Read the agenda below....
http://bit.ly/1jHPWC0


Fixing the tax rate, creating a new pre-k program, setting the salary of the chairman and members of the Shelby County Board of Education, spending more money on Shelby County Schools (even though consolidation was supposed to save money), proposal to amend smoking policy ( you know so they can protect you from those evil water vapor e-cigs)....all of this and more. 

Attend the meeting if you want to see, hear, and perhaps have a say in your community....

Vasco A. Smith, Jr. County Administration Building 
160 North Main Street Memphis TN 38103


Or follow online or on the radio here...
WQOX – 88.5 FM http://www.mcsk12.net/flash/memphisp_8080.mov 

Live streaming http://www.shelbycountytn.gov/index.aspx?NID=1218
 

http://www.localmemphis.com/story/d/story/humane-society-offers-20-adoptions-june-1/86959/l7p2qaJ14keUEO-qdtl5oA

MEMPHIS, TN (localmemphis.com)--The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County will host the “HSMSC Draft” at its facility on Sunday, June 1, offering dog and cat adoptions for just $20 and staying open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 


Individuals and businesses who would like to help, but cannot adopt, can help in a number of other ways:

·  Sponsor an adoption for $50

· Become a volunteer

· Become a foster parent

· Join HSMSC’s email list

· Like the Humane Society on Facebook; follow on Twitter; follow on Instagram

· Share adoptable animals via social media or email


For more information, visit www.memphishumane.org, call 901- 937-3900 or visit the facility at 935 Farm Road. The reduced adoption fee applies to approvedadopters only who have completed an adoptionapplication and passed all screening processes. The regular adoption fee varies from $75 to $150. The Humane Society will also offer $50 adoptions every Wednesday during the challenge period of June 1 through August 31.

http://wreg.com/2014/05/30/police-director-responds-to-possible-violation-of-cellphone-policy/

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police created a new policy to stop officers from demanding citizens stop video recording of them while on scenes. This came last year after several complaints.

We looked into why it’s still happening and what police are doing about it.

MPD told WREG it’s reminding officers about policy and procedure letting you record cell phone video.

This action comes after officers demanded a freelance journalist stop recording them on a recent drug bust.

In the video, you can hear police repeatedly questioning her. It’s something their new policy says they’re not supposed to do.

One officer even threatened to arrest her if she doesn’t stop recording.

You can hear an officer say, “Hey, ma’am, can you put the camera down please?”

She responds, “I’m a journalist, I can use my camera, I’m not interfering. I have a right.”

After several complaints by the public and weeks of questioning by WREG, Director Toney Armstrong put out a policy last December.

http://wreg.com/2014/05/31/animal-shelter-protest-planned-this-weekend/

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A protest is planned for Sunday due to concerns about new policy enforcement at Memphis Animal Services.

The protest is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Union and Cooper.

Local animal lovers have launched a national petition to change the policies at the Memphis Animal Shelter.

Memphis Pets Alive has recently be banned from taking pictures of animals in the area where animals are held for 72 hours.

Technically those animals are not city property and not listed for adoption.

Memphis Pets Alive used to shoot pictures there every week to help promote adopting the animals via Facebook, and reunite lost pets with owners.

Memphis Pets Alive volunteers, however, say the policy has only recently been enforced.

Currently, MAS does not post photos of stray animals online, you must go by in person to the shelter to see animals who have been brought in.

http://wreg.com/2014/05/30/gov-chris-christie-in-town-for-sen-lamar-alexander/
Governor Chris Christie was in town today to support Lamar Alexander's grand opening of his West Tennessee campaign headquarters. The Midsouth Sentinel was there and noticed while waiting for Governor Christie to appear (35 mins late) that it seemed more like a venue for a celebrity appearance and out in the audience were all his adoring fans. 

Has politics become more show than substance? That's a rhetorical question but one worth asking. Do you the citizen, feel like these superstars, oops, I mean elected leaders, are there to protect the constitution they swore to uphold or do you wonder, where have all the good men gone? When an elected official speaks, is it more than platitudes and planks that motivate you the citizen to shout out YEAH! WHAT HE SAID! or do you feel like you are being condescended to by a player that's only playing a part and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain the status quo, maintain that power that both parties have over the sheeple who vote for them?

While it was interesting to see and hear Governor Christie, I couldn't help but think that he and all of the others standing there with him (especially Lamar) are part of the system that has brought us to where we are now. It's not a Republican or Democrat thing, it's an elite thing and though as Governor Christie bragged today about not electing "any of those divisive elements" I wonder if by divisive he means principled and isn't principled what we want more of in D.C.? The GOP is quashing any chance from more conservative or tea party types from being elected, but at what cost are they willing to pay for this? What profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul? 

History repeats, research the Whigs. There are many similarities and the group that overtook them were called Radical Republicans. Radical Republicans were for the abolition of slavery and were opposed by democrats and moderate Republicans. Sound familiar?

At the link below is a link that will show you some of Lamar's votes. The more informed you are, the better decisions you will make come election day....
http://bit.ly/1psptQU

It is official! My contract has ended, so I wanted to share my resignation letter. It is my truth, my story, and I think it deserves to be told.

I am saddened beyond measure to leave this chosen work that I hold dear, to leave my precious Adrian Burnett family and friends. I cannot, however, remain in a profession where children are treated as data measurements rather than tiny humans with real needs, and where teachers are treated with blatant disregard and disrespect.

Read the whole thing below...

http://sansonlblog.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/a-tennessee-teachers-resignation-letter/

Common Core is all about collecting data on our students. Expect to see more of these stories in the future...

http://bit.ly/1oznlXt

"Student reportedly ordered to pee in trash can, kindergartener sent home alone"

Read more by clicking the link.

At the last Shelby County Committee meeting, Commissioner Mulroy wanted to divert 2.8 million for a new Pre-K program. Is it too much to ask that we take care of the current problems in our school system before we go starting something else we really don't have the money for?

http://bit.ly/Sixd9Y

There is no getting around the fact that summer time in Memphis is HOT, but the heat doesn’t have to keep your family from activities that can strengthen the brain of your young child and better prepare him or her for the day when they start kindergarten! In fact, Memphis has a lot to offer families in the summer, often for little or no cost. Here is a list of things to do with your children to give them new opportunities to experience and explore!

MEMPHIS, TN -(WMC) - A proposal to cut taxes for Shelby County residents was struck down by a county commission committee on Wednesday.

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell proposed one tax cut for Memphians and a greater tax cut for those living outside of the city. The Shelby Co. Commission did not approve the cut, but the debate is far from over.

One was supported by Mayor Luttrell and the other was drawn up by Commissioner Steve Mulroy.

"It would be a one penny reduction for those inside the city," explained the mayor. "It would be a five-cent reduction outside the city limits."

Mulroy proposed that everyone get the one-cent property tax cut.

People outside of Memphis currently pay higher taxes to pay off the cost to build Arlington High School in 2004.

Some commissioners want to use $2.8 million in sales taxes to pay off that suburban school debt, but Mulroy proposed putting that money into pre-K instead.

"This extra $2.8 million that we have in recurring funds should not be used to lower the tax rate of those people who live outside the city of Memphis," said Mulroy. "We could add another 26 or so pre-K classrooms. It's an urgent need."

Other commissioners feel municipal and Shelby County Schools have enough on their plate with the merger and de-merger of city and county schools.

http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/25635065/two-tax-cut-proposals-struck-down-by-shelby-county-commission-committee

If  you would like to be a part of the consent of the governed, you might want to attend Monday's commission meeting at 1:30 and voice your opinion..... (160 N Main Street Memphis,Tn)


I will publish the agenda for Monday's meeting on Saturday....

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/51-budget-backyard-diys-that-are-borderline-genius?bffbdiy

Can’t afford that dream deck or in-ground pool you’re dying for? There are still ways to get a beautiful backyard that’s perfect for entertaining