I'm writing in support for the reelection of Commissioner Tim Boyd, District 8 and to publicly thank him for his leadership in helping us launch the Standard Coosa Artist Lofts Project.
Mr. Boyd's commitment and vision have been an essential support in introducing the transformative project to Chattanooga. Not only has Tim been helpful in opening doors with other elected officials, Tim's advice and guidance have accelerated our work and facilitated our business in Chattanooga. Hamilton County is fortunate to have a commissioner like Tim Boyd who believes in his community and knows the importance of redeveloping areas of the community into healthy neighborhoods.
Mr. Boyd stands out with his passion for the arts, as he has demonstrated again and again how a commitment to the region’s creative entrepreneurs is a commitment to the quality of life for the future generations of all of Hamilton County.
Tom Nordyke
Principle / Developer
Standard Coosa Artist Lofts
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Mr. Nordyke, you've got to be kidding. On retrospect, I suppose you do have a reason to thank Mr. Boyd for his financial support. He's always happy to help those organizations and/or associations outside of his district -- especially the arts, and, as you stated, the Standard Coosa Artist Lofts Project. I have nothing against the arts, as I have been church pianist and/or organist for local churches in the Cleveland/Chattanooga area for over 25 years. I also play four instruments, and was musical director for a non-profit theatre company here in Chattanooga for four years.
However, let's look at Mr. Boyd's discretionary spending for the timeframe ending 6/20/14. Eight of his discretionary fund spending donations were to very worthy causes -- outside his District 8, of course -- totaling $64,900. I'm sure that money could have been used somewhere in District 8 to improve the surroundings and/or lives for many men, women and children in his district.
Mr. Boyd may wish to consult with some of his other colleagues on the County Commission, in hopes of understanding how the Discretionary Fund is supposed to be used. In case he does not, it should be used within his district! After briefly scanning the discretionary spending accounts of the other Commissioners, I can applaud both Fred Skillern (albeit, too late) and Chester Bankston for understanding this concept.
To encourage others to support Mr. Boyd in his reelection can only be likened to a blind shepherd leading his sheep off a cliff. Mr. Boyd is not good for District 8. We need someone who understands the needs and concerns of his constituency; not someone who, while serving as a County Commissioner, offered his services to the city of East Ridge as a "consultant" for approximately $75,000+ per year.
If the citizens of District 8 choose to re-elect Mr. Boyd for another four years, then we can expect Mr. Boyd's continued support of another district(s) needs versus our own. I encourage each citizen to research Mr. Boyd and his goings-on as a member of the County Commission and make an informed decision of their own. Don't believe the hubris being orated by telephone or being sent via mail.
Lastly, I find it amusing that Mr. Boyd is even participating in the use of the Discretionary Fund. If memory does not fail, during the primary election there was some confusion on whether or not he supported it -- his daughter said, "yes", while he said, "no".
Mr. Boyd, it's time for you to go.
Rusty Munger