Message sent to Congressman Cooper <'TK><

[tkwalker]

This was sent to Zack... Rep. Coopers aid about our meeting ... After watching Channel 2 tonight his interest is more about the Womens role in the Military ... The Women decided that when they volunteered...

Jim needs to come home and listen to the Wants and needs of the Tennessee voters !!

This is the latest from Rick Duty's to Congressman Coopers office and Zacks reply .

Zack,


I hope that Congressman Cooper will be well represented in the Corp’s last public meeting at McGavock High on Tuesday. There is a sense of urgency that needs to be addressed publically by at least one of our Tennessee legislators, regardless of the party affiliation next to their name. In spite of the commitment by LTC DeLapp, to Senator Alexander, to hold theses meetings, there is a clear and unmistakable implication by the Colonel and the public affairs personnel, that this, and all of the preceding meetings, are an informative courtesy only, and that regardless of public input, the policy change will be implemented. Civilian Corp’s employees have spoken about signage and equipment intended to reinforce the restrictions being purchased and staged for installation. Previous District Commanders have expressed their opinions with opposition to the new plan. Republican representatives Black, Roe, Blackburn, Duncan, et.al, have collectively signed a letter, siding with the TWRA in their opposition to the plan, and encouraging direct talks with the legislators , “... before enactment.” Still, the Corps gives no indication they plan to honor that request.



The Corps’ position remains that they are obligated to fulfill the order of ER 1130-2-520. That, is an Engineering Regulation, that is internal policy; not law. In the eyes of 17 years of command succession, that order was completed as required. The Code of Federal Regulations is law, and under Title 36, CFR Chapter 3, Part 327, the Corps is required to manage the resources of each project, “in the public interest.” In spite of recent history, (pardon the jab) our congressional leaders are expected to project and punctuate that which is, “the public interest”.



I would ask that the Congressman join his peers in sending LTC DeLapp, and General Thomas Bostick, a letter that lets them know that the Corps cannot function as an autonomous autocrat. Jim Cooper is Democrat within a legion of red, who gets re-elected because historically, he gets things done for his constituents; not just his party. (Bravo!) I encourage Congressman Cooper to continue that practice, and step up to be heard loud and clear, either in person or by proxy, at Tuesday’s meeting.



Thank you for your continued support.


Sincerely,


Rick Duty

Nashville



Reply from Congressman Coopers Office :
Rick,

We do plan to have someone at the meeting. Thanks for staying in touch on this.

Zack Marshall
Sr. Legislative Assistant

Congressman Jim Cooper