Helton-Haynes’ integrity praised
My wife and I have known Esther Helton-Haynes for almost 13 years. Esther is someone who knows what her values are. She is aware of the concerns of the people she serves.
Esther truly cares about her constituents. She always does her homework on issues and is ready to make decisions based on fact and not hyperbole or the loud opinions from others. One of Esther’s finest qualities is her campaign integrity. She doesn’t get into the negative “ditch.” She chooses to rise above negative campaigning and talk about the issues and solutions. Esther is someone we can be proud of and trust when she is in Nashville.
Serving on the East Ridge City Council for several years, most recently as vice mayor, has taught Esther how to navigate the political waters to get things done and to focus on the important issue of governing.
There is a reason why the great state of Tennessee is so great. It matters who governs.
When you go to the polls to vote, remember to vote to re-elect Esther Helton-Haynes to the state House of Representatives District 30.
Marty and Kathy Von Schaaf
Greg Martin lauded for safety proposal
Throughout my 45-year career as an expert in the field of school safety, one of the most challenging issues has been how to support students with special needs when they become disruptive. Generally, school personnel are in a better position to deal with these students because they know these kids and understand their limitations.
In Tennessee, however, school safety officers are prohibited from using “mechanical restraints” (handcuffs) on students with special needs for any reason whatsoever. As a result, in a situation when all other efforts to de-escalate the situation have failed, if the student’s behavior is a threat to himself and others, school officials must call law enforcement.
I brought this issue to the attention of the leadership of Hamilton County schools and the board attorney, who reached out to state Rep. Greg Martin for assistance.
Greg bravely proposed a change to state law to allow SSOs to respond to these emergencies without having to send our kids into the juvenile system. In fact, his proposal received bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, but now he is now being accused of trying to lock kids to their desks.
This badly needed change was proposed to increase the level of safety for everyone — not to be used as a punishment tool. Special needs students need support and security, exactly what Rep. Martin was trying to build with his support for SSOs statewide.
Dr. James W. Corbin
Why our family backs Helton-Haynes
Sure, it’s very easy to like Esther Helton-Haynes, and she has been a close family friend for many years. However, that’s not the only reason why my family supports her re-election as Tennessee state representative for District 30, which is one of most diverse legislative districts in the state.
As a state representative, this past legislative session, Esther sponsored or co-sponsored 180 pieces of legislation. Plus, 16 resolutions honoring local schools for their accomplishments, along with citizens for their community service.
Being a nurse for many years, she has a caregiver’s compassion. With her years of experience in both local government and the medical field, it’s no surprise that most of her legislation is geared toward helping citizens with needed, necessary changes to health care laws, local health care organizations fundraising and local government laws.
It’s easy for a political candidate to say they will do this or that if elected. All the while, Esther has been doing it. This is why the Gravitt family supports the re-election of state representative Esther Helton-Haynes.
Marc Gravitt