At 06:30 PM 4/21/2004, Stuart Benkert wrote:
>An answer to a question raised by my quick and cryptic response to Richard
>Rice.
>
>I have been amazed (as most of you) by the lack of real information
>centering on the THEC process. A meeting with Dr. Rice revealed that
>though he had more real data than I, it simply was not much. I have been
>trying to collect information regarding vital areas (some of which has
>been supplied by email the last few days).
>
>1. Precisely who names THEC
>2. What are each individual members names and poilitcs
>3. What parts of the state do they represent
>4. Which organizations are they affiliated
>5. What could be the potential economic impact on the region
>6. Is there intentional intellectual depression in an efffort to keep jobs
>from shifting to chattanooga
>
>I can not seem to learn enough about the process and the individuals who
>are ultimately responsible. Richard knows I am intensley interested and is
>better informed on this issue. Dr. Friedl has been open about the process
>but I am afraid I still do not follow it. So... while we are often on
>opposite sides of the coin I find myslef (at least in this instance)
>looking to Dr. rice for "solid" information that I am able to more easily
>assimilate. I also find myself in the embarassing situation of having to
>openly admit that I am a little confused and in the search for answers in
>"plainspeak." I am trying to collect information as quickly as possible as
>I, and some other young business owners in the UTC area, have a think tank
>type of organization. We montor who buys what properties, when they buy
>them and at what cost. Where did the companies come from? Who funds them
>and what are their potentials for expansion? Which politicians have
>connections with acquisitions? How does traffic and residential
>development play into future tech plans for chattanooga. (We also are
>working on bringing a small number of conventions to the chattanooga
>area... though THEC has little influence on this venture). THEC seems to
>be throwing a wrench in our investments via the limiting of access to
>intellectual commodities. I have asked Richard for help.
>
>I hate to dissappoint those of you who thought I knew everything (though I
>bet some of you are surprised to realize that I am aware that I do not
>know everything). I do, however, know enough to ask someone when I need
>help. Sorry if any of you thought there was some type of secret squirrel
>club and we were now collaborators but the answer is simple. Dr. Rice is a
>clearinghouse of information that I need and he, though we often
>disagree, has been gracious enough to speak with me. If any one else has
>"nuggets" based on fact and can state them in the clean speaking manner of
>Dr. Rice... send em on. I need them quickly.
>
>stuart
No matter who they are, they have always seemed to act, at least to me
at, like the Delphi Oracle.
They make vague pronouncements from on high, and people are supposed to
jump. However they never seem to tell people how high or in which direction
to jump.
They say cut expenditures, or students, or total hours needed for a degree,
without any guidelines. They leave it up to us to decide where cuts are
made, so the University takes the heat.
If they had to be more specific, then maybe people would get mad at them,
and then they could be held responsible for what they do.
Harold A. Climer
Dept. Of Physics, Geology, and Astronomy
318 Grote Hall
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Ave.
Chattanooga TN 37103
423-425-4546
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