Trophy. For 40 years, they have grown their business, weathered tough times and brought jobs to Hamilton County. They have been a staple of the Chattanooga community for decades and have been a great example of how a successful business is run and contributes to the community around them. I ran a business with my wife for 24 years and know how tough it is. I am glad to be able to spotlight this deserving business and the example they set,” Fleischmann said.

Mr. Trophy, Inc. in Red Bank is a 40-year-old family owned and operated. Dorris Prevou is the owner and Linda Herrmann is the manager. Mr. Trophy’s website says, “We are actively involved in community and educational development. We specialize in ‘Service to our Customers’. No job is too small or too big.”

This award is meant to highlight businesses that “embody the true idea of hard work and success” and the great business environment we have in the 3rd District. Deserving businesses can be nominated at: http://fleischmann.house.gov/EconomicExcellence

Your turn: Are donations for elected officials’ legal defense subject to public disclosure?

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Let’s say there is an elected official who, for whatever reason, has to hire an advocate to represent her in a court of law. If the ensuing legal fees amount to more than the official can personally afford, and that official asks friends for donations to help pay said fees, do those donations

A) belong with the official’s campaign finance disclosure records?
B) need to be reported, but separately from campaign finance records?
C) not need to be publicly disclosed?
D) fall in some other category not defined above?

Go ahead and weigh in with your thoughts, and I’ll post my analysis as a follow-up.

Town hall crier (Hamilton County edition)

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A few town hall-type sessions and meet-and-greets are in the works this week.

The Chattanooga Tea Party is hosting a Liberty Forum at Abba’s House in Hixson on Saturday, February 25 from 1-4 p.m. Many candidates and elected officials are expected to be there, including headlining presidential candidate Rick Santorum.

On the same day, Hamilton County Commission District 3 candidate Mitzi Yates is holding a town hall meeting at the Hixson IHOP at 3:00 p.m. From the candidate’s website:

I am very interested in hearing from the residents of the district. This will be an informal discussion of the things that impact our lives every day. Come and participate in an open forum where your concerns, needs, ideas, and solutions can be heard.

On Tuesday, the Tennessee Valley Republican Women will host state party chair Chris Devaney, who will go over the process by which the president of the United States is elected. More details here.

And on Thursday, Democratic candidate Bill Taylor, who is running for his party’s nomination to the 3rd District congressional seat, will host a meet-and-greet from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Here’s the press release info:

Bill Taylor, candidate for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, will meet & greet with community members on Feb. 23, 4 to 7 p.m., at STYLEBar in downtown Chattanooga.

“Rose Riley’s journey in starting her business, STYLEBar, is quintessentially American—and is exactly what those in Washington should be doing everything they can to encourage,” said Taylor. “She opted to train for a vocation and then worked in her chosen field for several years before deciding to open her own business. Since this was in 2008, banks would not lend to her, but she persevered, finding private financing, and now operates a successful salon, providing employment for several others besides herself,” Taylor noted.

“If elected to Congress, one of my key goals is to level the business playing field for entrepreneurs like Rose. We need to get the banks back in the business of lending money to those who can create the jobs Americans need,” he said.

What: Bill Taylor, Democratic Candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, Meet & Greet
When: 4 to 7 p.m., February 23
Where: STYLEBar, 191 Walnut St. (at East Aquarium Way) Chattanooga
For more information: (423) 756-2718

Congressman John Lewis notes divided past, united future

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Chris Carroll captured the essential moments from a fundraiser held by the Hamilton County Democratic Party at which U.S. Rep. John Lewis was the featured speaker.

Lewis, a Democratic congressman from Atlanta and a leader in the civil rights movement, told attendees that the Democratic Party “represents an inclusive ‘big tent’ for all comers.”

Though I was unable to attend, a kind reader supplied me with a photo from the event.

L-R: Monique Berke, Sen. Andy Berke, U.S. Rep. John Lewis

GOP delegate FAQs

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I’ve seen Facebook posts, tweets, and mail from readers about a conundrum currently facing some Tennessee voters who’d like to have a say in their party’s presidential nomination, but aren’t sure exactly how, so I’m putting together a FAQ post. Disclaimer: I don’t yet have all the answers, so part of the purpose here is to seek information from those in the know. Amendments are most welcome. Continue reading →