If you’re going to be in New York City anytime soon, you might want to drop by Serendipity 3 and try one of their $25,000 ice cream sundaes, which is made with (among other things) five grams of 24-karat gold and topped with gold-flecked whipped cream. Or if not, you could use the money to buy a 2008 Toyota Cambry Hybrid … they’re both priced the same. Me, if I had 25 large to burn, I’d probably go with the sundae simply because I’ve never had a 24-karat gold bowel movement before. That would be, like, the ultimate in decadence, huh? Makes lighting a cigar with a hundred-dollar bill seem cheap.

Uh … no, Serendipity 3 ain’t sold none of them sundaes yet. I know that was gonna be your first question.

I read recently that Hamilton County leads the nation in cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea. What’s the matter, Hamilton County? You can’t come up with nothing newer than chlamydia and gonorrhea? Where’s your HIV? Your HPV? Your HTLV-1? If it’s not identified by its initials, it’s not really a post modern malady. Leading the nation in chlamydia and gonorrhea is like leading the nation in manual typewriters and Studebakers. This is the 21st century, Hamilton County. You’re gonna lead the nation, lead the nation. Talk to me when you get some real STDs, not some white-bread treatable crap from the ‘40s.

Speaking of disease, last week the United Nations had to admit they’ve been overstating AIDS cases worldwide by around 40 percent. The fact is AIDS has been in decline for the last 10 years … still bad, but in decline. And, yes, the hardest hit part of the world is still Africa. Hey, UN guys ~ how about a little education for the good folks in Africa? You think you corrupt oil-for-food fools could do that? Probably not anytime soon, huh? Easier to talk than do.

Speaking of corrupt fools … watching Hugo Chavez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad pal around reminds me of Mussolini and Hirohito. No Hitler on the scene yet, but I know he’s out there, it’s just a matter of time.

The “scientific method” follows a strict and objective methodology. First, you ask a question. Next, you research the question and develop a hypothesis to answer it. Then, you tirelessly test and retest that hypothesis until you’re satisfied that it is sound and supportable by science. Finally, you announce your findings in a prestigious scientific journal. Unless, of course, you’re talking about quantum theory. Then you just make it up as you go.

No, but you know what? Seriously, two American cosmologists have developed some weird new quantum theory that mankind is destroying the universe (yeah, the universe!) simply by looking at it. Basically, it’s a take-off on the “quantum Zeno effect” that says if an observer repeatedly observes a microscopic something or other that is undergoing change, that microscopic something or other may stop changing. You know, like a watched pot never boils? Or like that guy Schrödinger, who said if a cat is sealed in a box, the cat won’t be dead or alive until somebody opens the box to see. Said the cat could even be quantumly duplicated so as to be both dead and alive. In one reality the cat’s dead, in the other, it’s alive.

Or not.

Or maybe.

Okay, I’m going to go overlong on my word count here, but word counts have become kind of obsolete in this age of Internet writing. Used to I kept the count around 600 words so it would fit in an allotted space on the page of a newspaper. Then, after making the move to the Internet, I did 600 out of habit. I’ve slowly come to understand none of that matters in cyberspace. Cyberspace can hold all the words I can throw at it.

Anyway, I want to comment about that hatchet job CNN did on the Republicans in the presidential debate this week. If you’re not political, you can stop reading now. First, though ~ why did Republicans even allow CNN to host a Republican presidential debate? Are they optimistic, naive or just stupid?

Okay. I knew the debate was going to be a turkey when they announced that questions would be coming from YouTube. This was proven to be the case when they opened the debate with some guy singing a ridiculous song about the candidates. This as supposed to be a presidential debate ~ I said presidential debate ~ not a bad bit from Hee Haw. Yes? No? The whole thing was a sham from the get-go, with most of the questioners being Democrat plants. Consider …

One questioner, David McMillan from L.A., is a big Barrack Obama supporter who has referred to John McCain as “Insane McCain.” Okay, so that might be accurate, but still ….

Another questioner, Adam Florzak, is also a big Obama supporter. He’s been working with Democrat Whip Dick Durbin’s office to “reform” Social Security. In fact, he has a website devoted to the issue.

Another, David Cercone, played the “gay card,” even though he’s not gay. Turns out he’s also an Obama fan, once describing him as “a leader who inspires me with his sincerity.”

“Yasmin,” the Alabama girl wearing the Islamo do-rag, was an intern with the Muslim lobby group CAIR.

Ted Faturos of Manhattan Beach, California worked for Rep. Jane Harman, a Democrat from California.

“Concerned mother” LeeAnn Anderson, who appeared with her two kids, is assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers of America, a union that endorsed Democrat John Edwards for president.

One of the girls that posed a question about abortion, made follow-up comments on her YouTube page wearing a pro John Edwards t-shirt.

But the most outrageous stunt was bringing a retired brigadier general, Keith Kerr, who is openly gay, into to fray. Kerr is not just a “log cabin” activist (a bizarre term applied to gay Republicans), he is also on the steering committee for “LGBT Americans for Hillary” (yes, the “LGBT” stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender” … and the “Hillary” stands for “Hillary Clinton”). This old gay guy asked a question via YouTube, then CNN flew him in and paid his hotel bills so he could be an audience member. They then gave him a microphone and let him ramble on about “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Seriously. In fact, at one point his mic cut out on him and they brought him another mic so he could continue his spiel. He actually spoke longer on the subject than the candidates did. And CNN claims they didn’t know he was a Hillary shill, etc. In fact, CNN claims they didn’t know any of these plants were shills for the left.

It would have been nice to have seen a real debate from the Republican contenders focusing on issues of concern to Republicans instead of that CNN debacle. True, illegal immigration is a concern to Republicans, but not the main concern (that would be the Iraq war, the economy, healthcare and energy costs). But most of the questions were presented in a disingenious, dishonest and bogus fashion. The CNN debate was obviously intended to trick Republicans into framing ridiculous answers to questions presented in a ridiculous manner so those answers could later be used against them.

Just my two cents for anybody who might be listening.

Hey ~ maybe I should take “Out Of My Mind” over to YouTube?

Lindsay Lohan was sentenced to hard time last week in an L.A. jail. Judge sentenced her to a merciless 84 minutes behind bars for a DUI. You may remember back in August, another hard-nose L.A. judge sentenced Nicole Richie to 82 minutes in jail. Things must be getting tougher for spoiled B-list dives, because the sentence Lohan received was a whopping two minutes more than what Ritchie got. I know judges want to send a clear message to celebrities that if they break the law, they will be punished … but 84 minutes? What’s next? 86 minutes? 90? Two hours?! Two hours behind bars? That’s not only cruel, it’s also unusual. Actually, scratch that ~ it’s unusual but hardly cruel, that’s what I meant to say.

There’s a new ad campaign in London intended to increase tourism. It depicts a shirtless, tattooed skinhead with the rolled blue jeans and combat boots peeing into a dainty china teacup. A spokesperson said the ad was, “aimed solely at the Belgian market.” First of all, what does that ad say about Belgium? Secondly, why would London want a bunch of primal skinheads coming over and peeing in their teacups? Discuss amongst yourselves.

A 19-year-old girl in Saudi Arabia who was gang-raped and brutalized by six armed thugs, was sentenced last week to receive 90 lashes. Her crime? “Being in the car of an unrelated male at the time of the rape.” Convoluted Islamic justice in its purest form, huh? But wait ~ there’s more … after an appeal, the Higher Judicial Council decided 90 lashes weren’t nearly enough, so they upped it to 200 and threw in six months jail time just for good measure. Of course, being in the car of an unrelated male is a pretty horrendous crime. Girl’s obviously one sick twist. Then again, she’s also a Shiite and the thugs are Sunni … so what’d you gonna do?

Okay, I can see you need a little more explaining on that last item. See, Saudi Arabia’s got this over-the-top Islamo doctrine (aren’t they all?) known as “Wahhabism.” Wahhabism says it is a strict no-no for unrelated men and women to associate with one another. It also forbids women to drive and is the reason they cover themselves from head to foot while out in public. We got Wahhabism here in the U.S., too. Only here we call it “Misogynism.”

And for those who think you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube, consider that over in England, the National Health Services is offering “seasoned” Islamo women a surgical procedure to “repair” their virginity. For upward of five grand, Muslim women can now have their hymen replaced so some smallish, macho tool can brag that his bride is a virgin. Of course, any idiot who’s not in serious denial will know that hymens aren’t usually made out of latex.

But, hey, y’know what? At least now I know what my special gal’s getting for Christmas …

Quote of the Week: “We were just robbed at gunpoint, man. We were just robbed at gunpoint by O.J. Simpson.” ~ voice on a tape recording made when the Juice and his posse broke into a room at the Palace Station Hotel Casino in Las Vegas

But ol’ Juice must be getting deja vu all over again as he sits in a Las Vegas courtroom facing life in prison for armed robbery, kidnaping and “other charges,” his fate in the hands of another jury. Too bad he doesn’t have the inept Marsha Clark prosecuting him. Or that silver-tongued Johnny Cockran defending him. Naw … it’s a different day, O.J. Don’t bode well for you, bro. Might be payback time for that little slashing incident from back in the day. I dunno. Depends. We’ll see.

And all the jury sang: It’s that O.J. twit ~ should we acquit?

Oh, and since we’re on the subject of language (But we weren’t on the subject of language. Shut up, of course we were), may I say ~ if you use the word “ideal” when you really mean “idea,” please don’t do that anymore. It’s like fingernails on a blackboard to me. I’m not calling for everyone to speak perfect English ~ Lord knows I’m a realist, I don’t expect any such as that ~ but I am kind of partial to using the right word for things. Would you call a tree limb a car? Would you call a dog a pencil? Then why do you call an idea an ideal? Don’t do that anymore, okay? Pretend you got some learning.

Hope everyone enjoyed Veterans Day, and paid tribute in your own way to the sacrifices of all veterans, past, present and future. Sincerely.

The U.S. went to an all volunteer Army in, I think, ‘73, around in there. And we did okay with it through the ‘80s and ‘90s. But now, in the wake of Iraq and extended tours of duty and the like, the Army is saying new recruits are becoming more and more scarce. Adds a bit of poignancy to the old hippie adage: “What if they had a war and no one came?”

Actually, I can answer that … if they had a war and no one came, the enemy would eventually smash through your door, shoot you through the heart and take all your stuff.

The irony, of course, is that violence to both troops and civilians in Iraq has been dropping, and al-Quida recently bemoaned the fact that they were in disarray and decline due to the deaths of so many of their leaders. Seriously ~ you want to know how bad it is? Couple weeks ago, Charles Gibson had to open the ABC World News Today with, “The news is, that there is no news. The police told us today that, to their knowledge, there were no major acts of violence. Attacks are down in Baghdad, and today no bombings or roadside explosions were reported..” Yikes ~ every fatalist’s nightmare: no bad news … no drama by proxy for those who desire drama in their lives. In fact, if not for Brittany Spears and Anna Nicole, there wouldn’t have even been a reason to turn the TV on that day.

Down in Georgia, the Army Corp of Engineers has agreed to retain more water in Lake Lanier to offer relief from the drought. I have a better idea ~ why not have people just drink out of their toilet? That would be a lot more sanitary than drinking Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier is nothing but a big brown loose stool. I’m serious. You go swimming in Lake Lanier, you smell like an outhouse for a month. They really want a solution down there for their water woes, they should take a page from my friend Bellsouth Bob’s book ~ he drinks, bathes, cooks and washes his car with beer. What? Why, yes … as a matter of fact, he is drunk a lot. What’s your point?

Quote of the Week: “Our society is such that minorities don’t become elderly the way white people do. They die.” ~ John Tanner, chief of the civil rights division’s voting rights section

Hey ~ if the chief of the civil rights division’s voting rights section doesn’t know, who does?

And anyway … what kind of a title is that? Chief of the civil rights division’s voting rights section?

The good news: Nissan said they plan to produce a 2,500-dollar car within the next three years. The bad news: The 2,500-dollar car will only be sold in India.

Which would really make it a 90,000-rupee car, wouldn’t it?

Ohhh, Ganges … take me away (speaking of one big brown loose stool) …

Look, I’m not saying that Christmas is coming earlier and earlier each year, but my neighbors already have their decorations up for 2008. I say, for 2008 already. Hello? ~ tap, tap ~ is this on? Can you hear me in the back?

The bald eagle is being taken off the endangered species list. One eagle said, “Thank you, George Bush. What’s next? You gonna take away my TennCare and food stamps, too?”

Here’s some trivia that perfectly defines irony: Turns out Barrack Hussein Obama and Dick Cheney are distant cousins. Seriously, with my hand up. Obama said his family “… had been trying to hide that cousin thing for a long time. Everybody’s got a black sheep in the family. A crazy uncle in the attic.” Or, as Billy Carter would say, “every family’s got a (derogatory racial epithet) in the woodpile.”

And just for the record … I don’t care if a person is black, white, yellow, red, green, blue or puce ~ I don’t like any of them.

Quote of the Week: “Dick Cheney is the crazy uncle in the attic like Winston Churchill was the lonely voice in the wilderness.” ~ Posted on CNN.Com by pbj, San Ramon, CA, November 3, 2007, 11:25 a.m.

Okay, this is good … couple weeks ago I got carded in the BP there on Blue Springs Road at the by-pass. Lady’s name tag said “Almira” and she asked for my ID without a trace of guile. I just handed it over without a word and waited while she checked to make sure I was 21. It’s inconvenient, sure, getting carded at my age … but when you look so much younger than you are, you have to expect these kind of things. Almira was just doing her job.

Of course, Mrs. Leonard tried to tell me that they’re checking IDs all over now. That it’s policy everywhere, no matter if you’re a hundred and have a face like a mummy, they still ID you. Well, Mrs. Leonard, you believe what you will … but Almire wasn’t sure if I was 21 or not. That’s why she checked my ID. Just blame it on my boyish good looks and we’ll call it done, yes?

I’m afraid my friend, County Mayor D. Gary Davis, jumped the shark this week and in so doing, maybe … just maybe … may have lost the chance for reelection. I won’t rehash the ill-conceived Gobble Money Monster that he brought out at the last county commission meeting, or the embarrassment of watching him awkwardly feed the thing dollar bills while his toady Ed Elkins smirked in the background. And the Banner thought it was funny, too …. they slapped the story on the front page (Guys, what the hey? Below the fold? What is that?). The Bradley Weekly thought it was funny, too, and followed suit as soon as they could, slapped it on their cover. Channel 9 wanted to know what was so funny over in Bradley County, so they came out to cover it, too.

And then something happened.

When Channel 9 went out and solicited reaction to Gary Davis’ money-eating toy monster from people on the street, the people didn’t seem to be amused. In fact, some of them were downright angry. Like what the mayor did was childish and superficial and demeaned himself, the commission and the county. There was even one guy, next day, out in his truck circling the courthouse with unflattering Davis slogans painted all over it.

I went to the Channel 9 website ~ http://www.newschannel9.com ~ and was surprised to see close to two dozen comments on the story, and almost to the one, they support the Sheriff and what’s he’s trying to accomplish. Matter of fact, I thought it was so interesting, I ditched the column I had originally written for this week and instead am devoting this space to running those comments, pro and con, unedited and uncut, just as they appear on the Channel 9 site.

Meanwhile, if anyone really wants to know what Sheriff Gobble is trying to accomplish, as opposed to the obnoxious mewlings of Davis, the Commission, the Banner, the Weekly and whoever, log on to: http://bradleysheriff.com

(To read these in chronological order, begin with the last comment and read forward. If any new comments pop up at News Channel 9, I’ll add them … in fact, I’ve already added one more since I started writing this … seriously, how weird is that? and let’s hope that sickening thud we hear off in the distance isn’t another nail in the mayor’s political coffin …)

- – - ADDENDUM from J. Michael (Nov. 10) – - Okay … it’s a couple days later. When I first posted this column, there were maybe 20 comments about the Gobble Money Monster. Since then, that number has risen to close to a hundred with no sign of slowing. Worse, the trolls are starting to come out ~ my god, J.C. Bowman’s name has even somehow been brought into the mix! Anyway, I didn’t anticipate this and I don’t know if I will keep updating these comments or not … for a little longer, maybe. I thought it would be a novelty and then die out, but that doesn’t seem to be the way it’s going. Anyway, you’ve been warned, yes? – - -

Gobble Monster Comments …

well gentlehonesty, you were right. you mention the troll and the fact that as soon as these comments were seen bang, no more story line on the front page of this website. GONE! go figure these are the most left wing anti conservative jack behinds i have ever seen. i wonder how fast they would be calling 911 for the sheriffs office if their stuff got broke into or would they be calling for Gobbles head then too because he hasnt provided enuff deputies like he said he would. cant have it both ways unless of course you are gary and the coco
youwereright – Nov 15, 2007 07:31:56 AM

i think mayor davis better be looking for more toys to play with when he is out of a job come next election.
june – Nov 14, 2007 10:51:15 PM

When in the world did Gary Davis extend the olive branch? He has done nothing but belittle the sheriff and say no to those who protect our county. He has made comment after comment trying to make the sheriff look bad, but his tactics have backfired. He has lost a lot of votes, including mine. I’ve seen Jeff Yarber’s comments. All I see in him is a power monger.
Wondering – Nov 14, 2007 10:39:27 PM

I doubt that one troll could do so much damage to one sheriff. How do you explain the County comissioners? Jeff Yarber is definitnly not a troll and he went on the record stating his disgust of Gobble in an open meeting. I am sure he wouldn’t have a problem coming on here and submitting his comment. As I see it Mayor Davis tried to extend the olive branch and Tim only spooke with threats to sue with costly attornies.
JR – Nov 14, 2007 10:21:10 PM

I for one find it a little childish to take an important issue and saddle it with insult. If the county mayor thinks its a joke there is only one answer for that. He does not consider the lives of the people who protect the county which he sits over important. Has anyone looked at the price of milk,gas,bread,coffee,the increase in these items far surpasses the increase that county gave its employees. Sheriff Gobble has put it ALL on the line for his employees. Win lose or draw the Sheriff has my admiration for standing up for what he believes is fare and right. I come from the old school and I know how things were before!
baw – Nov 14, 2007 09:50:40 PM

I found the so-called joke very tacky. The mayor needs to “grow up and get a life.” I support Tim Gobble one hundred percent. He is trying to do what is right and he comes from a great family. The mayor says there is no money, then why is there money to possibly fund a parking garage down town? I hope Tim wins his lawsuit and those deputies get a raise. They seem to cover more area then the city does anyway so I say they deserve it. Good luck Tim, you go get them!
JCD – Nov 14, 2007 05:51:11 PM

Just went to the Bradley news TV “dot” com site and watched the video on the Money Monster like the Kid suggested. Mayor Davis is appalling! He needs to step down.
Jonny – Nov 14, 2007 01:15:21 PM

Mayor Davis is doing a fine job. Dealing with disgruntled employees like Sheriff Gobble has to be hard on him. I would do anything to get my vote back. Tim is not who he said he was. He is a wolf in sheeps clothing.
J maskew – Nov 14, 2007 01:12:29 PM

I don’t live in Bradley County but I sure wish we had a Tim Gobble in our county. My son use to be a Deputy and, like Bradley County, they are in need of new cars, more deputies, and pay raises for the ones they have BUT our sheriff is no Tim Gobble. He will not fight the system. People in Bradley County, please support your Sheriff. You have found a good one.
Riley – Nov 14, 2007 09:46:05 AM

Yeah read the 1000s of comments made by one troll. The same troll who made the last 4 posts here. That’s what we have to contend with in Bradley County, a weekly paper run by trolls. She’s here at Channel 9 now so expect these comments to only get worse with personal attacks, anti-Gobble attacks and praise for Davis.
gentlehonesty – Nov 14, 2007 07:49:31 AM

Go to bradley news tv dot com if you want to see Mayor Davis display the Gobble Monster who is just like Tim Gobble
The Kid – Nov 13, 2007 08:59:39 PM

People in Bradley County are not happy about the sherriff. go to bradleyweekly com and click on forums to read the 1000s of comments
Buddy – Nov 13, 2007 08:55:11 PM

Check out the talk and see what Bradly county has to say about Tim Gobble and the story bradley weekly com and click on forums then Click on Bradley County Government.
retro girly – Nov 13, 2007 08:51:39 PM

JML and Perk E are the main reasons Gobble is in trouble. You are the company you keep.,
J Maskew – Nov 13, 2007 08:41:19 PM

Leo, Go to bradleysheriff dot com. See Open Letter from the Sheriff 26 October 2007. At the bottom of the letter, click on “read more.” Read the whole article. It is explained showing line by line amounts. When the Sheriff first took office, certain people said he would be bankrupt way before year end. Now after restructuring etc and he has some left for the reasons stated, those same people complain about that.
fyi – Nov 12, 2007 09:33:48 PM

What I for the life of me can’t understand is how the Sheriff can sue one day for more money and the next day have half a millon dollars left over?
Leo – Nov 12, 2007 09:05:09 PM

db, What the Sheriff said was that he would use resources effectively. His wife worked for free for a long time and on the payroll for a short time as an administration assistant. It was an existing unfilled position and she was very qualified to fill it. She has long since quit. Former Sheriff Dan Gilley hired his wife and she is still there in the Gobble administration. No other family members work there. There are no salaries to reinvest.
fyi – Nov 12, 2007 08:00:56 PM

db your an blankity blank get your story straight yes he hired his wife but he also asked her to leave when gary davis started yelling nepotism which by the way he has since implemented a nepotism policy. As for whether or not he has reduced overhead why dont you get the facts directly from the sheriffs office that proves that i had doubts at first but after seeing ALL the facts i support him fully i hope the judge is reading these because they need everything they can get
response – Nov 12, 2007 07:54:34 PM

I believe when Sheriff Gobble was campaiging he said he would cut the costs of the Sheriffs Dept. That has not happened. In fact I believe he has hired his wife and attempted to hire more of his family members. I think those salaries should be reinvested in people qualified for those jobs. And as for the Gobble toy it really does resemble Sheriff Gobble. I have to laugh and give Mayor Davis credit for showing it. I thought it was funny.
db – Nov 12, 2007 07:43:38 PM

I can not beleive Mayor Davis said the courthouse is safe. He has lost his mind.
Robert – Nov 12, 2007 06:15:42 PM

I suuport our deputies being paid the same as the city police I support them driving vehicles with less than two hundred thousand miles I support having enough deputies to protect the courts and respond to calls I support sheriff Gobble.
Terri – Nov 11, 2007 10:26:18 PM

GARY DAVIS NEEDS TO RESIGN! THE SAD THING IS IF HE OR HIS FAMILY NEEDED HELP THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE WOULD STILL RESPOND BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT THEY DO! IT TAKES A BIG PERSON OR PEOPLE TO DO THAT!
7UP – Nov 11, 2007 08:57:06 PM

Police officers, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, EMS workers, their families and everyday citizens not only in Bradley County, but all over the entire region are starting to notice that Tim Gobble is a real stand-up guy. Not the typical slime-ball politicians we have been used to for so long. Those of us in public safety are hoping Gobble will seek higher public office one day and bring change to the state. The state republican party would be very wise to take notice. I beleive we may be looking at the new “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”
George – Nov 10, 2007 09:22:58 PM

i moved here a while back and was not elegible to vote when the general election came up, but i can tell you this, the town i came from was about same population as cleveland and crime and drugs were 3 times worst than here, you need to be proud to have the law enforcement you have and if i had voted for gobble i wouild be behind him 100 , what you need is a new county mayor,
tom – Nov 10, 2007 08:32:34 PM

I find it disgusting that an eleted official can make such a childish “joke” at the exspense of another elected official. Mr. Davis needs to leave the office and allow somone to hold the seat who takes the job seriously. Sheriff Gobble only wants what is best for his Officers and Department. And as someone who spent many years in Corrections under the Gilley dictatorship it is refreshing to know the Sheriff cares about someone besides himself and his special friends.
becauseiknow – Nov 10, 2007 06:45:30 PM

I have read all the comments and in light of the recent news that the Bradley County courthouse is so unsafe for all who are in it everyday then somebody better listen to Tim Gobble. I am the wife of a police officer here in Soddy Daisy and when the person earlier said we support our officers here 100 percent and our Chief of Police then you better believe it is true. And to have someone on the commissioners seats that lobby against someone and make fun of an ELECTED OFFICIAL by mocking him with childrens toys then your darn right you better vote in your next election. This should be an eye opener for all those people who don’t beleive voting is a big deal because this proves just how big a deal it is. Until your married to a police officer or have one in your family you don’t realize just how much of what Tim Gobble is saying of what he needs is true. The public just makes me sick of how you don’t want to support the police until something happens to you. Or how you want to say they are worthless or like someone else said just sitting around not doing their job because they didn’t have the equipment they needed to properly do the job the have been so kind to do without any pay to support the families they MIGHT NOT COME HOME TO AT NIGHT BECAUSE THEY ARE OUT PROTECTING YOU. I hope that everyone remembers the incident in Kingston Tennessee less than 2 years ago with the courthouse and the police officers that were gunned down. You people better wisen up and you elected officals better listen to what Mr. Gobble has to say. If he needs the money to defend your community then maybe you should find it. Hey donations are always welcome. Maybe the 20 bucks the mayor paid for that toy could have been a start. I don’t live in Bradley but I sure wish I did. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLICE. YOUR BETTER COMMUNTIES START WITH THEM.
Officers wife – Nov 10, 2007 03:48:58 PM

cc you make a good point. the sheriffs website has info you will not find elsewhere. the cleveland daily banner and the bradley news are both openly hostile to the sheriff. it is a terribly disservice to all bradley citizens the way power players work to destroy good people like tim gobble and push their flunkies into office. the republican party that has been mentioned is a good example. the local gop did everything they could to stack the deck against republican tim gobble in the primary election. nothing has changed. i hope this silly money monster brings attention to the stranglehold selfish mean people have on our beautiful bradley county. we could be so much more than we are if they were all gone from office and more like sheriff gobble took their place.
poltical watcher – Nov 10, 2007 03:14:34 PM

Red, Good job going on line. That is what I do also. If more of us would get involved in watching our government, it would be more progressive and less wasteful. The sheriff’s web page is very informative. Often the local media does not fully report events or slants things to their liking or wants sensationism like the recent antics. I like to go to the bradleysheriff dot com web site and read for myself the budget needs, negotiations, etc. Bradleycounty dot com has links for all county departments but the most informative and superior site is the sheriff’s. I encourage everyone to research for yourselves and make your own decisions. Do not depend on what the media tells you. This is government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
CC – Nov 10, 2007 02:28:38 PM

I was looking at the sheriff’s original requests on-line and was surprised to see how behind the BCSO was allowed to get in so many areas. The sheriff is progressinve and we need to support him.
Red – Nov 10, 2007 01:41:44 PM

I was shocked to see the mayor acting like a child. we need a new mayor.
cleveland student – Nov 10, 2007 01:19:22 PM

mayor davis is planning to raise taxes all along. sheriff gobble is going to be a scapegoat so when taxes are raised it will only reflect badly on sheriff gobble not mayor davis
Ima davishater – Nov 10, 2007 12:07:43 PM

COMBINE ALL THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES! DO you not understand? you are paying CITY AND COUNTY TAXES, you ARE ALREADY paying double the salaries you are paying duplicate everything. get rid of davis and county commoshioners have a new election and go to a metro style government like jacksonville fla
outsidetheboxlookingin – Nov 10, 2007 07:18:13 AM

I believe that Commissioners should pay attention to the recent election by the citizens of Bradley County. That election proved that the citizens wanted change in their law enforcement and voted in confidence for the person that they felt could best do the job. If the Commission can’t work efficiently with the official that the county elected, they too can be removed from office by the citizens of this county, in which I have lived for 26 years. It is obvious now to me that it is time for change in other officials as it was in the role of sheriff. I look forward to voting time myself.
kathy – Nov 09, 2007 11:33:47 PM

city police cars are black and white county cars are white with blue writing
jim – Nov 09, 2007 09:45:11 PM

I think Gobble got spoiled with the federal government and it’s fiscal policies. Bradley can’t and won’t sell bonds for operating expense. Sorry but this is the real world that most of us live in.
Vandy – Nov 09, 2007 09:26:31 PM

What I can say is with this article and the one exposing the weakness in Bradley County Courthouse security, Gobble shines. It is a shame he has to put up with these fools on the county commission whose inaction actually endangers lives, With all this exposure they should give Gobble the whole amount. One lawsuit from a deputy who is hurt in one of the old cars or a shooting at the courthouse killing someone and the county won’t be able to raise taxes fast enough to pay the settlement. It will cost them 30 million. Gobble wins regardless how much the taxes go up because it wasn’t him who let it get in such bad shape. He is just the only leader in Bradley County with any guts to address a problem. I’ll vote for him for anything he runs for.
Fred – Nov 09, 2007 08:35:05 PM

Don’t worry about it Jennifer. You came by it honestly considering who your dad is. But to address another point you mistakenly made about crime being up. Burglaries in the county are actually down. Call CID I am sure they will give you statistics. Sheriff Gobble has done an excellent job in the face of extreme opposition by corrupt leaders and should be commended. One last point no commissioner nor the county mayor has ever said the sheriffs requests lack merit. In fact commissioner Mike Plumley said his requests DID have merit. Which makes it harder to understand why he didnt speak out about that stunt mayor Davis pulled. They all need to go. We need more like Tim Gobble.
please get it right – Nov 09, 2007 03:06:31 PM

I’d just like to say that I didn’t mean to make that comment. I didn’t mean to make a mistake. Mistakes happen. I didn’t mean to offend anybody. I support police officers and their hard work, and I don’t think anyone should have to drive a 200,000 miles or more car. I was confused, and I pointed out and apologized for my mistake. Please don’t bring it up again, because I am extremely embarrassed by the situation.
Jennifer Bowman – Nov 09, 2007 02:45:51 PM

It makes me sick to see that someone voted for in office would act like a child on such serious issues. I am from another town, Soddy Daisy that supports our officers 100 percent and also don’t have elected officials that bring in childrens toys to make fun of our police staff. Even if the Dodge Chargers were bought by the departments who cares. I bet that if Jennifer Bowman was in serious need or her family was in need of a police officer she would want to know that when she dialed 911 that officer was going to be able to respond and not be sitting on the side of the road in a broke down vehicle that has over 200,000 miles on it now would she. If these communities don’t start supporting our police officers then sooner or later your going to regret it. They don’t get paid enough as it is and I support Tim Gobble by saying that if he needs money to protect his community better and make sure his officers are safe on the job so they too can return home to their families safe then that is what your town should do. It makes me sick that everyone is in support of the police only when they need them. Also sounds to me like Bradley County needs an election so they can get the childish adults off the seats so that someone can make some real decisions!
How Stupid – Nov 09, 2007 02:21:28 PM

It is a shame that the Mayor embarressed the county commission and the citizens with this toy!
Austin – Nov 09, 2007 02:03:30 PM

The Sheriff has endeavored to keep the discussion on what he sees as the needs of his department as opposed to what the Mayor and Commissioners see. He has not resorted to vicious personal attacks as they have. Win or lose, he has tried to do what he believes is right and is willing to take the heat. They may be doing what they think is right too, but who knows the department’s needs better than the department and the Sheriff? However, they have conceded that the deputies are underpaid and that the cars have excessive mileage. Whether the court agrees with the Sheriff or not remains to be seen. I know he will live with whatever decision is made and serve the community well. If Davis, Elkins, and the finance committee want to be vindictive and petty as shown by their last committee meeting, that is their perogative but I think it will come home to roost. Many people in Bradley County can see the hardship they have tried to place on the Sheriff from the beginning and do not like it one little bit!
Higher Ground – Nov 09, 2007 01:21:30 PM

I apologize to you Jennifer Bowman for my post I did not realize you had posted your apology, my computer had not updated until my post. Jennifer
Another Jennifer – Nov 09, 2007 12:05:31 PM

Ok I have to comment on Jennifer Bowmans 3 posts. The 1st post sounds as if she has the county sheriffs office confused with the city police department. Who are also hard working. If officers where seen on Ocoee Street and 25th Street intersections I believe Wes Snyder would be receiving calls from citizens. Mr. Snyder is the city police chief. As for the Dodge Chargers I know the county has 2 Dodge Chargers that work the interstate making sure drugs do not come into our county. And they were paid for with seized drug money. Which I support. I do not know if the CPD has any Dodge Chargers but if they do then that is fine with me our officers city and county need good vehicles. Also do you actually know how much the cars cost? I do not see any proof of your statement that we are paying for outlandishly expensive cars. I agree that it is discussing how some things are being handled in the media like the gobble monster bank but I am not sure you really have all your facts straight. BCSO deputies do not have good cars they do not have the same salary or benefits the city has and they do the same work for less of everything. How can you think this is far? Or now that you have been told the truth what do you think now? One more thing officers do not just pull people over for nothing they always have a reason and the general public does not always know everything that may be going on at the moment in time. For example if there is a Bolo out for a specific make and model of vehicle they do not broadcast it to the general public. Also the BCSO has 9 deputies per shift patrolling our county of 30033 square miles do you really think NINE deputies is too many? I want more watching my property and home.
Another Jennifer – Nov 09, 2007 12:01:29 PM

I realize that I am in error, confusing the city with the county. I offer my personal apologies to Sheriff Gobble and to anyone reading this.
Jennifer Bowman – Nov 09, 2007 11:59:22 AM

I am ashamed of Mayor Davis, I hope the deputies are taken care of. Mayor Davis should resign.
Wanda – Nov 09, 2007 11:55:05 AM

Ms Bowman please you must be confusing the city with the county. There were exactly 2 Chargers purchased by the county and they were bought with drug money not tax payer money. And the county does not patrol Keith or 25th Streets those are in the city. Also the county has no quota and in fact sheriff Gobble has repeated instructed deputies to write more warnings instead of issuing ticket. Also there are not too many deputies. In fact we are shorthanded both in the jail and in patrol. I do not know where you got your information but please think before you speak. You have displayed an appalling lack of knowledge.
please get it right – Nov 09, 2007 11:19:16 AM

One last thing. If Bradley County and Cleveland City were merged, I think so many of our money problems could be completely solved. This is not a big enough town for two separate branches of government. And if anyone can contradict what I am saying with proof of some sort, please do.
Jennifer Bowman – Nov 09, 2007 11:00:22 AM

Let me reiterate, so I may not seem so hostile – If they cut the number of police officers, and bought the protocol police cars instead of the Chargers, that amount of money wouldn’t even be required from the hands of the people, and the officers who are currently there could receive a salary raise. I have lived in other towns much bigger than Cleveland, and I don’t recall seeing this many police officers there. The number is out of control, and I feel like it’s not really necessary to have a police car on every corner in Cleveland just to get people for going 45 in a 30. It’s a sad situation, but I do not mean to say that the police officers themselves don’t deserve a good salary. I just wish that people wouldn’t abuse their power.
Jennifer Bowman – Nov 09, 2007 10:55:01 AM

I initially supported Gobble, but I no longer do. I see police officers all over Cleveland literally all the time, mostly doing NOTHING productive, or pulling people over towards the end of the month to meet their quota. It is absolutely ridiculous. There has been no decline in crime, but a sudden uprise of Dodge Chargers. Instead of going to support the basic services in Cleveland. Has anyone driven over the Ocoee Street and 25th Street intersection lately? As for the road quality, just WOW. We are paying for outlandishly expensive cars for police officers who hardly ever do anything that really matters. The entire department is biased and corrupt, like the Bradley County Republican Party. I am just so digusted with the way this situation is being handled. No one should request that much money. I think the number of police officers should be cut.
Jennifer Bowman – Nov 09, 2007 10:40:40 AM

look for the bad guys in county government to start spamming this thread as soon as they realize its here. sheriff gobble won with 85 percent of the vote. the people support him
watch out – Nov 09, 2007 10:40:16 AM

Both Gobble and Davis are out of control. Gobble will be gone after one term while Davis will remain.
taxpayer – Nov 09, 2007 10:01:43 AM

I bet there will be a very large turnout come voting time.
someone – Nov 09, 2007 08:10:01 AM

Tim Gobble is a decent man trying to do a difficult job while being opposed by corrupt county government. God bless him for that.
another lawman – Nov 09, 2007 08:02:22 AM

Free gas to drive to and from work in. Money pilfered from the budget to hire extra friends. Five hundred thousand left in the budget from last year. The mayor needed an outlet from the insanity. Heaven forbid that we be anything but politically correct and tax hungry.
Reba – Nov 09, 2007 07:09:46 AM

I have a car with well over 200000 miles on it. I make 26110 a year. My insurance for my family would cost as much as my 700 dollar house payment. I have to buy a lower quality private insurance policy. The gear in my car is older than me. I have no taser. I have no computer in my car. I am fortunate as I have a shotgun but there are some that dont. I am a Bradley County Deputy Sheriff. Cleveland City officers start around 31000. Standard issue is a 03 or newer car Computer Shotgun Taser AR15 Insurance is more along the lines of 200 all the equipment in the car is much newer issue. YOU TELL ME IS THIS RIGHT?
Nameless – Nov 09, 2007 05:40:07 AM

Gary Davis has publicly stated that the only way to raise more money is to raise property taxes. that only affects property owners. Why not create a wheel tax? with all the cars in Bradley county you get every body. 20 or 30 dollars once a year per car I would think would generate at least several million dollars
taxes – Nov 08, 2007 11:12:36 PM

Well, lets see hospital sale, 75 million Bradley county United Way, 35 million? SPecial Fund, cds etc 40 million? Seems to me if better management had been used there may have been enough to go around for everybody with some left over
wheres the money – Nov 08, 2007 11:08:52 PM

Mayor Davis was being vindictive with his Gobble Monster and now that he sees so many people are upset and against it, he’s trying to pass it off as a joke. Well the joke is on him.
Doug – Nov 08, 2007 09:54:43 PM

I think the county does not need their taxes raised it is not fair to property owners. If the cops would quit driving their cars home everyday and run their errands in them we would save alot of money on gas and they could have a raise if they dont like their pay they can find a new job or go work for the city!
Mike – Nov 08, 2007 08:54:42 PM

Law enforcement and firemen who put their lives at risk for all of us should not have to worry about how they are going to support their families. I doubt if the mayor or the members of the county commission could survive on their salaries. Its about time we had a sheriff who has stood up for these brave men. We commend Gobble for his all he stands for.
dave – Nov 08, 2007 08:28:19 PM

I am a Bradley County Deputy so for obvious reasons I will remain unnamed Sheriff Thank You for a job well done and for doing EXACTLY what you said you would do as for All those out there who think we dont need more money let me explain I make 32500 per year After I pay health Insurance for my family THRU THE COUNTY 7700 yr, Dental 1000 per year, pay 40 a month into a separate retirement because TCRS sucks and all the standard taxes in a normal pay check I bring home an average of twenty one thousand per year. WHY? because I love what I do. I dont do it to get rich so Mayor Davis, would I like a pay raise? yes! would I like better benefits? yes! will I vote for you? NO! I have dealt with 8 year olds that are more mature than you OH and one more question WHICH COUNTY CREDIT CARD DID YOU USE TO BUY THIS TOY?
adeputy – Nov 08, 2007 08:20:37 PM

I recall the chairman of the Bradley County Commission saying on channel 9 news that the sheriff’s requests had merit and they can support the need. Why then do the mayor and commisioners want to play with toys instead of working with the sheriff to find ways to meet the need? The sheriff seems reasonable to me.
William – Nov 08, 2007 08:04:29 PM

When I looked at the salary and insurance cost comparisons one of my friends at the sheriff’s office had, I was shocked that Bradley County treated its deputies this way. These men and women risk their lives every day for us. They deserve our support and that is all the sheriff has asked. He even said he was willing to phase it in. The mayor and commission are standing in the way of progress and it is obvious new leadership is needed to avoid sub-standard schools, roads and public safety. They have had years in charge and look at what they let it come too. Gobble is just asking for what should have already been in place. I support him and I am proud he is standing up for us.
Clint – Nov 08, 2007 07:58:52 PM

Looks to me that the Mayor is as bad at being funny as the Sheriff is at being honest!
blake – Nov 08, 2007 07:38:06 PM

The Mayor said he was using the Gobble Money Monster as a joke. As someone earlier said, if you will look at the video of the Commission meeting, there is no expression of joking on his face. In my opinion, regardless of what he says, it was done in mockery! Mr. Mayor, were all the other derogatory remarks that you made about the Sheriff in public meetings also done in jest? I do not appreciate our “leader” degrading another elected official who is only doing his job and doing it well.
Ann – Nov 08, 2007 07:34:20 PM

How is it that the county can give the United Way twenty million dollars and they will not fund adequate salaries and vehicles for the Sheriff?
Harry – Nov 08, 2007 06:49:08 PM

Mayor Davis keeps saying this has been the worse year he’s had in nine years. If he had been working for the past eight years the county might not have gotten in the mess it’s in now. Now he’s having to work and he doesn’t know how so he plays with toys.
Aretta – Nov 08, 2007 05:40:39 PM

Davis has lost it, and lost my vote!
Voter – Nov 08, 2007 02:04:36 PM

I think the Mayor should go ahead and give Gobble the money and raise taxes to pay for it. It’s not the Mayors money. If that is what the people want then give it to Gobble. I’m sure the people in Bradley county wouldn’t mind a tax increase. And while he’s at it give the teachers the same. 9 million isn’t that much.
Ed – Nov 08, 2007 01:21:29 PM

I hope that Sheriff Gobble knows the biblical message. “Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world”.It’s obvious that Bradley County needs a new professional mayor and totally new commission.
Emma – Nov 08, 2007 12:08:24 PM

In October last year Gary Davis told the Brad Co Commission quote Sooner or later you are going to have to bite the bullet and raise taxes unquote. At that time Tim Gobble had been sheriff one month. Since then the Commission has done all they can to smear the sheriff. I believe that they have been looking for a way to raise taxes and place the blame on someone else. That is what they want to do now, raise taxes and blame Sheriff Tim Gobble. Tim Gobble is one of the only honest elected officials in Bradley County. This mayor and commission are a disgrace. I will never support or vote for Mayor Davis again. Nor will I support or vote for any commissioner who does not stand up and denounce these childish actions by the Mayor.
Sick of Davis – Nov 08, 2007 11:38:59 AM

Commissioner Atchley did show amusement or embarrassment of our mayor, which gave me much more respect for him than any of the other rednecks!
JJ – Nov 08, 2007 11:24:47 AM

If you watch the video you can tell that Commissioner Atchley is not amused. But the only other commissioner you can see is Commissioner Ed Elkins. He was having a grand old time at the sheriff’s expense. Can anyone take him seriously anymore? What a wasted vote that was.
Not amused – Nov 08, 2007 11:14:36 AM

I would like to say that Cleveland has a higher rate of crime than chattanooga If the mayor would be more informed of what is happening in our community I feel that this situation would have to be resolved thru court. I am in much support of Sherriff Gobble I feel he has done more for Bradley county in the last year And whi is Mayor so worried about giving the money to the county Sherriff office for improvement is it because it might dent his pay raise for what he is not doing
concerned citizen – Nov 08, 2007 10:40:47 AM

Classless, Mayor Davis. I will never vote for you again. Never.
Sad – Nov 08, 2007 09:55:13 AM

I enjoy reading about Southern politics. I always get a huge laugh! Hey! Its your “Heritage”!
Laughing – Nov 08, 2007 08:07:06 AM

hey lighten up, u have got the city police mixed up with the county patrol on apd 40 the city has to have more money, they pay more and have better equip
jo ann – Nov 08, 2007 07:54:03 AM

yes to the mayor gobble mayor davis needs to get on board or get out, he needs to understand we have quaified bradley countians that can fill that job and do it better. maybe the next one will be more mature
ronnie – Nov 08, 2007 07:49:58 AM

Can anybody say Mayor Gobble?
CV64 – Nov 08, 2007 04:57:12 AM

It’s very sad that we have to even have a law suite filled to get the deputy’s pay in scope with the rest of the region , Even worse when our own county mayor makes a joke like that in a commision meeting that our tax dollars pay for shows he realy has Bradley County in mind ELECTION TIME IS COMMING AND CHANGE IS IN THE AIR so joke somemore at the tax payer cost
BRADLEY COUNTY VOTER – Nov 08, 2007 01:25:44 AM

I can’t believe you would find something this juvenile newsworthy!
Carol – Nov 07, 2007 11:21:33 PM

I think it is reasonable for our deputies to make a comparable salary to the city officers. I also think it is reasonable to have a plan to replace worn out patrol vehicles. It looks like the commission would be interested in comming up with a plan to address these issues even if it was fazed in over several years. I would be disappointed in the sheriff if he didn’t take a stand for these issues and just accepted a budget that he knew was inadequate. I don’t want more taxes anymore than the next guy but we can’t bury our head in the sand and ignore these issues and expect them to go away. If the commission doesn’t think these issues need to be addressed we have no choice but to let the courts decide. I support the Bradley County Sheriff.
Michael – Nov 07, 2007 11:18:10 PM

Tacky, tacky, tacky on the part of our silly mayor and ALL the commissioners and especially Chairman Plumley. Disappointed in Plumley – thought he had more class, but now I think the majority are all a bunch of red-necks with no class!
Rob – Nov 07, 2007 10:51:01 PM

The mayor needs to issue a public apology to the sheriff and the citizens of Bradley County for using his position to pull such a stunt. That’s not we elected you to do. Michael Plumley needs to resign if he cannot control his meetings. This has become a pattern.
Lewis – Nov 07, 2007 10:40:20 PM

Poor taste mayor
Mike – Nov 07, 2007 10:39:06 PM

I must say the sheriff has been very articulate, informative and courteous in every presentation I have ever heard him give on any subject. I have attended the commission meetings and his town hall meetings. Even when attacked, he remained composed and reasoned. It would serve these other officials to get behind him instead of being jealous and trying to tear him down. He may just put Bradley County on the state and national political map. I havn’t seen any better out of here. Also he gave a great speech at Westwood Baptist. Made me feel proud to be an American.
linda – Nov 07, 2007 10:28:46 PM

I think Sheriff Gobble is doing a great job! He deserves everything he asks for because when Sheriff Gilly was in office he walked in and threatened to put all of the Commission in jail if he didn’t get what he wanted. Sheriff Gobble didn’t make such threats, instead he tried to work with the Commission and the Commission pushed him to sue for what he needed. If Sheriff Gilly hadn’t spent all his money before he left office we wouldn’t be in this mess. Everyone knows that Sheriff Gilly and Gary Davis are in the same box. Sheriff Gilly never won an election as big as Sheriff Gobble did. So now we need to remember in 2010 to send Gary Davis home like we did Gilly. Him and Gilly can play with their toys together. Keep up the good work Gobble! The community stands behind you!
Matthew – Nov 07, 2007 10:27:13 PM

Yes, Chairman Plumley and the commissioners appeared just as foolish and immature as the Mayor. What a disappointment. There will be many working to get ALL those children out of office!
jj – Nov 07, 2007 10:22:42 PM

LOL, are all of you family of our local cops or what? Geez Louise lighten up already. It’s an embarrassment when you have the Sheriff trying to sue our county, but when a tiny joke is made people go nuts! Hey, what’s another tax hike here, we already give 60 percent of our income in some kind of tax, what’s another buck or two. You gotta buy some fast cars to chase down those rotten people doing 48 mph instead of 45 mph on APD 40
Lighten Up! – Nov 07, 2007 10:21:09 PM

This is twice now that the commission has allowed personal attacks on our sheriff. Firstime they allowed that crazy guy Melvin Kendrick to attack personally and now this. Folks, it’s plainly obvious the commission is out to destroy our sheriff. This is backfiring on them and the sheriff once again stands tall. There is no leadership from any commissioner or the mayor. They closed their minds from the beginning and have refused to even consider the sheriff’s requests. Go Gobble.
bill w. – Nov 07, 2007 10:17:00 PM

Why did Mike Plumley, chairman of the commission, sit there and let this childish behavior take place? It was degrading to let our Sheriff be belittled in such a manner. Thanks to Sherrif Gobble for remaining a true gentleman in this whole ordeal.
Leona – Nov 07, 2007 10:01:52 PM

Mayor Davis claims he was trying to “lighten up” – ha – look at his facial expression on the weekly video. In trying to make fun of the sheriff he made himself look very foolish and immature. Folks, we’ve got to get a good person to run against him – our county deserves better! I would never vote for him again for ANYTHING and wish I hadn’t before!
Joy – Nov 07, 2007 09:50:31 PM

This issue should be handled in a more professional manor than this. Sheriff Gooble keep fighting the good battle and you and your employees will be rewarded with or without Mayor Davis.
Brad Pickens – Nov 07, 2007 09:06:14 PM

I’ve lived in Bradley County for 75 years and politics has always been dirty. I was hoping that after the county grew it would be better. However, I believe it is worse now than it ever was. Mayor Davis needs to be replaced along with all the commissioners. Thanks, Sheriff Gobble, for doing a good job in spite of our leaders.
Deloris – Nov 07, 2007 09:02:06 PM

even if the sheriff wins his full compromise proposal and the county choses to increase taxes instead of funding it with money they already have, it will only cost the average taxpayer about one dollar a month in new taxes.
concerned – Nov 07, 2007 08:17:51 PM

When is the local news media and other elected officials going to realize the public is sqaurely behind the sheriff in hugh numbers on this issue. They have let our schools fall behind and now our law enforcement. Time for a new mayor and commission.
richard – Nov 07, 2007 08:12:12 PM

Just like we support our trrops in Iraq protecting our country, we need to support our deputies at home protecting our community. The mayor needs to get on board with the sheriff and stop playing childish games.
bobby – Nov 07, 2007 08:07:55 PM

You all need to set back realize that the county has limited assets and limited money to hand out. The real problems lie from a past sheriff not keeping up the jail, equipment, and pay for those who put their life on the line everyday. The mayor cannot decied on something like this with the commisions approval. If the past sheriff would have taken care of things, we would not be in this mess. Good Luck Sheriff Gobble most of us think your doing a great job.
we need to realize – Nov 07, 2007 07:52:54 PM

the mayor needs to remember the citizens of bradley county spoke at the last election, if he cannot get on board, then he needs to resign and let a more mature person be our mayor where we can be proud of him and not ashamed of him
dean s – Nov 07, 2007 07:47:08 PM

we need a new mayor the one we have has lost his mind please do not judge our county by his childish matter, everone remember this when election comes around we need a more mature mayor
ronald dean – Nov 07, 2007 07:37:00 PM

Somebody else please run for mayor!
David – Nov 07, 2007 07:22:54 PM

I am new to cleveland. This concerns me. Is this what I can expect from my leaders.
Stovel Chin – Nov 07, 2007 07:21:02 PM

This was not funny. My family saw a county car broke down in the middle of the road last week. It looks like they do need some better cars.
John D. – Nov 07, 2007 07:17:47 PM

Pay them the same as the city. That seems fair.
Billy – Nov 07, 2007 07:11:34 PM

I’m embarrassed for living in Cleveland, how silly.
Tonya – Nov 07, 2007 07:09:27 PM

I hope the people in Chattanooga won’t judge Bradley County by the actions of a child like Mayor. We are good people here.
Steve – Nov 07, 2007 07:06:52 PM

Very poor taste! While the sheriff is protecting the county the mayor is playing with a toy?
Sonya Daily – Nov 07, 2007 07:04:53 PM

Find a solution! Don’t play with toys! This is so silly. I hope the sheriff wins big! I blame the commission and mayor for not working with the sheriff.
Bill Elliot – Nov 07, 2007 07:02:25 PM

The reason we are behind with roads, schools and public safety is now clear. The mayor plays with toys instead of doing his job. I hope Gobble will run for mayor, he will move us forward with a vision for the future.
jon carpenter – Nov 07, 2007 06:46:30 PM

All the sheriff was given was a standard three percent pay increase for employees. They were already 25 percent behind the city. The city got 6 percent and the gap continues to widen. So the mayor should quit acting like Gobble got any big increase. The public is seeing through this smoke screen and the mayor is looking real dirty.
Todd Satterfield – Nov 07, 2007 06:42:59 PM

That is a childish and unfortunate action. I was under the impression that both positions were on the same team for what is best for Bradley County. If there is a reasonable offer on the table to sit down and work this out, then why waste tax payer’s money on taking it through the judicial system. If such issues were dealt with on a timely manner to begin with, then these antics would not be a concern. The questions to be answered is ” Why were these matters not handled when they should have been in the past?” “What can be done now to insure that our good county does not fall back into such dispairty again?” Such matters as education, housing, gas prices, and the declining quality of life in this county, may overshadow the need for new patrol cars, but if the “minor” details are continously ignored, then they become a looming problem as well. I commend the Sherrif for doing what he said he was going to do in his platform for election. I would hope that the Mayor, who may or may not have known that such problems existed, show support for the need for corrections and ironing out the details.
J Henson – Nov 07, 2007 06:39:00 PM

This is a low point for Bradley County. I’m ashamed of the mayor and the commission. I hope the sheriff wins big in court. It’s time to move our county out of the dark ages.
Tommy – Nov 07, 2007 06:36:58 PM

Sheriff Gobble has caused a continuous disruption in Bradley County since he was elected. He was given an increase of over a million dollars in his budget for this year. Still, he wants more. He had over half a million dollars left from last years budget. Why can he not use that money to meet the needs in his department? Finally, Gobble needs to pay all the court costs not Bradley county citizens.
Martino De Simone – Nov 07, 2007 06:33:59 PM

This is the most ridiculous and immature thing I have ever seen. Sheriff Gobble is working really hard to improve our county. The salary that these officers earn is unrealistic. They are very under paid for the hard work they do. These officers go out everyday and risk their lives to protect our community. Instead of Mayor Davis working towards a compromise with the sheriff he is taking cheap shots and playing with toys. The citizens of Bradley Co. will remember that when the elections come up and I can almost guarantee Mayor Davis, won’t be laughing.
Brittany – Nov 07, 2007 06:33:37 PM

I beleive it is right for our deputies to be paid the same as city police officers. I also beleive they should not be driving high-mileage cars that are unsafe. The sheriff is right and the mayor wrong. The problem is the mayor treats all our county workers needs as a joke. Everybody I know is voting for his challenger next time. We need a mayor who will move this county forward not put it in reverse.
Rick Wilson – Nov 07, 2007 06:30:43 PM

The toy is poor taste.
Pam – Nov 07, 2007 06:23:26 PM

I would certainly hope that the Mayor and the county commissioners soon realize that the voters put Sheriff Gobble into office to do exactly what he’s attempting to do. The protection of the citizens of Bradly County is no laughing matter. If this childish joke is the best the Mayor can do to solve this problem, then we’re certainly in trouble. We will remember at the next election.
Betty Haralson – Nov 07, 2007 06:21:45 PM

Mayor Davis is an embarrassment to Bradley County, the voters will remember his childish stunt in the next election. He should be finding solutions instead of playing with toys!
Troy Williams – Nov 07, 2007 06:13:46 PM