letters to the editor
Cataldi seeks support
While I was in the Navy I had to make decisions. As a leader I found, and as an instructor of Leadership at the Naval Academy, I taught, that the best decisions are made with complete and accurate information. And even the best decisions will probably offend someone.
In the military we don’t always have the complete picture. In government, however, whether it’s the Home Owners Association or the Board of Mayor and Aldermen or the Federal Government, there should rarely be a decision made without complete and accurate information. Being invested in the input sources on a subject or issue, however, can color a decision. An example might be supporting a proposed apartment complex off Smith Road when you’re on the FBA and then voting against it at the FMPC only because 150 of your Village Green and Fox Den neighbors objected to the traffic that complex would impose on Smith and Grisby Chapel Roads. You’re set up for a conflict of interest.
Being invested in providing input can also make you a defender of the input rather than an evaluator. An example might be spending money year after year to promote a brand that doesn’t shout Farragut or a graphic symbol that is reminiscent of dancing Gumby. Additionally, adopting the pale green color scheme of that symbol for our rezoning signs has made them difficult to read and changing the wording has made them less informative. The Admiral’s silhouette, Navy Blue, stars, and anchors shout Farragut and were accepted symbols for nearly 30 years. The old branding was better, made sense, and was paid for.
As to offending people when you make decisions. I know I’ve had to back off from a decision to two in my day. Looking back at those times it was usually rushing to a decision that put me between a rock and hard spot. Listening to those most affected by a decision will usually result in a better decision. Considering our desire to replace 20+ empty business locations along Kingston Pike with successful businesses, I see the decision to permit a drive through window at the proposed Multi-Use Town Center as a sound negotiation decision, using our guidelines as a ruler and not a hammer.
I am invested in my Faith and loving and supporting my family. Everything else is negotiable. That’s my opinion. I’m Richard Cataldi, I’m running for Alderman and I’d like your support.
Richard Cataldi
Farragut
Povlin challenged
Based on her letter to the editor, Louise Povlin believes the farragutpress has unfairly portrayed the Farragut Business Alliance (FBA). I disagree. Alderman Povlin continues to advocate for FBA funding despite the absence of any hard evidence that such funding will ever provide a financial return on investment for the town of Farragut.
The vast majority of Sales Tax revenue in Farragut comes from large businesses like Costco, Kroger and Ingles. These businesses decide to locate in Farragut for one reason and one reason only: the $100k per year median household income in ZIP Codes 37934/37922, and not because they are recruited by the FBA.
I support the small businesses in Farragut, but I don’t want my tax dollars spent on funding FBA marketing and advertising. Given her FBA board membership, and her continued advocacy for FBA funding, Louise Povlin will not be my choice to represent Ward I.
Dante Frabotta
Farragut
Don’t print ‘Indy’
The farragutpress used “Indy Day” twice on its front page of the July 7, 2016 edition.
The correct name for this sacred day in the history of the United States of America is “Independence Day.” It is a remembrance of the original day when most of the signatories signed the document in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. With that treasonable action, the signers put their lives and property at risk to signify freedom from the tyranny of King George III of England.
Congress established Independence Day as a National holiday in 1870 after nearly a century of celebrations of Independence Day in the early history of the United States of America.
Please don’t trivialize the importance of Independence Day by calling it “Indy Day!”
Robert M. Hill IV
Farragut
Cataldi endorsed
For the Town of Farragut Alderman - North Position, I am endorsing Commander Richard Cataldi (USN, Ret.). Cataldi is an excellent leader, a long time and very active participate in Farragut matters including seeking prior public office. Most importantly, Cataldi holds the coveted Master of Public Administration degree, which is the “gold standard” for public leadership and administration. Cataldi brings unprecedented understanding and connections not only to the U.S. Navy but its military academy in which he was not only a graduate but later returned as an instructor. Cataldi knows the subject of “Admiral Farragut” extremely well!
For the town of Farragut Alderman — South Position, I am endorsing as I did in 2014 Mr. Ron Williams. Although Williams is running unopposed, I can inform the community that he will bring an excellent set of skill sets to the Town including private sector experience in engineering, sales and marketing, and conservative values. Along with this endorsement also comes a great “THANK YOU” to Vice Mayor Dot LaMarche who currently holds this position. LaMarche has performed admirably, ethically, and dedicated throughout her tenure in serving the Town and is one of the most consistent, caring, socially conscious and gracious elected officials I have ever met. Job well done!
For the Knox County School Board race for District 5 there is only one choice and it is Susan Horn who is exceptional in every way from her values, innovative thinking and proven educational track record. Her opponent is a “machine candidate” supported by “outside the district” monies as easily seen in his campaign disclosures.
For the Knox County Commission race for District 5, I am endorsing Commissioner John Schoonmaker who has been protecting our neighborhoods for years. Schoonmaker’s conservative values, ethics, vision and consistent research are invaluable to our district.
Bill Johns, MBA, MPA
Farragut
Povlin endorsed
There are some perks living in the same neighborhood as Louise Povlin. Yes, her horticulture advice on my ever-decrepit front lawn and her remedies to drop those pesky 40 pounds are helpful. But more so, her contagious love for Farragut propagates every front porch conversation and her never-ending work ethic motivates the most dormant of neighbor. These personal attributes, along with her integrity to recuse herself from conflicts of interest, prove Louise has the character required to be a fair and transparent alderman.
Along with her character, Louise’s education and work experience as an engineer, her expertise in starting her own business in Farragut, her detailed knowledge of Town municipal planning and operations and her numerous hours spent recruiting and helping Farragut businesses, all convince me she should remain our alderman.
As our Town faces unprecedented challenges of significantly reduced funding and only 20 percent of Town land remaining undeveloped, we must have an informed, proactive leader with the character and drive to face these challenges and make Farragut a better town because of them. Louise Povlin is this leader.
Scott J. Meyer
Farragut
