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VOTER GUIDE 2018 HAMILTON COUNTY POLITICAL RACES The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Chattanooga is ensuring that voters in Hamilton County have the information to make an informed decision in the General and Primary elections on August 2, 2018. The LWV Chattanooga invited all 2018 Hamilton County candidates in the General Election, who face opposition, to participate in our Vote411 Voter Guide. Additionally, this Voter Guide includes candidates whom voters will find on their August 2nd ballots for the Primary Elections of the Tennessee State House of Representatives and Senate races. This Voter Guide provides detailed information on the candidates and the issues that matter to voters in this election. Voters can compare positions, background information, and qualifications of candidates. Candidate replies have not been altered or edited in any way, and all responses are written in the candidate’s own words to ensure voters can gain a clear impression of who they are and their platforms. The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Chattanooga is working in our community to help all eligible citizens register and get ready to vote. The LWV Chattanooga is a nonpartisan political organization that; encourages the participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The LWV Chattanooga neither endorses candidates nor do we contribute to political campaigns.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Hamilton County School Board District 3 …………...…………………………………………………..... Page 2 Hamilton County School Board District 5 …………...…………………………………………………..... Page 4 Hamilton County School Board District 6 …………...…………………………………………………..... Page 6 Hamilton County School Board District 8 …………...…………………………………………………..... Page 9 Hamilton County School Board District 9 …………...…………………………………………………... Page 11 Hamilton County Mayor ……………………………..…………………………………………………... Page 13 Hamilton County Sheriff ……………………………..……………………………………………………Page 16 Hamilton County Register of Deeds……...…………..…………………………………………………... Page 17 Hamilton County Commission District 2 …………..…………………………………………………...... Page 19 Hamilton County Commission District 3 …………..…………………………………………………...... Page 22 Hamilton County Commission District 4 …………..…………………………………………………...... Page 25 Hamilton County Commission District 6 …………..…………………………………………………...... Page 27 Tennessee House District 26 ………….……….………………………………………………..……....... Page 28 Tennessee House District 27 ………….……….…………………………………….………….……....... Page 29 Tennessee House District 28 ………….……….…………………………………….………….……....... Page 30 Tennessee House District 29 ………….……….…………………………………….………….……....... Page 37 Tennessee House District 30 ………….……….…………………………………….……….………....... Page 38 Tennessee Congressional District 11 ………….……….……………………………….….…………...... Page 41 Upcoming Elections Information …..………….……….……………………………….….…………...... Page 43

All materials contained in this guide are Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters, are licensed or otherwise published by the League of Women Voters with the permission of the owner of the material, or are licensed by the individuals providing such materials for the guide. No materials contained in this guide may be copied, modified, published, broadcast, or otherwise distributed without the prior written permission of the League of Women Voters. Any reproduction permitted under these Terms of Use must contain the following notice: "Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved."

Hamilton County School Board The Hamilton County Board of Education is made up of 9 Directors, one from each district in the county. Policies determined by the board govern a wide range of activities in the school system, including student and personnel issues, instruction and school finance.

Hamilton County School Board District 3 Candidates: Miracle Hurley Biographical Info: Education: BA in Psychology BA in American Sign Language Website: http://www.votemiraclehurley.com Campaign Phone: (423) 708-5453 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/miraclehurleyTN Twitter: @miraclehurleyTN Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: With the school tragedies that have occurred in Chattanooga and around the country over the last few years, we are all concerned with keeping our children safe in school. There is no perfect answer to this issue. The most viable solution is placing an SRO in each school. There are 50 schools without an SRO; however, with our current school budget, we cannot accommodate placing an SRO in each school. Another option could be contracting with a security firm. Even with proper training, security officers may not be an adequate fit for attending to the needs of our schools and protecting our children. Another solution could be increasing the number of counselors in each school providing a safe haven for students to share before, during and after a crisis occurs. This could also increase safety in our schools. Whatever solution is decided upon, we must work together as a community, adhering to the rules of safety that ensure our children can thrive in a safe and nurturing school environment. Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: Fighting for the rights of our children while staying fiscally responsible is possible. It takes all branches of our county government to do that effectively. Working in tandem with the county commissioner, the county mayor and our community, we have a plethora of local resources that can connect needs in our schools to resources in our communities. Knowing that our children are our future, investing in them will lead to a greater ROI long-term than addressing issues as we have in previous years. It costs more to place a person in prison than it does to invest in their early education. The best strategy is to look ahead at the future we want to create for our children and for ourselves by working together to change the way we invest in our children. Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: I believe we can ensure a high quality education for all students by utilizing our communities. Hamilton County is innovative and passionate. We can do anything. We have made major progress in early education and awareness of serious issues like ACES. This information alone can change the face of our school system. Giving children the best start in their education is creating a foundation that they can build on. Adding to this, 2 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

support for families and teachers through partnerships with local businesses in the community can provide the added monies teachers may need to properly equip their classrooms. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Strongly oppose Q: Briefly explain your answer A: I am opposed to teachers being charged with bringing guns into their classroom. The pressures of teaching are tough enough and we should not create additional pressures by having weapons in the classroom. When we think about the mental health of our teachers and our students, we want to ensure that we recruit and retain great teachers. By making it the responsibility of our teachers to potentially shoot one of their students, we are creating an unnecessary trauma. By having weapons in the classroom, this can also be trauma inducing for the student. Properly training our teachers and students in active shooter situations, self-defence strategies, increasing noticing skills and awareness as well as creating protocols that work to prevent guns from entering school property are all potential strategies for supporting our teachers being the educators of our future. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: All children have the right to a safe and nurturing environment where they can learn. One way schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated is through increased collaboration with community organizations that cater to the specific needs of students. Schools and families can work hand in hand with non-profits, community agencies, faith-based organizations and others who hold the proper resources that can provide wraparound support for students with special needs. IEPs and 504 plans exist, but there may be ways to enhance these services that improve support provided to students with special needs.

Joe Smith Biographical Info: Occupation: Retired from YMCA last year. Working harder today. Website: http://fb.com/JOESMITHd3 Questions: Candidate did not provide information

3 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Hamilton County School Board District 5 Candidates: Karitsa Mosley Biographical Info: Education: B.A Sociology, 2003, Alabama A& M University Master of Social Work, 2005, Alabama A&M University Occupation: Medical Social Worker Website: http://karitsamosley.com Campaign Phone: (423) 838-8826 Facebook: http://Karitsa Mosley Jones-School Board District 5 Twitter: KaritsaMosleyD5 Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: District 5 schools continue to face many challenges including low performing schools on the trajectory of improvement, school safety amongst many others, but are working hard to ensure student preparedness. I will continue to address this by working towards the continued implementation of Best practices models for “high poverty, high performing schools” in low performing schools to aid in increased academic achievement levels; as well as to enhance students’ access to innovative models of learning. This will help to ensure that students are graduating prepared for real world experiences (post-secondary or vocational education, military and employment opportunities). If elected I would work to implement the “Safe Zones” policy. This would be a collaborative effort with the HCDE, HCSD and Chattanooga City Police to aide in efforts to boost student moral with law enforcement and to ensure that the school community neighborhoods are as safe and crime free as possible. Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: Throughout my entire term, I have worked to ensure that we are good stewards of our funds while always doing what is right by the students, teachers, and schools of Hamilton County. I will continue to work in this manner by using my voice and vote for efficient spending. Long term and long range planning are key to this as well. the board and executive cabinet of HCDE working to create and implementing long range budget and strategic planning. We have already began this process with our strategic planning efforts as of last fall. We have begin to look at long range budget planning (ex. 3-5 years) and discussions have taken place as to when and how this planning will start and what it will look like. I will continue to support these efforts. Another strategy that we as a board have had a brief discussion on is Student based budgeting which allows the money to be utilized in the most equitable way possible. It is my hope that this strategy will be discussed further by the board. Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: Addressing the socioeconomic disparities of the communities we serve. We need true equitable, economic mobility for everyone in our city in order for their socioeconomic situations improve. There are so many people, young, old and in between in our city affected by the lack of upward economic mobility needed to make their lives better. We need to address this issue with viable solutions and commitment, lives will drastically improve. When we address the disparity in economic mobility we will change the trajectory to an upward slope for social concerns impeding communities such as crime, lack of employment, poor healthcare and disparities in public education. These issues go hand in hand. I believe that HCDE as the educational system can do our part to aid 4 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

in the efforts by addressing the WHOLE child ( which includes the family unit) by continuing to do the work towards the implementation of the Community Schools Models, first in our schools with the most need and then abroad. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Strongly oppose Q: Briefly explain your answer A: I strongly oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring guns into their classrooms in order to protect their students and other teachers from gun violence. I believe that a teachers first and only priority in the classroom is to educate our children and nurture their zeals to learn, not to carry weapons to protect. Most of the educators that I know or have spoken with personally, have strongly expressed their disdain for this recommendation for themselves and their peers. They report that they would not feel safe doing it or being in a building with others doing. I have also spoken with several law enforcement officials that express the many reasons this is not the ideal solution for the issue that we face with school shootings. There are so many things wrong with this recommendation that it is hard for me to see how it could ever be right. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: I will continue to work with the central office and the district's exceptional education administration to support the student populations addressed above. It is important that the district continues to implement practices that will be developmentally sensitive and responsive in meeting the needs of the students. This can be done in teaching and instruction as well as student activities, organizations and learning experiences. Best practices are being identified throughout our country to effectively address this through personalized learning and best practices for exceptional education teaching. I will advocate for the use of the best practices in these measures that would be most applicable for our students in Hamilton County.

Ann Pierre Biographical Info: Education: Bachelor of Science-Business Education Tennessee State University and Masters Applied Organizational Management Tusculum College Occupation: Retired Website: http://www.annpierre.com Campaign Phone: (423) 629-1717 Facebook: http://Candidate Ann Pierre Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: The most important issue in District five schools is the lack of a model to deliver an educational to the students. This involves the effective organization of the education process, which should include the teachers, administrators, parents, students and other stakeholders. Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: The funding is not the major problem, but the utilization of the funds through the budget process. I would seek other funding avenues through community intervention in the learning process. There are proven methods 5 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

in the Hamilton County School system as well as nationally to deliver education to students. I would push for best practices within the current environment while including an assessment of the use of the current funding. Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: Each school board member should take responsibility for the total system and realize that sharing and researching methods of developing a world class education system is in the best interest of Hamilton County and its residents. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Oppose Q: Briefly explain your answer A: Teachers are trained to teach and law enforcement members are trained to protect. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: Students with special needs, including the gifted, should have an assessment and their needs should be addressed. Currently, there are rules to address the needs of these students; therefore the rules should be followed. A parent should not see the need to file a law suit because their child is not receiving a quality education.

Hamilton County School Board District 6 Candidates: Michael Henry Biographical Info: Education: Bachelor of Arts: Music - Voice Master of Business Administration Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Graduate Certificate in Strategic Human Resource Leadership Teaching Assistant in Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry Classrooms in East Lake Academy of Fine Arts, Howard Schools of Academics, and Brainerd High School Mentor for Veterans Entrepreneurship Program and SUSI Program on Social Entrepreneurship Occupation: Educator, Entrepreneur, Mentor, Business/Marketing Consultant Website: http://www.MichaelHenryfortheSchools.com Campaign Phone: (615) 522-4903 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelHenryfortheSchools Twitter: www.facebook.com/MichaelHenryfortheSchools Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: In all instances, I wish to address what is free first: the low-hanging fruit. We must ensure our teachers are properly educated. As Dr. Johnson said recently when addressing Red Bank and Signal Mountain Chamber of Commerce, we must make sure our teachers “understand the Hamilton County way.” The Hamilton County Department of Education (HCDE) has offered a retirement incentive which has allowed for space in the budget, but has also created a younger teacher workforce overall in Hamilton County. Let’s take this opportunity to educate our educators. In doing so, we can address safety, pipeline young talent into our economy, ensure all students understand local career opportunities, improve teacher and student health, and mitigate psychological 6 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

triggers with informed staff. There is not one singular issue to face, so we must enable our teachers to be successful on all fronts. Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: Transportation and custodial work are contracted out. The HCDE cannot work to make great efficiencies unless these services are brought in-house. This is the only way to reduce risk, optimize operations, and create efficiencies. I plan to expand our business partners and their abilities to help our schools. As described by Mr. Freeman (former principal; the staff member currently in charge of the Future Ready Institutes), we seek to partner with businesses in a new way. No longer do we simply seek monetary support but also seek development of mutually beneficial relationships which allow local businesses to educate our students to enter the workforce and provide mentorships. Lastly, we must recruit and equip teachers and staff who can bring educational quality to ALL. Upon the suggestion of Dr. Ford of Vanderbilt university (Doctor Philosophy in Urban Education, Master of Ed. and BA in Comm. and Spanish I am working to on programs which reduce barriers for culturally adept teachers. Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: I speak with as many elected officials as possible to develop relationships to create conversation for students. Lines are drawn by these officials in order to help them make decisions, and these officials have not always collaborated with the School Board. I will continue to bring focus to the combining of community resources (parents, community members, local businesses/organizations) so we can draw lines to incorporate varying resources. I am also speaking with local experts who can bring educational best practices for all cultures and styles of learning. We can show students why sustainable resources are provided to our schools and communities while also teaching them how these systems can be installed. In addition we can provide programs beyond school hours. Presently, I am helping create grant-funded rides to high-risk students in order to bring them to resources (like the Innovation District and Chatt Library). Here, programs for students are available at no cost. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Neither support nor oppose Q: Briefly explain your answer A: In every instance I recommend small steps taken toward finding the perfect implementation. In this case it cannot be advised to move from less than half of our schools have an SRO with a weapon to all of our schools containing teachers equipped with weapons. Let’s take small steps and measure success before we move to another measurable level. As I have recommended in conversations with local leaders, we can create a program which invites trained volunteers (especially those who already have experience in identifying trigger points: like military veterans, retired educators, professional caretakers, security guards, etc.) who are not armed into our schools and measure the effectiveness of these safety procedures. As coined by Chief Roddy of the Chattanooga Police Department, even if we spend billions of dollars to improve our schools’ infrastructure, a simple rock used to prop open a door can leave our students vulnerable. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: As explained to me by the director of The Dawn School, the school in District 6 which is meant to be an environment for students whose psychological/emotional struggles have manifested in behavioral issues (the only school of its kind in Hamilton County), the most integral part of their mission is Positive Behavior Support (PBS). In this world of sensationalized media and immediate satisfaction, we must teach educators how to reward behaviors which reinforce a valuable, sustainable environment for learning. The School Board and the 7 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

HCDE must also fortify local organizations which support children and families of special needs. In collaboration, these organizations can assist in preparing students for success in our public schools.

Jenny Hill Biographical Info: Education: Furman University Occupation: Owner, Papercut Interactive Website: http://votejennyhill.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/votejennyhill Twitter: twitter.com/votejennyhill Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: The ultimate measure of a school system is whether their graduates are prepared for what’s next - be that college, professional certification, or career. Unfortunately fewer than 15% of our high school students are prepared for college and career. The early warning signs are there as well - just 43% of Hamilton County our 3rd graders are reading on grade level. As a parent of two public school students, I want something better for every child in district 6 and across the county. Further, I am also a business owner who invests in our county through job creation, taxes, and community service. I see every day the needs that Hamilton County has for graduates who are prepared with basic skills such as reading and mathematics and also creative thinking, problem solving skills, the ability to work with a team, and an appreciation for lifelong learning. We will move the needle by building a strong foundation with a multi-year strategic plan, facilities audit, and multi-year budgeting. Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: See the answer above. Creating a strong, thoughtful foundation of vision (strategic plan), introspection (facility audit), and intention (multi-year budgeting) we can identify opportunities for efficiency as well as ways to improve student outcomes. I have great respect for the Budget Working Group, a volunteer group of business leaders who studied HCDE’s budget inside and out. Their report advocates for increasing our average school population from 544 to 600 students with a goal of realigning school staffing to provide for a system-wide student-teacher ratio of 16:1. In many of our schools right now, teachers have much higher ratios and it makes their jobs more difficult. Thinking creatively about how to use the staff we have in different ways will have positive impact for everyone - students, teachers, support staff, and administrators. Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: First, we must have a shared commitment to providing every student an excellent education regardless of their zip code, skin color, family income, or educational differences. When I say “We” I mean all of us! The District 6 community, schools, the school board, our county mayor, our county commission, and our entire county. Every child matters and deserves nothing less than the best we can provide. Next, we must recognize that schools with high concentrations of poverty require different and often more resources because the students who attend those schools have significant material needs and often face childhood trauma. The new multi-year strategic plan will inform how to make long-term investments in every part of the county to benefit every student and offer each child an education that will prepare them to flourish as an adult. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Strongly oppose 8 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: Briefly explain your answer A: As a parent, I need to know that my kids are safe when they go to school. The proposed HCDE budget and the proposed Hamilton County budget both include funding for additional school resource officers (SROs). I applaud this plan because it’s where we ought to start. SROs place trained law enforcement officers in our schools and allow our teachers to be in the classroom teaching. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: HCDE must provide an excellent education for every child regardless of learning differences. Federal IDEA law requires districts to develop individualized education programs for children that are “lofty enough to make more than minimal progress.” To me, that means we encourage every student to reach their highest potential. IDEA also requires students be educated in the least restrictive environment possible. For most students, that means inclusion in regular classrooms. We need to be sure that gen ed teachers have training and professional development in how to differentiate instruction so that kids of all abilities can participate in grade-level curriculum. It’s critical that Dr. Johnson and his team implement rigorous processes to ensure accountability across every school to ensure fidelity of services. Just as we must offer gen ed students a consistently high quality of education county wide, our students with special needs deserve nothing less than the best we can provide.

Hamilton County School Board District 8 Candidates: Tucker McClendon Biographical Info: Education: Graduate of Ooltewah High School; Graduate of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Occupation: Market Manager at Public Markets Inc. (501c3) Website: http://tuckermcclendon.com Campaign Phone: (423) 305-5267 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Tucker4SchoolBoard/ Twitter: @tuckermcclendon Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: I think the most important issue is the overall education we are providing our students. We have failed our students for the last 20 years in not giving them the education they deserve. I plan to work every day to ensure we give every student in Hamilton County the education they deserve. I think this issue is larger than the school board and if elected I hope to bring education to the forefront of issues in Hamilton County. We must continue to look for new and innovative ways to fund our schools to make sure we give every student the education they deserve. Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: I think the direction of zero-based budgeting that we are heading towards really ensures that every dollar budgeted is needed and is being well spent. I will make sure every dollar that is approved by the board is being spent with the students and taxpayers in mind. We also as a county have to look at our investment in education to make sure we have enough money to stretch. 9 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: The board through its budget can ensure they are providing all the tools necessary to provide a high-quality education. I plan to advocate to look at new and innovative ways to fund our schools to make sure we have the tools to provide a high-quality education to every student in Hamilton County without being a burden to taxpayers. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Support Q: Briefly explain your answer A: I think our first step should be to provide an SRO to every school, but if we are not able to do that for whatever reason we should look at allowing the administration in schools to carry firearms to protect our students. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: I think we need to continue to make sure of students with special needs are getting individualized support. We also need to make sure the teachers that work with these students every day are supported. We have special education assistants that make $8 to $10 an hour. We also need to make sure these students are learning and interacting with other students and not just kept in a room watching movies all day.

David Testerman

Biographical Info: Candidate did not provide information

Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: I believe the most important issue our school system currently faces is restoring public confidence in our schools. To address this issue, we must work to improve the performance of the schools that are part of our current opportunity zones. While one way this can be done is by ensuring that each student attends school and is ready to learn, we can also do more. One of my first suggestions would be to replicate the style of school management and instructions that is currently used in some of our high achieving schools. We should allow these schools room to create their own unique identity where the administration, staff, and students take ownership and feel engaged. Ways we can support this include allowing greater autonomy in curriculum design, the formation and expenditure of their budget, and the hiring of new staff. Create change: one school at a time. Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: Currently, we are facing a deferred maintenance cost that is greatly out of hand. I would suggest that we seek to create partnerships with as many local municipal government bodies as we can. These agreements would focus on a shared funding of the maintenance needs of schools in their area - similar to the agreement we currently have with the City of East Ridge. This agreement allowed East Ridge City to be responsible for the up-keep and maintenance of the athletic fields and property, which, in turn, freed up funds to be used for instructional needs. This model could be used throughout the county to renew cooperation. As a result, we would see the benefits of providing greater community use of athletic facilities while also freeing up instructional funds for schools. 10 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: I would suggest we return to the open school enrollment model. It worked in the past and can work again today. Open enrollment allows all students to attend a school of their choice as long as there is space available. The parents must provide transportation. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Oppose Q: Briefly explain your answer A: I oppose allowing anyone, who is not part of our current SRO program, or that has not been certified by our sheriff’s department, to bring firearms to any school. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: One way to improve the ways which special needs students are educated is to provide an appeal process for when parents and staff disagree on the best way to deliver the service. While this may not solve the issue, it could provide more objectivity and structure when working towards solutions

Hamilton County School Board District 9 Candidates: D'Andre Anderson Biographical Info: Education: I am an alumni of Bess T. Shepard Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Brown Middle School, and most recently Central High School, I am currently finishing up my first year at Austin Peay State University, where I am majoring in theatre education. I moved back to Chattanooga this summer and will attend University of Tennessee Chattanooga next semester. This summer, I attended basic training when I joined to become an Religious Affair Specialist. I attended Chaplain school for seven weeks. Occupation: Shift Leader/Religious Affair Specialist Website: http://www.facebook.com/pg/DAndre-Anderson-for-School-Board161121831188446/about/?ref=page_internal Campaign Phone: (423) 763-8233 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pg/DAndre-Anderson-for-School-Board161121831188446/about/?ref=page_internal Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: I feel there is a disconnect in communication when it comes to teachers and students getting information from/to the school board. I feel like a lot of our issues, in district 9, are always pushed aside and fixed with a Band-Aid until it gets worse enough for them to finally step in. I propose to address this issue by incorporating a more effective teacher advisory council. I want to get other board members on board to attend these meetings with the teacher advisory council to have better insight on what is going on with teachers on a more intimate level. As well as students. The student advisory council meets the second Monday of each month. I would like to see board members attend this meeting to hear our students speak their voice. This will help be able to fully 11 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

comprehend what the students are experiencing on a daily basis at school. This will allow board members to communicate their plans and goals with teachers and even students, to better fix that disconnection. Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: I would have to take a look at the funds we have starting out with. From there, I would have to have an extensive plan that will allow me to give where is needed first. Then, I would incorporate things that would help further my schools to be successful. Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: I believe we can definitely ensure equal educational opportunities for all students. It will have to start with giving each school what they need to be successful. For instance, what Brown Middle School needs for their students to be successful, is not what East Hamilton Middle School needs to be successful. That's the first step that is needed to be made before any equal education could be considered. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Strongly oppose Q: Briefly explain your answer A: I do not support this happening. I see where some people may feel this is a safer option, but School Resource Officers (SRO) are in place for safety measure such as a school shooting. I believe having teachers carry firearms in the schools, would just higher the risk of something dangerous happening. I strongly encourage we make better use of SRO's by incorporating more in our schools. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: I do feel Hamilton County does a very good job with educating special needs students. Though, I still believe we should do a better job incorporating them a little better into normal school settings. Central high school does this very well. Their special needs program allow those students with special needs, feel more connected to the school as a normal student because they are. I believe that will enhance educating those students.

Steve Highlander

Biographical Info: Education: Hixson HS, B.A. UTC; Master’s of Education- UTC; postMaster’s Including GA Gifted Ed. Endorsement; Doctor of MinistryCovington Seminary Occupation: Teacher, Minister Campaign Phone: (423) 838-2065 Facebook: http://Steve Highlander forDistrict 9 SchoolBoard

Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing your school district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: I think School Safety is the most pressing of the many needs for our schools. I have met twice with our Sheriff, attended his local school safety program, and participated in the Tn School Safety Summit in Nashville. I am working with our Superintendent to spend every possible dollar for securing safe school entries and for hiring as many resource officers as possible. 12 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: What strategies would you use to stretch your school district’s funding while maintaining educational quality? A: I am working in conjunction with our Central Office to best utilize every academic dollar and to seek more from government issuance, grants, and philanthropic organizations. Q: How do you think the school board can ensure a high quality education for all students in Hamilton County? A: We need to closely examine the needs of every school and student in our county. We must listen to the voices of our constituents (parents, professional educators and students). The classroom teachers in our diversified County have the closest perspective whether they are in a setting that is urban, suburban, or rural. The School Board is NOT its own funding body. We must best utilize the monies received from the county, state and federal governments. Q: Do you support or oppose allowing teachers who are trained in the use of firearms to bring a gun into their classrooms in order to protect the students and other teachers from gun violence? A: Neither support nor oppose Q: Briefly explain your answer A: The question is not currently appropriate since our state legislature did not pass the bill to allow such a system. (Although the question would have been more pertinent had the legislature voted in the other direction.). As the situation currently remains, SROs in every school, safe door systems, video cameras, and recognition entry systems are needed. I have done a great deal already to enhance these. Q: How do you think Hamilton County schools can improve the ways in which students with special needs are educated? A: We need to offer every opportunity possible for special needs students, including the most inclusive and least restrictive environment, which is what the law says.

Hamilton County Mayor The County Mayor is elected to a four-year term as the head of the executive branch of Hamilton County. The Mayor oversees the day-to-day operations of county government, manages the county’s budget, and is responsible for the preparation of official county financial reports.

Aloyse Brown Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Bachelors & Masters Degrees Occupation: Business Executive Website: http://aloyseformayor.com Campaign Phone: (423) 667-7582 Facebook: http://aloyseformayor Questions: Q: What are the most important challenges facing Hamilton County, and how do you, as Mayor, propose to address them? A: We need to improve our public schools - urgently. Preparing the next generation to be successful and Job Number One for any Hamilton County public official, and there’s a lot to be done. Today, we have a $257 13 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

million backlog of deferred maintenance on our school buildings, forty-three percent of third graders can’t read at grade level, only one in four have access to pre-K, and we’re 35th in the state in teacher pay. As Mayor, I will start by working closely with Supt. Johnson and the School Board to examine our budget from the ground-up. There isn’t a single need in our entire county that can’t be addressed by better prioritizing where we put public dollars. The future of our economy hangs in the balance if we don’t better invest in our schools and our teachers. Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: Any tax incentive or abatement measure must meet the “but-for” standard when it comes to creating new jobs or affordable housing in our county’s blighted areas. That means we as a government must be able to reasonably tell citizens that an important community resource in jobs or housing would not exist but-for a particular tax measure. Any tax advantages given to businesses or developments should only be offered and continue if certain measures are meet - ie. jobs should provide livable wage salaries with benefits and prove consistent and ongoing employment beyond year one. Moreover, I am committed to taking a critical look at the pros and cons for tax abatements in areas that are no longer blighted. Q: What steps do you recommend be taken to improve public education in Hamilton County? A: We need to work proactively to address these four areas immediately: 1. Hire SRO’s and Counselors for every school to keep our schools safe 2. Implement a long-term strategy for addressing the $257 million dollar backlog in deferred school maintenance 3. Invest in early childhood education so that our children enter Kindergarten ready to read 4. Increase teacher salaries so we can be competitive with neighboring countries and offer teachers the support and tools they need (this may involve adjusting benefits packages to be more aligned with benchmarks) There are other challenges that will need to be addressed in the future. Q: Would you support making the agenda for County Commission agenda meetings available sooner so that the public would have time to become familiar with the issues that are coming up? A: Yes! In fact, I am appalled at our county official’s intentional lack of transparency with Hamilton County citizens. When I’m elected, every citizen will be invited to take part in Hamilton County government and I will be looking at proactive solutions to further engage our community. Q: Do you support working with the cities in the county to see if some services can be provided more efficiently by working together? A: I believe that innovative partnerships are critical to working towards a more effective and efficient government. I am committed to finding the best use for each and every public dollar. I will always come to the table in order to identify efficiencies that can be realized with cooperation with other municipalities, agencies, and community leaders.

Jim Coppinger Republican Biographical Info: Education: Graduated Hixson High School, Attended Chattanooga State and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Occupation: Hamilton County Mayor Website: http://jimcoppinger.com Campaign Phone: (423) 364-0004 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jimmcoppinger Twitter: www.twitter.com/jimcoppinger Questions: 14 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: What are the most important challenges facing Hamilton County, and how do you, as Mayor, propose to address them? A: The priorities of local government involve getting resources into the classroom for effective public education, public safety, infrastructure and continuing to create an environment where businesses, large companies, families and individuals can grow. As more individuals and groups turn to government for funding whether non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses and individuals - there will be a strain to prioritize and fund the essential services required by law to be funded adequately by tax dollars collected from those who work and invest in our community. As you mayor, it is my job to first fund essential services. Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: If no other government offered tax incentives for businesses, the field of competition would be level and offering them would be unnecessary because Hamilton County is a great place for businesses. However, that is not the environment today. When there is business growth, not only are there more jobs for our citizens, but the tax revenue created by the sales of a product or service along with the overall economic growth of the area keeps property taxes low and increases the value of our existing properties. However, I support and have implemented claw back provisions that are included in agreements for tax incentives that permit our local government to rescind the terms of an incentive if certain benchmarks are not met, such as the number of jobs promised. Q: What steps do you recommend be taken to improve public education in Hamilton County? A: My job as mayor is to get resources to the Hamilton County Public School System and serve as a advocate of public education. I have done that; I am doing that; and I'll continue to work in this capacity. It is critical to see success in the classroom, and give every student in our public schools the opportunity for a good family wage job. Q: Would you support making the agenda for County Commission agenda meetings available sooner so that the public would have time to become familiar with the issues that are coming up? A: The agenda prepared by Hamilton County staff members is formally presented to the commission one week before the commissioners vote on matters before them. This allows the public a week to be informed through local media as well as through Hamilton County's online website (www.hamiltontn.gov) of resolutions before the commission and to contact their elected representatives to discuss the matters. Q: Do you support working with the cities in the county to see if some services can be provided more efficiently by working together? A: Hamilton County does work with all of its municipalities in many areas and continually investigates opportunities to eliminate duplication of services. However, Hamilton County Government funds the public schools, public health, emergency management and both the jail and Silverdale Workhouse without support from our cities and towns. Hamilton County Government also serves as the primary funding source for Erlanger Medical Center, the public hospital that provides millions of dollars in charity care.

15 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Hamilton County Sheriff The Hamilton County Sheriff manages Tennessee's fourth-largest law enforcement agency and is in charge of the Hamilton County jail system.

Jim Hammond Republican Biographical Info: Education: Sheriff Hammond holds a B.A. degree in psychology from Tennessee Temple University, as well as a B.S. and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Occupation: Sheriff - Law Enforcement Officer Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Jim-Hammond-Sheriff-45430850166/ Questions: Q: What do you see as the most pressing challenge facing the Hamilton County Sheriff's office, and how will you deal with this challenge? A: A) The safety of our children in our schools B) The illegal use of opioids and the negative, often times fatal affects on our citizens C) Gang Violence D) Mental Health Consumers in the Hamilton County Jail E) Domestic Abuse & Violence Q: What is your plan regarding the disproportionate number of those incarcerated who are mentally ill? A: My staff are currently working with a joint taskforce locally in Hamilton County to develop an intervention plan to house mental health consumers in housing with appropriate services in order to help reduce the stigma and overpopulation of our jail with the incarceration of people with mental illness. Q: What policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: I will continue to work with the local Gang Taskforce and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to create focused, positive programming and initiatives geared at elementary age children to prevent early gang recruitment efforts. This includes officers serving as positive role models and influences on inner city youth. Q: What is your position on privatization of law enforcement services, such as the jail? A: When it comes to the issue of privatization of the Hamilton County Jail, it depends on a variety of concerns such as the cost of privatization, any legal issues surrounding the handover, and protection of our current officers with regard to job security. There are things to consider like wages, benefits and retirement. Many of our corrections officers have made a career working in the jail and they must be protected.

Victor Miller Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Chattanooga Police Academy, Advanced Law Enforcement Education: Over 600 Hours, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - Criminal Justice Occupation: Law Enforcement Officer - Homicide Unit Supervisor Website: http://www.millersheriff.com Campaign Phone: (423) 298-6432 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/victormillercha Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/victormillercha 16 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Questions: Q: What do you see as the most pressing challenge facing the Hamilton County Sheriff's office, and how will you deal with this challenge? A: The top priority and challenge is always keeping our community safe and reducing crime. Currently, the most pressing challenge is how we ensure that our children and schools are safe. My plan to keep our schools safe is a multi-layer approach that includes: (1) reviewing and upgrading our school facilities to ensure that the buildings are secure, (2) having School Resource Officers (SROs) in every Hamilton County School. The SRO will ensure the safety of our children and work to build positive relationships with our youth. Q: What is your plan regarding the disproportionate number of those incarcerated who are mentally ill? A: It is reported approximately 40% of those incarcerated in Hamilton County suffer from a mental health condition. I would work with local, state, and federal officials and mental health partners in order to find the best solutions for Hamilton County. We need more local resources to help our community members that suffer from mental health issues. My plan would include: continuing to work with the Mental Health Court and local mental health partners, implementing pre-arrest and post-arrest law enforcement initiated mental health diversion programs, implementing advanced training for our law enforcement officers on dealing with mental health consumers, and partnering with elected officials to fund mental health programs. Q: What policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: My plan to keep our community safe and reduce gang violence includes using pro-active, forward thinking policing strategies that utilize data driven, intelligence led, and community oriented policing models. We must work to stop the cycle of our youth entering gangs. We, law enforcement and the community, can work together to build positive relationships with our youth and show them hope for a better future. Q: What is your position on privatization of law enforcement services, such as the jail? A: Hamilton County has two adult jails: Hamilton County Jail (downtown) and Silverdale Jail. Hamilton County's Silverdale Jail is currently managed under contract by Core Civic, a private prison and jail provider. I would work with the Hamilton County Commission to transition Silverdale Jail to a county managed facility and end the current private jail contract with Core Civic. During the transition, I would work with Core Civic employees, to transition them to Hamilton County employees. I would not agree with plans to privatize Hamilton County Jail.

Hamilton County Register of Deeds The Register of Deeds records deeds and other legal documents required or allowed to be filed by law.

Marc Gravitt Republican Biographical Info: Education: Chattanooga State Community College Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University UT MTAS Elected Officials Training I & II Occupation: Tennessee State Representative Website: http://gravitt4register.com Campaign Phone: (423) 802-2948 Facebook: http://Marc Gravitt for Register of Deeds Questions: 17 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: What experiences (educational, occupational, civic and community) have helped qualify you for the office of Hamilton County Register of Deeds? A: The position of Register of Deeds is an administrative leadership position. Having experience with budgets, employee issues and an accounting of all fees is not only critical, but required by the state law. I believe my 27 years as a small business owner, dealing with these issues, is the reason I have been endorsed by both the Chattanooga Times and Free Press, the current Register Mrs. Pam Hurst , and supported by the Chattanooga and Tennessee Realtors. Served 6 years, U.S. Army, Sergeant Real Estate Broker, Auctioneer & Appraiser working with banks, attorneys, local and federal governments. 2010-East Ridge City Councilman, subsequently Vice Mayor 2012-2018 Tennessee House of Representatives 2016- Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers, (TAAO) Legislator of the Year Award 2018- (TAAO) Tennessee Leadership Award President of (1) 501c3 & (2) 501c6s non-profits, I have helped to raise millions of dollars for area non-profits Q: Please state whether you support or oppose the following statement: Citizens should be allowed to use technology such as cell phones to take photos of public records. A: Support Q: What do you feel are the major challenges facing the office of Register of Deeds, and how do you propose to address them? A: Continuing the use of technology will be a constant issue in the Register's Office. This past session the Tennessee General Assembly approved the use of "E-Notorizations" for documents. Hamilton County has been extremely proactive in the use of technology to help serve the citizens in an efficient, cost effective manner. As Register, I will continue to be an advocate in upgrades for both customer service and security. Q: Do you have plans to improve citizen access to public records maintained by this office? A: Citizens currently have access to public records both in the Register's office, during office hours, and online. Online access is available through a $50.00 a month subscription.

Vickie Schroyer Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Graduate of Rossville High School A degree in Business Administration from Dalton College Occupation: Deputy Register Campaign Phone: (423) 551-1822 Facebook: http://facebook.com/votevickie2018 Questions: Q: What experiences (educational, occupational, civic and community) have helped qualify you for the office of Hamilton County Register of Deeds? A: Shortly after receiving my degree in Business Administration, I began my career in the Hamilton County Register of Deeds office. I have 35 years experience as a deputy register. I have worked under the past 3 administrations. I know every aspect of the office. I am one of 3 people who submitted the information for the "Training & Document Requirement Guide" (it is online at hamiltontn.gov/register). I am qualified. From day 1, I am ready to start working. I know the job, the documents and the duties of the staff. I know the importance of maintaining accurate indexes to real estate transactions. I've recorded, indexed and scanned documents. I have done the bookkeeping as well as scan the checks for the deposits. I have always been available to answer questions from others in the office, even when I'm at lunch or off. I love working & being a part of the Register's Office. Believe me, with 35 years of experience, I've got the knowledge to do the job. Vote Vickie and let me prove it. 18 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: Please state whether you support or oppose the following statement: Citizens should be allowed to use technology such as cell phones to take photos of public records. A: Support Q: What do you feel are the major challenges facing the office of Register of Deeds, and how do you propose to address them? A: I have seen the successful transition from leather bound books to on-line data systems. I know how important it is to keep up with new technology. When I first started working in the office, there were still several manual typewriters. I know first hand how much the technology in the office has improved. When documents are accepted through electronic filing, they are ready to be viewed immediately. I will employ someone who is fluent in more than 1 language. I will continue to make sure that the staff & systems are ready for the continued growth of Hamilton County. I will work closely with the staff, our computer programmer and Hamilton County's IT department before new technology is incorporated so that it will meet our needs. I look forward to working for the citizens as their Register. Q: Do you have plans to improve citizen access to public records maintained by this office? A: Yes. Citizens are always welcome to come into the Registers Office, Monday through Friday during office hours of 7:30 to 5:00. The Register's Office offers remote access for a small monthly fee. There is no charge for accessing data while inside the office. Over the last several years, we have been digitizing & indexing our older records to make it easier & more efficient for our staff, customers & clients to access the records they need. This is a project that will be continued. Our in house programmer is currently working on a program that will make this process more efficient. I will gladly listen to all requests from citizens to see how the office can meet their needs. I look forward to developing a working relationship between myself, the staff, citizens, attorneys & the title companies of this great county. There are no limits to what can be accomplished.

Hamilton County Commission County Commission members are elected for four-year terms and represent nine districts in Hamilton County. The County Commission is the legislative and policy-making body of the County.

Hamilton County Commission District 2 Candidates: Chip Baker Republican Biographical Info: Education: B.A. (Biology) -The College of Wooster MHA-Hospital Administration-The George Washington University Occupation: Event Management Website: http://chipbakercommission.com Facebook: http://chipbakercommission Questions: Q: As a Hamilton County Commissioner, What would you do to improve the health and quality of life of Hamilton County citizens? 19 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

A: Over $23 million is budgeted for the Health Services division of Hamilton County. Public health is a large part of the budget and primarily funds the Health Department. This department focuses on all aspects of public health, such as early childhood development, HUGs, and Parents as First Teachers. For 7 years, I was an administrator at Erlanger Medical Center and worked very closely with the Health Department. I coordinated and implemented a School Nursing Program that provided coverage for every child in Hamilton County schools. I also worked with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to create a medical clinic which provided healthcare for 3,000 indigent families. I understand County health needs. In my role with Friends of the Festival, I work closely with the Public Works Department (Lee Norris) with projects that include anywhere from Chester Frost Park to the Riverwalk. Hamilton County is the Boulder of the East and i will work diligently to enhance this wonderful opportunity. Q: How will you work to increase job opportunities in Hamilton County? A: The creation of jobs is a top priority for the County. As a Board member of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce for 15 years, I have worked closely with the City and the County to recruit new job opportunities to our County. It is just as important to take care of existing businesses, too, so when they expand, they will not consider relocating away from the area. Special attention needs to make sure they remain here. In the past, the Chamber and the County Commission did not work closely. At the time, I was Chairman of the Board of Education and I succeeded in getting the two entities to work together. It was a monumental task, at the time, and the momentum has increased through programs such as Chattanooga 2.0. Workforce readiness and the Drive to 55 initiative have led to the program Tennessee Promise. Under this program, for the past 4 years, I have been a Tennessee Achieves mentor to 6 students/year. Many of these Brainerd students will be their first to go to college. Q: What kinds of policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: At the present time, I have a very strong relationship with Sheriff Hammond and Chief Roddy as well as Chief Williams on Signal Mountain. On March 29, 2018, 54 gang members were indicted under the state's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. This was a coordinated inter-agency operation that included Chattanooga Police, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, TBI, DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the FBI. Though the Sheriff's Office was only one key piece of this operation, i will always support these efforts. I also have worked with many of the other agencies involved in this operation. I have toured the county jails and courts and have relationships with these important departments within the County. The Sheriff's Office must always be adequately funded to provide the public safety we expect in Hamilton County My learning curve to be an effective commissioner with the public safety professionals, would be minimal Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: This past week, I had the opportunity to have a private meeting with gubernatorial candidate, Randy Boyd. Mr. Boyd is a successful businessman and has worked tirelessly for the State of Tennessee. We discussed the importance of tax incentives, appropriately utilized, as an effective tool for bringing new business to Tennessee. In recent meetings with the County Mayor and the Chamber, tax incentives were discussed in today's competitive market. Based on the number of jobs, capital investment, and wage improvement, incentives are a necessary tool to recruit jobs, The number one competitor for Hamilton County is the Greenville/Spartanburg area. A good example of the VW investment is that they employ more than 3,000 people. Gestamp employs approximately 1,000 people and the other suppliers created 1,000 jobs. These are just the direct jobs attracted. Thousands more are affected indirectly. This is a good investment of tax incentives by our county. School taxes are still collected. Q: What do you feel are the most pressing funding issues facing the Hamilton County Commission, and what are your priorities for funding? 20 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

A: Since 66% of the budget goes to education, this is the most pressing funding issue. The greatest issue with education, though, is there is not a community wide plan that everyone understands and buys into. A recent study called the Budget Working Group (BWG), I believe offers the most comprehensive plan at developing strategic initiatives. Included in this would be developing multi-year operating and capital plans. There are many other important components to the BWG that include different school sizes, right sizing school staffing, and creating a joint citizens committee Infrastructure needs, such as a new sewage treatment plant and the paving of roads are definite capital needs Public safety is paramount and a replacement jail plan needs to be put in place The enhancement of quality of life issues, such as parks and recreation, also need to be an important priority Lastly, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, which derives its budget from hotel taxes, needs to be supported.

Elizabeth Baker Democratic Biographical Info: Education: High School Diploma, World Traveler, Lifelong Learner Occupation: SAHM, Community Advocate, Volunteer Website: http://www.ElizabethBakerDistrict2.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethDistrict2/ Twitter: VoteElizabethD2 Campaign Phone: (423) 596-8001 Questions: Q: As a Hamilton County Commissioner, What would you do to improve the health and quality of life of Hamilton County citizens? A: Hamilton County is currently in a strong financial position, but much remains to be done. We need to double down, guaranteeing safety in our schools and neighborhoods. Now is the time to invest in our citizens. All residents deserve to reap the economic rewards of our county’s Triple-A bond rating. We need to consider unconventional pathways to growth and promote innovative solutions in our County. I will continue to forge partnerships and relationships with people I represent. I will work with both business and government to ensure solutions are comprehensive and fruitful. My skills and experience in the public and private sectors are aligned to ensure that we get the best possible return on our tax investments. I will be a full-time County Commissioner. I am ready to give 100% of my time and energy to ensure that we have safe schools, safe neighborhoods and equal opportunities for improvement and growth for all Hamilton County residents. Q: How will you work to increase job opportunities in Hamilton County? A: Currently, Hamilton County is in a strong economic position. History shows that in times of economic upswing we should look to entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses for new sustainable job creation. Small businesses and entrepreneurs account for more than half the job creation nationwide, and in Hamilton County. I will work to foster relationships with private and public organizations that support this business sector. My goal as a County Commissioner is to improve the quality of life for all residents by improving infrastructure, education and workforce development. By improving the quality of life for all residents, both current and new employers will have a renewed confidence to invest in our workforce and community. Q: What kinds of policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: While gang violence tends to occur most often within the City of Chattanooga, it is a concern for all county residents because it impacts the quality of all our lives and how we are perceived by any person or business that might wish to visit or relocate here. The City’s Gang Violence Initiative is one way to approach this problem. However, gangs exist in large part because they provide a social structure for disaffected youth and income for 21 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

those whose opportunities are limited. I would promote programs, both public and private, that will reduce or eliminate the incentives for gang membership. I support the growth and expansion of youth mentoring program, Future Ready programs in our schools and the expansion of affordable daycare facilities for young mothers who want to take advantage of the free tuition opportunities at community college. Many programs already exist within our community to help our young people succeed. I would work to maximize their effectiveness. Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: As a County Commissioner, I would use tax incentives to persuade a business, not just to locate in Hamilton County but, to locate in a particular part of the County, such as a blighted area or one which is underdeveloped. I believe tax incentives should be used to encourage businesses to locate in a community where they would not otherwise go, provided there are demonstrable benefits to the community from the fact that the business will locate there. When a business receives a tax incentive, a portion of the business' property tax is waived for a period of time but the property tax accorded to schools is not waived, nor is sales tax. Ideally tax incentives should bring, local government good paying jobs and a reliable investment in the community’s future. This is why I am committed to seeing that every tax incentive agreement must provide for benchmarks, oversight, monitoring compliance and consequences for non-compliance. Q: What do you feel are the most pressing funding issues facing the Hamilton County Commission, and what are your priorities for funding? A: Education - We must provide sufficient funding to Hamilton County Dept. of Education so that quality programs can be improved, from early childhood education to workforce development for all students. We must not allow a student's socioeconomic status be a factor in their success. Safety - Sufficient funding for school and community safety is a priority. Recent events underscore the urgent need to take action now to protect our children. I support the School Board’s decision to place highly trained SRO’s in all Hamilton County Schools and commit to funding that goal. I also support funding initiatives for other security measures, such as panic buttons for teachers, lock-down hallway gates, “hardened” doors and exterior windows. I have spoken with many District 2 residents who also express concern about the safety of their communities. I support funding for proven programs that decrease crime. I also support innovative programs and engagement initiatives to improve community safety.

Hamilton County Commission District 3 Candidates: Rosabelle Gorman Democratic Biographical Info: Education: BS in Business Administration and Organizational Management Occupation: Realtor Website: http://www.votegorman.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/votegorman Twitter: @rosabellegorman Campaign Phone: (423) 488-2926 Questions: Q: As a Hamilton County Commissioner, What would you do to improve the health and quality of life of Hamilton County citizens? A: The quality of life in Hamilton County is directly effected by the level of educational and economic opportunity available to our residents. The Commission's main role is to approve the spending of county tax dollars. With this tool in mind, I intend to be engaged in measuring the success and effectiveness of some of our current initiatives. Are we giving away too much money in incentives to businesses that don't pay a living wage 22 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

and developers that aren't providing affordable housing? Are we holding organizations like the Chattanooga Visitor's Bureau accountable to the same standards that we demand from our county schools or county law enforcement? Where is the long term vision and planning from our county leadership? As county commissioner, I will be proactive in driving a long term vision and fiscal plan in our county. Business, philanthropic, civic and community groups are already engaged in planning for our future. What we've been lacking is leadership in our local government. Q: How will you work to increase job opportunities in Hamilton County? A: The best way to increase job opportunities in our county is to improve our public education system. I worked at Volkswagen in Human Resources from 2009-2012. I was in meetings where the management looked at their projected hiring needs and the availability of qualified local applicants. I know that current and future employers are keenly aware of our workforce pool here in Hamilton County. We need more and better local jobs and the families that live here would be much better served if the money we give away on incentives is instead spent on improving our public education. With a more prepared workforce, we will attract more quality employers and we will be improving the lives of our children and making our community stronger at the same time. We are also underserving our well established, locally owned small businesses. I promise to be a voice for our existing businesses throughout the county, not just startups downtown. Q: What kinds of policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: The responsibility for law enforcement in our community is spread over several government branches- both in the municipalities and the county. The County Commission's power lies in our control of the funding of the Sheriff's department. As Commissioner, I will require more accountability from our Sheriff. Additionally, because of the jail overcrowding that we are experiencing, there will inevitably be more discussions on the county level about building a new jail. We are also spending upwards of $80,000 taxpayer dollars each day to incarcerate our residents. If we continue to see rising crime while at the same time we are experiencing record incarceration, we must ask ourselves if our current law enforcement strategy is working. The only law enforcement official that a citizen in our area can directly elect is the Hamilton County Sheriff. It is vital to our community that we all make a careful decision in our vote for Sheriff on August 2nd. Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: I want to encourage development and growth in our county, but I understand that tax dollars are precious and should be spent with care and purpose. Businesses that receive tax incentives should provide a living wage and should hire locally. I believe we should require tougher language in some of our agreements that would allow for clawbacks from companies that do not live up to their promise to our community. When we raise taxes on our local community, all of our residents feel it. When we give away millions in tax incentives, these projects should be well worth it and should benefit as many of our residents as possible. I will vote to approve only those incentives that meet these standards of fiscal responsibility. Q: What do you feel are the most pressing funding issues facing the Hamilton County Commission, and what are your priorities for funding? A: The three most pressing financial issues in our county are chronically underfunded public schools, overflowing county jails and infrastructure that has not kept up with development. Again, the lack of critical long term planning has resulted in near crisis conditions for all three of these problems. This problem was not created overnight and will not be solved overnight. Residents are rightly fed up with many of these perennial issues, but if new leadership is elected and gets to work proposing a meaningful path forward, I believe residents will be relieved to see incremental progress if they know more is coming. I have a background in facilities management and I've worked on capital project planning and budgeting. No board of directors in a successful private sector company would tolerate the lack of long term budgeting and investment planning from the executives in their employment that we accept from our elected leaders. Hamilton County deserves better. Your vote matters. 23 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Greg Martin Republican Biographical Info: Education: Hixson High School - Bryan College - New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Occupation: Realtor Website: http://electgregmartin.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gregmartindistrict3/ Twitter: @tnvolgregmartin Campaign Phone: (423) 596-7338 Questions: Q: As a Hamilton County Commissioner, What would you do to improve the health and quality of life of Hamilton County citizens? A: Hamilton County has 3 regional parks and 15 community parks comprising 3,875 acres. These parks are the envy of most surrounding counties. Chester Frost, Enterprise South, and the Riverwalk draw thousands of people every year for exercise, leisure, and family outings. While serving on the commission, I voted for resolutions that added to the infrastructure of these facilities and made them more user friendly and accessible for our counties’ citizens. I voted for and supported the effort to find legal ways to address the opioid crisis in our community. This epidemic cripples many families in our community and drains our local government resources. I will continue to lead in this area that threatens the quality of life of our citizens. Q: How will you work to increase job opportunities in Hamilton County? A: More citizens are at work today in Hamilton County compared to the last 199-year history of our government. Unemployment in our county is below national and state levels. Our government needs to continue to be a business friendly environment that attracts living wage job providers like those that we have seen with the addition of Volkswagen, Gestamp, Amazon, and others at Enterprise South. Today, we have over 8,000 jobs at Enterprise South and thousands more in the surrounding area because companies want to invest in Hamilton County. As a former board member of the Hixson Council of the Chamber of Commerce, I know how important living wage jobs are for the viability of a community. I have worked with others to attract new businesses and expand existing businesses. I understand that government does not need to make it difficult for risk takers and entrepreneurs to invest in our community to create the jobs we all desire for our citizens. Q: What kinds of policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: Making our schools, neighborhoods, and communities safe is one of the top priorities of government. If our people do not feel safe, then how can we really have economic development? How can young people learn the skills they need to join the workforce as productive citizens when they do not feel safe in their schools? I support the Sheriff’s initiative to have an SRO in every school to not only address violence, but also, address gangs. Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: I think each proposal to provide tax incentives to businesses wishing to locate or expand here needs to be examined and vetted, individually. The schools should never give up their tax revenue from these incentive plans. If a companies’ proposal provide living wage jobs, then the commission should consider tax incentives. We must remain competitive with other governments that are offering these same companies incentives in competing communities. Q: What do you feel are the most pressing funding issues facing the Hamilton County Commission, and what are your priorities for funding? 24 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

A: As I have spoken with people in District 3 in various community meetings, I learned that what is important to them is education, safety, and economic development. I voted for the enhanced revenue last fall to address these issues. With this resolution, we were able to address some of our school infrastructure needs, begin the process of moving the jail to Silverdale, and provide funding for a future sewage treatment plant on the northern, east side of the county to address growth that is coming there. We still have much to do with infrastructure in our schools. Some schools need consolidation, others rebuilt, and still others, greatly, repaired. I believe our educational facilities need to be the priority for future funding.

Hamilton County Commission District 4 Candidates: Chris Dahl Independent Biographical Info: Occupation: Amateur Historian, Full time Investigator Website: http://www.ChattanoogahasHistory.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChrisDahl1982 Campaign Phone: (423) 693-4731 Questions: Q: As a Hamilton County Commissioner, What would you do to improve the health and quality of life of Hamilton County citizens? A: As a commissioner there is little one vote can do to improve the health of Hamilton County, however, I will to the best of my ability act as a commission watchdog to misspending that endangers the well being of not only residents in my district, but within all of Hamilton County. Especially in regard to issues of water. Q: How will you work to increase job opportunities in Hamilton County? A: Jobs? Sewage doesn't clean itself. Q: What kinds of policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: Gangs could care two flips less about policies. Social issues and criminal issues are very different issues and should be addressed specifically where ever they are found. Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: If businesses can't afford taxes then how can their customers? Q: What do you feel are the most pressing funding issues facing the Hamilton County Commission, and what are your priorities for funding? A: Funding cuts in Fraud, Waste, and Abuse are long overdue in Hamilton County.

25 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Warren Mackey Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Bachelor's in History, Tennessee State University Master's in History, Tennessee State University Doctorate in History, Middle Tennessee State University Occupation: Professor of History at Chattanooga State, 38 years. Retired Website: http://warrenmackey.com Facebook: http://Warren Mackey Campaign Phone: (423) 400-7897 Questions: Q: As a Hamilton County Commissioner, What would you do to improve the health and quality of life of Hamilton County citizens? A: 1. I would push the county’s grant writing staff to aggressively seek grants that focuses on housing, jobs, and health. 2. I would engage the community organizations to meet constantly to protect and advocate for themselves. 3. Obvioulsy, I would push to strengthen the public schools. 4. I would also engage in communication efforts designed to keep the public informed of upcoming health related programs. Q: How will you work to increase job opportunities in Hamilton County? A: 1. I would work closely with the Hamilton County delegation to the state legislature to make sure we are working together. The same would be true for the city council and the other governmental institutions. 2. I would make certain that my school board representative to make certain that the school system had the kind of programs that would provide for a workforce. 3. I would support pilot programs that would attract development in Hamilton County. 4. I would seek to streamline governmental policies in a way that businesses would find it easy to do business in our community. Q: What kinds of policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: Gang violence is a national phenomena and it doesn’t seem that no community has been successful in eradicating gang violence. My best personal proposal would be to strengthen the public schools in a way that would offer programs that would lead to real jobs. Also I would offer programs that would bring the parents into the equation like Parent University along with Baby University. Also I would look to partnering with the city to enhance the recreation centers where they would be made into learning centers like I did at the Avondale Recreation Center (it preceded Berke’s Family and Youth Centers concept). Ultimately I would look for ways to strengthen the family in America. It is well documented that the American family structure has been greatly weaken and succeeding generations are not as strong as the ones preceding it. If the gang issue is going to be successfully addressed it will have to include strengthening the family on some level. Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: The primary reasons for my serving in public life is to help create jobs and to promote an environment wherein men and women are comfortable in investing their money and growing their businesses. In today's environment is it imperative for governments to offer incentives to attract businesses to be sited in their locals. Several years ago I was one of the five Commissioners who voted the tax increase that allowed Hamilton County to put in the infrastructure to attract Volkswagen to move to Hamilton County. We had failed to land the Toyota and the Kia. projects Our reward was to have our picture put on billboards as the bad guys. VWs 2000 job promise has grown to 3400. That number will grow due to the recently announced five seat SUV to be built and that probably to be followed by an electric car and then a truck. Additionally there are 21,000 auto related jobs that have followed. None of this would have occurred without incentives.

26 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: What do you feel are the most pressing funding issues facing the Hamilton County Commission, and what are your priorities for funding? A: 1. The public schools have too many old, under-populated schools. Complicating the situation is the fact that population growth has created the need for more schools that need to be built. Additionally Hamilton County is undergoing a strong migration back into the urban core where they are demanding schools. And unfortunately Commissioners seem to be primarily concerned with schools in their districts Consequently unless a school or other major investment is being made in their district they are less willing to support these investments. 2. Almost equally pressing is the need for a need for a new jail. The sheriff has reported that the downtown jail needs to be closed. As the 4th District County Commissioner my personal inclination is to say that if I had to choose then I would build a school first every time. However the Sheriff that we are in jeopardy of losing our accreditation and thus we will legally be forced to address this issue.

Hamilton County Commission District 6 Candidates: Joseph "Joe" Graham Republican Biographical Info: Candidate did not provide information Questions: Candidate did not provide information

David Sharpe Democratic Biographical Info: Occupation: Businessman Website: http://www.votesharpe.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/votesharpe/ Questions: Q: As a Hamilton County Commissioner, What would you do to improve the health and quality of life of Hamilton County citizens? A: One of the most critical obligations the County Commission has is ensuring our public schools have the resources they need to be successful — the success of our entire community starts there. Q: How will you work to increase job opportunities in Hamilton County? A: One of the largest barriers to good paying jobs in Hamilton County is accessible job training. We have an abundance of job opportunities that our workforce is unprepared for. We need to take steps to increase the accessibility of job training after high school and make sure graduating seniors are equipped to enter those programs. Q: What kinds of policies will you pursue to address the problem of gang violence in Hamilton County? A: There is no clear solution to gang violence in Hamilton County. However, defining a clear pathway to job training for youth in areas of concentrated poverty can help divert at-risk youth away from gang activity. Q: What is your position on tax incentives for businesses? A: - no response – 27 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: What do you feel are the most pressing funding issues facing the Hamilton County Commission, and what are your priorities for funding? A: Commission, and it’s one that we’ve fallen far behind on. We need to ensure that we are doing all we can to help our kids, our schools, and our community be successful. Hamilton County cannot continue to grow and prosper without broader success in public schools, safe streets, and a modern government with an eye on the future.

Tennessee House Tennessee is divided into 99 legislative House districts, each of which elects one representative to a two-year term. All representatives stand for election at the same time.

Tennessee House District 26 Candidates: David Jones Democratic Biographical Info: Education: B.S. Education - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, M.B.A. - Louisiana State University at Shreveport Occupation: Retired Website: http://davidjonesfortnhouse.com/ Campaign Phone: (423) 400-9797 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/davidjonestn26/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidJonesTN Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: Take-home pay is too low; Tennessee ranks near the bottom of states in nearly all measures of income. I will push for an immediate increase in the minimum wage but also, going forward, I will sponsor legislation to increase the minimum wage annually by the rate of inflation. Small, annual increases in the minimum wage will better allow businesses to adjust to an increase in labor costs. Furthermore, to offset the effect of increases in the minimum wage on businesses, I will push for increased investment in primary and secondary education so that our students leave school better qualified for jobs and more productive for their employers. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: If we want a Tennessee that works for everyone, we need to acknowledge that the other guy is not always wrong. We need representatives, whatever their party, who listen first, and lead second. Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: The opioid crisis will require a multi-pronged approach. Prescribing physicians, pharmaceutical companies, legislators, family therapists, opioid users and other stakeholders must all be a part of crafting solution(s) for this horrible problem. 28 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: The benefits of DACA far outweigh the liabilities for Tennesseans. Children, who are here already and seeking to become productive members of our society, should not be penalized for factors out of their control, such as the so-called "sins of their parents." Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: Belng for the Second Amendment while, at the same time, being for common sense gun laws is not an irreconcilable position. I would like to see background checks required for virtually all sales transactions in order to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. Surely there is common ground that we can find in Tennessee between the two extremes on the continuum of 1) "anyone can possess any firearm anytime" and 2) " no one can ever possess a firearm of any type."

Gerald McCormick Republican Biographical Info: Candidate did not provide information Questions: Candidate did not provide information

Tennessee House District 27 Candidates: Patsy Hazlewood Republican Biographical Info: Candidate did not provide information Questions: Candidate did not provide information

Brent Morris Democratic Biographical Info: Education: University of Chattanooga BA Philosophy Vanderbilt University MA Philosophy Vanderbilt Medical School MD Occupation: Pediatrician Facebook: http://Brent S Morris @tennesseedistric27 Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: Doing right by the children in District 27 is the most important issue for the community. That means striving for the best in education, healthcare and safety. It starts with affordable accessible day care and includes universal, progressive inclusive elementary and secondary education, with enhanced resources beyond high school as well. Healthcare is a human right. The children and mothers of Tennessee deserve the continuation of 29 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

TennCare, the uninsured of the Tennessee deserve access to Medicaid by its expansion in Tennessee. The Hamilton County Health Department needs additional resources. The safety of the children in District 27 demands the implementation of common sense gun laws that include banning assault weapons, limiting magazine capacity, universal comprehensive background checks, red flag laws, and giving local sheriffs control of local venues. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: Party lines are not meant to be enemy lines. They should actually be the boundary lines that help start the process to a common solution to shared problems. Successful governance is more a bending to the middle than a retreat to the edge. At the very least the parties behind the lines should respect each other as persons rather than abstract ideologies. Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: The opiod crisis is multifactoral. All of the factors need to be addressed to succeed in dealing with it. 1) Provide adequate healthcare to the people of Tennessee. Those with regular healthcare providers are less likely to be cared for in the Emergency Room where initial exposure to opiod will occur and where follow up is less likely. Those who are addicted need more medical care, not less. 2) Train medical providers in the science of pain and pain management. Make non-opiod pain management the preferred method. 3) Eliminate the detailing of opiods by pharmaceutical companies.. 4) Control opoid manufacture, distribution and prescription. 5)Expand treatment resources, not jail cells. 6)Expand law enforcement efforts to identify and interdict illicit sources of opiods. 7)Address root causes of addiction: Poverty, unemployment, etc. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: DACA recipients should be treated as Tennessee residents. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: To keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence demands the implementation of common sense gun laws that include banning assault weapons, limiting magazine capacity, universal comprehensive background checks, red flag laws, and giving local sheriffs control of local venues.

Tennessee House District 28 Candidates: Jackie Anderson Thomas Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Bachelor Criminal Justice Master Criminal Justice Master Social Work Licensed Cosmetologist Occupation: Social Worker Website: http://www.jackiethomas2018.com Campaign Phone: (423) 227-7592 Facebook: http://Jackie Anderson Thomas Questions: 30 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: The most important issue facing citizens who live in District 28 has been the ineffective educational system for that area. Currently District 28 encompasses what is known as the Opportunity School Zone,an area in which 12 of the lowest performing school are located. No other district has such numbers, therefore you must ask yourself what are the contributing factors to such low performance? The barriers that affect outcomes such as social economics and stability are all located within this district. Factors of poverty, family unemployment,homelessness, English is Second Language (ESL) and crime all affect the well-being of children. I will advocate for more funding for early childhood education that will help strengthen the foundation of all children throughout the state. I will also, work with local educational leaders and experts on the utilization of evidence base teaching that address the holistic approach when teaching children with barriers of social economics issue. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: It is very important to reach across party lines, simply because you will be addressing the need of all people. I have been told often you must address the “Greater need for the greatest amount of people” and that is what I plan to do. My focus will be on People, not Party. Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: When dealing with issues of Opioid additions the method I would propose would be based on expert’s recommendation of the best evidence based treatment programs. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: The most recent legislation that passed committee vote in regards to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was in-state college tuition. After, many years such approval is long overdue to those DACA recipients who have been educated within our TN schools. Research has shown the positive impact DACA recipient have provided to our economy. I would favor legislation that gives DACA recipients a chance to permanently live in America. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: There are many factors in regards to gun violence and concern on how to keep citizens safe. I will consider all of those factors when voting on legislation that address those issues. However, I would support legislation that would allow mentally stable citizens the right to bear arms, but not weapons of war. Weapons of war have no place in the home in my opinion. Also, I will not support any legislatution that gives teachers the right to carry guns in schools.

31 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Dennis Clark Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Some College Education. Studied Public Administration at Middle Tennessee State University (2002-2005) Occupation: Entrepreneur Website: http://DennisClark.org Campaign Phone: (423) 228-0830 Facebook: http://ClarkForTNRep Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: State House District 28 is a very diverse district with very diverse needs. However, there are major disparities that are disproportionately impacting African Americans in my community. 30 percent of African Americans ages 18 to 24 do not have a high school diploma, and our neighborhood schools rank in the bottom 5%, making District 28 schools the worst in the state. African American households make an average of $26,787 per year, while for whites it’s $51,548. 60% of Black children live in poverty, compared to 16.5% of white children and the unemployment rate for black males without a diploma is 53%. I believe we can do better. I propose to address these issues by creating access to new jobs, increase education opportunities at our priority schools, address youth delinquency, combat violent criminals, strengthen families, and improve economic opportunities for our neighbors who struggle to make ends meet. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: I believe working across party lines is imperative to legislative success. Not all matters are partisan issues and will require people from all walks of life to work together to pass common-sense laws that beneficially impact both Democrats and Republicans. I believe we are stronger together and when we can work together to enact legislation that improves the quality of life for all Tennesseeans regardless of race, gender, religion, political party and socio-economic position, then we all win. Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: Nearly 12 million people fell prey to opioid addiction in 2016 alone, contributing to 64,000 drug overdose deaths in the same year. Although the opioid crisis a national issue, states are left with the financial burden and social impact of this addiction disease. There is a lot of methods I favor in dealing with the crisis in Tennesse such as Improving opioid addiction treatment and increase addiction care in the criminal justice system. However, I also believe that putting better information in the hands of the prescribers and pharmacists who have a responsibility not to dispense to patients who may be at risk for abuse of these drugs is important in dealing with the opioid crisis. I favor improving technological tools such a universal database that prescribers and pharmacist can use to identify those who are chronic opioid abusers. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: In Tennessee, DACA has allowed more than 8,300 young people to come forward, pass background checks, and live and work legally in the country. Ending DACA would cost Tennessee more than $347.3 million in annual GPD losses. I favor any legislative changes in conjunction with the federal law that would allow 32 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

protections for people brought into the country illegally as children, including extending in-state tuition for children living in the country illegally who wish to pursue the American dream and be productive taxpaying citizens. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: I support any legislation that would keep all citizens safe from gun violence. I stand with organizations such as Tennesse Moms Demand Action who support the 2nd Amendment, but also believes in common-sense solutions that can help decrease the escalating health epidemic of gun violence that kills too many of our children and loved ones every day. For instance, I support legislation that makes firearm accessories such as "Bump Stocks" illegal. I also support The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) proposed rule clarifying the federal law and regulating bump stocks.

Yusuf Hakeem Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Howard High School Chattanooga State Occupation: Retired Website: http://www.yusufhakeem.com Campaign Phone: (423) 883-4255 Facebook: http://facebook.com/hakeemforhouse28 Twitter: hakeemforhouse Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: While there are numerous pressing issues in HD 28, education continues to be at the top of the list. All five of the lowest performing public schools in Hamilton County are in District 28. National studies show that education level is tied to numerous things including the likelihood of being uninsured, health, lifespan and for women, the likelihood of being a victim of domestic violence. In Hamilton county alone, attaining less than a HS education puts you in the 25% pool of uninsured vs attaining a bachelor’s degree or higher at only 3% uninsured. I will be an advocate in the legislature for fully funding and updating the BEP formula in TN. The BEP was last updated in 2007 prior to numerous education reforms. The formula does not take into account the rising cost of education, inflation, enrollment and attendance challenges, and the new mandates to improve the state’s lowest-performance schools. These efforts require additional staff and expensive intervention programs. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: It is very important to be able to work across the political aisle to support good legislation no matter who proposes it. If elected, I would be in the minority party and that requires me to find pieces of legislation I can support while trying to introduce legislation and compromise to get majority support for them. I learned early in my public service career that it is necessary to build bridges to pass meaningful legislation. That lesson served me well in 2014 when I sponsored a Ban the Box resolution for Chattanooga city government. I worked diligently to build a coalition that not only passed the resolution but also passed a referendum in November 2016. It is still my hope that private employers in Hamilton County will see the benefit and join us in not asking about criminal history until later in the interview process or after hiring. 33 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: First, let me say, I am supportive of any and all methods, funding and legislation that helps eliminate the current opiate crisis in TN. In 2016, Hamilton County recorded 53 overdose deaths involving an opioid. I believe the legislation just passed to limit the opiate prescription to a patients is a start to eliminate people becoming dependent on prescribed opiates. Insurance companies are also monitoring doctor prescription rates for opioids. Healthcare companies have also provided kiosks in many pharmacies to dispose of old and unused medication. Tennessee is one of six states suing Purdue Pharma for its role in creating and perpetuating the ongoing opioid crisis. I support this effort to hold the company liable for fueling an opioid crisis that claims the lives of three Tennesseans every day. We have to offer more beds to treat persons who are already addicted. I will fight for funding to treat opiate addiction with any proven method. It is not an option to do nothing. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: While DACA is a federal issue, Tennessee could set policy for our state that would be welcoming to persons who qualify for DACA. Four years ago, the TN House of Representatives was only 1 vote shy of making public colleges in Tennessee provide in state tuition to immigrants who qualify. In Tennessee, DACA has allowed 8,300 Tennesseans to come forward and pass background checks and be employed legally. Ending DACA would cost Tennessee more than $347.3 million in annual GDP losses. A recent nationwide survey finds that after receiving DACA, recipients moved to jobs with better pay (69 %), gaining greater access to employment that matches their education and training (54 %) and to jobs with better working conditions (56 %). I support DACA and it is not renewed at the federal level, I support Tennessee finding a way to be inclusive of the undocumented immigrants that make up 5% our state's population. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: I will support any legislation to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence. Tennessee had 527 murders committed by gun in 2017 with 81 involving domestic related incidents. I support requiring a permit to purchase a gun, and stricter gun laws including supporting more training and stricter background checks for persons who apply for open carry of a weapon. I also support closing the gun show loophole where any one can purchase a gun with no background check or ID. I support handing out gun locks at community events and a public service campaign to make parents aware of not leaving guns setting around loaded where minor children or inexperienced adults could access them and kill themselves or others. I also support legislation (that has failed in the last two sessions) requiring adults to be charged with negligent homicide if they leave access to a gun that a minor child finds and injures or kills them self or another person.

Melody Shekari Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Juris Doctorate, University of Southern California; Masters of Public Administration, University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance; BS Economics and International Relations, Bentley University Occupation: Attorney Website: http://melodyshekari.com Campaign Phone: (423) 228-0267 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/melody.shekari/ Twitter: melodyshekari Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? 34 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

A: We all need to feel that we are better off today than we were yesterday and that we are creating a bright future for ourselves and our children. The best way to accomplish this is to create an expanding middle class. We cannot continue to slide into a two-class society comprised of the haves and the have-nots. I will put forward innovative government policies that will create jobs that pay decent livable wages. I support 21st century schools that prepare our kids for lives of prosperity instead of poverty. Finally, I will fight for equal pay for equal work. Women should be paid the same as men, and black and brown people should be paid the same as their white counterparts. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: We are all more alike than we are different. All parents want well-paying jobs and great schools for their kids. We all want to live in safe neighborhoods and drive cars on roads and bridges that are well-maintained. I absolutely believe in reaching across party lines to pass legislation that improves the lives of all Tennesseans. As legislators, we should value the humanity and dignity in each of us. I will look for points of agreement rather than give in to partisan politics. Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: First of all, we have to quit treating all addicts as criminals and recognize that addiction is an illness. We can provide rehabilitation at a fraction of the cost of incarceration. Second, all law enforcement and emergency services personnel should be equipped with Naloxone (or Narcan). The first step in rehabilitating an addict is keeping him or her alive. Naloxone has saved many lives and provided second chances to thousands of people. Finally, we have to do a better job of educating doctors and other medical practitioners. Far too many prescriptions for opioids are written every day in Tennessee. We must develop better pain management strategies so that fewer people become addicted. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: First of all, I want to acknowledge that DACA is a federal program. So, our state legislature ultimately is not empowered to resolve DACA issues. Having said this, I am very much in favor of reasonable immigration policies that make our country and state better. It makes no sense whatsoever that we would participate in rounding up and deporting young people who were brought to this country as young children. These kids have been raised in our communities with our culture and values. Data indicates that DACA immigrants make huge contributions to society and are not threats to either neighborhood safety or national security. DACA recipients should definitely receive in-state tuition from our state colleges and universities. These individuals and their families have paid taxes, attended our churches and schools, and have been good neighbors. They have earned the right to advance their education at the same cost as any other Tennessee resident. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: So many of us simply focus on school and mass shootings. The fact is that the #1 cause of gun deaths is suicide, followed in second place by domestic violence. Gun violence caused by gangs and other criminal activity pales by comparison. So, if we are serious about decreasing gun violence, we must first keep guns out of the hands of people with mental illness and those involved in violent domestic relationships. When I am in the legislature, I will advocate expanding mental health services, instituting comprehensive background checks for ALL gun sales, and increasing services and resources for abused and battered spouses. I support the second Amendment 100 percent. Tennesseans have fought hard to defend our constitutional rights. With great rights also go great responsibilities. I believe in our right to own and bear arms, but we must honor this right by doing 35 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

so safely, responsibly, with the utmost regard for our lives and those of our fellow Tennesseans.

Lemon C. Williams, Jr Republican Biographical Info: Education: Chattanooga Central High School, Chattanooga State, University of Tennessee at Knoxville Occupation: Management Consultant and Partner, The Ionado Group Website: http://www.lemonwilliams.com Campaign Phone: (423) 451-6764 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LemonWilliams2018/ Twitter: @LemonTN2018 Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: There is not a single issue that is most important; safety in our schools, reentry of people in to the workforce, vocational training opportunities, infrastructure improvements; however, I believe the best place to start is with economic development, so I will push for strategic legislation to enable that encourage businesses to thrive in the district and be a champion for more beneficial public-private partnerships to provide desirable, employable, and transferable job skills to increase district residents’ share of the local workforce. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: I believe that we are all in one Chattanooga together. We are all neighbors. My goal is a stronger community for all with opportunities that abound for everyone. I don't like to dwell on differences, I prefer being a tireless advocate for real solutions! Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: I am in favor of expanding access to treatment and recovery efforts that have proven successful, such as faith-based rehabilitation. I also believe in investing in prevention and intervention efforts in our schools and by law enforcement to address the problem at its roots and stop the spread of addiction before it takes hold and destroys lives. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: At this time, I am comfortable with the approach the state has taken on Deferred Action recipients and would propose no changes without more information. Consistent with this is my belief that an opportunity to succeed in this community should be available to as many as possible. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: At present, I feel Tennessee should vigorously enforce the gun laws we already have instead of enact new legislation. I support responsible gun ownership and would not be in favor of any restrictions that infringe on the rights of the law-abiding or whose criteria could introduce a bias towards any group of people not posing a threat to society through demonstrated willingness or intent to harm others.

36 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Brandon D. Woodruff Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (2011) MTSU B.S. Political Science (2016) Lipscomb Uni Occupation: Entrepreneur/Licensed Insurance Professional Questions: Candidate did not provide information

Tennessee House District 29 Candidates: Mike Carter Republican Biographical Info: Candidate did not provide information Questions: Candidate did not provide information

Tammy Magouirk Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Bachelors Lee University, Masters Lincoln Memorial, Doctorate Liberty University Occupation: Teacher Website: http://votetammymagouirk.com Campaign Phone: (423) 310-0217 Facebook: http:////www.facebook.com/Votetammymagouirk Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: I believe that healthcare is the most important issue facing Tennesseans. Governor Haslam’s Insure Tennessee plan has been blocked by the Republican Legislators. His plan would expand healthcare to 250, 000 Tennessee families. When I am elected my first priority will be to expand health coverage for Tennesseans. Our families will be healthier and our hospitals will remain open. In addition I will support legislation that will prevent insurance companies from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions, and I will support legislation to keep young people on their parents’ insurance. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important 37 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: Briefly explain your answer A: I will support any idea that benefits Tennesseans regardless of whose idea it is. I will always be willing to work with others regardless of their party affiliation. A good idea is a good idea regardless of who comes up with it. Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: Opioid addiction is destroying Tennessee’s families. When I get to Nashville, not only will I push to increase funding for alcohol and drug treatment, but I will push for a study to investigate why Tennessee has an opioid crisis and how we can avoid opioid addiction. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: DACA workers are legal immigrants who have work permits and who have passed background checks. There are approximately 7,064 DACA workers in Tennessee, and they contribute an estimated $338 million annually. Most have been here since they were 6 years old, and 90% are employed. They contribute billions of dollars through taxes to Social Security and Medicaid without being entitled to receive those services. I will work to make sure that the Dreamers realize their dreams of becoming American citizens. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: Gun violence is a real issue for Tennesseans. Guns in the home make it more likely that a family member will be harmed. Among children more gun deaths occur at home with children playing with a loaded gun in the absence of a parent. Most suicides are carried out with guns in the home, and domestic abuse is more likely to turn deadly with a gun in the home. I will advocate for trigger locks to be a mandatory part of a gun sale, to increase the purchase age of an assault weapon to 21 instead of 18, and to close the loophole in background checks.

Tennessee House District 30 Candidates: Esther Helton Republican Biographical Info: Candidate did not provide information Questions: Candidate did not provide information

J Michael Holloway Independent Biographical Info: Education: Jones School of Law, Faulkner University, JD 2014 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga BA 2011 Occupation: Attorney Campaign Phone: (423) 498-2105 Questions: 38 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: The importance if each issue is subjective. The most important thing facing citizens of Tennessee, and citizens of the United States in general, is a lack of respect for others and opposing view points. We must be able to listen and respect each others positions on the issues facing us if we are ever able to move forward and resolve any of them. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: Legislation should be crafted and enacted with the benefit of all in mind, and the best way to attempt to benefit all is to listen to all. Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: Legalize Marijuana. Offer needle exchanges, if we are not already offering them. Actually using current statistics to understand the root problem of the current opioid epidemic, i.e., heroin and fentanyl, as opposed to over prescribing by doctors. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: In-state tuition means in-state tuition for individuals who reside in Tennessee. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: Rather than refusing to even think about listening to people and families impacted by gun violence, or those who lawfully exercise their rights, our legislators should listen to the people and make a genuinely informed decision on the matter. I would support the enactment of a red flag law and a ban on modifying weapons to change their rate of fire. I would support legislation to eliminate the private sale of firearms, other than an interfamilial transfer, meaning a person could not purchase a firearm other than through a properly licensed dealer or retailer. It is important to note, however, that our existing system does work, but is in need of improvement: better reporting of convictions or adjudications wherein the individual has been lawfully deprived of their right to use, own, or possess a firearm. Tennessee currently requires a carry permit in order to carry a pistol on your person, concealed or open.

Jonathan Mason Republican Biographical Info: Candidate did not provide information Questions: Candidate did not provide information

39 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Joda Thongnopnua Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Bachelors of Science, University at Tennessee of Chattanooga; Public Policy Occupation: Executive Director, Metro Ideas Project Website: http://votejoda.com Campaign Phone: (423) 406-4117 Facebook: http://facebook.com/votejoda Twitter: http://twitter.com/jodathongnopnua Questions: Q: What do you feel is the most important issue facing citizens of Tennessee who live in your district, and how do you propose to address this issue? A: I firmly believe that working families in Tennessee deserve someone who is willing to fight for them, not another rubber stamp for political leaders in Nashville. I grew up in a working family in East Ridge, Tennessee, and I saw my parents work their way into the middle class. For far too many, people are working harder than ever before but are still struggling to make ends meet. The path into the middle class grows narrower and the promise of opportunity further away each year. I believe we must invest more in public education, raise wages, and ensure everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare. Furthermore, everyone in our great state deserves access to fair credit, not predatory lenders who aim to keep them trapped in debt. Those are the issues that I'm focused on, because I believe in fighting for working families. Q: How important is it to you that state representatives in Tennessee’s General Assembly be willing to reach across party lines in crafting and enacting legislation? A: Very important Q: Briefly explain your answer A: In Tennessee, I know our state has done best under pragmatic, moderate leadership. From Howard Baker to Phil Bredesen, politicians who believe in sensible solutions over ideological purity tests are who help make our state the best it can be. That's why I'm committed to working with anyone, regardless of party or creed, who is willing to work with me to pass legislation that will benefit working families in Tennessee and my district. That means that not every bill or amendment will be perfect or exactly what I want, but that's what's great about our governing model—we can work together to achieve good for our community, together. Q: What methods do you favor for better dealing with opioid addiction in Tennessee? A: I think the proposal Governor Haslam has proposed is a good first step. However, any plan to address the opioid crisis without expanding Medicaid is a plan proposed in bad faith. Medicaid radically expands treatment options, including U.S. Guard and Reserve veterans who don't often qualify for Veterans Affairs benefits. Individuals with access to Medicaid are far more likely to seek treatment over those with private insurance or no insurance at all. That's not a coincidence, 4 in 10 individuals who are treated for opioid addiction are covered by Medicaid. If we want to address this scourge in our community, we need to get real about the solution—and no real solution doesn't include expanding Medicaid. Q: Do you feel any changes should be made in how Tennessee deals with DACA recipients, and, if so, what changes would you favor? A: It's unfortunate that the federal government hasn't addressed the anxious gray area that so many of these young people are dealing with. These are the best kinds of people in our country. Many of whom have served as veterans, teachers, and business leaders in our community; they don't have a criminal record, many have a college degree, and they all are patriots who believe in the values that are core to the American experience. As 40 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

the son of an immigrant, I believe that the American experience is fundamentally shared with the people who came here seeking a better life. I can think of no better investment than to ensure these Americans in all-butpaperwork, many of whom know no other language than English and have known no other country, have access to our education system and are treated as Americans in all of the ways that we have the legal authority to offer them. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? A: Over 90 percent of Americans believe in universal background checks for gun sales, and I count myself among them. This is an easy step to ensure that the people who have the great responsibility and right to own a firearm are not a present danger to themselves or others. We know that people who have demonstrated a past history of violence are far more likely to commit a violent act in the future; be it domestic violence, causing harm to children, or gang-related activity. These folks shouldn't have access to firearms. I know this is a contentious issue for many people as guns represent a valued tradition and personal protection in many of our lives—it's my priority that law-abiding gun-owners don't have to worry about a violent criminal in the grocery store, in their schools, or in the gun-range stall next to them.

Tennessee Senate The Tennessee state senate is the upper house of Tennessee's legislature, the Tennessee General Assembly. State Senators serve a term of four years. 33 Senators serve in the State Senate, with no term limits.

Tennessee Senate District 11 candidates: Randall "Randy" Price Democratic Biographical Info: Education: Graduate of North Whitfield High School, Attended Dalton College and Chattanooga State. Occupation: Broadcasting/News Reporter Website: http://Price4tnsenate.com Campaign Phone: (423) 593-2192 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Price4TnSenate/ Twitter: @Price4TnSenate.com Questions: Q: What do you feel are the most important issues facing citizens of Tennessee, and how do you propose to address these issues? A: Medicaid Expansion, Responsible Gun Ownership, Properly funding Education and Teacher's Salaries, Wage growth and a Minimum Wage increase, Economic Growth, Infrastructure Q: What methods would you favor for decreasing the threat of gun violence in Tennessee? A: We need universal background checks on any firearm purchase. Add to that a reduction in the size of magazines and a ban on any military type weapon. Also, red flag laws that would help prevent incidents involving the mentally ill or someone with a fringe ideology and raising the age for purchase to 21. We should not arm teachers.

41 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Q: Do you think access to healthcare in Tennessee needs to be improved, and, if so, what measures would you support to improve this access? A: The answer to this problem has been right in front of our lawmakers. Expand Medicare. Doing so would make affordable health care available to thousands of Tennesseans, keep rural hospitals open, serving their community, and retain those healthcare jobs locally. Q: Do you support or oppose making the process easier for some felons to have voting rights restored? A: Support Q: Briefly explain your answer A: My understanding is once you have served your time you have paid your debt to society. To withhold the rights of citizenship because you have had problems in the past seems vindictive. Incarceration, in theory, is not only punishment for a crime but also rehabilitation. Aren't we setting up these folks to fail if we do not restore their civil rights across the board once their debt has been paid? This is also an attempt to restrict voting in certain communities. Q: What is your position on net neutrality? A: The internet is the lifeblood of commerce in this day and age, especially for small businesses, and access should not be restricted in any way. ISP's should not be able to give preference to one "site" or service over another.

Bo Watson Republican Biographical Info: Candidate did not provide information Questions: Candidate did not provide information

42 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 2, 2018 Primary and General Elections Primary elections will be held for Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), and Tennessee House of Representatives. General elections will be held for Circuit Court Judge, Div. 4, County Mayor, County Commission Districts 1-9, County Trustee, Sheriff, Circuit Court Clerk, Criminal Court Clerk, Juvenile Court Clerk, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Hamilton County School Board Districts 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9. Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 3, 2018 Early Voting Period: Friday, July 13– Saturday, July 28, 2018

Tuesday, November 6, 2018 General Election General elections will be held for Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), and Tennessee House of Representatives. Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Early Voting Period: Wednesday, October 17 – Thursday, November 1, 2018

43 Copyright 2006 League of Women Voters. All rights reserved.