Tag Archives: Barbara

Summerville Apologizes for Black Caucus Email

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State Rep. Barbara Cooper, who was chairman of the Legislature’s Black Caucus last year when Sen. Jim Summerville sent her a controversial email, says the senator has belatedly apologized for the remark.
In August, 2012, Dickson Republican Summerville declared in an email to Cooper, “I don’t give a rat’s ass what the Black Caucus thinks.”
The missive was sent after the Black Caucus issued a news release critical of a hearing Summerville led that looked into allegations of grade tampering at Tennessee State University.
Cooper provided a copy of a new Summerville email dated Jan. 12 and addressed to “Hon. Barbara Cooper and friends in the Black Caucus.”
The text:
“Dear Rep. Cooper and friends, one of my personal hopes in the new year is to try to lead a more Christ-like life. I realize that may require making amends to people I’ve hurt in the past.
“I want to tell you, then, how much I regret losing my temper last summer over your reaction to the TSU report. You said what you did with intellectual integrity and honesty of purpose. My reaction was unbecoming to me.
“Please know that I look forward to working with each of you in the 108th General Assembly for the welfare of all the people of our great state.
“Most sincerely, Jim Summerville.”
Cooper said that, in reply, she told the senator: “You’re apology is accepted and appreciated and you are forgiven.”

Shelby Loses Two Representatives, One Senator in Redistricting

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Shelby County would lose two state House seats and one Senate seat in a secretive redistricting process under way in the Republican-controlled Tennessee legislature, reports Richard Locker.
Shelby County’s population of 927,644 entitles the county to just over 4.82 state Senate seats and 14.47 House seats. Lawmakers say that will surely translate to the loss of one of Shelby’s six Senate seats and probably two of its 16 state House seats.
Memphis Democratic Rep. Barbara Cooper said she has been told that she and Rep. G.A. Hardaway, D-Memphis, are being placed in the same House district.
(Note: On the rumor circuit at Legislatorland, there are also tales of Democratic Reps. Jeanne Richardson and Mike Kernell being lumped into the same district.)

Judge Barbara Haynes Retiring

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News release from Administrative Office of the Courts:
Nashville, Tenn. – Davidson County Circuit Court Judge Barbara Haynes announced her retirement today after serving on the bench for 29 years. Her retirement will take effect on November 15.
Haynes began her judicial career in 1982 as a Davidson County General Sessions Court judge. In 1990, Haynes was elected circuit court judge in the 20st Judicial District, which serves Davidson County.
Prior to taking the bench, Haynes was a partner at the law firm of Haynes and Haynes. She also served as a legal assistant on a congressional staff.

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Woman Charged With Vandalizing State Capitol

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News release from state Department of Safety
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons announced Tuesday that the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) had issued an arrest warrant for a suspect charged for vandalizing the Tennessee State Capitol Building last month.
The THP’s Criminal Investigation Division issued an arrest warrant for Barbara Ann Smith, 37, of Murfreesboro on one count of vandalism over $1,000 (a class D felony). Smith is currently being held in the Rutherford County Detention Center for unrelated vandalism charges filed by the Murfreesboro Police Department. Upon being released from Rutherford County custody, Smith will be transported to Davidson County to face the charge in the Capitol graffiti case.
“I am proud of the work our Criminal Investigation Division put into this case. Initially, there was not much information to go on, but they followed up several leads and, ultimately, solved the case,” said Commissioner Gibbons.
In the early morning hours of June 19, state troopers on duty at the State Capitol discovered graffiti spray painted on the exterior walls of the building. The graffiti included hand-drawn pentagrams and the words “RIP TONY AL” and “WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE” spray painted in black. Surveillance video showed a hooded suspect near the scene.
“The State Capitol is the people’s house, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Capitol Security Unit is committed to securing it. We have taken increased steps to help ensure the safety of the building and those who work and visit there,” Commissioner Gibbons added.
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
(HT/TNReport