Community Events

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.

J.J. Jones has been in local law enforcement for more than two decades. More recently, he was appointed sheriff by Knox County Commission and is currently running for the post in the August general election. He joins Gene Patterson in the first segment of this week's program.

Then, Sheriff J.J. Jones is joined by Lt. Jeanette Harris, supervisor of the Sheriff's Office Family Crisis Unit. They talk about the upcoming events surrounding Crime Victims Rights Week in Knox County, which begins April 13.

Then political columnist and radio commentator Frank Cagle talks about, among other things, the new school superintendent and his new salary package.

Knox County Commissioner Victoria DeFreese (Dist. 9) describes her feelings about a request by Mayor Ragsdale's office to turn over her e-mails, phone logs and other materials regarding citizen complaints over his response to the p-card audit.

Then 6 News political analyst George Korda weighs in on Commissioner DeFreese's battle with the county mayor's office. He also talks about former Knox County Community Services Director Cynthia Finch's response to county auditor questions over her p- card spending.

And in the final segment, Fr. Ragan Shriver with Catholic Charities talks about how kids can help kids in a fundraiser for Columbus Home.

Kathy Hamilton, a member of Knox Charter Petition, answers questions about why the citizens' group is pushing for changes to the Knox County Charter.

Then, Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership head Mike Edwards tells Gene Patterson about the importance of getting the right person to fill the Knox County Schools superintendent position. Edwards also talks about the upcoming Education and Employment Summit.

In the Final Word, Mike Cohen and Cortney Piper express their opinions about the secret recording made by Commissioner Paul Pinkston of County Mayor Mike Ragsdale.

Gene Patterson begins this week's program with a conversation with presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York). He spoke with her via satellite on Thursday, prior to the South Carolina primary. Then he's joined by 6 News political analyst George Korda and the Tennessee Conservative Union's Lloyd Daugherty for look at presidential politics.

In the final segment, Diane Spining and Nicole Keeton from the American Heart Association talk about the Go Red for Women luncheon on May 16 at the Downtown Marriott and the National Wear Red Day on Feb. 1.

Through the first two days of early voting in the February primary, more than 2,400 people had cast ballots. Knox County Election Coordinator Greg Mackay predicts a record turnout on February 5. He believes at least 70,000 citizens will vote - and about 50 percent of them will vote early.

In the first segment of this week's program, 6 News political analyst George Korda joins Gene Patterson to talk about what's driving voters to turn out at the polls.

Then, Gene talks to Dr. James Humes, a former speech writer for five president and the author of a number of books, including "The Wit and Wisdom of Ronald Reagan." He was in town recently to speak at the East Tennessee Historical Society.

At the young age of 19 Trent Sanders started his own company to focus on getting young people involved in politics. He is Gene's final guest of this week's program.

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam is making major changes to the structure of his administration. That means a change in duties for newly-assigned Communications Director, Dr. Bill Lyons. He is Gene Patterson's first guest this week.

Then, 6 News political analyst George Korda returns to the show to talk about recent events in the world of local politics.

For the Final Word, Bob Talbott, who is this year's Knox County United Way campaign chairman, talks about the campaign and his efforts to reach the campaign's multi-million dollar goal.

Last week, Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale hosted the Second Urban Mayor's Conference, a gathering of county mayors from the state's largest metropolitan centers. Together, Knox, Hamilton, Davidson and Shelby counties hold more than 40 percent of the state's total population. As a group, they are a force to be reckoned with, but what advantage does that present those who live within their boundaries?

Gene Patterson discusses that question and more with mayors Ragsdale, A.C. Wharton, Jr. of Shelby County, and Karl Dean of Davidson County.

Each year St. Mary's Hospital and the Community Coalition on Family Violence host the Anita Gregg Luncheon. The event is named for Anita Gregg, who with her son were murdered by Gregg's estranged husband more than a decade ago.

This year's luncheon speaker was Rev. Al Miles, the author of a number of books on domestic violence. He appears in the program's final segment.

After hearing arguments on both sides of the special election issue last week, Chancellor Daryl Fansler issued his decision Friday. He ruled against a special election for Knox County to fill the seats vacated by his previous ruling as a result of the Sunshine Lawsuit trial.

Joining Gene Patterson with his thoughts about the decision is the chairman of the Knox County Commission, Scott Moore (7th District).

In the second segment of this week's program, 6 News political analyst George Korda reviews the decision and political trends of the week.

On the program for the Final Word is Wilson Taylor, an employee of the Tennessee Valley Authority and a volunteer with the United Way. He provides an update on the current fund raising campaign and discusses some of the many benefits the United Way provides to the community.

6 News anchor Tim Miller fills in this week for Gene Patterson. His first guest is 6 News political analyst George Korda. They talk about developments in the Tyler Harber controversy and the latest in what's becoming a bitter campaign for U.S. Senate.

Later, Susan McKissick, the chair of the St. Mary's Foundation board, and Jo Terry, executive director for the Community Coalition on Family Violence, join Tim to talk about the Anita Gregg Luncheon, which benefits family violence education.

(Video is not available for this program.)