Leadership
I started a business in East Tennessee more than a decade ago.  It has grown and become successful because of the incredible people who work there.  As the president of that company, I know the concerns facing small businesses in East Tennessee.  Those concerns are often similar to those we all share – health care and taxes.

I have been active in the community, serving on boards and non-profit organizations throughout the Tri-Cities - from the Rocky Mount Living History Museum to the Symphony of the Mountains.

I have a long tradition of service - in our region and beyond.  I’ve been in the Navy Reserve for nearly 20 years.  I’ve been fortunate to have served as Commanding Officer four times in the past 10 years and I am currently assigned as the Director of the Navy Office of Information, 7th Fleet, in Dallas, Texas.

Health Care
Health care is critical to everyone – and it’s becoming moreso, given the concern about TennCare in Tennessee.  TennCare needs further reform to achieve its goals to protect people in the state without crippling the budget.  Likewise, the Governor’s latest proposal of “Cover Tennessee” sounds good and has merit.  I do question how much health care $150 will provide. 

Sex Offenders
I want to make Tennessee the least friendly state for sexual molesters and predators to live.  There are unregistered sex offenders living in our community – and nearly every community in Tennessee.  These are people who are supposed to register with law enforcement when they move. I want to do more than rely on them to be honest and register when they move into a neighborhood or community.  I would like to see a mandate approved that would require those convicted of child sexual abuse or assault to wear a device so they could be tracked 24 hours a day – if necessary. 

Economic Development/Job Creation
Jobs are not simply created.  They are the result of a “climate of opportunity” which must exist for any business to begin, grow and thrive.   We have very strong economic groups working together in the region – many the result of public/private partnerships.  We also have an incredibly talented and dedicated workforce that we need to support through education.

Education
Education is the key for growth in our region.  We must continue to make investments in higher education.  In the K-12 levels, teachers need the right tools to provide the opportunity for students.  I also believe parents need the opportunity to be involved in their children’s education.

East Tennessee
I am here because of the quality of life and the people who live and work here.  I’d like to represent them in setting the stage for future East Tennesseans by creating opportunities for an even brighter future for our region.