VITAL POLICY – Citizen Activism, Public Policy, Education, and County Debt Discussed at Jefferson County Republican Town Hall Meeting

Photo by Jeff Depew

Photo by Jeff Depew

Photo by Jeff Depew

Photo by Jeff Depew

Photo by Jeff Depew

Photo by Jeff Depew

Photo by Jeff Depew

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-District 1) led the pack of speakers and presenters. State Representatives Jeremy Faison (TN-District 11) and Andrew Farmer (TN-District 17) visited with constituents and listened to views expressed by the party membership with the open mic format. Following Harshbarger’s presentation, Josh Cameron, JCRP Treasurer, presented the congresswoman with a donation check from the local Republican party. Representative Farmer gave a brief update and addressed citizen questions.

Opening prayer was given by Cole Hicks; and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by County Commissioner Janet Norton (District 1).

Keynote speaker Aundrea Gomez with Citizens for Renewing America addressed several issues including education, citizen activism, and supporting candidates with conservative principles. A considerable portion of her presentation included information on the lawsuit filed by parents of Williamson County, Tennessee to stop left-leaning ideology and objectionable content in their public schools. Gomez reported that many parents across the state are objecting to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in public schools, a practice that has been accelerated by Covid-19 grant funding. Certain versions of SEL are known to have roots in Marxism and other leftist ideology. Other presenters provided data on SEL education practices.

David Thompson of Americans for Prosperity – Tennessee (AFP-TN) outlined the legislative agenda of the organization. AFP partners with citizens of Tennessee to increase voter turnout and to promote a variety of legislative initiatives on economic liberty, lower taxes, and property rights. Monica Hoss of the Knoxville AFP District was also in attendance.

Captain Mickey Shelton, Tennessee Army National Guard, expressed his concerns about his fellow guardsmen being discharged from service for their refusal to be injected with the Corona Virus vaccine. Shelton appealed to everyone to contact Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and state legislators and ask that guardsmen be granted an exemption from taking the vaccine, and to encourage the Tennessee Attorney General to join other states in filing suit against the Biden Administration to ensure medical freedom of military personnel. About 600 Tennessee guardsmen are at risk of discharge. According to Shelton, this could compromise the effectiveness of an already understaffed force.

Michelle Light of Empower Jefferson, a Jefferson County citizen’s public interest group, also emphasized the importance of keeping track of policies and votes cast by elected representatives to reward those that make good policy and to vote-out those that do not. She equated her approach to the memory of elephants, closing her presentation with “an elephant never forgets”.

County Commissioner Marcus Reed (District 10) spoke on the economic conditions, including price inflation, that are having an impact on local policy decisions. He spoke on the importance of taking care of the county employees with competitive pay, working with the school board, citizen involvement in making good county policy, and reducing the county debt as much as possible. Jefferson County will pay out over eight million dollars this fiscal year in debt repayment.

Newley elected school board members Doug Ibbetson and Josh Cameron addressed their vision and policies for Jefferson County Schools, including their willingness to work with the county commission on financial priorities. Ibbetson described his strength as a businessman with an extensive background in the finance sector. Cameron is a product of Jefferson County Schools and serves as a vocational teacher in Knox County. He holds a master’s degree and has an intense interest in history.

Becca Lee, Fourth District Public Defender, addressed the importance of the United States Constitution and her efforts with Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in distributing copies of the constitution to students. DAR will participate in the celebration of Constitution Day, Saturday September 17, 2022, in Dandridge.

Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman David Seal serves as a 917 Society volunteer, providing copies of the U.S. Constitution to Jefferson County Eighth Graders.

Several other citizens spoke on a variety of topics to the audience of 130 republican members and elected officials. The Tennessee Conservative News and The Jefferson County Post were each recognized for their efforts to promote the town hall event. Catering was provided by Grillbilly Smoke.

David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level.