Ezra Maize Owner

Burchett's first year buoyed by successes despite choppy political seas

Tim Burchett has been through a rocky first year as mayor of Knox County, but the legislature made the transition to the administrator.

Elected in a landslide last year, former state senator for the most part did what it promised to do his victory over former Sheriff Tim Hutchison Republican primary and general election victory over Democrat Ezra Maize - hold the line on spending, to avoid a tax increase and reduce the debt of the county.

Burchett cut the general fund of $ 151.6 million to 149.2 million dollars, the balance of the accounts without recourse to the reserve fund of the county.County Commission voted overwhelmingly to approve the mayor's first budget with only minor adjustments.

Not all budget decisions have been popular, and Burchett has shown he is willing to risk alienating key constituencies to keep a lid on spending. He cut funding for the Center for Cultural Exchange Beck, eliminated the money for the elderly to drive Knoxville Area Transit buses for free, and employees of the county did not get raises.

Burchett did not spare his own office, however, cutting the size of the town hall staff, eliminating car allowances and the overhaul of the procurement card program.

The most important thing - the biggest and - the part of the budget of 652.8 million dollars go to public safety and education, and Burchett delivered in both ranges. The Sheriff's Office budget has increased by about $ 71 million, while the school system has received its full request of 384.7 million.

Burchett stumbled a few times along the way, what could be expected of a legislator moving in the role of chief administrative officer for the first time.

When he took office he stopped making payments totaling $ 78 000 separation to three former employees outgoing Mayor Mike Ragsdale.Initially, he said he had no prior knowledge of the controversial deals, then backtracked.

In the beginning of the course, the mayor rarely attended committee meetings where he has a seat under her desk and rarely contacted the commissioners. Burchett, who is by nature open and outgoing, has improved in both areas.

West End Reunion : The Voice-Tribune

I am a proud American and proud of the community, which gave me roots to sprout. The people depicted in this photo spread are the same kind of people. We “Grew Up in the WestEnd of Louisville in the 60s, 70, and 80s” when it was a bustling community with businesses we could feel proud to support.

I want nothing more than a “Hand Up–Not a Hand Out”. In receiving that hand up–I can reach back to lift up others. I believe many of those represented here and the two thousand or so who could not make the event can agree with what I’m saying. Lousville leaders–can we talk??

In closing: A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.

-Amelia Earhart

The event “I Grow Up In The Louisville’s West End” was an excellent celebration of people coming together. I enjoyed coming out to a nice function that gave the opportunity to re-connect with old friends and meet new friends. This was an great event! Special thanks to Mr. Wine for the great photo spread and “thank you” for all the time you spent at the event to obtain those great photos. See everyone next year…………..

Thank you all for posting this wonderful event that brought so many back to the Westend for a simple gathering of friends, relatives and new found friendships. In case you missed this first celebrations take the time to check some of your friends FB pages to get even more pictures of some of the folks who you might have been conversating with over the last few months and weeks. Thanks Voice Tribune for taking the time to present the Westend in another positive light.

Maize

Ezra-Nehemiah

Maize, its history, cultivation, handling, and uses, with special reference to South Africa; a text-book for farmers, students of agriculture, and teachers of nature study

Ezra-Nehemiah, A Commentary

Eradication strategy for maize downy mildew, proceedings of an African conference and workshop