VITAL POLICY – Jefferson County Republicans Hold Town Hall Meeting

Gun Control, Liberal Education Practices, Legislative Updates Discussed

Republicans and elected officials from across East Tennessee gathered at the recent Jefferson County Republican Town Hall Meeting to discuss critical issues of public policy.

Gun control was a hot topic at the meeting.

Andy Fox, Tennessee Firearms Association

Andy Fox of the Tennessee Firearms Association presented facts concerning gun related data and misinformation that is being used by the left to push unconstitutional “red flag” legislation in Tennessee. He urged all citizens concerned with the upcoming special legislative session on gun control to contact their state legislators.

Erica Moore, Blount County School Board

Erica Moore, conservative Blount County School Board member, was introduced by Doug Ibbetson, Jefferson County District 1 School Board Member. Ibbetson remarked that Moore is a person of high integrity and one who makes decisions based on her conservative values. Moore added that she is a parent herself, concerned about the ideology all children will face as they attend college in a liberal dominated environment.

Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains)

Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) provided updates on state government and recently enacted legislation. He addressed his concerns about the hiring practices of state agencies and outlined the number of taxes that the legislature has eliminated since the republicans gained a supermajority in the legislature about a decade ago. Niceley credits those tax cuts to the financial success of the state, record industrial growth, and billion-dollar surpluses.

Doug Ibbetson, Jefferson County School Board

Empowered Jefferson (EJ) chair Michelle Light

Austin Brooks, Jefferson County Commissioner

Empowered Jefferson (EJ) chair Michelle Light provided highlights on the activism of several grassroots organizations in their effort to advance conservative policies, outlined several initiatives undertaken by EJ including education and property rights issues, and spoke of the importance of electing conservative school board members. County Commissioner Austin Brooks (R-White Pine) reinforced Light’s proposal of supporting conservative school board candidates and the importance of getting involved in school board campaigns.

Dawn Mayer, School Board Candidate

Dawn Mayer, conservative school board candidate, spoke about her campaign organization and the importance of sound financial policy as a means of providing proper funding and support for teachers, parents and students. She emphasized parents’ rights and transparency. Mayer will seek the republican nomination for school board in the March 5th primary election in the White Pine and Baneberry area.

Paul Hardy, School Board Candidate

Paul Hardy addressed his campaign for Jefferson County School Board for the New Market and Strawberry Plains area. Hardy also emphasized parent participation and fiscal responsibility, adding that good financial management will enable the school system to better compensate school personnel. Hardy shared his experience as a parent of a special needs child and stressed the importance of regular education teachers, parents, and special needs staff to work together for the benefit of all students.

Alvin and Margaret Large

Alvin and Margaret Large were presented with a Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution honoring their decades of service to the Jefferson County Rescue Squad. Senator Niceley was the prime sponsor of the resolution.

More than 140 republicans were in attendance.

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 citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level.