James K. Glassman (at left), a former Bush Administration State Department official and now president of the World Growth Institute in Washington, D.C., brought his warnings about over-reliance on Federal spending and the weakening of private enterprise to Nashville today. In a brief interview with VNC this afternoon, Glassman warned that Stimulus funding for broadband infrastructure should not go to service providers, but should go directly to schools, healthcare institutions and other consumers. More broadly, he cautioned against overreliance on Federal spending that could lead to more burdensome taxes and regulations being placed upon businesses. Sustainable growth, he observed, can only come from the private sector. He commended Tennessee for last year's revision of video franchising laws, which freed AT&T and others to seek one-stop statewide franchises, circumnavigating local the city-county authorities with which Comcast and other providers have dealt for decades; and, Glassman commended the General Assembly for moves to deregulate further services provided by AT&T, following an AT&T push on the issue during the current Session. Glassman said WGI, which has traditionally focused abroad on developing nations, will expend more energy on domestic U.S. policy issues in the near future. Earlier in the day, Glassman participated in a panel discussion sponsored by the Republican State Leadership Committee, a national organization, which had gathered at The Hermitage Hotel downtown.
Showing posts with label Institute of Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Institute of Politics. Show all posts
Monday, June 08, 2009
Glassman: Tenn., U.S. must rely on private sector
James K. Glassman (at left), a former Bush Administration State Department official and now president of the World Growth Institute in Washington, D.C., brought his warnings about over-reliance on Federal spending and the weakening of private enterprise to Nashville today. In a brief interview with VNC this afternoon, Glassman warned that Stimulus funding for broadband infrastructure should not go to service providers, but should go directly to schools, healthcare institutions and other consumers. More broadly, he cautioned against overreliance on Federal spending that could lead to more burdensome taxes and regulations being placed upon businesses. Sustainable growth, he observed, can only come from the private sector. He commended Tennessee for last year's revision of video franchising laws, which freed AT&T and others to seek one-stop statewide franchises, circumnavigating local the city-county authorities with which Comcast and other providers have dealt for decades; and, Glassman commended the General Assembly for moves to deregulate further services provided by AT&T, following an AT&T push on the issue during the current Session. Glassman said WGI, which has traditionally focused abroad on developing nations, will expend more energy on domestic U.S. policy issues in the near future. Earlier in the day, Glassman participated in a panel discussion sponsored by the Republican State Leadership Committee, a national organization, which had gathered at The Hermitage Hotel downtown.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Report: TNECD's Kisber may offer for Governor
[Updated 11:11 a.m.] 
Bredesen Administration Economic & Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber may run for Governor of Tennessee in 2010, according to Times Free Press Columnist Randall Higgins, writing in today's paper. TFP Reporter Andy Sher weighed-in with news about Kisber, also. Prior to becoming Bredesen's ECD chief, Kisber, 48, served ten consecutive terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives, eventually chairing the body's Ways and Means Committee. Kisber has been a key figure in recruiting Volkwagen to Chattanooga and, as noted in his official bio, in shaping the relaunch of Tennessee Technology Development, among other initiatives. In 1999-2000, Kisber, who ultimately opposed creating a state income tax, was for a time accused of fence-sitting during debate of then-Gov. Don Sundquist's proposal. The only other Democrat to express interest in the post, thus far, is former State Rep. Kim McMillan. To this point, announced Republican candidates include Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, and Shelby County DA Bill Gibbons. The VN Blog has queried Kisber this morning, asking confirmation of this report.
Bredesen Administration Economic & Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber may run for Governor of Tennessee in 2010, according to Times Free Press Columnist Randall Higgins, writing in today's paper. TFP Reporter Andy Sher weighed-in with news about Kisber, also. Prior to becoming Bredesen's ECD chief, Kisber, 48, served ten consecutive terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives, eventually chairing the body's Ways and Means Committee. Kisber has been a key figure in recruiting Volkwagen to Chattanooga and, as noted in his official bio, in shaping the relaunch of Tennessee Technology Development, among other initiatives. In 1999-2000, Kisber, who ultimately opposed creating a state income tax, was for a time accused of fence-sitting during debate of then-Gov. Don Sundquist's proposal. The only other Democrat to express interest in the post, thus far, is former State Rep. Kim McMillan. To this point, announced Republican candidates include Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, and Shelby County DA Bill Gibbons. The VN Blog has queried Kisber this morning, asking confirmation of this report.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Purcell's Harvard group finds political youth-engagement high
Former Metro/Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell (at left) is director of Harvard University's Institute of Politics, which today released its 15th survey of youth opinion on public service, and in addition to presidential preferences, it shows some heartening trends, concluding that the efficacy of political engagement is at a highwater mark. Among numerous interesting findings: 86 percent of youth respondents age 18-24 have a Facebook page and more than a third have used it for activism. The summary is here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
