You wouldn’t think a former bank executive in his 70s would be one to speak a political language that addresses the vast inequities in Chattanooga and the broader region, but you’ll find just that in Jack Allen, the Democratic candidate for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District.
In an interview with the Chattanooga Times Free Press editorial board, Allen told a story about his mother-in-law’s prescription that shows he understands this inequity.
“She’s on fixed income. Her co-pay’s $350,” Allen said. “Yet the six leading CEOs of pharmaceutical companies in this country last year averaged $25 million compensation. To me, something’s not right with that picture.”
Allen is right. There’s too many in the district who are burdened with high living costs while the rich continue to see their wealth increase. The Chattanooga Times endorses Jack Allen and the fresh perspective he would bring to Tennessee’s representation in Congress.
This endorsement also centers on Allen’s six-term incumbent opponent, Republican Chuck Fleischmann. While the Republican has made strides when it comes to federal energy policy about nuclear power, there’s a key vote he made in Congress that makes him unfit for office.