For longer than I would care to admit, I have been hearing from my Libertarian and Republican friends about the woes of big government, most particularly, about the intrusive nature of the Federal Government on the rights of states. These folks complain about the federally imposed mandates placed upon them, arguing that the Federal government... Continue Reading →
During the past weeks, we have spent much time thinking about the financial viability of the proposed convention center, probably too much along the way. There has been much debate on whether the projections are accurate, and whether the market can sustain the burden we are bearing. Throughout the conversation proponents of the MCC project... Continue Reading →
Recently I have heard proponents of the MCC say that the reason we have the Hotel/Motel tax that paid for the previous convention center is that the hotel/motel industry “voluntarily” agreed to the tax as a funding source. In considering the 14 million from those funds that has been used for other tourism related activities,... Continue Reading →
At a recent public meeting on the proposed Music City Center I heard Nashville’s economic development office Alexia Poe suggest that a justification for the construction and operation of the project was the expansion of the tax base. She suggested that the hope of raising taxes in Nashville is minimal and that our only hope... Continue Reading →
In an earlier post I talked about the coming budget problems likely facing the Metro Nashville General Hospital in the coming year. Today the Tennessee Justice Center received notification of the proposed changes to TennCare for next year as per a court order requiring the state to provide information in advance of changes in policy.... Continue Reading →
Today’s excellent article by Lyda Phillips in the City Paper documents a truth that city leaders seem to want to ignore: we are losing the battle against homelessness. Phillips writes: Five years after Nashville adopted a 10-year plan to eliminate chronic homelessness in the city, the number of homeless has doubled and the city... Continue Reading →
Here are a few questions that I haven’t yet heard answered by the proponents of the Music City Center. They are certainly welcome to send my their answers and I will be happy to post those responses. What studies have been done on the additional city infrastructure needs required to support the project, and how... Continue Reading →
Just a little over a week ago, I found myself walking into the Lakeshore Church in Antioch (lovingly known at the MediaPlay church locally, given the previous resident of the building) for a community meeting about the Music City Center, sponsored by Councilmen Dominy, Duval, and Coleman. This was advertised as a chance to hear... Continue Reading →
One reason I believe that forces supporting the Music City Center are pushing so hard at this time is a recognition that we are in for some very dark times in the days ahead in regard to setting priorities for government spending. While last year’s 10% cuts were certainly difficult, I am quickly discerning that... Continue Reading →
JustNashville 