Vital Policy – Jefferson County Republicans Hold Town Hall, Event Draws Speakers from Across State, School Board and County Commission Races Discussed

Nearly one hundred Jefferson County Republicans held a town hall meeting recently to discuss issues of interest. High on the list of priorities were topics related to fiscal responsibility, teaching constitutional principles in public schools, the importance of electing conservative officials that are willing to protect the founding principles of the nation and exercise fiscal responsibility, and organizing efforts to strengthen the Republican Party locally and across the state. Wayne Miller, Chairman of the Humphreys County Republican Party, was among the guest speakers advocating for local republican parties to work together in electing strong conservatives to local and state offices, and to eliminate voter fraud in certain areas of the state. Miller has organized a coalition of over 20 counties in West Tennessee and encourages other counties to do the same.

The event was organized for local members of the republican party to express their concerns about government policy. An open mic format allowed several citizens to address their elected officials directly. It was an opportunity for regular people to stand at the microphone and address elected officials, some of which expressed an interest in running for office in upcoming elections. To that end, information on all elected and open positions for the 2022 election cycle was provided to participants. Elected officials, or their field representatives, in attendance were: 2^nd District Congressman Tim Burchett, Chelsea Ivens representing Senator Marsha Blackburn, Patty Mills representing Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, State Senator Frank Niceley, Circuit Court Clerk Kevin Poe, County Clerk Frank Herndon, Sheriff Jeff Coffey, 8^th District Republican Committeewoman Betty Fain, Trustee Jennifer Hall, County Mayor Mark Potts, County Commissioners Marcus Reed (District 10), and Jimmy Dale Patterson (District 2), Jefferson City Councilman Rocky Melton, 5^th District Constable Jacob Thompson, and former School Board Member Denise Fair. Rob Gray, Secretary of the Knox County Republican Party addressed several issues with the audience, including school violence and the need for law enforcement officers to remain in public schools.

Several prominent organizations presented information, all related to personal liberty, responsible fiscal policy, and constitutional issues. David Thompson representing Americans for Prosperity addressed state and federal legislative initiatives concerning fiscal policy and constitutional principles. Justin Cornett, President of For All Tennessee gave a report on their state legislative efforts, including their success with criminal justice reform and civil forfeiture. For All Tennessee is a citizen-lobbyist group. Elizabeth Murphy, Field Representative with Tennessee Stands explained the founding principles of the organization and their fight for personal liberty in the face of overreaching executive orders. Joni Bryan of the 917 Society highlighted efforts to promote constitutional education to Tennessee eighth graders. Bryan encouraged all parents to make sure their local school district observes Constitution Week in September, a practice that is required of schools that receive federal funding. 917 Society has distributed millions of copies of the constitution to students in the region. Todd McKinley of the Todd McKinley Commentary, a conservative journalist headquartered in Sullivan County, expressed the need for citizens to become actively involved with their state and local governments. McKinley works to educate voters on public policy issues.

Jefferson County Republicans are in the planning stages for future events, participation in upcoming elections, and party-building activities. Past Chairman Paula Gibson and current Vice Chairman Shonda Griffin, both members of the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee were in attendance. Gibson addressed the meeting to stress the importance of participating in activities to strengthen the Republican Party. All agreed that electing conservative republicans to local, state and national office remains a high priority.