Dear Friends,
Yesterday, I sent Sen. Douglas Henry a letter proposing a series of debates where we take questions from voters across the 21st District. On August 5, Nashvillians face a real choice about the future of our state, and I believe that you deserve to hear directly from us about why we are asking to serve as your representative.
From the outset, Sen. Henry and I agreed to refrain from the personal attacks that have become too common in our politics. From his first election to the legislature in 1954 to today, Sen. Henry has served Tennessee faithfully, and you won’t hear me question his dedication to this state. But all elections are about the future, and voters will consider our different visions when making their decision this August.
While we share some common values like providing a solid foundation for our children, and having a government that lives within its means, we also have some very real differences. I believe that for a voter to make an informed decision, he or she deserves to know the differences between the candidates, and not just through the lens of a television ad. That is why debates are essential — we should discuss those differences face to face.
* Sen. Henry sponsored SJR 127, which would amend Tennessee’s Constitution to restrict women’s reproductive rights even in instances of rape, incest, or when a woman’s health is at risk. I oppose SJR 127 because I believe there are better ways to reduce the number of abortions than putting obstacles between women and their doctors.
* On the last day of session, Sen. Henry was one of only two Democrats to oppose bringing the ban on mountaintop removal coal mining to the Senate floor for a vote. He stated his opposition was due to his respect for the tradition of only addressing bills that are passed by a Senate committee. I would have voted the other way. Republican leaders are abusing the committee system to block common sense legislation on behalf of the coal industry, which employs fewer than 400 people in Tennessee.
* Sen. Henry voted for one of the health reform nullification bills, which sought to block the implementation of health care reform in Tennessee and use taxpayer funds to sue the federal government. Our state needs to focus on results rather than such futile opposition. We have to get to work on implementing health care reform in a way that strengthens the quality of care while reducing costs.
Sen. Henry and I also have some real differences in how we would approach the job. At the beginning of this campaign, Sen. Henry described the Senate as a “body of review” that evaluates the wisdom of ideas originating elsewhere, as opposed to a “body of initiative,” like the State House. Tennessee’s Constitution does not make that type of distinction, and neither do I. We elect our legislators not just to review proposals, but to craft an agenda that helps the citizens of this state. If fortunate enough to serve, I would view it as my obligation to take initiative and help set a new direction for our legislature.
Tennesseans are disturbed by what’s happening in Legislative Plaza – just look at the hours our elected officials spent debating guns in bars instead of proposing laws to help ordinary citizens.
We must have leadership that focuses on the real challenges facing our state like education, public health, and economic development. I look forward to the opportunity for Sen. Henry and I to share our visions for the next four years. I ask for your vote on August 5. Join me in helping bring Nashville’s energy and ideas to the General Assembly.
Sincerely,
Jeff Yarbro
