Tennessee This Week Podcast

No program on June 29

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:32:09 -0400

Because of special programming by ABC Sports, Tennessee This Week is taking a one week vacation. We'll be back on our regular broadcast schedule at 12 Noon on July 6. However, due to the holiday weekend, the online version will not be posted until Monday, July 7.

Knox Charter Petition; Knox County budget; George Korda and Mike Cohen

admin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:12:33 -0400

Kathy Hamilton and Gary Drinnon with Knox Charter Petition share information about their organization's efforts to get more than 40,000 signatures on two separate petitions calling for changes in the Knox County Charter.

Knox County commissioners approved Mayor Mike Ragsdale's budget with few changes. Joining Gene Patterson to talk about what happened are 5th District Commissioner Mike Hammond and 9th District Commissioner Paul Pinkston.

Then 6 News political analyst George Korda and Ackermann Public Relations executive Mike Cohen, who has worn a number of governmental hats in his career, join Gene for the Final Word.

Mike Padgett; William Daniels; George Korda and Lloyd Daugherty

admin — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:04:48 -0400

Former Knox County Clerk Mike Padgett is now a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate. He talks to host Gene Patterson in the first segment about his plans for the campaign and issues he thinks are important to voters.

Knox County Commissioner William Daniels, who represents the Fourth District, explains why he has recommended shutting down some county offices to save taxpayers money.

Then Gene is joined for the Final Word by 6 News political analyst George Korda, and radio host and the head of the Tennessee Conservative Union, Lloyd Daugherty.

Proposal for inspector general's office in Knox County

admin — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:34:40 -0400

Knox County commissioners are in the midst of deciding a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Mayor Mike Ragsdale has proposed a $640 million budget plan that represents an increase in spending of just under 2 percent from the current year.

The good news for taxpayers is that no property tax increase is being proposed.

Among the items in the mayor's budget is the creation of an inspector general's office. The IG would focus on county contracts, compliance issues, vendor relations, purchasing and all phases of county government operations.

Joining Gene Patterson to discuss the proposal is Knox County Chief Financial Officer John Troyer and administration spokesman Dwight Van De Vate.

Later, 6 News political analyst George Korda and political consultant Cortney Piper to talk about the week's political news.

Knox p-card audit and county budget

admin — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:32:25 -0400

Knox County's purchasing card scandal doesn't seem to want to go away. In the past several days, commission auditor Richard Walls disputed the mayor's office numbers, saying Mayor Ragsdale and others still owed money. This is after they had written checks for several hundred dollars. By the end of this week, Ragsdale wrote another check, instead of continuing to fight the charges. That was not the case, though, for at least one former staff member. The attorney for Cynthia Finch says that she will not pay and that all of her purchases were for county business.

County Law Director John Owings has said he plans to to sue for collection.

While all this was going on, there is the matter of the county budget. Hearings on the budget begin next week, and there are some who believe the mayor's revenue growth projections are too optimistic.

Joining Gene Patterson to talk about the budget and other business are commissioners Sam McKenzie, of the First District, and Elaine Davis, of the Fourth District.

Then in The Final Word, Craig Griffith, a former deputy to Mayor Victor Ashe and currently with Mercy Partners, and political columnist and radio host Frank Cagle share thoughts about stories in the news.

No program May 25

admin — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:40:53 -0400

Because of ABC's coverage of the Indianapolis 500, Tennessee This Week will not be seen this week. Look for us again next week.

Tennessee's Open Meeting Law; George Korda and Cortney Piper; Knoxville in pictures

admin — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:15:22 -0400

Knoxville attorney Rick Hollow is considered one of the foremost experts on Tennessee's Open Records Law. He was also the lead attorney for the Knoxville News Sentinel in its lawsuit against the Knox County Commission in last year's Sunshine Lawsuit trial.

Then, 6 News political analyst George Korda and political consultant Cortney Piper share their thoughts on the week's political news in our second segment.

And in the Final Word, Gene Patterson has a conversation with author Ed Hooper about his latest book, "Knoxville During the Viet Nam Era." It's a fascinating look back through pictures at a time when the nation was divided over the war.

Rep. Jimmy Duncan; George Korda and Mike Cohen

admin — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:19:08 -0400

How high will gas go? It's a question everyone is asking. Many wonder if the federal government can and should step in to do something about it.

That's one of many questions Gene Patterson has for this week's first guest, Rep. Jimmy Duncan (R-2nd Dist.)

Later, 6 News political analyst George Korda and Ackermann Public Relations executive Mike Cohen share thoughts on some of the events in the news this week.

Knox County Ethics Committee; Frank Cagle and Cortney Piper; Go Red for Women Day

admin — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:40:44 -0400

Knox County's ethics committee was back in session earlier this week. Under its current authority, the committee is empowered to only make recommendations to either the county law director or the district attorney general about possible ethical breeches by county employees. But coming up on May 22, committee members will meet to discuss increasing their power.

Joining Gene Patterson to talk about that are committee members Kim Waller and county commissioner Mike Hammond.

Then, Gene has a conversation with political columnist and radio host Frank Cagle, and political analyst Cortney Piper, who has a new job since she last appeared on Tennessee This Week.

In The Final Word, Gene is joined by the co-chairs of this year's "Go Red for Women" Day, Mary Horton and Nicole Keeton. The American Heart Association' annual event is to be held this year on May 16 at noon. It's at the downtown Knoxville Marriott. Tickets are $40. Call 212-6500 to order tickets.

I-40 Shutdown

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:21:07 -0400

News about the upcoming closure of I-40 through downtown Knoxville has been reported for months. On Thursday, the talk ends and the shutdown begins. With it comes a major change in how out-of-state motorists and local commuters will have to weave their way along one of the busiest interstate highways in the country.

Joining Gene Patterson to talk about those changes and why we'll be dealing with them for more than a year are Steve Borden and Travis Brickey with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Later in the program, 6 News political analyst George Korda has a few comments to add about the I-40 shutdown, as well as the presidential election.