E lecting capable and thoughtful representatives to the state Legislature is essential if this area is to be well served in Nashville. That is true at any time, but it is especially so now – when economic turmoil roils the political and social landscape. A legislator must be energetic, decisive, forthright and have a broad understanding of myriad issues to serve effectively during difficult times. Tommie F. Brown, the Democratic candidate for the Tennessee Legislature in District 28, is such an individual.
Brown, a retired educator and nine-term legislative veteran, is opposed by Teresa Wood, a Republican who is mounting a spirited campaign with an emphasis on education and jobs, in the only contested state legislative race on the Nov. 2 ballot here. Voters should choose Brown.
The choice is easy. Brown is experienced in the ways of state politics, and she has earned the respect of her constituents and fellow legislators by dint of her hard work. She doesn’t always follow the crowd, but is an independent thinker who is exceptionally well informed on issues vital to her constituency and to the state. She has served her district well.
Indeed, the covenant she presented to voters in her initial campaign for office in 1992 remains pretty much the same today as it was then. She amended it four years ago to encompass major changes in the way the nation and state approach public education, but otherwise it is unchanged. There’s little reason for her to change the document. Over the years, she’s become a powerful, respected and thoughtful advocate for all levels of public education. She’s championed the cause of low-income, poorly educated children and families across the state. That is important work that should be continued, even in difficult economic times.
Brown is pragmatic. She is opposed to the levy of any new taxes, preferring to promote better education and the provision of state services through programs that can be underwritten at funding levels the state can support in the current downturn. She is careful to point out, however, that education in its entirety – charter schools, concerns about new standards and what they might mean and equitable use of lottery funds among other topics – remains the topic central to her legislative service and of utmost importance to the state. “You cannot diminish the necessity of education, ” she says, “if we [residents of Tennessee] are going to be competitive in the world.” She’s right.
Brown has become one of the state’s most respected legislators. She likely is the hardest working. She holds key leadership positions on important House committees and has become an authority on many issues vital to the state. She interacts regularly with constituents and has proved a powerful advocate of their interests. Rep. Brown serves her district – and the state – well. She merits re-election on Nov. 2.