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August 4, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

(2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV)

And GOD is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

TODAY’S WORD:

Are you thanking GOD for every good thing in your life? Are you recognizing the SOURCE? When doors opened that you couldn’t open, when somebody gave you a good break, when you were at the right place at the right time, when you met that person and fell in love, that wasn’t a coincidence; that was the SOURCE. You weren’t being lucky when that person put in a good word for you and you got the promotion. GOD spoke to that person, telling them to be good to you. Every good thing comes from your FATHER. They may not have even known it was GOD, thinking they just suddenly had the desire to help you–to stay late and introduce you to that friend, or to wave the policy and put the loan through. Don’t get so caught up in the resources GOD uses that you forget HE is the SOURCE who is making it happen. There are no lucky breaks or coincidences. The MOST HIGH GOD is the ONE who put them there.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

FATHER, thank YOU that YOU are the SOURCE of every good thing in my life. Thank YOU that YOU are blessing me abundantly so that I always have what I need to abound in every good work. I want to live today with an attitude of thankfulness and gratefulness. In JESUS’ Name, Amen.

Everything Voters Need to Know for the Aug. 4 Election

CNC Staff

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August 3, 2022

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Everything Voters Need to Know for the Aug. 4 Election

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Before heading to the polls on Thursday for the Aug. 4 State and Federal Primary & State and County General Election, the Secretary of State’s office wants voters to have the information they need to ensure that it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat in Tennessee.

Tennesseans can access voter-specific Election Day information, including polling times, locations, sample ballots, election results and more, with the GoVoteTN app or on GoVoteTN.gov. The GoVoteTN app is free in the App Store or Google Play. On Election Day, polls in all 95 counties open at various times. A list of when polls open is available on GoVoteTN.gov. All polls close at 8 p.m. EDT/7 p.m. CDT.

“Voters should be aware that casting their ballot for the August election may take additional time,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “With primary and general races and judicial retention questions, there is a long ballot for this August election. To reduce the amount of time it takes to vote, I encourage Tennesseans to review their sample ballots before they head to the polls.”

Casting your ballot in the midmorning or midafternoon may shorten your time. Early morning, noon and after 5 p.m. are peak times as people typically vote before work, after work or on their lunch breaks. If there is a line to vote, frail, physically disabled or visibly pregnant voters can request to move through the process faster.

To cast a ballot, voters need to bring valid photo identification. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government is acceptable even if it’s expired. A student ID or out-of-state driver’s license is not acceptable. For more information about what types of IDs are permitted, visit GoVoteTN.gov or call 1-877-850-4959.

State law requires polling locations and areas within a 100-foot boundary of the entrance to remain campaign-free zones. The display or distribution of campaign materials and the solicitation of votes for or against any person, party or question on the ballot within this area are prohibited. Voters wearing campaign-related clothing or paraphernalia will not be allowed within the 100-foot boundary.

Tennessee voters are encouraged to report possible voter fraud or misinformation to the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections. Tennesseans can text ‘TN’ to 45995 to use the new Text to Report Voter Fraud system or call the Official Election Day Hotline toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

The Secretary of State’s office will post minute-by-minute unofficial results on their Twitter accounts @tngovr, @tngovd, @tnushouser, @tnushoused, @tnsenater, @tnsenated, @tnhouser, @tnhoused, @tnjudges, @tnjudicial, @tnscelection, @TNGOPSEC and @TNDemSEC. The Secretary of State’s office will also post unofficial election results on their website, elections.tn.gov.

A comprehensive report of early and absentee by-mail voter turnout by county with comparisons to 2018 and 2014 from the 14-day early voting period, which ran from Friday, July 15 to Saturday, July 30 is available on GoVoteTN.gov.

For the latest information about Tennessee elections, follow the Secretary of State’s social media Twitter: @SecTreHargett, Facebook: Tennessee Secretary of State and Instagram: @tnsecofstate.For more information about the Aug. 4 election, visit GoVoteTN.gov or call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

GO TO: Hamilton County ELECTION COMMISSION WEBSITE

To view a sample ballot that is specific to you, use our voter lookup tool at the link below:

SAMPLE BALLOT SPECIFIC TO YOU

To download and view a generic sample ballot, which has all of the contest for the entire election click the link below:

GENERIC REPUBLICAN SAMPLE BALLOT

GENERIC DEMOCRATIC SAMPLE BALLOT

GENERIC GENERAL SAMPLE BALLOT

Health Department Confirms 3 Positive Monkeypox Cases in the Chattanooga Area

Camm Ashford

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August 2, 2022

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Health Department Confirms 3 Positive Monkeypox Cases in the Chattanooga Area

Monkeypox often comes with a rash that can look like pimples or blisters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

By Camm Ashford

The Hamilton County Health Department on Tuesday morning confirmed three positive monkeypox cases in the Chattanooga area.

“We have been anticipating and preparing for Monkeypox to reach our community,” Dr. Stephen Miller, Hamilton County Health Department health officer, said in a statement.

“Overall, the risk to our population is low, but be mindful that Monkeypox is a disease that can affect any individual. The Health Department is currently conducting case investigations to alert close contacts who might have been exposed to the virus while the patients were infectious.”Monkeypox was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a 9-month-old boy. Since then, most cases have been reported from rural, rainforest regions of the Congo Basin, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and human cases have increasingly been reported from across central and west Africa.

Monkeypox was first detected in the United States in a Massachusetts man in mid-May, and has since spread to nearly every state in the country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, c

onfirmed cases totaled 5,811 nationwide as of Tuesday morning, but numbers climb drastically every day.

The World Health Organization is so concerned it classified monkeypox a global public health emergency over the weekend. And the Biden administration is seriously considering declaring it a public health emergency within the United States.

As the number of cases rapidly increase, public and local health officials are scrambling to curb the spread and raise public awareness.
Hamilton County Health Department Communications Manager Holden Young pointed out

that monkeypox isn’t something most Chattanooga residents should be worried about.

“The risk to the general public is low,” Young said in an email. “Monkeypox can spread through direct physical contact from a person with monkeypox or by touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces used by someone with monkeypox. It can also spread through contact with respiratory secretions. If you have a new rash or are concerned about monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider.”

Monkeypox is in the same family of viruses as small pox, although its side effects aren’t as severe. No Americans have died so far from the virus that can include chills, exhaustion, fever, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Monkeypox often also comes with a rash that can look like pimples or blisters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The current outbreak of monkeypox in the United States, Europe and other countries that don’t traditionally experience the virus, is predominantly occurring in gay or bisexual people, or men who have sex with men, according to public health officials.

New York, Florida and Georgia top the list of the states with the most cases.

The Tennessee Department of Health distributed 2,101 doses of monkeypox vaccine late last month. Young recommends that people interested in getting a vaccine call the Hamilton County Health Department hotline at 423-209-8383, if they think they have been exposed to someone who has monkeypox and are seeking vaccination.

“There are monkeypox vaccines available in Hamilton County,” Young said. “Due to a limited supply and based on CDC recommendations, the Health Department is only providing vaccines to people who have been in close contact with people who have monkeypox. There is no fee for the monkeypox vaccine.”

July 28, 2022 PRINT EDITION

PRINT EDITION

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July 28, 2022

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Commissioner Warren Mackey Says $2 Million Westside Renovation ‘Will Preserve a Small Slice of Chattanooga’

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Camm Ashford

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July 28, 2022

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Commissioner Warren Mackey Says $2 Million Westside Renovation ‘Will Preserve a Small Slice of Chattanooga’

By Camm Ashford

Hamilton County Commissioners last week approved $2 million in American Rescue Plan funds for Westside Evolves, a collaborative neighborhood planning initiative led by the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA).

The plan–whose investments may eventually total nearly a billion dollars–is expected to take from eight to 10 years and will revitalize 130 acres in downtown Chattanooga. The ARP funds will go toward phase one, which will be used to renovate the CHA-owned historic James A. Henry School, 1200 Grove St. The renovation will provide 100 Head Start seats to 3-5 year-olds living in the area along with classrooms for training, a health clinic and other social, recreational and educational opportunities.

As part of the Westside redevelopment, more than 1,700 units of new housing will be built in the area. Existing subsidized housing will be replaced with new units, but existing housing will only be demolished after the new housing has been constructed. Just like public housing, residents will continue to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent at the redeveloped site.

The effort to receive funding from Hamilton County was led by Commissioner Dr. Warren Mackey who said, “One of the primary reasons why this project is so important is that presently real estate costs and rents are very high. Many of the lower income residents aren’t able to achieve the American dream of buying a home. This housing initiative won’t solve the housing crisis, but it will preserve a small slice of Chattanooga for everyday people.”

At the heart of the Westside Evolves $2 million renovation plan, the historic James A. Henry School, 1200 Grove St., is reimagined as a community “hub” for social services, arts, education and training opportunities.

Commissioner Mackey, whose District 4 encompasses parts of the Westside, noted that no one is going to be displaced from their units until there’s some place for them to go within the community.

“The other reason why I am so pleased to have gotten the county involved is that the people living here will not be displaced,” he said. “The Westside has among the best views of downtown Chattanooga. I had major concerns that gentrification would consume the area. However, as the new housing is completed, the people living there will be given the first right to live there.”

The Westside is Chattanooga’s oldest public housing communities, providing homes to more than 1,500 families. According to public records, the residents earn less than $15,000 annually and the area has a poverty rate of 87 percent.

Chattanooga Housing Authority Executive Director Betsy McCright said in a statement, “The community is fully supporting efforts in one of our oldest public housing communities and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The CHA plans to begin immediately working on the renovation, which will focus on CHA and city owned properties including College Hill Courts, Gateway Towers, Boynton Terrace, Dogwood Manor, Riverview Tower, Sheila Jennings Park and the Youth and Family Development (YFD) Center.

Chattanooga Remembers Retired Police Sgt. Walter Maples, 93

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Camm Ashford

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July 28, 2022

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Chattanooga Remembers Retired Police Sgt. Walter Maples, 93

By Camm Ashford

A lying-in state ceremony for retired Chattanooga Police Sergeant Walter Maples Jr. was held Wednesday, July 27, from 12:30-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home, 3417 Wilcox Blvd.

On July 28, a memorial service was held, noon-1:30 p.m., at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church, 1734 East 3rd St. Burial to follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave.

Sgt. Maples, 93, died after being involved in a two-vehicle crash on Shallowford Road last Wednesday, July 20, a little after 6:30 p.m.

Napoleon “Doughnut” Williams, the first African American in the Chattanooga Police Department’s history to achieve the rank of detective, said he worked with Mr. Maples in 1964 when Maples “was over the midnight jail as sergeant.”

Mr. Williams said he and Sgt. Maples were assigned to the same walking beat surrounding East and West 9th streets in the early ‘60s. And, over the years, they often patrolled together in Police Car 12 which served Alton Park and Orchard Knob.

“Maples lived in Alton Park, so he knew Alton Park,” Mr. Williams said. “I knew Alton Park, too, but not like he did. Whenever I got in the car with him, he always told me that I would have to drive. Once we got a call and I was going to pick up the mic to answer, and he told me, ‘you let me handle that.’ He wouldn’t let me touch that radio.”

Maples, far right, with fellow officers in segregated break room they could only use after departure of white officers.

A few months before Sgt. Maples was hired, Mr. Williams said he and the other six African American police officers on the city’s force still weren’t allowed to arrest whites. But Chattanooga Fire and Police Commissioner James “Bookie” Turner changed all that.

“Sgt. Maples and the other black officers Bookie Turner hired were educated and we turned that thing around,” Mr. Williams recalled. “There came a change in tradition. It was a new day. We made Chattanooga proud.”

Mr. Williams remembered his friend Sgt. Maples as a “sharp” dresser. “He always dressed nice, both on duty and off duty.”

Mr. Williams said he last saw Sgt. Maples in August 2021, when Maple’s daughter-in-law hosted a drive-through birthday party for him.

“It’s sad that he’s gone,” Mr. Williams said. “He was a super guy, and I’m honored that I had a chance to work with him.”

Mr. Maples played football in high school as well as at A&M University. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and was a faithful member of Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the Male Chorus and retired as a Trustee after many years of service.

Mr. Maples retired in 1982 with a rank of sergeant after 25 years of service with the Chattanooga Police Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Georgia Mae Maples, Sr.; daughter, Valerie Maples Roush; and sister, Mary Ellis Maples. Survivors include his devoted wife of 28 years, Marie Maples; sons, Walter (Brenda) Maples, III, Gregory Maples, Anthony Maples, Larry Fuqua, Carlos Crutcher, and Ronnie Jones, all of Chattanooga; stepchildren, Sephena A. Jordan, Myra J. Gordon, Janice J. (Jerome) Parham, and Albert F. Jordan, Jr.; a host of 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends.

Hamilton Place is Throwing a Tax-Free Weekend Bash

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July 28, 2022

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Hamilton Place is Throwing a Tax-Free Weekend Bash

July 29 thru July 31

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 2022) – Everyone’s favorite unofficial holiday is coming: Tax-Free Weekend. This Friday, July 29 through July 31, it’s time to get “Back-to-Cool” ready with ultimate tax-free savings. To celebrate, Hamilton Place is throwing a bash.

On Saturday, July 30 nine holes of miniature golf will be available to shoppers of all ages. Grab a ball and putter on the lower level by JCPenney between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. and challenge your family and friends with a free game of putt-putt in the mall.

On both Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., gather around the piano for a Jukebox piano performance. Our local TikTok celebrity, TokeThePoet will have a list of 100 pop songs available for shoppers to pick. Make a selection and listen to the talents of our Auntie Anne’s pretzel maker. That’s right—playing tunes on the piano during his breaks, TokeThePoet has amassed a major following on TikTok with his skills on the keys.

Between events, don’t forget to shop at our two new retailers, Hollie Ray Boutique and Tradehome Shoes open Friday, July 29! Kicking off at 10 a.m. with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and cookie cake from Great American Cookies, Tradehome Shoes excitedly opens its doors to Chattanooga shoppers. Get your Chacos, your Birkenstocks, Hey Dude, or Rival. This 100% employee-owned footwear retailer is committed to satisfied customers. Founded on the principle of “trading at home” in the local community instead of via catalogs, Tradehome Shoes has thrived for over 100 years by creating community-based stores focused on customer service and a curated selection of footwear for the entire family.

Hollie Ray Boutique also begins their Chattanooga journey on Friday. Established in 2016 by two sisters, this women’s clothing boutique is a fabulous, locally owned retailer that offers stylish, casual, and fun wardrobe staples to their shoppers. Stop by to check out their selection of high-quality women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories, with 40% off all Summer Styles during Tax-Free Weekend.

It’s time for Back-to-School shopping and Hamilton Place welcomes you to find all the latest trends this Tax-Free Weekend with a Bash fit for all Chattanoogans. If you’re looking for inspo, be sure to check out our Back-to-School Trend Report.

We can’t wait to celebrate Tax-Free with you this weekend. Meet You At The Mall!

Mary Walker Foundation’s Camp REACH Ends for Summer 2022

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July 28, 2022

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Mary Walker Foundation’s Camp REACH Ends for Summer 2022

Financial Consultant Frenise Mann presented sessions on Financial Literacy/Money Management to Camp REACH students and parents.

By Camm Ashford and Yolanda Putman

The Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation’s Christian and work-based Camp REACH ended last Thursday at a ceremony held at Hope City Church, 7 North Tuxedo Ave.

REACH is an acronym for Respect, Earn, Achieve, Citizenship, and Hard Work.

The enrichment summer camp offered nearly 40 rising 9th-12th graders instruction in leadership, basic life and work skills, vocational skills (house painting), music and art, journalism, and transportation logistics through a partnership with Network Transport in East Brainerd.

Students were paid a weekly stipend every week for six weeks if they successfully completed all assignments.

“You are witnessing greatness here, and it’s a blessing to be a part of these young people’s lives,” Camp REACH Executive Director Lurone “Coach” Jennings told the 100 or so people attending the noon event.

“You all may have been hearing a lot lately about youth gun violence. Well, this is how we prevent that kind of involvement. We give our children positive, encouraging things to do. We reward them and recognize their gifts and talents to help them see that you don’t have to go down the wrong road to be successful and to earn money and those kinds of things, and to take people along with you. So this is our reaction and answer.”

Student Timothy Rice, who attended Camp REACH last summer as well as this year, offered his fellow campers’ words of encouragement.

“During the last six weeks, we learned a lot,” he said. “Not just about reading and writing, but about life. Now comes the big question of how do we apply all that we’ve learned. That’s a question you must answer for yourself. But I believe in you, and I know that you all are capable. Each and every one of you has a chance to be special and to do something great in life. So go on and be great, and put God first.”

Also on program were Jamison Malone who led the Lord’s Prayer and Aaron Tarver who provided the Bible verse Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”

Journalist instructor Yolanda Putman noted that on Day One of the camp, 52% of the students participating in the Lexia Reading program performed at a foundational level, 45% at an intermediate level and only 3% at an advanced level. However, by the end of camp, students reading at an intermediate level had risen from 45% to 68%, and those reading at an advanced level had nearly tripled from 3% to 11%.

Students receiving Chattanooga Legends Awards: Willie Kitchens Music Award, James Myers; Reggie White Award, Timothy Rice; Mary Walker Award, Ariel Kelly (Camp REACH Spelling Bee Winner); John P. Franklin Sr. Top Earner Award, Amare Starling; The Rev. J. Lloyd Edwards Jr. Hard Work Award, Aaron Tarver; and the John L. Edwards III Citizenship Award, Jamison Malone.

Published Writers for the Chattanooga News Chronicle recognized were: JaMichael Brown; Ashely Hampton; Pierre Kelly; Jaelyn Moon; JaMaya Rogan; and Aaron Tarver.

Art awards: 1st place Butterfly, LaToria Battle; and 2nd place Butterfly, Pierre Kelly. First place Lion, Destiny Richardson; and 2nd place Lion, Aaron Tarver.

Gold Medal Winners who exemplified cooperation and a good attitude were: J’vyon Bonds; TayVeon Bonds; Jason Burns; Jameel Colvin; Sierra Crawford; Alan Duckett; Nyla Halfacre; Elijah Jones; Brie McGlone; Michael McKibben; Arion Ray; Ta’Nia Simpson; Meziah Warren; and KenZhia Whitaker.

Timiethea Delaney, renowned vocalist, songwriter and entertainer and Willie Kitchens, former lead vocalist for the Grammy award-winning Impressions, established and coached the Mary Walker Foundation Camp REACH 2022 Choir. The choir sang “Thank you” and “See You Again” during last Thursday’s program.

Coach Jennings recognized his camp staff: Gary Cogar, Timiethea Delaney, Willie Kitchens, Michael Long, Latonya Pinkard, Yolanda Putman, Elizabeth Tallman, Gabby Thomas and Porshe Thompson.

Jennings also thanked the many parents, friends, guest speakers, sponsors, and donors for supporting Camp REACH and acknowledged the Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation Board of Directors: Nancy Cogar; Adrian Edwards; John L. Edwards III; Kemberly Edwards Williams; Regina Enochs; Sheryl Fletcher; Bruce Morgan; Nea Paris; and Darrell Walsh.

The ceremony ended with music by Willie Kitchens and band, followed by lunch.

Also participating in Camp REACH were students Tory Battle; Javontae Doyle; Avery Ford; Tyteyounna Hilt; Jakari Odom; Ethaniel Perkins; Jaziah Pinkerton; Zion Pinkerton; and Grayson Strickland.

The Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation was established in 1970 by the late Rev. J. Lloyd Edwards Jr., and named for Mary Walker, a tenant of what is now Mary Walker Towers in South Chattanooga. The foundation was created to honor Walker, a former slave who learned to read and write at age 117.

Its mission is “to help alleviate poverty for all Chattanooga citizens and help create economic stability through literacy training and educational activities.”

Camp REACH, a work-based six weeks summer camp, exposes high school teens to careers in media, painting, cosmetology and logistics. It teaches students chess, financial literacy, and citizenship and it pays up to $150 a week while they learn. The camp would not be possible without the following sponsors and partners: Maclellan Foundation, Benwood Foundation, Network Transport, Holston Foundation, Chattanooga Area McDonald’s, Papa Johns Pizza, Little Debbie, and Briley & Baxter Publication.

You can find out more about the Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation, or donate at www.MaryWalkerFoundation.org.

July 2022 Civics Article Judicial Review

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July 28, 2022

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July 2022 Civics Article Judicial Review

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT | EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE

Joel W. Solomon United States Courthouse | 900 Georgia Avenue | Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF JUDICIAL REVIEW?

Several recent Supreme Court opinions have sparked a great debate in our nation about the role and function of the Supreme Court, and to a lesser degree federal courts in general. One aspect of this debate concerns the power of the unelected Supreme Court to overturn laws passed by the elected Congress and signed into law by the elected President. The debate extends to the power of the Court to overturn laws passed by states. Some critics argue this is undemocratic and an unelected body should not have this power. They also correctly point out that this power, called judicial review, is not mentioned in the Constitution itself. So where does it come from?

Article III of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch and outlines its powers and responsibilities. Critics of judicial review are correct that invalidating laws passed by Congress is not mentioned in Article III. Supporters of judicial review respond that the first sentence of Article III implicitly grants this power. It begins: “The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.” In the view of supporters, “judicial power” includes the authority to determine whether acts of Congress and the President comply with the Constitution.

In 1803, in the famous case of Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall asserted on behalf of the Court that it had the authority to determine whether acts of Congress and actions of the President complied with the Constitution. Then-President Thomas Jefferson vehemently disagreed. But contrary to what some critics argue, Chief Justice Marshall did not just make up the doctrine of judicial review. Although the power is not spelled out in the Constitution, the concept was well known to the people who debated the Constitution. In fact, such a power in the federal courts was assumed and anticipated by many of the framers and those in the framers’ generation. We find evidence of this in the debates about ratifying the Constitution, in the Federalist Papers, and in the customary practice at the time.

Constitutional Debates.

Before becoming a justice, Marshall was active in public life and knowledgeable of the arguments and debates over the proposed constitution. In fact, he was a delegate to the Virginia state convention that considered and ultimately ratified the proposed federal constitution. He was a leader among those advocating for adoption of the Constitution and was intimately familiar with its contents. He was in communication with leading figures from other states and knowledgeable of their thoughts on the proposed constitution. Thus, he was personally aware of the framer’s intent. Judicial review was not alien to those discussions and debates.

The Federalist Papers.

Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison engaged in a vigorous argument in favor of the Constitution in the 85 essays of the Federalist Papers. In Federalist 78, Hamilton clearly anticipated federal courts having the power of judicial review:

If it be said that the legislative body are themselves the constitutional judges of their own powers, . . . it may be answered, that this cannot be the natural presumption, where it is not to be collected from any particular provisions in the constitution. … It is far more rational to suppose, that the courts were designed to be an intermediate body between the people and the legislature, in order, among other things, to keep the latter within the limits assigned to their authority.

Hamilton explained that because it is “the proper and peculiar province of the courts” to interpret laws, which includes constitutions. Courts are therefore well suited to determine whether acts of Congress comply with the Constitution: “A constitution is in fact, and must be, regarded by the judges as a fundamental law. It, therefore, belongs to them to ascertain its meaning as well as the meaning of any particular act proceeding from the legislative body.” Other framers shared Hamilton’s opinion, although some had a contrary view.

Customary Practice.

The framers of the Constitution represented the several states and were familiar with the laws, practices, and procedure in the states, and so were those elected to serve on the state constitutional conventions considering whether to ratify the Constitution. In many of the states, judicial review was already the practice, so it was not radical for that same power to be extended to the federal Supreme Court. For example, Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts argued in his state judges set aside laws they deemed unconstitutional under Massachusetts’ constitution. During the Virginia ratification convention, Madison applauded Rhode Island, where the courts had refused to execute a law they deemed unconstitutional.

While our country thrives on civil discourse regarding decisions by the Supreme Court, judicial review has been with us almost since the beginning and is now a well-established part of our form of government.

Curtis L. Collier

United States District Judge

Chair, Eastern District of Tennessee Civics and Outreach Committee

Carrie Brown Stefaniak

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier

Past President, Chattanooga Chapter of the Federal Bar Association

Kristen A. Dupard

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier

CARTA Awarded Funds for Chattanooga’s Transit Future

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July 28, 2022

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(Chattanooga, TN) The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) will continue electrification of its public transit fleet with new funding from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Building on its 30-year history with the Downtown Electric Shuttle and operation of battery electric buses, CARTA will introduce new van-sized battery electric vehicles to support its neighborhood and paratransit services.

The CARTA Wayside Inductive Charging Expansion Project will receive $1,369,920 in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program funds to support deployment of battery electric vans equipped with wireless inductive charging capability supplied by Momentum Dynamics. Momentum Dynamics, a global leader in high-power wireless charging, currently provides wireless charging for CARTA’s larger fixed-route battery electric buses. “Wireless opportunity charging provides CARTA with greater flexibility in the use and operation of quiet and clean energy electric vehicles,” said Philip Pugliese, CARTA’s General Manager of Planning & Grants. “We are excited to bring electric transit vehicles and innovative technology to our neighborhood services.”

CARTA’s Wayside Inductive Charging Project began with the installation and testing of a Momentum Dynamics inductive charging station and the associated deployment of three 35’ battery electric buses. CARTA has subsequently acquired four additional 30’ battery electric buses equipped with wireless inductive charging units. Under this expansion effort, CARTA will install three next generation 300kW wireless inductive charging pads to further support battery electric vehicle operations.

The primary purpose of this project is to facilitate deployment and effective operation of battery electric vehicles serving fixed route, neighborhood, and paratransit customers to reduce CARTA’s overall emissions. The use of wayside wireless opportunity inductive charging also supports the use and deployment of smaller, lighter weight vehicles and associated battery components, which can support energy savings and power source emissions.

This project will facilitate the introduction of battery electric vehicles to CARTA’s demand responsive fleet which serves both neighborhood and paratransit operations. Elimination or displacement of future gasoline powered vehicles with battery electric vans would result in direct emission reductions.