Atomic City Talk

Now that everyone has had a chance to take their shots and to cool off, NM, I’d really like to know what prompted you to drag me into the Help Wanted string.

If your desire was sincere, to seek help for filling positions, then how does making this statement help your cause?

It certainly seemed like you were cleverly blaming me somehow for the driver shortage. Do you blame me for that? Do you blame me for any of the school budget problems? The city didn’t adhere to my request, so I’m not really sure how you can.

And why did you then reprimand me for “hijacking” the string, pleading to get back on topic only not follow up on it? Is it only o.k. when your defenders keep it going on your behalf?

I can take crap from the best and worst of 'em, but this isn’t the first time you’ve gotten your little digs in only to step back while others finish the attack. I know about the little snide comments from the board meeting I missed and I let your blog comments go, even though you kept the tacky SNL reference up. So maybe it's time you got it all out instead of being coy and letting others speak for you.

I didn't call you out by name, but you clearly recognized yourself. Do you not see the irony of asking for more services, but for less funding?

No, I don't blame you for the bus driver shortage. I'd really like to see it resolved within the funds allocated in July, but that doesn't include full-time positions with benefits. I'm investigating any other avenues -- checking with friends who might know people on the evening shift at the plants, who already have health insurance through that job, who might be interested in part-time moonlighting. I'm willing to be creative in trying to find a solution, but am not finding much in the way of support or new ideas.

You made a snide remark to CrackerNation, and I simply pointed out that you had taken my topic astray, much as you accused him of taking your off-topic comments astray. Why is it okay for you, but not for him?

Lastly, you know as well as I do that "my defenders" on this thread may be the very ones to take issue with me in the next. That's healthy and open debate, and I don't get offended every time someone disagrees with my point of view. You may not have seen it in action, but Daco, AT, ORHS73, Jacket, and I have gone round and round on other subjects. We've come to respect each other, because it's not personal. On a personal level, we like and respect each other -- even more so, because we can take opposite sides on one issue, then the same side on the next.

Believe it or not, you and I could have the same kind of relationship. I respect your interest, your tenacity, and your willingness to speak up. We do disagree, but I have tried to help by providing as much information to you as I could (sometimes, only to be mocked, but that's part of public service and I can deal with it). I'm not giving up on you. One of these days, we'll end up on the same side of some discussion and I'll be very glad to have you on board.

Fair enough?

Fair enough - I suppose I'm not adept at the whole not taking things personal aspect, I don't really even know what that means within the context of this forum. If anyone has some tips, I'm all ears.

I can see how you see an irony [of asking for more services, but for less funding] but wonder if you can see from my perspective that it could be more attributable to the management of the funds as opposed to a shortage of funds.

I do appreciate and respect the work that you do; I can't say that about all of our public servants - I wish I could, but I can't - at least not now. And despite what anyone thinks, I am appreciative of the education our school system affords all of our kids. You know by now, that doesn't mean I won't speak out in ways that may appear to contradict such support. I will, however, continue to contribute in whatever ways I am able - not just with words, but with actions.

I'll give you a tip...

I tried this out and found that being relatively anonymous helps me remember that that aren't talking to me since they probably don't know who I am. They are taking what was written and reacting. In all cases it is as much the other guy as it was what I wrote. It keeps me in the game and I almost never take anything personally.

While I can now better appreciate that attribute of anonymity (I've often wondered, especially with folks like yourself, why go that route), it's a little late in the game for me to become so. Even if I'd tried, as vocal as I am, it would eventually come out. I chose full disclosure from the beginning because I'd rather be as transparent as possible in the hopes that it would add insight into my stance. With some it has worked, whereas with others, it has caused more confusion than clarity. I can't help but believe that if I had some insight into your background, perhaps I could appreciate your comments moreso. Regardless, I try to keep somewhat of an open mind.

Believe it or not, being open with my identity does restrain me in many instances from just spouting off from an emotional standpoint. Not always, but sometimes.

Well I guess I don't look at it as my anonymity lets me spout off, but it actually does cushion my response. I don't get angry about what people say and don't take it personally. I just try to figure out why my point was missed.

Sure I can -- that's one of the reasons I won't give up on you! There was a time when I fervently shared your belief that everything (or everything desirable) could be funded and taxes could be reduced if only we could get rid of the "waste, fraud, and abuse." I wasn't focused on the school system in particular; that was just my attitude toward government -- all government.

I've learned something though: the more local the government, the less of that there really is. That's one of the reasons why I'm a strong proponent of local control (not just schools, but governance in general). I've also found, firsthand, that governing bodies tend to do their best work when people are actively watching, so I do appreciate your vigilance.

I also appreciate that you ask hard questions sometimes; the challenge makes me a better board member.

I had a feeling you might be more of a conservative than I'd originally gave you credit for.

While initially (like over a year ago) I suspected potential fraud, waste or abuse with regards to spending, I very quickly realized that suspicion would skew my perspective and obscure some of my goals. Besides, I couldn't imagine that Oak Ridger's would allow the likes of a Shumaker in our town.

I consciously decided not to hold on to that belief. I did, and do, believe that some elected officials have employed tactics that were/are less than honorable which would fall under the "abuse" umbrella.

I've also never believed that everything could be funded - only better prioritized. I don't mind paying more taxes when they distributed in ways that serve the majority for the greater good of the community.

I usually stay out of these posts but have an opinion here. Trina, you are extremely idealistic and there is nothing wrong with that. You will find, as you delve further into government, idealism has no place. You leave the idealism and go into the realism. That comes with the more exposure you have to government. It is just the way it is.

You might want to check out some of the other threads on this forum as you would probably find an interest in county issues being discussed. We're looking to get a group together willing to question tactics and ethics.