I was fortunate to be invited by Sean Braisted to a blogger’s lunch with candidate-for-mayor, David Briley. I got to eat with an august group of folks, including a young woman masquerading as Sarah Moore along with her beautiful daughter, Catherine. I say masquerading because the woman who claimed to be Sarah couldn’t have been any more than 23 years of age (and I’m not asking the Moores for a loan).
I’ll have more to say later on this luncheon, but I have a few quick impressions. This man knows Nashville. He is articulate and actually has the ability to say ‘I don’t know’ when he didn’t know something (I always thought that there was some kind of chip embedded in a person running for office that sent an electric shock when the words ‘I don’t know’ were forming in the candidate’s brain).
Let’s get the ’sexy’ question out of the way…He WOULD have vetoed the Crafton ‘English First’ bill. He opposed the bill in all its stages, despite being unable to vote when it was finally passed. There’s really no story re the non-vote on the third vote.
More importantly, Briley has done lots of study and lots of thinking about the future of our city in the form of the educational system. He would like more latitude for charter schools (he likened the School Board’s control of charter school creation to Walmart deciding when, if, and where a Target store could be located), and he was also clear in his opposition to a school voucher system (’not needed’). School choice is important, in the context of the public school system…his 3 keys to a good school system are: good principal, good teachers, and lots of parental involvement.
He has been a part of a team that has turned Lockeland School from a ‘horror show’ (my words, my wife taught there long ago) to one of the leading schools in the city. He and his wife have a 3 year old son who will be attending public school.
Most of the questions involved education, funding for education and his approach to education. We touched on health care, immigration, neighborhoods and vocational schools.
Other bloggers attending were Ned Williams of Wisdom is Vindicated (I totally enjoyed chatting with Ned after the meeting), Brittney and ACK from NiT and Volunteer Voters, and Rob Robinson from Truth Train, along with the aforementioned host Sean and Sarah Moore. I was impressed by Briley’s composure and willingness to spend over an hour with our lot. Time well spent by us, and I think for him as well.
Thanks again to Sean.
Amerigo’s serves some tasty eats. I appreciate the good service and the private room, as well.
12 Comments
February 19, 2007 at 5:09 pm
And once again I mourn no longer living in Nashville, because this would have been my cup of tea.
And of course those scrumptios Ball o’ cheese they serve.
Yum.
February 19, 2007 at 5:34 pm
scrumptious would be correct.
And “Balls of Cheese.”
My brain is currently gone cheesy poof.
Oops. Sorry about the typos.
Long Damn Monday.
February 19, 2007 at 5:37 pm
I thought you were talking about some mexican-irish cheese treat.
February 19, 2007 at 5:39 pm
I just thought you drooled on the keyboard.
It was a good lunch and a good conversation.
John, good summary. I thought you captured the discussion well.
Rob
February 19, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Not only did I drool on the keyboard, Rob, my brain fell out onto the floor where my dog picked it up and tossed it about the house.
Mexican-Irish cheese treat?
Naah … Doritos at best.
Can I come up for some crack and cheese?
Jeez. I need a vacation.
Did I mention Long Monday?
Hugs,
‘coma
February 19, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Thanks for the kind word (though I guess there you could have “enjoyed” talking with me like Jon Stewart did with Tucker Carlson), but it is a pleasure to put faces with names and to “connect” in the real world (vs. the e-world where “connecting” can have more of the baseball connotation).
February 19, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Excellent summation. Good to see you again.
Loved how you picked up the recording device to give a subtle shout out to Campfield. Priceless.
February 20, 2007 at 10:38 am
Hey…where was my invite? I mean, I’m so politically minded and all. Dang. My feelings are hurt.
Hee.
February 20, 2007 at 1:08 pm
John,
You know first hand I’m a complete idiot when it comes to computers and blogs. I can’t figure out how to link just this post. Where is the permalink? I wanted to link your wrap up and can’t figure out how to do it. Of course I can link your site, but not an individual post.
Sorry for the stupidity in advance.
February 20, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Crap. I should at list get the blog award for most willing to make a fool of myself award. I see the link at the top now.
Ugh.
The black hair is really a ruse.
February 20, 2007 at 1:11 pm
irony.
list=least.
I’m slinking away now.
February 21, 2007 at 11:26 am
[...] immigration was another hot topic at the table. John Hutcheson of Salem’s Lots notes this at his place: Let’s get the ’sexy’ question out of the way…He WOULD have vetoed the Crafton ‘English [...]