tn forum names best and worst legislators of 2016

8/15/2019 TN Forum Names Best And Worst Legislators Of 2016

1/14

Best & Worst

The

TennesseeForum’s

of the

109th General Assembly


2/14

TheTennessee

ForumBest & Worst

The Tennessee Forum has been the vehicle for political activism for twoMiddle Tennessee women since 2000. When we started we were stay-at-

home moms who had been involved in the fight against a state income taxand were distressed by the shenanigans at the state capitol. Today, our

children are older and starting to fly the nest, but we still hold a passion for

politics and activism. Since our beginning The Forum has been strictly a

volunteer outlet—we receive no paychecks, no special favors and we don’t

hang out with the cool political kids. It provides us a unique perspective that

we are happy to share.

The Best & Worst is the Tennessee Forum’s effort to use our first hand

knowledge of the workings of the Tennessee state legislature and our inside

sources to review lawmakers’ actions and publish those findings and our

opinions back to their districts. We’ve identified 10 cases which we believe to

represent political integrity, both its abundance and absence. Our survey is

focused on only Republicans because with such a significant majority they

control the direction of the state, but we don’t view the results as particularly

partisan. Many sides of many issues are represented here in both the best

and worst categories.. Political integrity is not about the particular position

an elected official takes, but rather reflects a consistency, honesty and

transparency about those positions despite the circumstances.

We believe in our fellow Tennesseans and know that if our elected

representatives came to Nashville and held the desire of their constituents

sacrosanct over and above the desires of special interests then we would be

proud of the government that results. The Tennessee Forum has always

stood against the special interests and self-aggrandizing state agencies who

take power from the people for their own purposes. Whether those groupsare unions, bar associations, unelected bureaucrats or the horde of lobbyists

who take their compensation from taxpayer funds, the Tennessee Forum has

been ready to call them out.

We started as an organization that exposed chameleons of the legislature:

Members who behaved and legislated one way in Nashville, but returned

home at election time and claimed to be someone completely different. While

some of that has been ameliorated with the state’s award winning website

that tracks legislation and with ethics legislation that the Forum supported,

we are disappointed with the fair number of legislators who continue to keep

their constituents in the dark. Conversely, there are an even greater number

of dedicated public servants who spend each day on the Hill trying to carry

out their campaign promises.

All of the projects we have found ourselves involved in over the last decade

and a half seem to come back to transparency, accountability and ethics—

this survey is no different. Taking advantage of our experience in Tennessee

politics we have compiled a list of who is, in our humble opinion, the best and

the worst our legislature had to offer in the 109th General Assembly. We

hope you enjoy it!


3/14

When Jay Reedy defeated longtime incumbent Democrat John Tidwell, thefirst reaction among many in legislative plaza was “who?”

But Reedy had no problem bringing his principles and campaign promises to

Nashville. He quickly showed who he was and what he was made of when he

defied the caucus pecking order and filed his own bills to cut the Hall Tax,

increase benefits for veterans, and curb asset forfeiture abuse. In doing so, he

earned the praises of taxpayers, the respect of his colleagues and the ire of

more than a few lobbyists.

A lot of Reedy’s bills ran into trouble when politically calculating legislators

refused to back him, but the citizens of Tennessee would be better served if

more freshman members fought for their values instead of focusing on re-

election

Best:Jay Reedy

Rookie of the Year

The Freshmen


4/14

In 2014 Eddie Smith campaigned asa principled conservative dedicated

to the precepts of the conservative

cause.1 It now seems as if those

“principles” have taken a back seat

to his almost manic focus on re-

election.

Consider Smith’s actions on two

conservative hot button bills this year: a bill that would have

prevented males from using girls’

showers and locker rooms in public

schools (HB2414)2 and a bill that would have stopped the taxpayer subsidy of

the government collection of union dues (HB2229).3

Smith voted to pass HB2414 in Education Subcommittee.4 Then, when the

ACLU and several left-leaning education officials raised their ire, he voted to

kill the bill in the full Education Committee.5 When conservatives complained

and fought for a re-hearing, Smith again changed and voted for the bill.6

Smith played the same game with HB2229, voting for the bill in Education

Subcommittee7 and then, under pressure from government unions voting to

kill the same bill in the full Education Committee despite telling the sponsors

of HB2229 he supported the bill. 8

Observers on both bills noted that Smith’s primary consideration during both

debates seemed to be how to maximize votes in his re-election. So much for

being a principled conservative!

Worst:Eddie Smith

BiggestDisappointment


5/14

One could argue that DoloresGresham’s passion is helping

children and, more specifically,

children in difficult situations.

While many people share that

passion, few have had the

impact Senate Education

Committee Chairman Gresham

has had as the legislative “tip of

the spear” in Tennessee’s very

successful education reform

movement. A retired Marine

Lieutenant Colonel, the

hallmark of the important

Senate Education Committee

under her leadership is that it

is always pressing forward.

Reforms focused on entrenched

bureaucracies are often

politically risky. The special

interests benefiting from said

bureaucracies frequently come

out in force to block the

reforms and attack those

leading the reform effort, but

Senator Gresham has never

flinched in the face of such

opposition, even challenging

politically active taxpayer

funded bureaucracies such as

the Tennessee School Board Association. The results have been impressive. In

2014, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Scores showed

Tennessee was among the fastest improving K-12 school system in the nation,

and for the first time in NAEP history, Tennessee 4th grade math scores were in

the top half of the nation.9

Gresham isn’t slowing down. In the 109th General Assembly alone, Gresham

introduced and carried over fifty education bills including politically risky

legislation such as providing state scholarships for children with special needs,

eliminating a taxpayer subsidy of the government’s collection of unions’ dues10

and de-funding the higher education project known as the University of

Tennessee’s “Office of Diversity.”11

Dolores Gresham; Semper fi-always faithful.

Best:Dolores

Gresham

The Colonel

The Senators


6/14

F reshman Senator Paul Bailey represents the very conservative UpperCumberland area and campaigned as a social conservative. Imagine the shock

to legislative insiders when Bailey told The Tennessee Journal that he “aligned

on more issues than not” with one of the nation’s most radical, left winged

government unions; a group that openly supports abortion, gay marriage and

gun control. But read further in the article and Bailey explains his affinity for

the union. He “welcomed an endorsement-along with the phone banking, door

knocking, and direct mail that came with it.”12 Bailey could have also added

the $14,800 given to Bailey’s campaign by the union and over $20,000 paid by

Bailey to a known union ally for “Professional Services” and “Advertising.” 13

The government union’s

investment in Bailey paidoff. Bailey voted against a

bill that, as amended,

would have ended a a

unique taxpayer benefit to

the union worth several

hundred thousand dollars

a year.14

Such “commitment to

conservative values” has

not escaped the notice of

fellow Senators. In the

just completed session,Bailey suffered the

unusual embarrassment

of having one of his bills

voted down 0-9 in

committee.15 Such a

defeat is rare because one

or two fellow Senators will

often cast a vote for a

colleague’s bill just to

prevent the humiliation of

complete, bi-partisan

repudiation. Perhaps the

Senate makes anexception in the case of a

bill being carried by

someone the Forum

considers a puppet.

Worst:Paul Bailey

The Puppet


7/14

This was a hard decision as the House of Representatives is blessed withseveral good chairmen. Charles Sargent, Jimmy Matlock, Steve McManus, HarryBrooks, Bill Dunn, and Jeremy Faison all come to mind. But this year we chose

John Forgety; former school superintendent, principal, coach and 1st “Top”

Sargent. Thought to be the oldest Tennessean to serve in combat in the Iraq

war, Chairman Forgety’s no-nonsense attitude toward legislation and debate has

been a breath of fresh air in a chamber that has recently been known more for

its dysfunction.

John is equally transparent with his constituents in district. If anyone wants to

know Forgety’s stance on an issue, all you need to do is ask him.

Philosophically, John sometimes finds himself at odds with his Republican

colleagues on issues regarding public administration. However, few wouldchallenge his commitment to fairness and integrity. His Education Instruction &

Program Committee publicly reviews and processes hundreds of bills with

complex and often

controversial subject

matter, all addressed

in a businesslike

fashion. Through the

intense sausage

making of the

legislative process,

John has remained one

of the most liked and

appreciated men on

Capitol Hill. For

service, character and

forthrightness the

Tennessee Forum has

selected Rep. John

Forgety as Best

Chairman of the 109th

General Assembly.

Best:John Forgety

TOP Sargent

The hairmen


8/14

Worst:Jimmy

Eldridge

The Jester

Some disclosure might be helpful here. The

Tennessee Forum supported Jimmy Eldridge when he

first ran for the State House because we thought he

would make a good legislator. We were wrong.

Republicans on Capitol Hill generally fall into two

categories: conservative or moderate. Jimmy is

different. He can be conservative, moderate or liberal

depending on who he is talking to. Jimmy’s

shallowness has not escaped detection by his

colleagues. Consider the following comments:

“Jimmy’s highest political ambitions are being seen by

his constituents and garnering free lobbyist-suppliedliquor. It is unfortunate, but he epitomizes nearly every

character flaw that people hate about perpetual and

nearly parasitic politicians.” — Senior Republican

House member

“Jimmy is untrustworthy. How he says he is going to

vote and how he actually votes are quite often two

different things.” — Executive of a leading pro-business

organization

Jimmy’s actions on two important reform bills

illustrate what many have come to accept as standard

Eldridge behavior.

In 2011, HB130 sought to completely restructure the relationship between teachers

and employers. The bill had passed in House Education Committee but ran into

opposition from government unions in House Budget. Supporting the union

position, Jimmy made the motion to send the legislation back to the then closed

House Education Committee effectively killing the bill.16 When Jimmy’s move

created a significant backlash, he made the incredulous claim that he

misunderstood his own motion and had meant to support the bill. Of course, the

video tells a different story. The Speaker took the unusual action of reopening the

House Education Committee.17 The bill passed and is now law. Jimmy voted for it

the second time.18

In the last week of the 2016 session, the House considered an amendment to a bill

that would have phased out the Hall Income Tax. Jimmy voted against the amend-

ment which was expected to fail.19 He guessed wrong. The amendment passed in a

close vote. Seeing that the amended bill was almost certain to pass, Jimmy voted

for it.20

After 100+ years of one party rule, many important pieces of reform legislation are

under consideration by thoughtful, well intentioned House Members. The Forum

believes Jimmy Eldridge is not one of them and deserves to be classified as the

legislature’s WORST chairman.


9/14

Gerald McCormick does not fitin a politically correct world. The Forum suspects Hans

Christian Andersen’s child

character, who announced the

Emperor had no clothes, was

patterned after a young Gerald

who would indeed have called

the Emperor naked. The

hallmark of McCormick’s

leadership has been his fearless

challenge to entrenched

bureaucracies and powerfulfiefdoms created by decades of

single party rule. The following

is a sample of those challenges.

In 2014 McCormick was the

only member of House

leadership willing to confront

the insular, opaque and

politically powerful fiefdom of

the Judicial Performance

Evaluation Commission.

(“JEPC”) In an open letter

McCormick said, "The JPECliterally determines which

judges we citizens have the

opportunity to vote for by

weeding out the bad judges and

keeping the good judges." McCormick said, "The only problem is that the

JPEC, in its entire history, has never found a bad judge. After the June

24th hearing, chaired by Sen. Mike Bell, we know why. The system is rigged so

that no judge ever loses his or her job."21

McCormick was quick to call out the local Chamber of Commerce for their

mixed up priorities as they pandered to the “social justice” movement. The

Chamber protested a bill prohibiting male students from using female locker

rooms and showers in public schools but ignored children who were literallydying from violence in the streets of Chattanooga.22

For his fearless challenges to bloated, elite and pompous fiefdoms, the

Tennessee Forum recognizes Gerald McCormick for his courage in leadership

and proclaims him one of the best legislators of the 109th General Assembly.

Best:Gerald

McCormick

Mr. Couragerous

1st Runners-Up


10/14

J im Coley is a lifelong government union stalwart trying to represent aconservative district. Almost by definition, his political survival is dependent on

his ability to camouflage his voting record from his constituents.

For example, consider two 2nd Amendment votes by Coley in March 2015. In

both instances, archived footage of the hearings shows the subcommittee’s

chairman, Coley, voting “no.” But later, Coley changed the official records from

“no” to “abstain.”23 When challenged on the sleight of hand by Coley, he told

TNReport he changed how his votes were recorded because he didn’t want his

constituents to draw the conclusion that he’s “not in favor of firearms.”

Similarly, in March of 2016, Coley voted to kill a bill whose purpose was to

prevent males from using girls’ dressing rooms and showers in public schools.After religious organizations exposed his vote in district, Coley agreed to change

his vote and support a difficult “reconsideration” procedure to resurrect the

bill.24 He literally voted against the bill before he voted for it.

Jim Coley is known as a reliable government union vote, but his constituents

would need to pay close attention to see through his smokescreen. For that

reason, the Forum considers Representative Coley one of the “Worst” legislators

of the 109th General Assembly.

Worst:Jim Coley

Camouflaged

Chairman


11/14

In its 15+ year life, the Tennessee Forum has found few bureaucracies morehostile to the beliefs of the state’s citizens than the Tennessee Municipal League

(“TML”). From its ardent support of a state income tax25 to the Soviet modeled

forced annexation program, for decades the TML has shamelessly used taxpayer

money to support policies that abrogate Tennesseans’ most basic rights. That is

until Mike Carter showed up on Capitol Hill.

Carter campaigned on overturning forced annexation, an abusive policy that

allowed cities to annex a citizen’s property without permission from the property

owner. Annexation often resulted in increased taxes, increased regulation and

the mandatory purchase of unwanted municipal services. No one took Carter’s

campaign promise seriously because the TML had blocked annexation reform for

decades. Their taxpayer funded war chest had proven more than sufficient todispense with pesky reformers the voters had sent to challenge them in the past.

Enter the JUDGE! Carter was

disciplined, thorough and

relentless. In a brutal

Legislative battle, Carter

exposed the abuses of forced

annexation, showed fellow

legislators that they no longer

had to cower to the TML and

succeeded in giving taxpayers a

say over their own property.

After passage of annexationreform, Carter introduced

legislation to give redress to

some of the worst abuses of the

TML’s former tactics.

The JUDGE followed through on

his campaign promises, took on

one of the state’s most powerful

abusive, taxpayer funded

bureaucracies and won! For

that, the Tennessee Forum has

named the JUDGE its #1

legislator of 109th GeneralAssembly.

Best:Mike Carter

The Judge

Overall Awards


12/14

One could argue that Curry Todd’s corepolitical strategy is “what happens in

Nashville stays in Nashville.” Limited space

prohibits an in-depth analysis of Todd’s many

paradoxes so we will try to hit a few high

points.

• The man who represents one of the largest

religious communities in the nation is

considered the “go-to-guy” for the liquor

industry. In the last three legislative sessions,

Todd has carried 16 pro-liquor bills for his

most significant political benefactor, the liquorindustry.26

•Less than a year after sponsoring “guns in

bars” legislation, Todd was jailed for DUI and

possession of a handgun while driving under

the influence.27

•In 2011 Todd lived rent-free for an

undisclosed period of time in lobbyist Chuck

Welch’s Nashville luxury home while voting on

bills Welch was paid to get passed. While

collecting $29,000 in mileage reimbursement

and state per diem meant to cover his

expenses in Nashville he lived in a lobbyist’s

home.28

• Todd has amassed a $190,000 war chest to scare away would-be

challengers. Of more than 150 contributors, the majority came from PACs

and only nine came from his home district totaling less than $9,000 from

2010-2016.29

• Though reportedly in poor health, Todd got into "a scuffle” with another

legislator on the House floor during the most recent session and had to be

physically separated.30

• As of this writing, there appears to be no 2016 legislation sponsored and

passed by Todd that is focused on the needs of the communities in hisdistrict.

It appears to the Tennessee Forum that since 2011, Representative Todd has

spent most of his political capital going to bat for controversial industries,

spawning unflattering headlines, fighting ethics allegations and building a war

chest. Further, it seems that he believes $190,000 of campaign funds can

paper over his real persona in Nashville. To us, the selection of WORST

Tennessee legislator of 109th General Assembly was easy: Curry Todd.

Worst:Curry Todd

RepresentativeArmed and Loaded


13/14

Footnotes:

1. http://www.voteeddiesmith.com/

2. HB2414, 109th General Assembly

3. HB 2229, 109th General Assembly, House Education Administrationand Planning subcommittee, Feb 16, 2016

4. HB 2414, 109th General Assembly, House Education Administrationand Planning Subcommittee vote, March 15, 2016

5. HB 2414, 109th General Assembly, House Education Administrationand Planning Committee vote, March 22, 2016

6. HB 2414, 109th General Assembly, House Education Administrationand Planning Committee vote, April 6, 2016

7. HB 2229, 109th General Assembly, House Education Administrationand Planning subcommittee, Feb 16, 2016

8. HB 2229, 109th General Assembly, House Education Administrationand Planning, March 22, 2016; Jim Wrye Letter to Teachers, “DearTEA member in House District 13,” (April 15, 2016)

9. Press Release , Office of Governor Bill Haslam, “Tennessee StudentsStill the Fastest Improving in the U.S. Since 2011,” (Oct 28, 2015)

10. SB 1707, 109th General Assembly

11. Knox News Sentinel (March 2, 2016), “Senate Panel Votes to Strip UTDiversity Office of All State Funding,”

12. The Tennessee Journal , Vol 41, No 34 (Aug 28, 2015), “Tennessee’snew, Republican-friendly teachers union”

13. Payments to Mike Alder, appearing in: TN Reg of Election FinanceFilings for Paul Bailey, Early Mid-Year Supplemental 2013, Early Year-End Supplemental 2013, 1st Qtr 2014, 2nd Qtr2014, Pre-Primary 2014,3rd Qtr 2014, Pre-Gen 2014, 4th Qtr 2014, Early Mid-Year

Supplemental 2015, Early Year-End Supplemental 201514. 109th Gen Assembly, SB 151, Senate Amendment 492, Senate Vote

(January 25, 2016)

15. 109th Gen Assembly, SB 1452, State and Local GovernmentCommittee Vote (Mar 1, 2016)

16. House Video, Eldridge Comments beginning at 1:45:00, HB 130,Finance Ways and Means Committee Debate, May 3, 2011; TheTennessean (May 4, 2011) “Teacher Union Bill Stalls,” available athttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20110504/NEWS/305040096/ Teacher-union-bill-stalls

17. The Tennessean , “TN Teachers Union Bill Stays Alive,” (March 5,2011) available at http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110505/ NEWS/305050030/TN-teachers-union-bill-stays-alive

18. House Finance Ways and Means Committee Votes, 107th GeneralAssembly, HB 130, (May 11, 2011)

19. Vote on House Amendment 3 (HA1241) to SB 47, (April 20, 2016)

20. 109th Gen Assembly, SB 47, House Floor Vote (April 21, 2016) TheTennessean , “House Republicans blast judicial elections” (July 11,2014)

21. Chattanooga Times Free Press (April 19, 2016), “McCormickDenounces Chattanooga Chamber’s opposition to bathroom bill,silence on ‘full-fledged gang warfare’”

22. TNReport , “Don’t Believe Your Hearing, ‘Voice Votes’ May Be DummyRounds,” (March 20, 2015) (“Then, in declaring the outcome of thevotes on both measures Coley says, “The ‘noes’ have it, the bill fails.”However, according to the General Assembly’s website, Coley is listedon both bills, along with fellow committee member Jon Lundberg, ashaving abstained from the votes. That would seem to mean the “noes”didn’t really “have it.” The votes on the two gun bills were deadlocked2-2-2… Coley told TNReport he changed how his vote was recordedbecause he didn’t want his constituents to draw the conclusion thathe’s “not in favor of firearms.”)

23. HB 2414, 109th General Assembly, House Education Administrationand Planning Committee vote, (April 6, 2016)

24. The Chattanoogan (Nov 20, 2001), “City Council May Take Position onState Income Tax” (“Jim Boney, city finance director, said theTennessee Municipal League recently voted to support tax reform,including a broad-based income tax”) available at http:// www.chattanoogan.com/2001/11/20/15106/City-Council-May-Take-Position-On-State.aspx ; The Kingsport Times (June 24, 2002), “TNTAX BATTLE: Legislature enters final week in a quandary (INCOMETAX VOTES EXPECTED),” (“Instead of one budget crisis, you’ll have349 city crises and 95 county crises,” said Ross Loder, deputy directorof the Tennessee Municipal League), republished at http:/ / www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/704953/posts

25. 109th Gen. Assembly: HB 465, HB 2586, HB 211, HB 349, HB 1123,HB 1254; 108th Gen. Assembly: HB 52, HB 227, HB 985, HB 986, HB987, HB 988, HB 989, HB 1748, HB 3011, HB 3012 (for greater detail,see Appendix A – Curry Todd Alcohol Legislation)

26. Nashville Scene (Oct 12, 2011), “Guns-in-Bars Sponsor, Rep. CurryTodd, Caught Drunk with Loaded Gun, Police Say,” available at http:// www.nashvillescene.com/pitw/archives/2011/10/12/guns-in-bars-sponsor-rep-curry-todd-caught-drunk-with-loaded-gun

27. NewsChannel 3 , WREG Memphis (March 3, 2013), “State Lawmakerfrom Collierville Admits to Living Rent-Free in Lobbyist’s NashvilleHome,” (“The lawmaker admits to living rent free in an upsca,eNashville home in 2011 when it was owned by lobbyist Chuck Welch…Todd collected over $29,000 of taxpayer money for his travel andhousing even though he was living rent-free in the Nashville home.”)available at http:/ /wreg.com/2013/03/03/state-lawmaker-from-collierville-admits-to-living-rent-free-in-lobbyists-nashville-home/

28. Tennessee Registry of Election Finance Filings, Curry Todd,2010-2016

29. Nashville Scene , “Ready to Rumble in the State House: TwoLawmakers Open Whupass Can,” (Feb 18, 2016)

Appendix A

Curry Todd Alcohol - Legislation and Status: 109th General Assembly:

(1) HB465 (“authorizing sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premisesconsumption at a facility that has at least 100 acres with 20 rooms forovernight accommodations that serves at least two meals a day and hascertain equestrian facilities.”)-failed

(2) HB2586 (allows wholesalers to solicit orders from retail food stores anddeliver wine prior to July 1, 2016; limits retail package store licenses to twoper owner) – passed 108th General Assembly

(3) HB 211 (“As enacted, removes beer from calculation of gross revenue inregard to limited service restaurants.”) – passed

(4) HB 349 (“As enacted, authorizes the OZ facility in Davidson County toserve and sell alcoholic beverages for on premises consumption”) – passed

(5) HB 1123 (“As introduced, authorizes the Caryonah Hunting Lodgelocated in Cumberland County to be licenses as a premier type touristresort” [to sell alcohol])

(6) HB 1254 (“As enacted, expands definition of "urban park center" forpurposes of on-premises consumption; increases the privilege tax levied onthe urban park centers established by this act.”) 107th General Assembly

(7) HB 52 (“As enacted, allows any establishment that has a permit to sellliquor or wine on premises to sell beer at any time such establishment canserve liquor or wine; changes hours for sale of beer in Tennessee Riverresort district to be not less than the hours for liquor by the drink.”) – passed

(8) HB 227 (“As introduced, defines a restaurant located in a jurisdictionthat has elected Tennessee River resort district status as having insidecapacity of at least 40 and outside seating capacity of at least 75.”)

(9) HB 985 (“As enacted, makes several additions to present lawconcerning the sale of alcoholic beverages; expands the definition of"Tennessee River resort district" to include a limited service restaurantlocated within a jurisdiction that has elected Tennessee River resort district

status.”) - passed(10) HB 986 (“As enacted, provides for the manufacturing and retail sale ofhigh alcohol content beer; revises various provisions of law regardingalcoholic beverages.”) - passed

(11) HB 987 (“As introduced, authorizes a licensed wholesaler holding abasic permit under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act as an importer toimport alcoholic beverages and wine under certain circumstances; permits alicensed wholesaler to deliver alcoholic beverages and wine by commoncarrier to a retailer only in certain quantities.”)

(12) HB 988 (“As introduced, authorizes a manufacturer of intoxicatingliquors or drinks in certain localities to be issued a license by the alcoholicbeverage commission for on-premises consumption of the liquors or drinksproduced at the licensed facility.”)

(13) HB 989 (“As introduced, requires commission to implement newlicensing structure for restaurants and limited service restaurants based onliability insurance codes.”)

(14) HB 1748 (“As enacted, includes East Fork Stables in the definition of

premier type tourist resort for purposes of the sale of alcoholic beverages foron-premises consumption; designates certain other facility as premier typetourist resort for purposes of sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premisesconsumption”) – passed

(15) HB3011 (“As enacted, allows commission to issue wholesale license tocorporation that has acquired assets of a partnership or limited liabilitycompany operating in this state for 10 years if corporation has majority of itsassets in Tennessee and officers actively present at licensed premises.”) -passed

(16) HB3012 (“- As introduced, permits a person possessing a nonresidentseller's permit for wines and alcoholic beverages that are not registeredunder certain circumstances or not available from a manufacturer, winery ordistiller to purchase alcoholic beverages from a Tennessee licensedwholesaler for resale outside the state.”)


14/14

T E N N E S S E E F O R U M

P.O. Box 150384, Nashville TN 37215

Paid for by the Tennessee Forum, a Political Action Committee

The

Tennessee Forum’s

Best & Worst

of the

109th General Assembly

Best Freshman Jay Reedy, Erin

Best SenatorDolores Gresham, Somerville

Best Chairman John Forgety, Athens

1st Runner UpGerald McCormick, Chattanooga

Best OverallMike Carter, Ooltewah

Worst FreshmanEddie Smith, Knoxville

Worst SenatorPaul Bailey, Sparta

Worst Chairman Jimmy Eldridge, Jackson

1st Runner Up Jim Coley, Bartlett

Overall WorstCurry Todd, Collierville

tn forum names best and worst legislators of 2016

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