Jim Hackworth
No issue weighs heavier on people right now than the economy. Tennesseans are angry and fearful. They’re worried the American Dream is disappearing for their families because of the lack of good jobs in our communities.
They’ve seen friends, neighbors, and family members lose jobs through no fault of their own and small businesses shut down because there is no one left to buy their goods and services. People are waiting desperately to hear common sense solutions from the politicians running our state and our country. They are eager to see our East Tennessee conservative values used to make decisions that affect their daily lives.
Our current state representative promised us a bright and shiny future two years ago. Unfortunately, all we have received thus far is a total eclipse.
In fact, under his lack of leadership in 2011, Anderson County for the first time in a decade saw only 249 new jobs, dropping us down to a three-way tie for 21st in job creation in Tennessee. This occurred after Anderson County had been in the Top 6 for seven out of the previous nine years.
The year 2011 represents the lowest number of new jobs created in Anderson County in over a decade.
When I served as your state representative, I worked with Democrats, Republicans and Independents to create jobs here. In 2010, I teamed with local officials to create 1,100 new jobs, making Anderson County the third-highest job creating county in Tennessee—four times the 2011 numbers.
It’s no secret what needs to be done. We need an economy that creates jobs for all Tennesseans. We need leaders who will fight for the middle class and everyone who is trying hard to work their way into the middle class.
It’s time to get back to basics. We must work together to create opportunities for all Tennesseans by attracting and maintaining good jobs and strengthening our schools if we are to restore the American Dream.
Tennesseans have seen enough partisan bickering. They want leadership who will work with both parties and independents to make progress on what matters—getting people back to work and making sure our children get a high-quality education so they can compete for the jobs of the future.
Unlike our current state representative, I’ll consider a good idea from anyone because a good idea doesn’t come with a party label.
Former Tennessee Rep. Jim Hackworth, a Clinton Democrat, is running against current Rep. John Ragan, an Oak Ridge Republican, to represent the 33rd District, which includes most of Anderson County, in the Nov. 6 election.
Tj says
Yes indeed we need an economy that creates jobs. Unfortunately the current regime in Washington is doing the exact opposite of what it should, which is, get out of the way and let free enterprise work. Don’t support white elephants-let them die.
I will let someone else punch holes in your job stats. Not my expertise.
Mine is economics and finance and small business problems.
The problem is that all politics are local. When you support national politicians, you are bringing their policies home. You have, in the past, supported very liberal Democrats at all levels. Now you are espousing conservative values.
You are peeing down our legs, and trying to convince us it is raining.
You sponsored a bill several years ago that was a knee-jerk reaction to a persistent problem. Like most bills passed, this one was never studied to assess its effectiveness. It was devastating to dozens of small businesses in Tn. , cost millions to implement, and never came close to solving the problem.
Now you tell me that you didn’t understand it’s content, and if I will support you now, you will try to rectify your earlier bill. Find another leg.
Jim Hackworth says
TJ, the jobs stats are straight out of the data provided by the State’s Economic and Community Development Department. I will be glad to bring you a copy. Regarding my support for other people, unless you were in the voting booth with me you have no idea who I have supported or voted for in the past. If you review my donation records you will see I have not donated at the Federal level. In addition, outside your personal speculation and political rhetoric there is nothing available to support your biased self-serving opinion. In fact, both you and your candidate of choice have been dishonest about my voting record while I served in Nashville. At least your candidate has admitted to his misrepresentation of the facts. As to the bill regarding metals you keep bringing up, it was not my bill it was Henry Fincher’s bill. It was supported by both law enforcement and your industry and it did not cost millions to implement. Yes, I did sign on to the bill as a cosponsor at the time it was on the house floor for passage. But, I only did so because folks your industry asked me to do so. In conclusion, as I have told folks after reviewing the problems your industry is having with the bill I will, in fact, assist you and them with changes in the law. After all we both know why this bill was necessary to begin with don’t we?
Tj says
You are correct that the four large out of state owned businesses supported the bill(with your name on top). Their hope was that it would force their smaller competition to close.
This is an example of two destructive things:
Lawmakers not fully understanding the ramifications of the proposed law.
Government created monopolies for large connected businesses-crony capitalism.
I understand that you are not as liberal as most of your Democrat friends.
However, my underlying reason has always been the concept of citizen legislator-
Do your one term in public service and then return to your regular job.
What are your views on voter ID?
Jim Hackworth says
So John is one and done? Glad to see you finally admit I am not a liberal. Did you know Ragan proposed giving local governments new taxing authorities at the last Leaque of Women Voters forum he spoke at? Now who is the liberal?
CK says
jim you are always running as a conservative Democrat when you want votes. You did not act like a conservative when you supported liberal anti-gun,anti-family legislation. Been there and done that with you ,we won’t be fooled again.And on Taxes didn’t you author the GAS Tax that would have raised the Tn. State Gasoline tax to about 50 cents at one time?
Jim Hackworth says
CK, I have always voted pro family and conservative. Folks like you always say I am not conservative when you are campaigning against me. Try telling the truth on my record for a change. As far as the gas tax goes I never tried to pass a gas tax I conducted a study via a bill with Senator Mark Norris (R) that made a recommendation against a gas tax increase. Folow up on what actually happens with bills not what is good for political rhetoric at election time. As far as guns go I was endorsed by the NRA in 2010 and have had A ratings in the past. I am a permit holder and carry a weapon when needed. You are right people will not be fooled again by the dishonesty spread by folks like you.
CK says
This is a repost of a nice letter by Hannah Bailey on the service of John Ragan as our representative . I agree with her sentiments totally.
For over 200 years, my family has called Anderson County home. I’ve always been proud of my heritage and where I live, and I want nothing more than to ensure that the place where I was raised remains a secure community for generations to come.
The best way that we can make sure that Anderson County has a thriving economy and can provide jobs for its citizens is to elect representatives who understand that we as residents know better than anyone, especially big government, what this county needs. For this reason, I urge you to examine every candidate regardless of how you have voted in the past.
One candidate in particular that I would like to draw your attention to is John Ragan, the current state representative who is running for reelection in the 33rd District. He strives to put the power back in the hands of Anderson County residents by keeping money in our pockets, creating jobs instead of entitlements, and cutting back on bureaucratic red tape.
John Ragan helped to pass a budget that cut taxes at an unprecedented level. By doing so, our representatives let us choose where to spend our money. By allowing you to choose how to spend your money, representatives like John Ragan leave the job of investing in Anderson County to the experts, its residents.
One of the biggest steps forward in his first session was his support of phasing out the inheritance tax.
On the surface, the phasing out of this tax looks like a way to make the rich richer. However, the true effect of this bill is more job creation in Tennessee. The people most often affected by this tax are farmers and small business owners making ends meet whose families can’t afford this tax when a family member passes.
Not every state has a tax like this. In fact, less than half do. When people looking to start businesses are choosing where to live and run their operations, they do not want to move to a state that imposes a hefty tax such as the inheritance tax. Tennessee and Anderson County need to foster growth and self-sufficiency, not deter it.
Although President Obama and local democrats want Tennesseans to believe they cannot prosper or succeed without big government, true success comes from the everyday working man that is allowed to mold a dream into prosperity with as little government resistance as possible. Leaders like John Ragan understand that principle and defend it. That is why I encourage all voters to support John Ragan and his efforts to defend Anderson County against big government in November.
Hannah Bailey
Jim Hackworth says
Good Team Relationships are Essential for Attracting New Jobs
In today’s high stress world, many families are struggling to feed themselves, buy gas for their car, and pay for their utilities. Many people are unemployed, underemployed, forced to work two jobs or work long hours to survive. There has never been a greater need for attracting new jobs and providing opportunities for people to go back to work. The American Dream is in jeopardy for most families.
A team made up of members that trust each other and have a common purpose is essential for success. Relationships within that team must be one of mutual trust and knowledge that the other team members will hold up their end of the effort. It truly takes a village to get the job done.
Anderson County and its cities and towns have worked together successfully over the years to attract good jobs. In fact, they have averaged over 1000 new jobs per year between 2002 and 2010. Unfortunately, in 2011 and continuing into 2012, Anderson County has seen the worst two years of new job growth in a decade with only 249 new jobs in 2011 and monthly news articles of companies closing or laying people off. One company packed their bags and moved overseas.
What has happened? Perhaps one piece to the puzzle is that our team make-up has changed. Over the past two years we have lost some of our most aggressive and successful team members. These former leaders and our team were successful because they would not allow themselves to be distracted by personal agendas or politics. They focused on attracting new jobs.
We must return to putting people’s needs first!
Jim Hackworth
CK says
We have had a downturn in the economy in case you haven’t been paying attention.Thanks to the plans of President Obama and his Socialistic policies. You did display his signs on your truck during your bid for re-election in 2008 didn’t you? Now we see the product of the policies that you support. Meanwhile John Ragan ,who is qualified far beyond what you have been able to produce as legitimate credentials,has done a magnificent job helping to keep us from the job-killing Taxes that ruin economies. How was your gas tax (you authored ), beneficial to people in Tn Jim ? Please for once tell us. You would have raised taxes at the very worst time if you had succeeded with that. I am glad someone that understands economics 101 is in a position to prevent the tax and spend policies that you and Obama subscribe to from taxing us into oblivion. We EARNED and BUILT our business with hard work and blessings from God.You on the other hand are complaining because we don’t want to let lifelong politicians steal the fruit of our labor. Hopefully the people of District 33 will see that for what it is. In Tn. we are conservative and still support our Constitution.That’s why John Ragan is the better choice for OUR Sate Representative.
Jim Hackworth says
Kelsey. you know I did not display anyone elses sign. Why do you insist on being dishonest. You can keep making those dishonest tales but they are still not true. You also no I did not try to pass a gas tax. We have been down that road before and I proved you wrong then if you will remember. As I said in my announcement I am not going to sit idly by and let you and your peers spread BS at will this election. So clean up your act and speak the truth please.
CK says
Hopefully the people of District 33 will see that for what it is. In Tn. we are conservative and still support our Constitution.That’s why John Ragan is the better choice for OUR Sate Representative. State Representative.
I misspelled State Representative earlier.
MW224 says
Can’t say I am shocked with another a letter from Jim that tries to tear down the opponent. First the website as I pointed out the last time Jim chose to grandstand on a news comment post, now this. Poor politics.
Comments like this are in very poor taste “Unlike our current state representative, I’ll consider a good idea from anyone because a good idea doesn’t come with a party label.” If people wanted you to stay in office the first time Jim, why did John Ragan beat you when you advertised much more and even now I still have not seen ads, posts on his website, or letters to news papers (print or online) where he takes attack stances at you.? Post the links since you like to comment as we would like to see them.
Jim, people will disagree with your politics, just like you and others disagree with Ragan’s views. But seriously, the mudslinging is a sign of poor character and/or desperation. Focus on promoting what you believe and quit trying to tear others down. The people in Oak Ridge and Clinton are tired of it.
Jim Hackworth says
I appreciate you message although it is misplaced. Stating facts on a persons performance is not mudslinging. However, a good example of mudslinging is being used by others commenting on this article regarding my views.
CK says
When you were there with Obama signs on your truck on election day in front of the Community Center in 2008 ,that is what people saw. It’s not intended as a “mudslinging” . You should be proud to support your candidate as your president,it’s called freedom. It’s the American way .I chose the other candidate during that election ,I chose Ron Paul and will NOT deny that I have displayed signs for him. The people who were there that day remember and believe that your choice to support Obama was not the right choice. It’s just that simple. No need for anyone to lie,i’m not a politician just a patriot.
Jim Hackworth says
Kelsey. you know I did not display anyone elses sign. Why do you insist on being dishonest? Shame on you!
CK says
You know you did and had Obama yardsigns in your back window, you were in your red pick-up ,If the truth hurts Stop stretching it. I am not running for office and have no reason to lie. You need to be proud of your actions in these elections. I am. I agree with the earlier poster .What do you stand for as a Democrat ? I know what I stand for as a patriot, Truth. Have a great day Jim.
Jim Hackworth says
Kelsey If I am not misstken I owned a blue ford truck in 2008 and I worked Claxton that day not Clinton. Tell the truth it is easier to swallow when you are held accountable.
CK says
You are mistaken . You had the parking spot that I was forced to leave a few days earlier. I was told by the powers that were in charge then, that my signs were too close to the front steps of the Community Center .Of course they were not,they were just not for the Democrats 🙂 And I was required to move my car to display signs. Double standards anyone? You were there on election day at about 3:00 pm ,I have spoke with 2 other people today that remember you and the Obama signs you were so proud of. BTW,as the Democrat chair for Anderson county ,are you now refusing to support him as your candidate?.
Jim Hackworth says
Kelsey
For the last time that was not my truck. You can not make something be true just because you continue to misrepresent the facts. Making up witnesses to something untrue does not make it true either. If I recall you were caught red handed being dishonest previously on WYSH for similar political speak. Please clean up your act, the people of our community deserve better.
CK says
And you lost the next election because people that knew you were on WYSH telling things that were no true. You and Ron were scamming the listeners by you calling in and you wouldn’t take any questions from the public. All I did was call in and tell the truth . equal time laws prevailed BTW I did look at the pictures ,I found them,you were in a BLUE truck,my mistake,however you were also holding an Obama yard sign and laughing with your friend . Your mistake ! I called in live to another radio station that day and told them you were pulling for OBAMA and was glad to see you finally tell the truth about your well known liberal leanings. You got me this time Jim.
CK says
BTW,as the Democrat chair for Anderson county ,are you willing to continue supporting him as your candidate?
MW224 says
My comment and message are not misplaced Jim, you respond with the same response you stated last time I pointed out that you spend more time on the issues section of your own website tearing down your opponent rather than explaining your own stance. That is the type of politics that the voters of Anderson county are tired of. You were in office, lost, and I asked why you chose to take this approach in tearing the others down, and your response is the same as last time.
Per your mentions before for proof, here is the link to your response and what I pointed out in a past story:
http://oakridgetoday.com/2012/07/05/tennessee-house-candidates-allege-legal-violations-desperate-attacks/#comments
Your approach to talk more about your opponent than your own issues on your own website:
http://www.jhackworth.com/issues.html
Those are facts, and still visible. I am not one of the businessowners in town you like to argue with, I just do not care for bullies and I think your grandstanding about the e-mail being used by Ragan on his site, then having a comment barrage then and now are signs of what I mentioned before. Character issues to not stand on what you believe in without taking shots at your opponent and it appears with the comments to be desperation. Mr. Huotari, I appreciate your approach to try and bring civility to the comments, I just wish there was a more respectable approach in the campaign.
I voted for you many times when you were in office, but the local economy was going downhill while you were in office, Ragan’s views mirrored more closely to my own, and your actions on the previous stories actually sealed the deal. I have looked at a lot of news websites locally and I am yet to see another candidate in this area actively sparring with commenters on a newspaper or blog who have differing views of the candidate.
Tj says
How many terms have you been elected? Have you ever run a small business? Have you ever worked in the private sector?
Jim, you never answered my question about the voter ID.
I have another one for you:
Why do you think the UN Agenda 21 mandate is good for Tennesseans?
One at a time please.
There’s an old saying” I wish I were the man my dog thought I was.”
The corollary is “I couldn’t be the man my ex-wife thinks I am.”
Jim Hackworth says
TJ
Thank you for asking questions. Yes, I have worked in the private sector. I worked for Dempster Bros for 5 years and I worked for Carbide, Martin Marietta, and Ut Battelle for 35 years. Yes, I ran and still run a small business with my wife. I have met payrolls, did book keeping, paid my taxes, collected and paid sales tax, etc… for about ten years now. Regarding Agenda 21, I am an individual and state’s rights person. In closing, there is also an old saying that the truth shall always prevail.
CK I am aware of the economic turn down. However, I also know we were moving forward at a quicker pace than Knox County for years until recently. Also, I know they are currently moving forward with much better numbers than Anderson County even during the turn down. In fact, they have done so since people in Knox Co stopped putting personal political agendas first, fussing, arguing, and criticizing each other. I think we need to do the same and focus the way we were prior to two years ago.
Tj says
I always laugh when I hear political hacks say” we must move foreward”. It usually means don’t look at my past voting record or behavior. They want you to believe their next slate of promises instead.
You never really answered my questions.
Yes or no- should every voter prove his citizenship by showing a picture ID?
Do you believe in the sancticy of private property, as opposed to the UN Agenda 21 program/ICLEI? If so, why aren’t you protesting at the meetings”
John Huotari says
I want to ask those commenting on this thread to please keep the discussion civil. Please refrain from insults or personal attacks.
We haven’t posted a comment policy yet, and to some extent, we’re making this up as we go along but we will probably also ask that you not re-post an entire story, letter, or column in the comments section. Instead, we would like you to just post a link to the earlier post.
Thank you for participating and understanding. As I said in another thread, we do appreciate the discussion.
CK says
http://oakridgetoday.com/2012/07/26/letter-rep-ragan-defends-anderson-county-against-big-government/#more-5647
Thanks John I will do my best to follow your suggestions.
Tj says
Will do John. I sometimes am forced to ask the questionns that the fourth estate should be asking.
Jim Hackworth says
John, I will always strive to be honest and keep it clean. However, I do not intend to allow dishonest comments about me without addressing them. Thank you for providing this service. Perhaps your policy should require proof of any comments offered in the future. I will be glad to abide by that policy and hope others are willing to do so as well
MW224 says
Per your request above
CK says
Ahem Yea right . LOL
CK says
This (last Post ),was of course me just being cynical to Jim when I said, “Ahem Yea Right. ” No matter how cynical I get I never seem to be able to keep up . LOL
John Huotari says
I think everyone has made their point here, so I’m closing this comment thread.