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- 1. Coalition for Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights October—December 2014, Second Edition, Memphis, Tennessee WHY AMEND THE CONSTITUTION? By Steve Mulroy Voters this November will get the final say on not one but four proposed state constitutional amendments. Each one has its pros and cons, but one threshold question is, why would we want to amend our constitution at all? Generally, you amend constitutions less frequently than regular laws, and only for important reasons. There are three main reasons. They apply, or don’t apply, to varying degrees to the four proposals. The Tennessee Constitution is the foundational document of our state government. Among other things, it sets out things the governor and the state legislature may and may not do. So, if you (1) want to change the law in a cer- tain way that is currently unconstitutional (either because the plain language of the constitution says so or because the Tennessee Supreme Court has interpreted it that way), you’ve got to amend the constitution. Alternatively, if (2) you fear the legislature might change the law in a certain way, and you want to prevent them from doing so, you might amend the constitution to head them off. Finally, you might amend if (3) you want to overrule a state supreme court ruling you disagree with, and take power away from the court and give it to the state legislature. Let’s call (1) the “permission” rationale, (2) the “blocking” rationale, and (3) the “runaway court” rationale. How do these reasons apply to the various amendments? Let’s look at each one. Amendment 1: Abortion Rights. In 2000, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that abortion rights under the state constitution were greater than under federal law, such that certain abortion restrictions (e.g., waiting periods) valid under federal law are invalid under state law. Under the “runaway court” rationale (3), you might want to amend the constitution to take power from the state supreme court and give it to the legislature. Or perhaps you trust the courts more than the current group in Nashville to properly protect reproductive rights, in which case you would vote “NO” on Amendment 1. Amendment 2: Judicial Selection. For years, some have argued that our current process for selecting state appeals court judges—where the governor appoints them, and every 8 years the voters vote “yes” or “no” on whether to retain them—violates the state constitution’s requirement that judges “be elected by the voters of the state.” But the Tennessee Supreme Court has upheld this system on three occasions, including most recently this year. Amendment 2 makes clear that the current judicial selection process is constitutional, ending all future litigation, plus it also adds the requirement that the legislature confirm judges appointed by the governor – a requirement the legislature could so provide without amending the constitution, so seeking “permission” doesn’t apply. But proponents fear that if Amendment 2 doesn’t pass, the legislature will pass a law making all appellate judges run for office in regular candidate-versus-candidate elections, forcing judges to raise money from the lawyers who practice before them, tailoring their rulings to what’s popular, etc. Amendment 2 would prevent them from passing such a law, so a “blocking” rationale (2) applies here. Amendment 3: Income Tax. Currently, Tennessee has no income tax on payroll or earned personal income. The state constitution also does not prevent the legisla- ture from implementing one consistent with the constitution. Amendment 3 would forever bar the legislature from doing so. This sounds like the “blocking” rationale (2) might apply. But given that there is no realistic prospect that the legislature would pass an income tax any time in the foreseeable fu- ture, this reason is a bit of a stretch. Amendment 4: Currently, although gambling through lotteries are generally illegal in Tennessee (except for the state-sponsored lottery), certain nonprofit organiza- tions, called “501(c)(3)” organizations under federal tax law, can hold a lottery once a year to benefit their charitable/educational/cultural missions, as long as the legislature approves with a two-thirds vote. Amendment 4 would add certain veterans’ organizations, called “501(c)(19)” organizations, to this list. Argua- bly, the seeking “permission” rationale (1) applies here, since it would allow the legislature to approve lotteries for a new category of organizations. But since most 501(c)(19) organizations could qualify for 501(c)(3) status anyway, this reason may not be compelling. Steve Mulroy is a constitutional law professor at the University of Memphis. From 2006-2014 he also served as a Shelby County Commissioner. Amendment Alert
- 2. Coalition for Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights Amendment 1 The Tennessee General Assembly passed a series of restrictions on abortions in 1998 that included: Parental consent for minors seeking abortion A 72 hour waiting period Mandated counseling that included misleading information about the risk associated with abortion, and A requirement that all second trimester abortions be performed in a hospi- tal. Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee sued, saying the restrictions were unconstitutional. In 2000, “Planned Parenthood Middle and East Tennessee V. Sundquist” resulted in the Tennessee Supreme Court finding that a woman’s Right to a safe and legal abortion is a part of a “fundamental right to privacy.” In Tennes- see, THE RIGHT to privacy is broader than the right found by the U.S Supreme Court in “ROE v. WADE”. As a result, in 2000, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that several abortion regulations at issue in Sundquist were unconstitutional. They up- held parental consent, a requirement that remains in place today. As a result, members of the General Assembly began the process to amend the con- stitution to eliminate women’s privacy rights. The Tennessee constitution ensures every woman’s right to make her own medical decisions, without government inter- ference. If Amendment 1 passes, it will take away this right. Amendment 1 passed the General Assembly in 2009 and again in 2011. The lan- guage of the amendment is stated below: “Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion. The people retain the right through their elected state representatives and state senators to enact, amend, or repeal statutes regard- ing abortion, including, but not limited to, circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother.” A Closer Look at the 4 Constitutional Amendments (On the November 4th Ballot) In order for your vote (for or against) amendments to count, you MUST: Vote for someone in the Governor’s Race Vote on the Amendments Amendments to the constitution only occur during the year of a governor’s race. Based on Tennessee law, all votes in the governor’s race are totaled and in order for any Constitutional Amendment to pass, 50% , plus 1 vote must be cast in favor of passage. That means, for example, if 1 million Tennesseans vote in the governor’s race, 500K people, plus 1 additional voter (i.e., 500,001 voters) must vote in favor of any particular amendment for that amendment to pass. If it passes, it would be written into state law and the state constitution would change accordingly. Amendment 2 In order to understand Amendment 2, you have to understand the current sys- tem and what would change if Amendment 2 were passed. Under the Current System A. The governor selects and appoints supreme court and appeals court Judges for an 8 year term, or to fill a vacancy. B. At the end of that 8 year term, the retention of one’s Judicial Seat is subject to a Retention Vote. 1. If the public votes to retain a Judge—then the Judge retains his/her judicial position 2. If the public votes not to retain the Judge—then the seat becomes vacant and the governor is free to appoint a replacement If Amendment 2 Passes A. The governor would still select and appoint supreme court and appeals court Judges for an 8 year term, or to fill a vacancy B. Appointment would be subject to confirmation by the general assembly C. Appointed and confirmed judges would serve an 8 year term and at the end of the 8 years, retention would be subject to public Retention Vote. The Debate Concern over attempt to eliminate current non-partisan system and replace it with a system where Judges are Elected and partisanship & money rule. Some Say: Amendment 2 is an attempt to satisfy those who believe the current system of appointment vs. election is unconstitutional. If legislators are given veto power, they may not push for passing a statute where Judges are Elected & Influenced by politics and money. Others Say: Even if the legislature is given the power to veto qualified appointees, there is no guarantee they will not continue pursuing a statute where Judges are Elected. Plus, giving the legislature power to veto Judges identified as qualified by a bipar- tisan commission, still introduces partisan politics. Amendment 3 Constitutional Amendment 3, if passed, would lock-in sales, consumption, and property taxes as Tennessee’s only option for raising much needed state revenue. Tennessee’s current tax structure already depends heavily on these revenue sources, and hits hardest working fami- lies struggling to make ends meet. By limiting options for our future, Amendment 3 will force: More hikes and a double-digit SALES TAX on FOOD and other NECESSITIES, hurting local businesses, costing Tennessee jobs, and placing an unfair burden on Tennes- see’s working families, Hikes in local PROPERTY TAX, and even creation of a STATEWIDE PROPERTY TAX. Cuts in K-12 EDUCATION, Meals on Wheels, FIRST RESPONDERS, and other im- portant community services. TUITION HIKES at our universities, fueling mounting student debt. Amendment 4 Back in 2002, voters amended the constitution allowing charitable groups registered with the IRS as 501(c)(3) organizations to conduct an annual fund- raising event using gambling or games of chance. Charitable veterans’ groups, whose IRS designation is 501(c)(19) versus 501(c)(3) were left out. Amendment 4 would allow 501(c)(19) charitable veterans’ groups to raise funds in the same manner as other 501(c)(3) charitable organizations— (i.e., one time out of the year, fundraising using gambling or games of chance). That said, since 501(c)(19) organizations can qualify for 501(c)(3) status anyway, there is some question regarding the rationale for the amend- ment Page 2
- 3. The Coalition for Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights (C.O.P.P.E.R.) is a community-focused group of people and organizations from all across Mem- phis. C.O.P.P.E.R. was initially created as a support to workers locked out by Kellogg. However, while addressing the lockout, it was revealed that many Memphians are disenfranchised, lacking basic social and economic opportunities. The coalition consists of a range of supporters including students working their way through college, unions representing employees working harder for less, organi- zations addressing poverty and providing for community revitalization, and faith providers offering spiritual nourishment and advocacy. C.O.P.P.E.R. is a gathering place for new ideas and shared efforts towards positive change. The coalition specifically supports those whose voices have been ignored—amplifying their attempts to make a positive change within their communities. C.O.P.P.E.R. is listening and working with the most vulnerable members of our community. We want you to be a part of the discussion and a part of building the movement that amplifies the voices of marginalized communities across Memphis. Commit to adding your voice, your ideas, your concerns, and your desires to the goal of making Memphis a better place for those whose daily plight is virtually invis- ible within the mainstream community. To join the coalition, email your name, contact information, organizational affiliation, if applicable; to thecoppercoali- tion@gmail.com or call (901) 396-1499. We look forward to collaborating with you. Sincerely, Kevin Bradshaw CHARTER MEMBERS Kevin Bradshaw, BCTGM Local 252G Barbara Cooper, State Rep. 86th District Raumesh Akbari, State Rep. 91st District, Greg Grant, National Action Net- work Bishop E. Lynn Brown, CME Church Lorenzo Banks, AFSCME Local 1733 Casel Jones, Memphis City Labor Council Irvin Calliste, International President of USW/ Memphis Central Labor Council Kermit Moore, A. Philip Randolph Institute Dr. Freda Williams, Professor/ Former School Board Commissioner Gail Tyree, Community Activist and Organiz- er Dell Gill, Shelby County Democratic Party Dr. Jesse Barksdale, Author and Activist Henry Perry, Former President of Teamsters Trence Jackson, BCTGM Local 252G Alphon- so Lee, Community Activist Rev. Dwight Montgomery, SCLC President D’Army Bailey, Former Judge Hazel Hall, Aurthor Virgie Banks, President, Democratic Women of Shelby County Rev. Leonard Dawson, Cane Creek M.B. Church Dr. Coby Smith, Community Activist & Educator Coleman Thompson, Community Activist & Exec. Dir., Alcohol Abuse Program Sheena Foster, Exec. Dir. Workers Interfaith Network Yvonne Acey, Associate Dir., Africa in April Cultural Awareness Inc. & Educator For Additional Information: www.coppercoalition.org thecoppercoalition@gmail.com (901) 396-1499 COPPER’s Position On the 4 Amendments Vote NO on Amendment 1 Vote NO on Amendment 2 Vote NO on Amendment 3 Vote NO on Amendment 4 Page 3
- 4. Coalition for the Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights Publisher ************** C.O.P.P.E.R. Board of Directors Kevin Bradshaw - President Virgie Banks—Vice President Trence Jackson - Treasurer *************** Editors Erica Thomas Yvonne B. Acey Advertising Members of COPPER Staff Writers Gail Tyree Ron Baker Kevin Bradshaw Jessica Buttermore Bjorn Carlsson Graphic Artist William Distributors Kevin Bradshaw Trence Jackson David Page Earl Earley Coalition for the Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights (C.O.P.P.E.R.) 3035 Directors Row, Bldg. A, Suite 1330, Memphis, TN 38131 (901) 396-1499 thecoppercoalition@gmail.com www.coppercoalition.org Back to the Basics By Kevin Bradshaw On August 11, 2014, we, the locked out employees of Kellogg’s Memphis, returned to work with our heads high and hearts full. We realized that the struggle that had been put upon us was just another attack on the working class right here in Memphis, TN. We returned to our jobs eager to do them well like we have always done. For years, we have been number one in America, as the lowest cost pro- ducer while remaining number one in safety and quality. We stood for what we know was right and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) felt the same way, according to Judge Sam Mays. We have argued, since day one of the lockout, that Kellogg’s proposals in local bargaining would have changed previously agreed upon wage rates and benefits for regular employees, and modified the terms and conditions contained in the Master Contract (National Contract) that governs all plants in the USA and the terms that are in effect until Oc- tober 2015. Judge Mays validated our position in his ruling, stating: “Kellogg’s proposals were not to change the Casual employee program, as it insists it had the right to demand. Rather, Kellogg effectively demanded changes to the wage rates of new or rehired regular employees. Those rates are set in the Master Agree- ment. The good-faith bargaining required by the Act does not allow Kellogg to use creative semantics to force midterm changes in the wages of new or re- hired regular employees in violation of the Master Agreement.” Mays concluded that it was “just and proper” to end the lockout. “The lockout, which has deprived the employees of their pay and health insurance, has been ongoing for nine months. The administrative process may continue for many months and even years to come. To allow the lockout to continue through that period would place significant hardship on employees in furtherance of Kellogg’s bargaining position, which [the NLRB] has reasonable cause to believe is unlawful. That would undermine the remedial powers of the Board.” Although we have won the battle, the war is not over. Currently, three out of the four cereal plants in the United States are working under expired contracts and we know that Kellogg’s is waiting to see what the final outcome from the NLRB decision on back pay will be; as well as whether the company was indeed bargaining in bad faith. We have also filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Op- portunity Commission and are awaiting their official decision. Meanwhile, the company refuses to hire any new employees—not even under the old contract lan- guage whereby temporary or casual employees hired as relief workers get first hire, with all wage rates and benefits of current employees, should permanent positions come available. Instead, in an attempt to wait out the final government decision regarding the lockout, Kellogg is working returning locked-out employees 12-16 hour days, seven days per week. Many workers interpret this as a form of retaliation—a direct violation of the 10J Injunction issued by the court which prohibited retaliation against returning workers. The workers believe that Kellogg hopes they will give in and get tired— and finally agree to the illegal proposal to hire new employees with less pay and no benefits. Howev- er, BCTGM Local 252g employees continue to stand strong. They say that “although we are no longer locked out, we seem to be locked in. So the only thing we all can do right now is organize and contin- ue to do what we do best, make good and safe food right here in Memphis!” Recently, the company filed a motion to get the Judge to overturn the 10J Injunction. Kellogg’s mo- tion was denied—further strengthening Local 252g’s position that it was wrong to lock us out in the first place. We only live once. Why should we settle for less than what is fair? Deadline to Apply Find More Information at: http://tennesseepromise.gov/ Kellogg’s Lockout Finally Ends Page 4
- 5. Opinion Editorial Thinking and the quest for truth By Clifford Black In order for a person to truly experience and be cogni- zant of change, within one’s self, a great deal of study has to take place. The information that has to be studied is not going to be easy to find, and, if found, not easy to learn. How to know what information that is pertinent, to the quest for truth, is going to take time to learn. Strategies and methodologies must be learned before one can begin to recognize the how and the why. Now, at this time, in what is known as the Age of Aquarius or the age of intelligence, survival cannot be accomplished using old ways of thinking and or believing. The world, as it has been in the past, is no longer what it was, and also, the world is not the planet. Thinking of the world as the planet has caused serious thinking disorders and is going to cause even greater problems for the not yet born. And if, past thinking patterns are inserted into future generations then past problems are going to get worse. If the price of existence in the world has changed then the way a person thinks is also going to have to change. The old er patterns of thinking that have been handed down by the public school systems, by closed minded parents, by misinformed clergy and so-called teach- ers of text book information is at this moment cre- ating an atmosphere of all engulfing fear. Fear, espe- cially when it is unrealized, is the emotion that begets worry, unhappiness, frustration, anxiousness, greed, envy, and will not allow the least bit of harmony. Har- mony is a key factor in the equation if individuals are going to be able to create a future community. Only the coming together of intelligent individuals will provide them the power to create the secure environment that they will need in order to survive. Do not let those who oppose you also divide you. By Ron Baker How do so few amass so much power over so many? How is it that here in Memphis, we end up with people in government who cater to the wealthiest in our com- munity—corporate leaders—and repeatedly, both gov- ernment officials and business leaders, get away with it? Their numbers are fractional compared to those of us who daily try to make ends meet by working two jobs, those who live in our poorest neighborhoods, and those elderly citizens barely surviving on fixed incomes. It is not because they possess so much wealth that they amass power over so many. It is because we allow them to divide us. We fight over the crumbs rather than fighting for equity - a share in the wealth we have all created together. When public employees are having their healthcare and pensions stripped because Memphis government has given millions to the wealthiest among us, we blame each other. Some say—”government employees don’t deserve it anyway, I don’t have it, so why should they”. Others say—”why should I care, it’s not my healthcare or pension”. Still others reply—”I work for $7.25 per hour and have to work two jobs just to make ends meet— they should be grateful” or “I don’t want to get involved because they might target me next”. Unfortunate- ly, even those who possess good jobs turn a blind eye; lending little, if any, support; yet expecting everyone to rally to their aide once challenges arise for them. Unfortunately, not one of these approaches helps. Rather, they divert attention from the real source of our revenue shortfalls— uncollected corporate tax monies. This unregulat- ed tax holiday for corporations is not new in Mem- phis, but it must stop; otherwise no one will be spared the economic failure that will result. In- stead, we the citizens of Memphis must wake up and come together with a common goal of de- manding transparency, oversight, and accountabil- ity in this uncontrolled give-away of revenue through corporate subsidy. We must demand eq- uitable return of investment to the tax base of the city. Otherwise, all working families in Memphis will risk losing our future. First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a So- cialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionist, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. Famous quote of Martin Niemoller, a prominent Protestant pastor who opposed the Nazi regime. He spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in con- centration camps. Germany, 1937. Page 5
- 6. Coalition for Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights Haslam Breaks Word, Slashes Millions in Earned Higher Education Funding By Tom Smith, UCW-CWA, Tennessee’s higher education union The adoption of the 2015 Fiscal Year budget brought several important changes for public higher education and Tennesseans, especially those with high school aged children. Much has been written about the new Tennessee Promise program, a “last dollar” scholarship for graduating high school students to enroll at a public Community College or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The deadline for our students to apply for this program is November 1, 2014 for Fall 2015. Increased state support for essential technical and career training is welcome news, but other aspects of Gov. Haslam’s budget are very concerning. Despite promises to fully fund the outcomes- based Complete College Tennessee Act (CCTA) funding formula for higher education, tens-of- millions owed to schools like University of Memphis, SWTCC, UT, and TSU, were cut; highlighting the ongoing crisis faced by public higher education institutions and the growing failures of the CCTA. Whatever it takes to win for my family By Larika Harris In July, I joined 1,300 fast- food workers from all over the country at a nationwide convention in Chicago, where we unanimously passed a resolution declaring we’d do whatever it takes to win a $15-an-hour wage and union rights. On Sept. 4, we put our words into action, as thousands of us went on strike and more than 700 of us got arrested for acts of civil disobedience during peaceful protests across the country. I was one of those who refused to move when police demanded we leave. My fellow fast- food workers and I sat in the street with a banner reading “We Work Hard, Pay Us.” I didn’t move because, like the Memphis sanitation workers in the 1960s, I too am striking for living wages, dignity and worker rights. I can’t wait any more for $15 and the right to form a union because I do not get paid enough to afford the cost of my basic needs. This month I had to choose between paying my rent and my light bill and I still have other expenses. Passed in 2010 with little public oversight or debate, CCTA reconfigured the funding of public higher education in Tennessee. At the time, UCW-CWA voiced concern over the law’s long-term impact on many of our state’s colleges and universities and the communities they serve. We worried that the law would unduly benefit schools with more affluent student bodies and warned that it could be used by unscrupulous state officials to shirk their funding obligations for higher education by spending appropriations elsewhere. Evidence mounts that this concern was well founded. State appropriations for the higher education institutions of West Tennessee may never recover to pre-recession levels. This year, the University of Memphis earned $2.8 million in additional funding under the “outcomes based” formula, but was only issued $340,000, $2.5 million short of the actual allocation. While the governor touts this formula nationally, it hasn’t provided anything more than IOUs to institutions across the state. Recently, the governor’s family’s business, Pilot-Flying J, was investigated by the FBI for alleged cheating trucking companies out of millions in gas rebates. As parents, tax- payers, and residents of our great state who see the value of public higher education, it is up to us to hold Governor Haslam accounta- ble for his actions. We won’t accept a busi- ness model of lies, bounced checks and IOUs; not in over the road trucking and not on our college campuses. Join UCW in their call to Governor Haslam for a #PeopleFirstBudget for Tennessee. https://www.facebook.com/ unitedcampusworkers. For information about Tennessee Promise go to: http://tennesseepromise.gov/ I am licensed as a certified nursing assistant but it’s been difficult to find a job in that industry. It’s not just me. Many fast-food workers have college degrees, yet are barely making ends meet working for companies that make billions in profits each year. We are joining together in every corner of this country. We’re sounding an alarm that communities are hurt when a company like McDonald’s pushes wages so low that more and more working Americans can’t afford to pay for our basic needs. These companies deflect responsibility for a business model that squeezes franchisees and forces families onto public assistance, at a cost to taxpayers of $7 billion a year. But the tide is starting to turn. Not only is our movement growing, it is starting to rack up victories. A strike by Seattle fast-food workers launched a successful campaign for a $15 minimum wage across their city. We know we won’t get $15 and union rights simply because our cause is just. We know we have to take risks if change is going to come to our communities. Larika Harris is a member of the national Show Me $15 campaign. She works at a lo- cal McDonald’s. Page 6
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- 8. Early Voting Early voting begins October 15th at ALL 21 Satelite Sites and continues through October 30th. Election Day is November 4. Election Day polls open 7 a.m.—7 p.m. VOTE THE ENTIRE BALLOT!! What is on the Ballot? This is a Federal and State General election. On the Novem- ber 4th ballot, federal and state races will be followed by Municipal Elections in Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Ger- mantown, Lakeland, Memphis, and Millington See Satellite Voting Locations on page 11. US Senate Republican Democrat Lamar Alexander Gordan Ball Constitution Party Green Party Joe Wilmoth Martin Pleasant Independent Candidate Tom Emerson, Jr. Edmund L. Gauthier Joshua James Danny Page Bartholomew J. Phillips C. Salekin Eric Schechter Rick Tyler TN Senate (Each Voter votes in only one Senatorial District) 29th Senatorial District Republican Democrat James R. "Jim" Finney Lee Harris 30th Senatorial District Republican Democrat George Shea Flinn Sara Kyle Independent David W. Vinciarelli 31st Senatorial District Republican Brian Kelsey 33rd Senatorial District Democrat Reginald Tate TN House of Representatives (Each Voter votes in only one House District) 83rd Representative District Republican Mark White 84th Representative District Democrat Joe Towns, Jr. 85th Representative District Democrat Johnnie R. Turner 86th Representative District Republican Democrat George T. Edwards, III Barbara Cooper 87th Representative District Democrat Karen Camper 88th Representative District Republican Democrat Harry Barber Larry J. Miller 90th Representative District Democrat John J. DeBerry, Jr. 91st Representative District Republican Democrat Samuel A. Arthur Watkins Raumesh A. Akbari 93rd Representative District Republican Democrat Colonel G. Billingsley G.A. Hardaway, Sr. 95th Representative District Republican Curry Todd 96th Representative District Republican Democrat Steve McManus Dwayne Thompson 97th Representative District Republican Jim Coley 98th Representative District Democrat Antonio Parkinson 99th Representative District Republican Ron Lollar Governor Republican Democrat Bill Haslam Charles V. "Charlie" Brown Constitution Party Green Party Shaun Crowell Isa Infante Independent Steven Damon Coburn John Jay Hooker Daniel T. Lewis Constitutional Amendment 1 Shall Article I, of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by adding the following language as a new, appropriate- ly designated section: Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion. The people retain the right through their elected state representatives and state senators to enact, amend, or repeal statutes regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother. Yes No General Election Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Early Voting Starts October 15th-30th Your VOTE Is Your VOICE ! Constitutional Amendment 2 Shall Article VI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by deleting the first and second sentences and by substi- tuting instead the following: Judges of the Supreme Court or any intermediate appellate court shall be appointed for a full term or to fill a vacancy by and at the discretion of the governor; shall be confirmed by the Legislature; and thereafter, shall be elected in a retention election by the qualified voters of the state. Confirmation by default occurs if the Legislature fails to reject an appointee within sixty calen- dar days of either the date of appointment, if made during the annual legislative session, or the convening date of the next an- nual legislative session, if made out of session. The Legislature is authorized to prescribe such provisions as may be necessary to carry out Sections two and three of this article. Yes No US House of Representatives (Each Voter votes in only one Congressional District) 8th Congressional District Republican Democrat Stephen Lee Fincher Wes Bradley Constitution Party Independent Mark Rawles James Hart 9th Congressional District Republican Democrat Charlotte Bergmann Steve Cohen Independents Floyd Wayne Alberson Herbert Bass Paul Cook Page 8
- 9. Constitutional Amendment 3 Shall Article II, Section 28 of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by adding the following sentence at the end of the final substantive paragraph within the section: Notwithstanding the authority to tax privileges or any other authority set forth in this Constitution, the Legislature shall not levy, authorize or otherwise permit any state or local tax upon payroll or earned personal income or any state or local tax measured by payroll or earned personal income; however, nothing contained herein shall be con- strued as prohibiting any tax in effect on January 1, 2011, or adjustment of the rate of such tax. Yes No Constitutional Amendment 4 Shall Article XI, Section 5 of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by deleting the following language: All other forms of lottery not authorized herein are expressly prohibited unless authorized by a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house of the general assem- bly for an annual event operated for the benefit of a 501(c)(3) organization located in this state, as defined by the 2000 United States Tax Code or as may be amended from time to time. And by substituting instead the following language: All other forms of lottery not authorized herein are expressly prohibited unless authorized by a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house of the general assem- bly for an annual event operated for the benefit of a 501(c)(3) or a 501(c)(19) organization, as defined by the 2000 United States Tax Code, located in this state. Yes No CITY OF BARTLETT Bartlett Mayor A. Keith McDonald Bartlett Alderman – Position 1 W. C. “Bubba” Pleasant Mick Wright Bartlett Alderman – Position 2 Emily Elliott Bartlett Alderman – Position 3 David Parsons Bartlett School Board – Position 2 Erin Elliott Berry Bartlett School Board – Position 4 Bryan Woodruff Wine At Retail Food Stores In Bartlett Wine at retail food stores: For legal sale of wine at retail food stores in City of Bart- lett. Against legal sale of wine at retail food stores in City of Bartlett. TOWN OF ARLINGTON Wine At Retail Food Stores In Bartlett Wine at retail food stores: For legal sale of wine at retail food stores in town of Ar- lington Against legal sale of wine at retail food stores in town of Arlington TOWN OF COLLIERVILLE Collierville Alderman—Position 1 Maureen Fraser Collierville Alderman—Position 2 Billy Patton John E. Stamps, III Collierville Alderman—Position 4 Tom Allen Greg Cotton Collierville School Board—Position 2 Wanda Chism Collierville School Board—Position 4 Cathy Messerly Wine At Retail Food Stores In Town of Collierville Wine at retail food stores: For legal sale of wine at retail food stores in Town of Collierville Against legal sale of wine at retail food stores in town of Collierville CITY OF GERMANTOWN Mayor of Germantown George Brogdon Mike Palazzolo Germantown Alderman—Position 1 John M. Barzizza Greg Marcom Germantown Alderman—Position 2 Mary Anne Gibson Mary Chick Hill Germantown School Board—Position 2 Mark C. Dely Gary N. Tigert Germantown School Board– Position 4 Lisa L. Parker Wine At Retail Food Stores In City of Germantown For legal sale of wine at retail food stores in City of Germantown Against legal sale of wine at retail food stores in City of GermantownCITY OF MEMPHIS Wine At Retail Food Stores In Bartlett Wine at retail food stores: For legal sale of wine at retail food stores in City of Memphis Against legal sale of wine at retail food stores in City of Memphis Improve effectiveness of Civil Service hearings Shall the Home Rule Charter of the City of Memphis, Tennessee be amended to update the Charter provi- sions relating to the Civil Service Commission to: 1) increase the number of Civil Service Commission members 2) make administrative updates to civil ser- vice hearing process and procedures and 3) Allow the Director of Personnel to consider performance as a measure for personnel evaluations? Yes No CITY OF MILLINGTON Millington School Board—Position 2 Cecilia “C.J.” Haley Millington School Board—Position 4 Cody Childress Emile G. Sigee Millington School Board—Position 6 Larry C. Jackson Wine At Retail Food Stores In Town of Collierville Wine at retail food stores: For legal sale of wine at retail food stores in city of Millington Against legal sale of wine at retail food stores in city of Millington CITY OF LAKELAND Consumption on the Premises in City of Lakeland Consumption on the premises: For legal sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises in City of Lakeland Against legal sale of alcoholic beverages for consump- tion on the premises in City of Lakeland Page 9
- 10. VOTER REQUIREMENTS To vote in Shelby County, YOU must: Be at least 18 years of age on Election Day. Be registered at least 30 days before Election Day. Be a U.S. Citizen Live in the Shelby County precinct where you are registered. Have a photo ID issued by a federal or state government Provide your full Social Security Number Have your voting rights restored by a judge if you are a convicted felon. The District Attorney General’s Office or an attorney may be able to help you. Vote in person, if it is your first time. VOTER RIGHTS Absentee Ballots: Call the Shelby County Election Commission at (901) 222-1200 or visit the website at shelbyvote.com to request or print an absentee ballot re- quest form. Applications are accepted beginning 90 days until 7 days before the election. Provisional Ballots: If your name cannot be found on the list of registered voters, but you believe you are qualified and a registered voter, YOU can vote provisional- ly on paper. Your ballot is deposit in the precinct box. The Shelby County Election Commission will confirm within a 48-hour period whether or not you are a regis- tered voter. If registration is confirmed within that 48 hours, your ballot is counted. You will be sent notification regarding the status of your ballot, whether it was counted and the reason given if not counted. Disability: You must request and sign an affidavit if you are physically or mentally disabled and need someone to assist you when you vote. If necessary, you may ask to be moved to the front of the line. Early Voting: you may vote at ANY EARLY VOTIING LOCATION in the city or county, where applicable. Election Day: You can only vote in your precinct. Election Day Voting Problems: Contact the Election Commission immediately if you experience problems at the polls (901) 222-1200. Source : Shelby County Election Commission Website—shelbyvote.com. Agri-Center International 7777 Walnut Grove Rd. 38120 Anointed Temple of Praise 3939 Riverdale Rd. 38141 Baker Community Center 7942 Church Rd. 38053 Bellevue Baptist Church 2000 Appling Rd. 38016 Berclair Church of Christ 4536 Summer Ave. 38122 Bethel Church 5586 Stage Rd. 38134 Abundant Grace Church 1574 Shelby Dr. 38116 Mt. Zion Baptist Church 60 S. Parkway E., 38106 New Bethel Baptist Church 7786 Poplar Pike 38138 Raleigh U.M. Church 3295 Powers Rd. 38128 Refuge Church 9817 Huff N Puff Rd., 38002 Riverside Baptist Church 3560 S. Third St. 38109 Shiloh Baptist Church 3121 Range Line Rd. 38127 White Station Church of Christ 1106 Colonial Rd. 38117 Downtown Early Voting Location: Shelby County Office Building, 157 Poplar Ave. 38103 Weekdays 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Early Voting Satellite Locations To Be Determined for Each Election by Election Commission Board Weekdays 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Collierville Church of Christ 575 Shelton Dr. 38017 Dave Wells Community Center 915 Chelsea Ave. 38107 Glenview Community Center 1141 S. Barksdale St. 38114 Greater Lewis Street Baptist Church 152 E. Parkway N., 38104 Greater Middle Baptist Church 4982 Knight Arnold Rd. 38118 Mississippi Blvd. Church-Family Life Center 70 N. Bellevue Blvd. 38106 Coalition for Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights Page 10
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- 15. ALL AROUND TOWN Community Announcements C O P P E R Coalition for Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights Community Announcements Contact : www.coppercoalition.org The coppercoalition@gmail.com 901-396-1499 Put the People First Campaign Monthly Planning Meeting First Tuesday of every month, 6 PM First Congo Conference Center, 1000 S. Cooper, 38104 For more information please contact putthepeoplefirstmemphis@gmail.com or 615-592-0771. Women's Worker Collective Cooper Young Farmers Market Every Saturday, corner of Cooper St. and Walker Ave., 38104 For more information contact WIN 901-332-3570 NAACP Save the Date: October 20th, 12 noon Tennessee NAACP March for the Expansion of Please contact putthepeoplefirstmemphis@gmail.com or 615-592-0771. Walker Homes West Junction Neighborhood Association Meeting Mitchell Community Center Monday, October 27th 6:00PM – 7PM Meets 4th Monday of every month Same Time, Same Place Tennessee Parent Coalition October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month Monthly Meeting— Monday, October 13, 2012 5:45-7:15pm Triumph Bank, 5699 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN Presentation titled “People with Disabilities” RSVP: http://tennesseeworks.org/event/memphis- parent-coalition-2/ Page 15