News Briefly
Marvin Runyon, R.I.P.
If only because he was such an energetic man, Nashvillians were shocked—and saddened—by news that local business leader Marvin Runyon died this week. A man with a seeming magic touch when it came to management, Runyon at one time was an assembly line autoworker for Ford. He then ran the Nissan automotive plant in Smyrna, became chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority and took control of the U.S Postal Service. Runyon, 79, died from lung disease. He was married to Sue Atkinson, a well-known Nashville public relations executive.
Meanwhile, Nashville can't catch a break
Bill Purcell and city officials are scrambling to patch holes in the city's leaky ship as budget hearings continue. The city is expecting a $100 million shortfall next budget year, in part because the state has confiscated some of its funds. Purcell is asking department heads to outline prospective cuts of 10 to 15 percent.
It's raining dollars
Phil Bredesen is one lucky guy. Money is pouring in like there's no tomorrow. And the state looks as if it's going to run a surplus this year of nearly $100 million. What to do with the money? It looks like the governor is aiming toward helping poor folks on welfare. He also wants to help hospitals serving lots of TennCare patients. Capital construction on university campuses also could get a boost.
George Bush is coming
Look for the president to visit here May 27. NashvillePost.com reports he will attend a fundraiser that evening at the home of Clay Jackson. The Web site also reports he plans to attend a "faith-based" event somewhere earlier in the day.
