I treasure these times. I wish I could keep them just like this for a few more years.

Valentine’s Day is a post from: RogerGriffith

Roger Griffith Launches Campaign for State Representative

JEFFERSON CITY (February 1, 2012) – This morning Roger Griffith, a local businessman and county commissioner, announced his candidacy for State Representative of the reconfigured 17th district, which now includes most of Jefferson County and the northern part of Sevier County.

In announcing his candidacy, Griffith stated, “We are facing serious challenges in our district. There is a double-digit unemployment rate in this area, Tennessee ranks 46^th in education, and our values are constantly under attack. To overcome these challenges, the district needs a representative in Nashville with fresh ideas, extensive business experience, and the desire to listen to and communicate with citizens. I will work hard to represent the best interests of the entire district.”

Griffith is the founder and president of Griffith Engineering & Consulting, Inc., a local engineering firm. He said, “As a small business owner myself, I understand the difficulties of cumbersome government regulations and excessive taxes. Current unemployment rates in Jefferson and Sevier Counties are over 10%, which is significantly higher than the state average of 8.3%.”

Griffith also commented, “Government cannot create lasting jobs, but government can lower taxes, cut burdensome regulations, develop infrastructure and provide economic incentives to help businesses thrive, providing more and better jobs.  We cannot sit idly by and wait for economic recovery to come to us. We must be prepared to launch into economic recovery and be a leader in job creation. I will work diligently to represent the interests of this area in Nashville.”

His public service complements his business experience. Griffith is currently a County Commissioner in Jefferson County, where he serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman Pro Tempore. He has helped develop and pass a Debt Management Policy for the county, which provides openness and transparency for financial transactions. Griffith has been a leading supporter of school construction projects in the county, including the construction of a new elementary school and extensive renovations for the county’s high school. He recently introduced a resolution opposing any weakening of the “Sunshine Law”.

Griffith, 50, earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University. During 14 years at TVA, he held various engineering and management positions. As the principal of his engineering firm for the past 15 years, Griffith has been an engineering consultant for many local businesses and development projects, including Dollywood, The Inn at Christmas Place, Mills Auditorium, the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center, and Grainger County High School.

Roger and his family are active members of True Life Church in Jefferson City where he serves as an elder. He is a graduate of the East Tennessee Regional Leadership Program. He is also a member and past president of the Jefferson City Rotary Club, and a past board member of Habitat for Humanity in Jefferson County.

Roger has been married to his wife, Missy, for 25 years. They have nine children and live on a small farm in New Market.

Griffith will be on the Republican ballot in the state primary on August 2. For further information, please contact (865)850-0322.

I Am Running for State Representative! is a post from: RogerGriffith

Although we seldom make it to the bowling alley, a few of us managed to get some strikes. Hence, the picture. We made a whole lot more memories than strikes!

Strike Club! is a post from: RogerGriffith

Another partial renovation plan was also presented, but it failed as well. This $10M plan just picked a few of the components of the total plan that would add up to $10M. Of course, this partial plan will not bring the building up to code, which will be required during a major renovation, creating further chaos. Imagine taking down an old ceiling and old dim lights to replace the HVAC and electrical components, then putting the 35 year old ceiling and lights back up, only to be told that now you have to take it back down again because you are required to install a sprinkler system, which of course there are no funds for. Not a good plan. We can do better. That is why I voted against this partial plan that was presented at the last minute.

Plan to renovate JCHS fails. is a post from: RogerGriffith

While enjoying a few days in a Gatlinburg cabin after the holidays, we took the opportunity to hike to Laurel Falls. It is an easy 2.6 mile hike to the falls on a paved path, which is ideal for young children.

However, Ethan, 8, did everything but stay on the path. He saw every bank and rock wall as a challenge. Boys will be boys.

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is a post from: RogerGriffith

Real Men Like Ballet — When Their Daughters are Dancing is a post from: RogerGriffith

There are several stipulations in the approved resolution, such as it must be a paid event, it does not apply to municipalities, and several others.

There is also the allegation that the Sunshine Law was violated.

Palmer is represented by Attorney Herb Moncier.

Jefferson County Sued for Outdoor Music Regulations is a post from: RogerGriffith

This year I believe the Griffiths were intimated by the Wicker’s face painting and the parade with the decorated golf cart. At least that is what I contribute our 10-9 loss to, that and the fact that our oldest son, Dillon, was not able to attend because of work.

For me this year, the game was a reminder of what I am most thankful for. I am still in the game, as is all the members of our families. We are still healthy and active. We love life, a competitive game, and great friendships. I still want to compete — in football, in business and for the cause of Christ. I am not looking for retirement or a life of ease. I don’t look forward to the day when I will not be an active participant in the football game–or the game of life. I am still looking for challenges, hills to climb and causes worth fighting for.

And for that, I am truly thankful to God, who is the giver of all life and blessings. Now, if we can just raise our game a little for next year’s battle…

Thanksgiving, Football and Blessings is a post from: RogerGriffith

The issue of whether to accept the offer of the Union Hall building was discussed and debated at  County Commission meetings for several months. Ultimately, the offer was rejected by County Commission.

On the surface this appears to be an easy, straightforward decision. Obviously libraries play an important role in communities and enhance the education of the citizenry. But as is often the case, there are many more details and a greater story. I voted to reject the offer, and in the final analysis, I believe there are several reasons why the offer was declined.

1. The Union Hall building is in need of much repair. Estimates ranged from $160,000 – $200,000. Although local citizens were willing to raise some of the funds needed, Axel Ringe, Chairman of the Library Board, stated that funding from County Commission  would be needed.
2. Jefferson County does not fund library buildings for any other community. The other libraries (Jefferson City, Dandridge and White Pine) are supported by the municipalities. If the County funded improvements for the Strawberry Plains Library, then the precedent would be set and other communities, like Talbott and Chestnut Hill, would likely expect comparable funding, and rightly so.
3. The motion by Commissioner Blevins to accept the Union Hall Building stated explicitly that the County would not provide any additional funding. If we accepted the building, but the community could not raise the needed funds, then the County would be stuck with a building it could not use.
4. The citizens of Strawberry Plains were equally divided between keeping the library at its current downtown location and accepting the Union Hall building.
5. The current 800 sq.ft. library, which is in need of expansion, could be more than doubled in size for approximately $100,000 (1000 sq.ft. x $100/sq.ft.). The Parrott family was generously offering a 99-year lease at no cost, including additional land if needed for an expansion.
6. State grants could possibly be obtained for either building.
7. The Union’s offer required that the building be used for a library. There were other needs that the building could be used for, for example a Senior Citizens Center, if the offer did not constrain the building’s use.
8. Union officials stated that the offer would be withdrawn after our November meeting. Further study by perhaps the Facilities Committee was not an option.

Strawberry Plains Library is a post from: RogerGriffith

County Commission has a work session at 6:30 pm, April 11 in the Main Courtroom of the Courthouse in Dandridge.

The regular monthly meeting of County Commission is at 6:30 pm, April 18 in the Main Courtroom of the Courthouse in Dandridge.

April Meetings is a post from: RogerGriffith