It really is no different than McCain or Obama campaigning when they should be in Congress doing the job they were elected and paid to do.

I am like you; they should not be campaigning for another position while on the clock getting paid. That would be like me having someone come in from another company and interview me for a job while I am at my current job. It is just not right!

Well, I think it depends on a lot of factors you did not include. Are you a friend or an acquaintance of the person? In your opinion, did they feel as though they were campaigning, or just talking to someone about what is dominating their thoughts at the time? Was there anything pressing that needed to be done at the time?

From my experience, people that work in an office generally have some extra time, or the freedom to use their time as they see fit, provided their responsibilities are met. It tends to be a somewhat different atmosphere than an assembly line in a factory. People also tend to be consumed with whatever they have going on in their lives at the time. I would guess the person you mentioned campaigns to everyone, even their own family every night.

That makes it a lot clearer. It sounds like I would be inclined to not only vote for their opponent, but also encourage whomever you could to do the same. Given the blatant abuse of the office this was taking place in, I would have to assume the person campaigning was in charge. If so, that is a pretty clear indication of how they view the responsibility entrusted to them and the obvious confusion this person has about the differences between serving government and government serving them.

These people fall under the category of professional politician and when they win their election, they promptly proceed to start raising campaign funds for the next one. Solution? Term limits for all elected officials. An example, Senators Byrd and Kennedy as ones who have fed too long at the trough of the public.

You know, the described behavior may not qualify as "above reproach," but this IS a small town, where people tend to talk to each other as people, rather than as, say, candidate and voter. A truly passionate person doesn't "turn it off" from 9 to 5.

Vilifying public figures for making mistakes (being human) is the reason there is often a lack of decent people in politics at the national level. If you believe that this person made a mistake, perhaps you should consider the Christian adage about throwing stones, and look beyond to the motivating passion.

Based on your original post, you didn't speak up at the time of the incident. What I will try to take away from this discussion is another reminder to myself that when I feel someone is being inappropriate, I should communicate that clearly, politely, and immediately. This respect gives the person the opportunity to consider my opinion without anger or humiliation.

I did not mean to mention that it was a county employee. For that, I apologize. And no, I will not be naming them. I didn't say anything at the time because I was trying to be polite. After thinking about it, it really started to bother me that they were doing this while "on the clock". I couldn't really care less if they talk to their fellow employees about their campaign, but they should not be pulling in customers to campaign to. I think that should just be understood. Their supervisor should have made this abundantly clear when they tossed their hat into the ring in the first place. Based on the comments so far, some of you don't have a problem with that. I will tell you that the person that is opposing this person came to my house personally to ask for our vote...while this person waits for people to come into their office, therefore I won't be voting for the incumbent.

Nice try though. I think that those involved in this particular contest probably already know who I'm talking about.

Being a candidate is one thing. ACTIVELY seeking a voter's support during business hours (on OUR dime) is something totally different. But obviously the people of this part of the county disagree because she won her election. Which, if this is any indication of the school board, makes me VERY happy that I don't have any kids in this school system. As for comparing it to the Presidential campaign, I think that those candidates should have to either step aside as Congressmen or have their pay docked for the votes that they've missed. I believe that should be covered under not delivering services that were paid for.

If I were to hire a carpenter to complete a job and he spent that time campaigning and not completing my work, he's be fired after about ten minutes of that crap.

I also feel that this person's "passion" is teetering on the brink of disturbing.

Sounds to me you already had your opinion of this person before you even wrote this blog--Hope i never run into you on the street & tick you off. To me this is someones character that you are defacing --I understand that you thought it was wrong & that's fine, yes they should have to get out like every candidate & go door to door, FYI no one visited my street? But to call someone disturbing & you have basically let everyone know who it is I really think that is rude.....

hazhydro, This person was DEFINITELY campaigning and they were doing so while on county time (tax-payer time). This wasn't a mistake that was made. This was someone exploiting their access to the public so that they could speak to them as a candidate. If I were to do this at my job, I would be fired. I would imagine the vast majority of you would be as well. I also feel that this person's "passion" is teetering on the brink of disturbing.

-- Posted by Thom on Wed, Aug 6, 2008, at 10:48 PM

Here you go in case you need a refresh on what you said since you deleted the other one off your blog....

yes you did delete it off of your blog it was on there I seen it with my own EYES & now it's gone.. So don't tell me that you didn't take it off... It's not me you offended its HER..

I'd like to know what your thoughts are on the following scenario.

You walk into a government office (city/county/state/federal) and one of the people that is in there also happens to be running for an elected position. This person asks you over and proceeds to campaign right there in the office while working on taxpayer time.

This did happen to me and I spoke with this person (who shall remain nameless) but, after I left, I began to wonder about the ethical issues involved here. I mean, this person is currently working a regular hourly job and, while "on the clock" at this one, they are spending time campaigning for another position. This would give me cause for concern about how much time this person is willing to dedicate to the elected position. Also, is this person going to be conducting elected position business while they are on their regular hourly job?*****It was part of your BLOG**********not in the comments I have been doing this enough that I realize once the comments are posted no back track, so now it is what it is.

Anyway, I would like to hear from some of you on this topic. After I got to thinking about it for a while, it really does bother me now.

I have heard of others that this person has done this to so I know I'm not the only one out there.

Thom,

You sure are a literal man, aren't you? Taking a comment that any intellegent person would understand to mean that this candidate had the best interests of children at heart and making it into something 'disturbing'...

So what if this person was talking about an elected position while on the job. I am sure this person was still working as the conversation took place. Did you not get what you went to the office for taken care of? Seems like you, as a taxpayer, received the services you required. What's the big deal? It would be different if this person held a position of power and could deny you your rights if you didnt vote for for him/her.

It appears from this blog and others you have written, that you just like to stir up s***. Why don't you try coin collecting or something to better occupy your time?

Actually, this person was doing absolutely nothing while she was talking to me.

You're right though, my sole purpose in life is to stir up trouble (nice wording that you chose though). From this point forward, I'll just post entries about daisies and puppy dogs, will that make you happy?

(That's sarcasm in case you didn't recognize it)

I find it astounding that nobody has a problem with a person in a government office campaigning on their tax-dollars. It would be different if I were the only one, but I've heard about others that this has happened to. It's no wonder that Bedford County has some of the problems it does with finances since the populace seems content to let sleeping dogs lie and bury their heads in the sand when it comes to where their money is spent.

You're also right about me having received the services for which I walked into that office. I received those services from SOMEONE ELSE who then told me that this candidate wanted to talk to me after we finished our transaction. I had no idea who she was until that point.

As for me being a literal man, not in the sense that you meant. If I were as literal as you claim, I would have asked her why she wanted me to cut her heart out. Instead, I understood exactly what she meant, I just thought it extremely odd that she would choose such a creepy manner in which to express that feeling. Don't get me wrong, I had a number of reasons for voting the way I did in this past election, this was WAY down on the list.

I'll sum this up by saying that I am a regular blogger on here that has the courage to put my name on my posts rather than some anonymous moniker to hide behind when I'm expressing my opinions. Until you have the courage to do so, I don't feel that I need to explain myself any more than I already have.

Oh okay, I believe I know who this person is now. She caught me one day about the school uniforms before I even knew they were being thought about (at their work on a Friday afternoon when people were in line behind me). I hate that she won again. I like her just fine as a person and as a public employee, but the board does need a change. I wish the whole group had been replaced, but most were unopposed and I wasnt even registered, so I cant complain too much...this cycle anyway.

Aww, c'mon now, I might actually post something on puppy dogs...don't know much about daisies though.

Wow Darrick really? You got those GPA without a solid colored polo shirt, . You must worship Satan if you could do that ...

Wow Darrick really? You got those GPA without a solid colored polo shirt, . You must worship Satan if you could do that ...

-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Sat, Aug 9, 2008, at 1:31 PM

HAHAHA! Hilarious...

You, me and everyone else!

Well, I have a ton of respect for the Somalis that have complied. I am pleased they were willing to obey the dress code and someone was kind enough to let them know.

Yeah the dress code does stink. But what do you expect from a disassociated School administration that can't seem to innovate instead they like to subjugate.

Went to the Harris Middle school open house, the principal there stated the reason they were High Priority was because of the Developmental / Special Needs Programs and the Federal Standards were raised... Now I don't know about you, I want the standard as High as possible. As it stands now, 90% of the graduates that go to college are not even close to being prepared.

I would love where they come up with these numbers and why small stuff is to blame for entire schools overall grade/tests scores. Totally unacceptable.

Sharon22,

My wife and I were just as shocked by what the Principal said as you must be. Why would they even be graded on the same level as the general populace anyways? Basically it was the School Board telling the principal to blow smoke and mirrors. Do they really think we are that stupid?

I am not sure but I think they consider children who do not speak or read the English Language well a special needs child also..which if that is the case then Yes Harris and Central High School both have their fair share of special needs children.

Harris is the only Jr High School inside Shelbyville City Limits and Central is the only High School inside the city limits.

Also I am not too sure about this either but I do believe thanks to No Child Left Behind they are all mainstreamed to some point and they are all tested at their grade level whether they are able to read English well or not. The same thing goes for the children with handicaps also.

I do not know for certain, and have yet to get a straight answer, but my understanding is that any child in alternative school is not added into the equation of NCLB in this county. If they were, the county's scores would be much lower in many areas. Last year, the board wanted to use the entire Harris annex for the school. I do not know how that worked out, but they seem to have been anticipating some increased need either from their expectations of the quality of the children getting older, or more likely an attempt to "hide" some kids there. If anyone knows, please pass that information on to me. I would appreciate it greatly.

As usual some of you who seem so smart know so little................EM your statement about the board members with/without children has been answered several times and you seem to have a comprehension problem. There is one board member, Diane Neeley, who has children in school (actually this year she has one since her oldest child graduated this past spring). Many of the other board members have grandchildren in school. For those of you with questions, have you asked your board representative why some things are the way they are? One board member works at Webb School and all of her children are grown. EM, please check your facts before spewing off your unfounded, non-researched information.

memyselfi,

Sorry if I offended, bad morning and I guess I am surrounded by too many people who sound like EM.....never actually getting involved in the solution but always taking pot shots at people for their efforts. I have researced NCLB some...it is somewhat complicated. I have attended PTO meetings and I have asked some others in administration about NCLB. I have copied and pasted some information from Tennessee's NCLB site. (just type in NCLB overview for Tennessee and some sites should come up for more information) It is my understanding that they give over all scores for each school and then they break it all down by the groups listed below. If students in the individual groups don't do well then your school can be put on the failing list. One reason for my interest is a child with a learnng disability..............he is tested the same as everyone else and when you mix him in with everyone else he is ok but if you pull him out and only take the scores that him and the rest of learning disabled students have then they register as failing because NCLB does not lower the benchmarks for the learning disabled..........they are graded like the non-disabled student. It is not fair and that has been my complaint but it is a federally mandated program and as I understand it the students and schools are scored according to that set up. Hope some of this helps you.

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Results

Under No Child Left Behind (NCLB), schools and school districts are measured on whether the students meet performance benchmarks in math, reading and attendance for grades 3-8 and math, English and graduation rate for high schools. Schools that do not meet the achievement standards for two years are deemed high priority.

AYP status is also calculated each year for the following student subgroups: White, Hispanic, African American, Native American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Economically Disadvantaged, Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners.

NCLB identifies schools that have missed a federal benchmark in the same category for two consecutive years. Tennessee elects to alert schools and districts that are at-risk of becoming a high priority school under NCLB. These schools receive additional support and assistance from the state in order to avoid the NCLB high priority list. Schools that have missed one or more benchmarks for one year are considered target schools.

Sorry EM but I won't argue with you. Anyone can get on here and spout off with or without facts. I read most of these posts but rarely blog on them...........I just find it amusing that you have so much to say on every single issue with your "supposed" facts and information. I happen to disagree that people on the board should all have children in school to make them a viable representative for education. I SUPPORT the dress code decision.....it has made my life easier.........I can understand how some clothing worn by some students could be distracting. My childrens education is a priority in our home and we support each and every teacher and administrator that our children have. I think there were more people who supported the dress code than you think but there again I won't argue the point because the only view you ever see is your own and when someone doesn't agree with you you go on attack.........so go ahead and take your best shot.......it doesn't bother me. I support public education in Bedford County and our school board...........we (our family) have had nothing but good experiences.........do I know if dress code will improve grades...........not sure but it sure can't hurt and at least everyone won't be distracted from their studies by Miss Breast who has exposed herself to the world and Mr Baggy Pants who feels that everyone should know what color and brand his boxers are!

Miss Breast and Mr. Baggy Pants shouldn't have been wearing those clothes in the first place according to the dress code policy from before. So why punish 100% when a few broke the rules? Oh because it is easier? Life isn't easy. Making money to pay for it is even harder. So you are stating I don't support a good education because I disagree with a dress code? How quaint. Do you know if it will improve grade? Of course not, but at least it is easier for you and the other teachers.

The only people that would support these things are the board, teachers and the administration, plus a handful of parents with plenty of money to blow to the wind.

I, too, support the public education in Bedford County, but I want it better, not the stagnant dumbed down crap we currently have. What did you do this summer? Guess what I had to do? Teach my son and daughter what they DIDN'T learn in school last year. Doesn't that sound like a fun vacation for my kids eh? But, I care and yes it might be harder for myself to deal with, but it is my responsibility.

If you child's education is a priority, then why do you support NCLB? We have a choice, Federal Money or Innovation. Unless you have some vested interest in keeping the NCLB? No idea why anyone would want it, as it cripples the child's learning capacity to the weakest link. I just don't want this county to be mind-numbingly ignorant.

BTW what do you find so amusing? I haven't seen any of your "supposed" facts to state my "supposed" facts are false, In fact, since you work for the school system, why are you on the TG blogs at this time of day? Aren't you supposed to be teaching or doing something more educational?

"In fact, since you work for the school system, why are you on the TG blogs at this time of day? Aren't you supposed to be teaching or doing something more educational?"

-EM

Hmm...Isn't it odd that they didn't bother to post again after that comment? Puppy dogs and daisies.

yes they did send the letter and that is a good question.

Sorry to disappoint all but I am on the west side of the county and there was a power outage yesterday and I turned my computer off so the surges wouldn't mess something up............that is the reason for no more posts. I am not nor have I every been a teacher.

Not trying to dispute your word Go Figure but I seem to remember back during the dress code issue that you defended it tooth and nail and now you said in this blog that you support Bedford County Schools and your exact words were "I support public education in Bedford County and our school board...........we (our family) have had nothing but good experiences" Why would somebody on the West side of the country even be concerned about Bedford County Schools much less support them. Nor do I see how a dress code in Bedford County could make your life easier.

I think you all are hoping that a board member is watching what you are typing and participating in a dialogue with you, but I wouldnt hold your breath. I have spent some time trying to talk to some of them and in my honest opinion, the ones I have been in contact with, couldnt care less about what you (or I) think. Apparently, unless you happen to be someone who is "respectable" in their minds, for example, a leader or a member of their church, a teacher or principle at one of their schools or a close friend, then your input is not that important and apparently should be taken for what it is, the ramblings of an un-enlightened proletariat.

I believe at some level there is a mentality governing our school board that appears to have reached the conclusion that they know best what our children need (or likely, to be more specific-they need to justify their performance) as opposed to having informed parents help make these decisions.

I find it inexcusable that every parent does not know more about NCLB, and the way I see it, it is the boards responsibility to act as an intermediary. It should not be their objective to gloss over the reality of the testing, nor to keep the parents in the dark about what the numbers mean. I just wonder at what point, as an elected official, it becomes more about saving face and being re-elected, than it is to serve the people that you represent to the best or your ability.

FYI, in regard to the original topic of this post, on the 14th, Shelbyville city council will vote on a proposed law to ban campaigning in city facilities.

Thanks Thom! I'll bet your post inspired them. Now if the county would do the same and also ban nepotism we'd be in like Flynn.

"If I were to do this at MY job, I would be fired." Thom, just curious to what exactly is your job...after reading a lot of your blogs, it appears as if you and this Robert Allison man who was Dixie Parker's opponet in the District 1 school board race are "in like Flynn". Have you been using the T-G & this blogging forum as obstructively as your accusations against the employee at hand? Two wrongs do not make a right...running a smear campaign will not get you elected in any office...especially in a small town...(you can catch more bees with honey). I am going to pray for you because you seem so bitter & mad at the world. If you are not originally from here & think it is so terrible here, then why don't you move back to where you came from or move to some other Better place.

Tinker,

Did I state that I think that violating the law is ok? No, I stated that "TWO WRONGS DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT". Laws like insurance are clear as mud.

It is a common fact that people often are made aware of laws after the fact of violation & conviction. The Parker lady, definitely made a mistake, she has been reprimanded & made aware of her wrong doings. I can only imagine how bad she must feel about it. After reading over all of Thom's blogs & comments, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that he and the Allison man are thick as thieves & have used the T-G blog forum to smear his opponent which is NOT right either. Why be so mean-spirited, malicious, & cruel? I hope that Thom & the others can search deep within their hearts & souls & realize that it is wrong to bring such cruelty, maliciousness, & heart-ache to others. I feel sorry for the Parker lady & her family.

Hmm...seems like I don't even really need to respond to this, but I'm going to...thanks, tinkerbell29.

I think I've read plenty of comments that were more than a little slanted in the direction of Mrs. Parker. I believe that the vast majority of my comments on this blog were in response to someone else's comments. I'm also pretty sure that, had Mr. Allison wanted to get this out there, he could have chosen a better way than a blog written by some schmuck like me. I do know him, not very well though, but we both live in Bell Buckle and it's kind of hard to not know some of the people here. Obviously you haven't read "ALL" of my blogs and posts or you would realize that I actually do love this area and would like to see some progress made rather than the same old "Good 'ol boy" network that is obviously in place here. I see nothing wrong with pointing out and asking the public's opinion on a candidate (in this case, Dixie Parker) campaigning illegally while she's working for us, the tax-payers. I appreciate the offer to pray for me, but in these times there are MANY other people that could use your prayers more than I. Personally, I'm good. Thanks though.

Yeaaaah for spunk! That is needed around here. Not the same ole same old. XoXo kudoes to you.