Experts weigh in on election date, open precincts

Lots of talk and questions yesterday about why Brentwood couldn't have "open" precincts similar to those used during early voting, and why the city doesn't attach itself to national and/or state elections to increase turnout.

Where there are questions, there must be answers so I went to the experts to get them. First up, Ann Beard, Williamson County Election Administrator:

Hi Ms. Beard,
Covering the Brentwood elections today for my Brentwood blog, there was much discussion on ways to increase turnout. One thought was that in future municipal elections, would it be possible for residents to vote at any precinct, similar to early voting, rather than specific ones on Election Day. With today's technology would that be possible?
I promised readers I'd ask and report back. Thanks for all of your help.
Sincerely,
Susan Leathers

It has been discussed of the possibility of establishing vote centers for elections. Similarly to early voting, where your early voting period would be for so many days and the last day of early voting would be Election Day. This would have to be put into law by our legislature.
My thoughts are if all municipal elections were conducted along with General elections as we now do with Fairview, Nolensville and Thompson's Station, you would get more people voting. However, our two largest municipalities do not want their elections conducted in conjunction with other elections and at present laws allows them, by charter, to have their elections in odd numbered years. Hope this answers your question and also gives you some information.
Ann

Next up, Roger Horner, our city attorney:

Help!
With low turnout today, there's been some lively discussion on why Brentwood holds its municipal elections independently of bigger elections (state, national) which you would assume would drive voter numbers up. I don't know the answer but one person mentioned they thought it was set up that way in the city charter. True? And if so, how does the charter get changed should there be a movement to try to do that?

Susan –
The City Charter allows the election date to be set on any date that is within 90 days of the anniversary of the first election, OR on the same date as the November elections. In 1987, the Board of Commissioners did take action to move the City’s election date to November, in an effort to get more people to participate in electing commissioners. Then, in 1992, it was changed again, this time to the first Tuesday in May.
The benefit of having a separate election, as opposed to combining it with state and national elections, is that the voters who turn out are focused on municipal issues. While moving the City’s election to November would bring out more voters, it’s likely that you’d get a lot of voters that haven’t taken time to acquaint themselves with the local issues or the candidates. Better to have a smaller number of informed voters than to have a large number of people who may just be pushing buttons without thinking it through.
Roger
City Attorney

And from City Manager Mike Walker:
My comments are similar to Roger's. Traditionally, local elections are held separately because in the bigger elections, the debate on local issues and even the signs for local candidates sometimes get lost in the overall debate on state or national elections, political parties, national issues, etc. The local election becomes relegated to the same status on the ballot as, for example, voting for a state Supreme Court judge or court of appeals judge. There is no question that people who choose to vote at the separate election are informed on the local issues voters; otherwise, they would not make the effort to vote.

What are your thoughts on it all? Please comment below.

Twitter me up Devin

A few final thoughts on Tuesday's election:

Personally, I'm so glad Devin McClendon lost the election. Now he'll have time to teach me to Twitter. But unfortunately for me, I have an idea he won't be twiddling his thumbs, or teaching me to Tweet anytime soon. I hope there's a 2011 Brentwood race in his future, or maybe even something bigger. After yesterday, I wonder if he's not too progressive for us. And that's a shame.

Have you ever seen the 1998 movie Pleasantville starring Nashville's own Reece Witherspoon? Since we're supposed to have another 19 inches of rain in the next few days, rent it, Netflix it or check it out from the Brentwood Library (just make sure you return it on time! This I know from experience -- see yesterday's post). Settle in on the couch, pop popcorn and enjoy. Then let me know what you think.

Speaking of rain, the Leathers’ rain gauge currently shows just shy of an inch of rain from overnight and this morning. Sigh.

And speaking of the library, you have to love Library Director Chuck Sherrill. He said he would have loaned me cash or his library card yesterday. As to why he would be late to the gathering at the library to hear who vote tallies, you must love his excuse: “I’m going out to dinner with my parents, celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary (!). I will be back at the library after that.” Congratulations to them!

Could 2011 bring a Joe and Joe showdown?
Last year, longtime commissioner Joe Sweeney announced at a city commission meeting he did not plan to run for re-election. In a Brentwood Journal story following up on the statement he confirmed that was his thinking at that time, leaving the door cracked for another run. If he decides to open the door in two years he will face Brentwood's other Joe --longtime commissioner Joe Reagan who came in fourth Tuesday. Both have celebrated 80th birthdays but both still love the city with the passion they had when they first ran for office.
Will be interesting to see what happens.

Election Day dawns; Mother's Day not far behind

It’s finally here! Brentwood Election Day 2009.
If you haven’t voted and are registered, please help mold the city’s future by taking advantage of your right to help select those who govern you. Remember that this is not a partisan race and whoever is elected represents the city, the entire city. We are blessed with a fine group of candidates, incumbents and newcomers to the political process alike.
The polls, located throughout the city, are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Check this spot throughout the day for updates and news from around the city. And if you see or hear something interesting or funny or otherwise newsworthy, please comment and share.

***

Last week’s post about Brentwood’s role in the Wooded Rapist arrest and subsequent first Davidson County conviction included information about the city’s Rape Aggression Defense class for women.
Brentwood Police Department’s Community Resource Officer Mark Wood has let me know that the next RAD class will begin Monday, June 1, and run through Thursday, June 4, from 6-9 p.m. It will be held at the Brentwood Safety Center East, 1300 Sunset Road, which gives east Brentwood residents a chance to participate without having to come all the way into the city’s Maryland Farms Municipal Building.
Former Williamson A.M. columnist Jill Burgin commented on the previous post that she took the class about two years ago “and I would recommend it to every female I know.
“There was a mom taking the class with her teenage daughter because she said she wanted her daughter to be prepared for any situation she might encounter in college and beyond. I cannot say enough good things about the Brentwood officers who led our class.”
Sounds like a great Mother’s Day present to me – registering Mom and daughter(s) age 13 and over to take the class together.
For more information, call Officer Wood at 371-2267 or email him at woodm@brentwood-tn.org.

***

The news about Brentwood’s Planning and Codes Director Joe Lassus’ post-surgery progress continues to be uplifting.
He got to go home Sunday – two days after his operation to remove a brain tumor. While he still has trouble with his speech, City Manager Mike Walker reported Monday, “the pressure in his brain has been relieved and he has improved control over use of his right hand for eating and writing. The stitches will be removed on Friday. They will not know if the tumor is malignant for 10 days (from this past Friday).”
“Ironically, Joe broke a tooth Sunday at the hospital. When he arrived home, (his wife) Naomi called his dentist, Dr. Gilliam who allowed Joe to come to the office on Sunday night where he did the needed repair. Wow – I am impressed,” Mike writes. “Needless to say, we live in a great, caring community!”

Ghosts, votes and update on Joe Lassus

Just in from the first showing of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, the new chick flick starring Jennifer Garner and Matthew McConaughey. What's the verdict? Just short of three stars on a five-star scale.
Garner's perfectly cast as Jenny, the maid-of-honor doctor spurned by sleazebag-photographer-who-won't-commit McConaughey. Think Christmas Carol meets Failure to Launch and almost every other movie Matthew's almost ever made. What happened to the Matthew I fell in love with in A Time to Kill?
Still, it was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon with a friend, cell phone off and popcorn (South Beach be damned) in hand.
Bored this weekend? Check it out. Or wait for the video. I actually think I'll like it better the second time around.

***

The stats: 2,233 voters cast early votes in the Brentwood City Commission race. Early voting ended Thursday. That leaves 23,782 left to be cast on Election Day, Tuesday, May 5. Let's break the mold, defy history and give the TV stations something besides the economy to report on.

Imagine the headlines, "Long line sparks Brentwood love match," "Voters wait four hours to cast votes," "Commission candidates attract more votes than McCain, Palin!"

OK, that last one's a stretch.

Check earlier BrentWord postings for details, links to candidates, etc. if you need more election information.

***

Great news from City Manager Mike Walker concerning Planning Director Joe Lassus and his surgery today:

"I just talked to Naomi. She was very upbeat as the operation was completed successfully. ... Joe has been moved to ICU and is 'talking up a storm' now. I actually heard him say in the background “Hi Buddy” when Naomi told him she was talking to me. I asked Naomi to call me with additional updates as soon as she has new information. "

A brain tumor was discovered several weeks ago and Joe has been on leave. Please continue to keep the Lassus family in your prayers.

***

Busy weekend:

• Brentwood High School's band boosters are having their annual sale from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday in the Campbell Center. That means no matter what the weather you can bargain shop to your heart's content. Great looking ferns and planters -- and bake sale items! -- are also available.
• If you have items too big for your trash containers, you can take them to Granny White Park tomorrow between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. But don't bring liquids, paints, batteries, tires or chippings. For those items ...
• Just head down to the Williamson County Administrative Complex (where you get your car tags), 1320 West Main Street, between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. So, what is considered hazardous? Check out the Williamson Beautiful website at http://www.williamson-tn.org/kwb/hhw.htm