Friends,
Our State Legislature started 2010 with a bang, passing important education legislation during the special session. Like you, I was encouraged to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle working together to hammer out compromises on an issue that actually mattered.
I had hoped this spirit would carry over into the rest of the session. But so far, I’ve been disappointed. I spend numerous hours every day talking to voters across the 21st District, who are trying to find jobs or struggling to keep their health insurance. While Tennessee’s future is on the line, our elected representatives are spending too much of their time on sideshow antics and political gimmicks.
Recently, the State Senate passed the so-called Tennessee Health Freedom Act, which would force our attorney general to challenge any federal law requiring participation in a health care system. Only one Senator, Andy Berke of Chattanooga, voted against this foolishness. It’s worth reading his Op-Ed column in The Commercial Appeal.
The grandstanding did not end there. Just this week, the State Senate joined the State House in urging Congress to reject the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. While Tennessee families are struggling to make ends meet and our public schools are suffering, what do our elected officials do? Waste time and taxpayer dollars on empty gestures that don’t help a single Tennessee citizen.
It’s time to move Tennessee forward. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and reimagine the way government does business.
Today, I am pledging to participate in conversations with voters in each of the precincts in the 21st District. That’s 50 precincts in all – from Bellevue to Bells Bend to Belle Meade, and beyond. I want to listen and learn from you about the real challenges facing the State. And I pledge to you that, if you elect me to the State Senate, I will have similar meetings in all 50 precincts during my first term.
In order to start a real conversation about Tennessee’s future, I need your help.
Would you host a house party on my behalf? I’d love to spread the word to your friends, neighbors and co-workers about our campaign to bring Nashville’s boldness and innovative spirit to Legislative Plaza.
If you’re involved with a civic or neighborhood organization, would you invite me to a candidate forum or debate? I will work with my opponent, Sen. Douglas Henry, and his staff to ensure that we can both attend and present our views on a range of issues. Sen. Henry and I have both agreed to keep this race focused on the issues—no push polls, no attacks on character or qualifications. I truly believe that we can make a real impact on Tennessee’s future by having a sustained conversation about the actual challenges facing our citizens.
I want to hear your ideas, and I hope you want to hear mine. Reply to this e-mail and we can set a date for a house party, community event, or candidate forum.
We can’t wait any longer – especially since our elected officials seem more interested in giving us showboating over solutions. I hope you’ll join me in my campaign to move Tennessee forward.
Yours,
Jeff
