School board member Rhonda Thurman has complained publicly that she often finds herself on the wrong end of an 8-1 vote at board meetings.

Ms. Thurman is running unopposed for her District 1 seat on the Hamilton County Board of Education and is leading a “team” of three candidates she hopes will get her closer to a majority on votes.

During a special meeting Tuesday where the school board unanimously approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2009, board member Joe Conner suggested several amendments to the proposed budget. After the document passed with no opposition, Mr. Conner, who is not seeking re-election in August, said he was surprised Ms. Thurman raised no complaints over his motion.

“I’m really glad this is my last budget,” he said, “and for once, Rhonda is on our team.”

HIGH-SCORING KIDS

As the Hamilton County Commission recognized the 50 Hamilton County Schools students who scored 30 or higher on the ACT, Superintendent Jim Scales told students they should keep working, even if they don’t get much recognition.

“If these kids were raising havoc in our community, they’d be on television,” he said. “These are good citizens.”

The students served “a stark contrast” to those who have caused disciplinary problems at public schools this school year, said Commissioner Greg Beck.

More attention should be paid to the students who do well, said Commissioner Jim Coppinger.

“A lot of good things are going on in the public schools,” he said. County Mayor Claude Ramsey commended the students and joked about his own test-taking ability. “Commissioner Beck, Attorney (Rheubin) Taylor and the County Mayor, all three together, couldn’t get a 30,” he said.

BECK UNVEILS PLAN FOR SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Greg Beck’s campaign for Hamilton County sheriff on Thursday unveiled a five-point plan: Restore confidence in the sheriff’s department. Team with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers union to address labor issues. Improve safety and crowding at the Hamilton County Jail. Define excellence standards. Begin strategic planning with all municipalities. Mr. Beck is the Democratic nominee for sheriff. The Republican nominee, Jim Hammond, plans to open his campaign headquarters officially on Thursday.

SIGNS ON CLIENT’S LOT?

Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman made a nervous joke Monday during a hearing — which also elicited some hearty courtroom laughter — when defense attorney Mike Caputo suggested he might be familiar with his client’s place of business. Mr. Caputo was in court to argue for the return of business computers taken away from David Lamar Erby last year. Mr. Erby, the owner of D&S Auto sales on Brainerd Road, is being prosecuted for allegedly forcing a former underage employee to pose for nude photos. But when Mr. Caputo said the judge no doubt knew the Brainerd Road area well because he had seen his campaign signs there, Judge Steelman quipped, “I hope the signs weren’t in your client’s parking lot!”

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

MEETS AVRIL LAVIGNE

The T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital support group Adolescents Together Against Cancer attended the April 18 Avril Lavigne concert in Atlanta’s Philips Arena. The group was invited to go backstage and meet the Grammy award-nominated pop singer before the concert began.

Adolescents Together Against Cancer is a support group for middle- and high-school students who are battling cancer. The group helps teens diagnosed with cancer build relationships with each other through outings to events such as concerts, sporting events and movies.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Avril Lavigne and her staff for giving our amazing kids the opportunity to spend a few minutes with her before the concert, as well as upgrading our tickets to stage front,” wrote Dr. Eric Gratias, pediatric oncologist at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital, in a release. “It is really wonderful to see a celebrity who is so generous with her time. This was an incredible experience that this group of kids will cherish for the rest of their lives.”

COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS

The city has released a list of City Council committee leaders and members under the term of new City Council Chairwoman Linda Bennett.

While each committee technically has three members, all council members are encouraged to attend the meetings.

Here are the committee assignments:

Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee: chairwoman is Carol Berz; members are Dan Page and Debbie Gaines.

Economic Development Committee: chairman is Mr. Page; members are John “Duke” Franklin Jr. and Councilwoman Sally Robinson.

Public Works Committee: chairman is Manny Rico; members are Councilman Jack Benson and Mr. Franklin.

Safety and Security Committee: chairwoman is Ms. Gaines; members are Mr. Page and Mr. Rico.

Legal and Legislative Committee: chairman is Mr. Benson; members are Leamon Pierce and Mr. Page.

Parks and Recreation Committee: chairman is Mr. Franklin; members include Mr. Pierce and Dr. Berz.

Education, Arts and Culture Committee: chairwoman is Ms. Robinson; members are Dr. Berz and Mr. Benson.

Health, Human Services and Housing Opportunities Committee: chairwoman is Ms. Robinson; members are Mr. Rico and Ms. Gaines.

DISCUSSIONS IN DEMOCRACY

Talks on water and oil will be held at the Hamilton County Democratic Party headquarters this month.

On Monday and on May 12, Dr. Olin Ivey will offer “Beyond Water Wars: Assault on the Structure and Operation of Nature.” On May 19 and May 26, David White will present “Peak Oil. Peak Credit. Peak America.”

Both events will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The party’s office is at 23 Patten Parkway.

BENNETT: POTHOLES POLITICALLY NEUTRAL

City Council Chairwoman Linda Bennett said she wants the Council to conduct “strategic planning” that will result in stated goals for the nine-member elected body.

“This is a very hard-working council, and I believe that we can be even more effective and more efficient if we articulated a clear mission,” the new council chairwoman told the local Pachyderm Club last week.

The first-term councilwoman, whose district includes Lookout Valley and part of North Chattanooga, told members of the GOP organization that, while she is conservative, she identifies herself as an independent.

“Potholes don’t have parties,” she said. City offices are nonpartisan.