Local residents visit Nashvilleto talk politics, eat sandwiches
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That seemed to be the mantra for Warren County’s Bologna Day at the state Capitol Wednesday, where hundreds gathered for plates full of bologna sandwiches and chips in what has become a local tradition, with organizers serving more than 175 pounds of deli meats and more than 500 drinks in less than two hours.
It didn’t hurt to have legislators on hand either. Several long-time attendants said they try to find out what steps are being taken to improve Warren County and use the event to gain access to their leaders.
Five-year Bologna Day veteran Lester Cowell was one of them and he had pointed questions for representatives such as jobs, business and the meth epidemic.
Cowell said he just missed the AARP bus, of which 50 Warren County seniors used to make a strong showing at a meeting taking place Wednesday to support a bill that would help senior health issues related to quality nursing home care and long-term home care.
“I came to support this bill,” said Geneva Hobbs of AARP after lunching with a plentiful crowd in the mezzanine of Legislative Plaza, which was a new location for Bologna Day.
Capitol Hill sources said the meeting room where Bologna Day is traditionally held was booked up for budget hearings, but Warren County residents made the best out of the mezzanine and used a downstairs lounge.
Local attorney Steve Roller said he used to work in state government and used the day as a way to meet up with old friends.
“It’s hobnobbing,” said Roller. “I’ve spoken to our mayor and our county executive. I ran into Sen. Jerry Cooper and Rep. Charles Curtiss. They’re all here.”
“I haven’t talked any real legislation,” continued Roller. “I don’t think the lawyers have any real important bills this year pending, but of course I’m interested in taxes just like anybody else is.”
Rep. Judd Matheny of the 47th District appreciated the company in his first experience participating in Bologna Day and spent a great deal of time talking to constituents and others.
“It’s kind of like being in McMinnville,” Matheny said, making note of a bill he is working on that seeks to toughen meth laws. But he also said he enjoyed meeting residents.
“I thought it would be exactly what I’m seeing right now,” Matheny added. “It’s a ton of people and a lot of meeting and greeting and a good chance for Rep. Charlie Curtiss and Sen. Cooper and myself to see everybody at one time and show them around. And it’s a good forum for people to speak with us.”
The event was co-sponsored by the McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Development Board of McMinnville-Warren County.
New Chamber President Lea Chrisawn, in her first Bologna Day, said she was pleased it went as smoothly as it did given the new location. Even Gov. Phil Bredesen, who was tied up in other meetings Wednesday, asked for a sandwich.
“I thought that was kind of neat that he did ask and they did take him one,” Chrisawn said, noting Warren County made sure the governor had a sandwich waiting on his desk.