To the Editor:
Rep. John Ragan is campaigning against former representative Jim Hackworth to return to the Tennessee Legislature as “a proven leader” in the Tennessee House of Representatives. We think that this characterization of Rep. Ragan’s performance is grossly overstated, especially when compared with the record of Jim Hackworth in the same job.
During his term in office, Jim Hackworth championed the strong anti-bullying law that Caitlin Nolan, a local Oak Ridger, sponsored. During John Ragan’s term, he actively opposed a new bill designed to strengthen Caitlin’s original bill. Successful opposition would have resulted in severely weakening protection against bullies. We need much better vision than this from our leaders! Rep. Ragan’s explanation for his vote, saying that he was voting on the principle that it is an unnecessary law is poor in this case.
Rep. Ragan claims leadership in bringing new jobs into Anderson County. He has indeed brought in 249 new jobs during 2011 (23rd in the state). Anderson County averaged 1062 new jobs per year during Rep. Hackworth’s eight years of service, placing Anderson County regularly in the top 10 in the state. We don’t see convincing evidence that Rep. Ragan himself has been effective in job creation!
Rep. Ragan has voted for a number of bills in the House of Representatives that are patently self serving: SB1915, Increases Contribution Limits to Campaigns; HB1555 State House Redistricting; and SB1514 State Senate Redistricting. These bills do not advance the public interest and will lead to poorer government. We do not see this type of support as an example of leadership representing everyone in District 33.
We urge the voters of District 33 to return Jim Hackworth to the Tennessee House of Representatives in order to have the benefits of superior leadership!
Dorothy and Robert Hightower
Oak Ridge
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