There are two stories that caught my eye his morning. While they don't exactly relate directly to Roane County, I think there are concepts here worth examining.

Wiccans receive $12 Million in tax exempt bonds from County for Wiccan School (Madrassa Muslim School next for consideration)

OK...No, the tax subsidy was not for Wiccans, it was for Baptists, but what is the difference really? My thought is that we shouldn't play favorites with subsidizing religion. The only way to do that is, "Don't do it at all."

Bad idea for Knox County, bad idea for Farragut, Bad idea for everybody who belongs to some other religion.

Here's a much better way to use tax exemptions that pays long term benefit for the County.

County Mayor understands value of and totally supports having a large tract of pristine wilderness taken off the tax rolls.

Roane County has some opportunities here but will our folks understand the immense long term value of having large protected Natural Areas with our County?

Not so far but I keep hoping we can get our folks to start thinking long term and not go for the short term fixes.