Candidate Review
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
This e-brochure was developed and distributed by the Jackson Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee and our sponsors so that Jackson Chamber members can have more information about candidates’ positions prior to voting. Candidates in the August, 2018 County General Election were invited to respond to a question, as well as to provide short biographical information. Each candidate was instructed that he or she could use 75 words or less to answer the question. As we have done in the past, only candidates in contested races who were candidates of record as of the Madison County Election Commission deadline, and who have not withdrawn from their races, are included in this brochure. The information shown for each candidate is the response provided by that candidate.
* denotes the Incumbent in the individual race, if there is one.
This information is provided to you by our Governmental Affairs Sponsors and the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Jackson Chamber, 197 Auditorium, Jackson, Tennessee. Questions? Call us at 731-423-2200.
The question for the candidates is, “For the position that you are seeking, what do you see as the two most important issues of concern for the constituents that you will be representing, and how do you plan to address these issues?”
County Commission District 2, Position 2
Adrian Montague
411 Westwood Avenue • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: B.A. in History and MBA, UTM Occupation & Employer: Sales Representative at Steve Marsh Ford; Former Army captain
RESPONSE TO QUESTION:
Education and fiscal responsibility. I believe that a primary duty of the County Commission is to ensure that our public education system is adequately funded so we can set our kids up for success. The Commission also needs to be responsible stewards of our tax dollars. I plan to work closely with the school board and also fully examine our county budget in order to find ways where we can do better with our spending.
Stan Harris
Bill Ragon*
88 Willowridge Circle • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: Nursing, UTM; Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Occupation & Employer: CRNA at West Tennessee Healthcare
RESPONSE TO QUESTION:
I strive to be a good steward of the taxpayers money. The most important aspect of this elected position is to fairly appropriate tax funds and to ensure county services, education, Sheriff’s Department, and transportation are funded adequately. Additionally, it is my job to improve the quality of life for the residents in our district, including the development of parks, bike trails, and ball fields. I want to see this community thrive.
Steve Little • Brad Little
County Commission District 4, Position 1
Cyndi Bryant*
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
50 Oakmont Place • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: University of Mississippi Occupation & Employer: County Commission RESPONSE TO QUESTION: The most important issue concerning our community is education. Now, serving on the County Commission I’ve found Dr. Eric Jones and the School Board exceptional in our common goal of education. I support Dr. Jones’ proposed plan and look forward to working with the Board to accomplish this. Secondly, we must protect our community from crime, which knows no color. Our jail does not meet state standards, thus, forcing us to address these issues.
Almeta Ellis
284 Old Hickory Blvd • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: Alexander Elementary; West Jackson; North Parkway; Jackson Central Merry High School; B.S., University of Memphis; M.S., University of Central Arkansas Employer: Entrepreneur RESPONSE TO QUESTION: Socrates stated that the secret to change is to focus all of your energy not into fighting the old but on building the new. Our county is currently in a state of regression, the issue of funding a jail over education is an old problem. I plan to build our community by adequately funding our public school system. Our community is losing young professionals annually. Proper funding is the key to keeping our talent local.
District 4, Position 2
Billy Spain*
33 Belle Trace Cove • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: Lambuth College transferring to International Accountant’s Society to get qualifications to take the CPA Exam Occupation & Employer: Retired Certified Public Accountant - 45 years; Madison County Commissioner - 8 years RESPONSE TO QUESTION: Two most important issues of concern and how I will address them: l. Getting the new jail constructed within the budgeted funds As a member of the Financial Management Committee, I will monitor the cost incurred each month. 2. Keeping a balanced budget each year which will not require a tax increase As a Financial Management Committee member, I will monitor each expense account monthly to assure there are no budget overruns.
Stan Harris
Steve Little • Brad Little
County Commission
District 4, Position 2 (cont.)
James Watford
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
No information was received from this candidate.
District 5, Position 2
Claudell Brown*
41 Carlos Drive • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: Merry High School; Lane College; Memphis State University; Southwest Texas State University, San Marcus Texas (Lyndon B. Johnson School of Government and Public Policy); University of Tennessee Center for Government Training Occupation & Employer: Minister; Retired former Federal, State and Local Government Employee RESPONSE TO QUESTION: Elderly, underemployed, rural residents and students face many important issues. I will continue to work toward: 1. More open government initiative by A. Advocating major issues (jail, new taxes, etc.) be voted by citizens, by referendum B. Improving notification/scheduling of public hearings/ meetings leading to more open government and citizen participation 2. Better preparedness for winter road conditions by: A. Re-assessing and funding the Highway Dept. B. Additional salt trucks
Greg D. Hammond
20 Alta Vista Drive • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: B.A. in Communications, UTM; Professional Occupational Licenses in Electronic Media Occupation & Employer: Career and Technical Education Teacher for Jackson-Madison County Schools. Former television sports anchor. RESPONSE TO QUESTION: Adequate funding and support for our public schools is the most critical issue for the residents in District 5. Discussing our school system’s challenges openly and honestly while taking measures to address those issues is what I will do as a member of the county commission. Many families in Madison County don’t see public education as an option. My goal is to work with others to change that trend. Community success begins with public schools.
DON’T FORGET TO
Stan Harris
Steve Little • Brad Little
County Commission District 7, Position 1
Terry Spearman
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
No information was received from this candidate.
Gary Tippett
3745 Brownsville Highway • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: High school and some college Occupation & Employer: Self-employed farmer RESPONSE TO QUESTION: I feel the two most important concerns, constituents in my district are facing, are education and road conditions. Education is a major concern, and I look forward to hearing from the people in district 7. I will work hard to make their ideas heard. As a former county commissioner I was on the highway committee, and we improved many of the roads in District 7. If elected again I will continue to resolve this issue.
District 7, Position 2
Aaron “Billy” Ellison
138 Estonallie Road • Mercer, TN 38392 Education: Business courses at West Tennessee Business College; Extended Studies at Jackson State Community College; Certified in County Government Occupation & Employer: Retired RESPONSE TO QUESTION: I am a lifelong citizen in District 7. I KNOW the PULSE of the people in District 7. The two MOST important issues of concern for my constituents are BETTER ROADS and BETTER ROADS. I am driven to serve diligently to make sure District 7 gets an equal proportion of tax dollars for BETTER ROADS. My motivation is to serve the people and be a strong reliable voice in County Government.
Larry Sipes*
2500 Hwy 138 • Mercer, TN 38392 Age: 45 Education: 2,600+ hrs. Diploma and Technical Degree Occupation & Employer: Full time Commissioner RESPONSE TO QUESTION: The two most important issues that we need to address are the conditions of our roads and the priorities of our spending.
DON’T FORGET TO
Stan Harris
Steve Little • Brad Little
County Mayor Harrell Carter
65 Bayberry • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: Associate degree in Political Science from Jackson State Community College; Lane College; Certificate - American Baptist College of Theology (Jackson Campus); Certified Public Administrator, University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service; Certified Law Enforcement Training, Tennessee and Washington State Law Enforcement Training Academies; Specialist in Criminal & Narcotics Investigation & Basic Law, Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy, Donelson, TN Occupation & Employer: U.S. Army (Vietnam Era) Veteran; Past Chair, United Way of West Tennessee; Founding Member and Deputy Commander of the JMC Metro Narcotics Division; Former President of the Jackson Madison County NAACP; Founding Member of the Wo/Men’s Resource and Rape Assistance (WRAP) Former President of the East Jackson Boys and Girls Club; Former Madison County Commissioner; Founding Member of the Jackson Madison County Imagination Library
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
RESPONSE TO QUESTION: Our most important community assets in Jackson-Madison County, is our children. We must prioritize their future by investing in local education, NOW. As a former law enforcement officer, I know the building of more jails is not the answer and that expanding age appropriate high quality pre-school education to every child in Madison County will secure our future growth. We do this by offering alternatives to incarceration; community service, supervised probation, etc.”
Jimmy Harris*
100 East Main Street, Room 302 • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: B.S. in Engineering Technology, Memphis State University Occupation & Employer: Madison County Mayor RESPONSE TO QUESTION: The continued improvement of our school system is the most critical concern for Madison County. We must continue to encourage and support our superintendent and school board through community involvement and sound financial support for the improvement of our schools. Continue to develop plans for the expansion of our jail in order to comply with the Plan of Action as stipulated by the State. We will always strive to be good stewards of our taxpayer’s dollars.
DON’T FORGET TO
Stan Harris
Steve Little • Brad Little
City Court Clerk Daryl Hubbard*
10 Winchester Cove • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: Bachelor’s degree from Knoxville College, graduate work at Memphis State University and Freed Hardeman University Occupation & Employer: City Court Clerk
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
RESPONSE TO QUESTION: The citizens of Jackson need a dependable individual to continue to maintain a growing docket and also be able to work with people in mitigating circumstances. The clerk’s office must also continue to be an independent entity that works with other agencies, but must also be responsive to the public at large. I plan to continue to work with other agencies on a daily basis, and also continue to be a public servant.
Monique Merriweather
27 Auburndale Cove • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: M.B.A. Occupation & Employer: Consultant for West Tennessee Business College RESPONSE TO QUESTION: I will address the culture and morale of the city court office and the budget. My goal is to create a customer friendly environment by incorporating professional development training, culture sensitivity and diversity training. I will establish and build healthy productive relationships with all agencies that work within Jackson city court. I will work on balancing the budget by reducing and or eliminating careless spending and hire staff that aggressively work on collecting delinquent fines.
School Board District 1
Christi Collins
Education: Bachelor degree of Social Work and Master’s of Social Work, Union University Occupation & Employer: Correctional Counselor III at the Tennessee Department of Correction Day Reporting at the Community Resource Center in Madison County RESPONSE TO QUESTION: As a candidate for School Board, the two most important issues of concern that I represent are school safety and teacher support. As a social worker, I would like to have all school faculty and staff trained on recognizing red flag behaviors in an effort to intervene and hopefully prevent school violence. Also, I desire to facilitate a conversation to bridge the gap between the school board and teachers, and foster support for staff.
Stan Harris
Steve Little • Brad Little
School Board District 1 (cont.)
James ‘Pete’ Johnson
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
200 Denmark-Leighton Road • Denmark, TN 38391 Education: West High School; B.B.A., Lambuth College; M.B.A., Union University Occupation & Employer: Business Manager at CORECIVIC in Whiteville, TN RESPONSE TO QUESTION: The slow progress in improving reading skills and the lack of accessibility to technology in this rural District are two of my areas of concern. I plan to lobby for additional Pre-K funding from public and private sources. In addition I will support teacher’s access to more professional development opportunities in literacy instruction. I will also engage local and state elected officials in accelerating the recently passed Broadband Accessibility Act.
District 4, Position 1
Dave Bault
9 Overlook Cove • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: B.A. Biblical Studies, Christian Life College Occupation & Employer: Commercial Sales Manager at Leaffilter Gutter Protection RESPONSE TO QUESTION: We must Keep our Kids Safe. I have three Boys in the JMCSS. it is vital that we address Bus Safety, Tornado Safety, and active shooter threats. Our Maintenance costs have exceeded the cost of building new schools. Capital improvements must be done to lower operating costs including energy efficient and warrantied schools with project managers controlling costs. For more details check out www.bault4schools.com and join the discussion on Facebook, Better Jackson Madison County Schools.
Dorothy “Doris” A. Black
740A Old Humboldt Road • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: B.Ed. K-12 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; M. Ed. Interdisciplinary Studies in Curriculum and Instruction, National Louis University, Wheeling Illinois; M.Ed. Alternative Education, Marion College, Fond du Lac Wisconsin Occupation & Employer: Retired Reading Specialist RESPONSE TO QUESTION: As a retired teacher of 38 years, I know we must deal immediately with overcrowding at Pope and Thelma Barker schools by considering a new elementary school at Northside(now 400 students under capacity ) I am for a new school, but waiting two more years is too long. Great Schools require great teachers! Providing competitive benefits like a competitive benefits like adjacent Henderson County and strong discipline will help retain great teachers.
Stan Harris
Steve Little • Brad Little
School Board
District 4, Position 1 (cont.)
Shawn Daly
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
122 Moses Drive • Jackson, TN 38305 Education: B.S. in Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh; Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University Occupation & Employer: General Manager and Plant Manager Toyota Bodine Aluminum, Jackson, TN RESPONSE TO QUESTION: Our community can have a very bright future, but only if we improve the educational success of our students. • Our students can have tremendous career opportunities, but only if they are made aware of the potential career paths, and are given the opportunity to develop the necessary career skills. • The decisions facing our School Board require proven leaders with strong capabilities in evaluating human resources, budgets, facilities, maintenance requirements and capital expenditures.
District 5, Position 2
Kara Reeves
541 Wisdom Street • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: Jackson Central-Merry High School; B. A. in Psychology and M.A. in Teaching, University of Memphis Occupation & Employer: Completion Coach with the State of Tennessee at Jackson State Community College RESPONSE TO QUESTION: The school board must build collaboration with community members. I will visit every school and district office my first year, hold monthly town halls, and respond to community members’ communication in a timely manner. Inequities in education affect underserved, underrepresented students the most. The best way to affect change is through unbiased policy. I strive to sit on the Policy Committee to ensure JMCSS policies are equitable so every child truly has options and opportunities.
Shannon D. Stewart
60 Maryland Drive • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: B.S. in Communication Arts, Union University with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising Occupation & Employer: Sales Coordinator, Hampton Inn and Suites Jackson, TN RESPONSE TO QUESTION: The most important issue we face is ensuring the proper funding of the JMCSS. I will work with the City and County governments to make sure Dr. Jones has the support he needs to implement his 10-year plan. Of equal importance is the need to develop public/private partnerships with local industry and non-profits to continue to build on early foundations and expand vocational technical programs in our middle and high schools.
Stan Harris
Steve Little • Brad Little
School Board
District 6 Position 2
Jamie Elliott
Governmental Affairs Sponsors for the 2018 Candidate Review
369 B Preston Street • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: B.A. in Political Science; Minor in Spanish; M.A.ed Occupation & Employer: Spanish/History Teacher at Fayette Ware High School RESPONSE TO QUESTION: School Safety: I will address the bullying crisis that is sweeping through our schools. We can no longer allow the disruptive few to jeopardize the education of the orderly many in our schools. Teacher Support: Many of my fellow teachers are not only underpaid but are also burdened with expensive health insurance premiums. I will propose that teachers get a raise each year, as well as free or reduced health insurance.
Shelia L. Godwin
21 Webber Street • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: B.S. in Business Administration, Double Minor: Sociology/Spanish, Lane College Occupation & Employer: Substitute Teacher, Jackson-Madison County School System RESPONSE TO QUESTION: The two most important issues of concern for my constituents in District Six would be students achieving and maintaining successful testing outcomes on the Math and ELA Achievement Test and second recruitment and maintaining teachers and staff that can be able to teach and communicate with children that may have economic, financial, and behavioral barriers and backgrounds that are different from their own.
Morris Merriweather
1324 Campbell Street • Jackson, TN 38301 Education: B.A. and Masters in Administration & Supervision Occupation & Employer: Retired from JMCSS RESPONSE TO QUESTION: Two of the most important issues of concern for my constituents are: education and quality of education for all students. There is no person in Jackson unaffected by public education. Our public education system is broken and must be repaired. Every child regardless of their zip code, deserves a quality education. I am applying for the job. I will work with other board members, superintendent and all stakeholders, to improve our educational system.
This information is provided to you by our Governmental Affairs Sponsors and the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Jackson Chamber, 197 Auditorium, Jackson, Tennessee. Questions? Call us at 731-423-2200.
Stan Harris
Steve Little • Brad Little