State Senator Kuritav welcomed to Erin with meet-and-greet

Story by Teresa N. Settle TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER
Photos by Mike Davis


* When Tom Osborne moved to Houston County last year, he was welcomed to the area with open arms. Margaret Mann, owner of Five Oaks Bed & Breakfast in Erin, even went so far as to introduce him to State Senator Rosalind Kurita. * From there, Osborne has never looked back. The former ABC bureau chief at the U.N. now teaches a course at Austin Peay State University called “U.S. Policy and the United Nations.” He also does private writing and is on a college circuit lecturing about U.S. Policy with regard to Iraq.* This week, however, Osborne was at home organizing a meet-and-greet social for Senator Kurita here in Houston County. Kurita has served two full terms in the Tennessee senate and is up for re-election. She is running against Republican Brenda Radford of Clarksville.* So where else would Osborne think to host the event but back at Five Oaks, since Mann first introduced him to Kurita. The weather was perfect for the event as local Democrats, friends and supporters gathered under the awning outside the beautiful two-story mansion to eat and mingle as Kurita visited with residents.* “I just wanted to do something for Rosalind because when I got here, she welcomed me into the community and the county,” Osborne said. “She was so generous in introducing me to others. I want to see her leadership back in there.”* Osborne continued, “Plus, I think she’s a great senator.”* He went on to mention a couple of her achievements, including addressing a reorganization in the state senate and such basic issues as banning smoking in the state capitol.
* Among locals seen at the social were Tom and Bee Brewer, Judge Roland Roby, Nina Finley, Ronnie and Linda Bratschi, G.E. Clark, Dr. Jim Branson, Ann Morrison, Robin Freeman, Jeff Hargrove, Rusty and Byde Simpson, and many more.* Tom Brewer is the chairman of the Houston County Election Commission, while his wife Bee is currently secretary of the Houston County Soil Conservation office. * “[We’re here] because we love Kurita, and she’s done a wonderful job. We’re supporting her 110 percent,” said Bee. * Houston County Mayor G.E. Clark said, “I’m just glad to be here,” he said, adding that Kurita assists the county in applying for grants to fund worthwhile projects in the county. Of those projects, Clark said grants are helping to double the size of the local health department, providing $500,000 for a water project, and helping with solid waste issues, to name a few. * Clark was also ecstatic that Houston County’s budget passed the night before without a tax increase. He said this is a major achievement when many surrounding counties are having to look at tax increases during budget shortfalls.* Erin City Recorder Linda Bratschi attended the event with her husband Ronnie and her grandson Cody, who also helped out during the meet-and-greet.* When asked what attributes best describe Kurita, Bratschi replied, “She is very accessible. You can call her, and she will return the call—if she doesn’t answer the phone herself.”* “Whatever problem you have, she helps,” Bratschi stated simply. “She gets it done, and she takes it to heart.”* One prime example of her assistance to the City of Erin is helping with bridge project grants. According to Bratschi, the city is going to replace the Roby Street bridge (which was barricaded today) and replace the low-water Maple Street bridge with a regular bridge. The Maple Street project is due in large part to the enthusiasm and determination of City Councilwoman Wanda Lockhart.* Dr. Jim Branson enjoyed the fellowship, but he also raved about the food. He had never had smoked beef brisket before (on homemade yeast rolls), and he definitely liked it. * Also on the menu were: meat balls in barbecue sauce, finger food quiches and spirals, cheesy carrots, lacy cheese rounds, veggies and dip, pumpkin cake, chocolate iced brownings, and homemade pound cake. * Helping out in the kitchen was Sharon Tomlinson, who said, “I’m just here to show my support of Sen. Kurita.” Tomlinson also shared her recipe for the lacy cheese rounds. (*See the bottom of this story.) * The social occasion also attracted young helpers. Megan Neilson, a sixth grader at Houston County Middle School, helped set the tables and pick up after everyone. She is the daughter of Bill and Angie Neilson.* Also making the evening affair special was the soothing voice of Glenn Lill, as he strummed melodies on an acoustic guitar. Lill’s wife Brenda met Kurita face-to-face for the first time at the event, although she says she has seen her many times previously at Erin’s many parades. Brenda was impressed at the number of volunteers helping out at the event. * Kurita appeared to enjoy the social just as much as everyone else, taking time to listen and talk with guests. * “Houston County has always been special in my heart,” she said. “I have wonderful friends here.” * She went on to say, “I love my job, and I try to represent everyone.”* Kurita said her office has a simple mission statement: “We Help People.”* “We can’t always solve every problem, but we certainly always try,” she said.* To contact State Sen. Kurita at her Nashville office, call (615) 741-2374. Her legislative assistant is Pam George.MORE PHOTOS
* Lacy Cheese Rounds

Cut cheddar cheese into small squares. Heat in oven at 375 degrees about 15 minutes until flat. The edges will be brown. Add small amount of avocado dip or ranch dressing. Top with seeded tomatoes and cilantro. Makes a unique finger food.