Compass Points

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Ep. 83 11.12.2023 Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

Knoxville city elections dominated local political news this week, and Scott and Jesse dig into the results. What do the big wins for progressive candidates signal, and what do they mean for future elections? The guys also talk about County Commission's legislative priorities for the coming year, and why they probably won't get most of what they want. Plus: an antisemitism investigation at the University of Tennessee, and Moms 4 Liberty shows up to read to the school board. Looking ahead to next week, they preview meetings of County Commission — which will be discussing that big ambulance contract — and City Council.

Ep. 82 11/05/2023 Nov 05, 2023

Show notes

Early voting in the City of Knoxville election wrapped up this week, with predictably low turnout. This week Scott and Jesse look at the numbers and look ahead to the Nov. 7 election. Also on the podcast: controversy at the Three Rivers Market food co-op, the city of Knoxville's various efforts to build more affordable housing, and questions about Knox County's proposed new ambulance contract. In the interview segment, the guys are joined by City Council member Tommy Smith to talk about development in South Knoxville. Then they look ahead to meetings next week of the school board, the county Ethics Committee and the Planning Commission.

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Ep. 81 10/29/2023 Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

The draft county growth developed through the Advance Knox process was officially released last week to concerns about the potential loss of quality farmland. Scott, who's flying solo this week, talks about the plan, the official opening of the city's Public Safety Complex and partisanship in the nonpartisan city election. He also runs down the turnout at the halfway point in the city election early voting period SPOILER ALERT: They're bad. Scott answers reader questions about the status of the McClung Warehouses redevelopment and the planned Clayton Science Museum, followed by a look ahead to a spooky week in civic affairs. Don't forget to share this free service of CompassKnox.com

Ep. 80 10/22/2023 Oct 22, 2023

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The University of Tennessee is entering into a $240 million public-private development partnership to build new dormitories. Scott and Jesse talk about that innovative deal and its repercussions on the podcast this week, along with Knox County's unsustainable ambulance contract, a City Council candidate forum, the start of early voting in the city elections and Rep. Tim Burchett's part in the ongoing speaker drama in the House of Representatives. The guys also answer a reader question about the redevelopment of the former Austin Homes public housing complex, and look ahead to meetings next week of County Commission, the school board and the always-exciting Growth Policy Coordinating Committee.

Ep. 79 10/15/2023 Oct 15, 2023

Show notes

Several developments in the race for Knoxville municipal judge top this week's events, including a contentious forum, the announcement of endorsements and fundraising totals, and an ethical violation by the incumbent. Jesse and Scott also talk about the next steps in the Advance Knox planning process, the City of Knoxville's purchase of property for a planned pedestrian bridge, and Congressman Tim Burchett's take on the effort to elect a new Speaker of the House. In the Q&A portion, the guys answer a reader question about activity by Tennessee white supremacist groups. And they look ahead to next week's meetings of County Commission and City Council, as well as a Council candidate forum and the start of early voting in the city elections. Don't forget to share this free service of CompassKnox.com

Ep. 78 10/08/2023 Oct 08, 2023

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The failure of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon's Missing Middle Housing Plan at last week's Planning Commission meeting undergoes scrutiny at this week's Compass Points podcast. Jesse and Scott also talk about the death of Knox County Deputy Tucker Blakely, Congressman Tim Burchett's pivotal role in ousting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the school system's purchase of property in Farragut for a new school, the sudden removal of the iconic JFG Coffee sign and more. And we look ahead to this week's events. You can listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Ep. 77 10/01/2023 Oct 01, 2023

Show notes

This week Scott calls in from the road while Jesse holds it down at the studio. Together they talk about the fate of the County Commission resolution against "sexualizing children," Mayor Kincannon's "Middle Housing" plan, the school board's Annual Action Plan for Superintendent Jon Rysewyk, a development in the ethics complaint against Commissioner Kyle Ward, and the state's somewhat contradictory position on two different streams of federal funding. In the Q&A segment, they talk about which animals you can and can't keep as pets in the City of Knoxville, and then they look ahead to meetings next week of the school board, City Council and the Planning Commission.

Ep. 76 9/24/23 Live at the Tavern Sep 24, 2023

Show notes

What does a Knox County Commission resolution against "sexualizing children" actually mean, and where did it come from? Jesse and Scott look at those questions in this week's episode, which was taped live at a special Compass happy hour. Also in the mix: election news in state and local races, the stadium project's ongoing struggle to meet minority contracting goals, Knox County's ambulance contract, and the City of Knoxville's attempt to eliminate traffic deaths. In an audience Q&A, they talk more about the health care crunch in emergency response services and backups at local hospitals. And they look ahead to meetings next week of County Commission and the Sports Authority, as well as the city's ongoing discussions of "missing middle" housing. Photo Courtesy of Lauren Rider, specail thanks to The Pirate Tavern for hosting. Don't forget to share this free service of CompassKnox.com to help Scott and Jesse grow their important service to the Knoxville Community.

Ep. 75 09/17/2023 Sep 17, 2023

Show notes

An ethics complaint against Knox County Commissioner Kyle Ward and the end of a controversial development proposal in Choto lead this week's podcast. Jesse and Scott also talk about the emerging candidate lineup for next year's Knox County elections, a crisis in ambulance availability, and the big picture outlook for the local economy. In the Q&A section, they consider what other local officials might seek higher office besides state Rep. Gloria Johnson, who's running for Senate. And they look ahead to next week's meetings of County Commission and City Council, as well as a Compass reader happy hour. CompassKnox.com to subscribe!

Ep. 74 09/10/2023 Sep 10, 2023

Show notes

State Rep. Gloria Johnson's campaign for Senate is the talk of the state — and of the podcast! Scott and Jesse look at the uphill battle Johnson faces and the political logic of her run. They also talk about the school board's assorted actions on special education this week, including a somewhat controversial plan to contract for services; studies of downtown parking and the South Waterfront; and the University of Tennessee's plans to attract more top Tennessee students. In the Q&A section, they look at the future of the problematic Fort Loudon Waste Recycling site in North Knoxville. Looking ahead to next week, they preview a meeting of the Planning Commission — and a special Compass happy hour! Compassknox.com

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