LIBERADIO(!)

Next, an editorial from the Jackson Sun wants to know why, in these hard economic times, Tennessee Senate Republicans proposed to remove funding for job creation in Haywood County:

Although we’re relieved that state officials have said the funding for the megasite will be found, we’re dismayed at the blatant political posturing displayed by Senate Republicans, who apparently would rather play political games than finish developing the site, which is crucial to West Tennessee’s future.

…

What Senate Republicans apparently fail to understand is that this is the only and best opportunity for a project of this size in Tennessee. What they apparently don’t understand is that the Haywood megasite is crucial to the future economic development of the region. Once the site is ready, it holds the potential to attract industries that could bring thousands of jobs and millions of new tax dollars to West Tennessee.

And that’s not all. Once industries start coming to Haywood County, the domino effect could be huge. Or maybe they do understand, and they would rather try to one-up Bredesen.

We are left to wonder whether the political power brokers of Middle and East Tennessee care about what happens in West Tennessee.

What we also find distressing is the absence of action by state Sen. Dolores Gresham, R-Somerville. She did not make herself available on Thursday to discuss the site, which is practically in her back yard. Perhaps she fails to realize the importance of the matter. When she met with The Jackson Sun’s editorial board last year, she showed an appalling lack of knowledge about the project. That is unacceptable, especially from someone who had been in the House as long as Gresham.
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Senate Republicans owe us an explanation for their actions. We deserve to know why they’re seeking to de-fund such an important project. Unfortunately, we think we know the answer.

With a week to go this session (maybe), the strange priorities of Tennessee Republicans are coming through loud and clear.