Cutting Edge

(thanks to Id at the City Paper for the suggestion)
Yes, that's our illustrious Governor. I've pretty much ignored Governor Bredesen's Bunker Boondoggle until today, given he hasn't really done anything egregious over the years, politically, that would cost the taxpayers (me) a lot of money. He's managed to avoid much partisan angst because, well, he was a successful businessman, and businessmen in general usually are fiscally conservative. With their own business. That's changed, it seems. Bredesen has fed at the Tax Trough, and he's lost his good business sense.

Today, from the City Paper, we see a loose coalition of State Republicans finally getting some cajones...

"With construction slated to begin next month, a contingent of five Republican lawmakers asked Wednesday that plans to build an underground ballroom at the governor’s mansion be delayed.

"The Republicans want the project halted from breaking ground until “concerns can be addressed” during the upcoming legislative session.

“We commend the First Lady and the governor on renovating a home that needed it — a new roof, an updated kitchen — Tennessee needs to be proud of the home it provides its governors,” said Rep. Beth Harwell (R-Nashville). “But as a member of the House Finance Committee, I believe that this project has gone too far with a disregard to both the neighbors and the taxpayers’ money.”

This is Bredesen's second and final term as Governor, and I think he's gotten some Big Head. Napoleonic, even. What with the 'legacy' thing, and maybe even some promises from state Democrats that he might be harrumph...'Senatorial material', and there's a possibility he might be floated as a Democratic VP candidate (a sure way to a Big Head; just look at Al Gore...)

So, this new, partisan, fiscally irresponsible boondoggle.

A bit of history, from the Nashville City Paper's John Rodgers...

"Gov. Phil Bredesen hunkered down in his proverbial bunker today, saying he expects a planned underground ballroom at the governor’s mansion will still be built despite increasing partisan attacks and public scrutiny.

"The controversy surrounds “Conservation Hall,” a 14,000-square foot underground facility scheduled for construction in the front yard of the Executive Residence on Curtiswood Lane. Its main feature will be a 3,000-square foot ballroom able to hold 160 guests.

"The plan to build what critics call the “bunker” is part of a larger drive to renovate the Executive Residence. So far, $19.2 million ($12.8 million state dollars/$6.4 million private contributions) has been either spent or budgeted to renovate the mansion and construct Conservation Hall.
...

“Somebody sees this as an opportunity to rub a little dirt on her [First Lady Andrea Conte], a little dirt on me,” Bredesen told reporters. “But in the end, I think people will be sensible about this.

"It’s not for her own purposes. She’s trying to do the right thing here and to leave something for the state to be able to use effectively for a long time in the future.”

(emboldenings mine)

Stand back and look at this thing, and think about it...why does our Governor want to tear up a perfectly fine mansion in an exclusive neighborhood to build an underground facility to entertain (and secretly at that) politicos, the media, cronies, whoever gets an invite (won't be any ordinary taxpayers that's for sure) when there's plenty of ballrooms and facilities in this city one could rent for that purpose?

I believe our Governor is a bit out of line on this one.

Fiscally conservative. Nevermore.

UPDATE!

Your humble 'Smyrna-based Blogger' made The Tennessean (and just a few pages away from the Editorial page, mind you...)