The following is the first in a series of survey responses provided to the Times Free Press by candidates for public office in advance of the Nov. 3 General Election. Today we highlight the two candidates for Tennessee State House of Representatives, District 30. District 30 includes portions of Apison, Brainerd, Collegedale, East Brainerd, East Lake, East Ridge, Missionary Ridge and Ooltewah. The candidates’ answers are presented in alphabetical order. Both candidates were offered an opportunity to submit a photograph, and only one did so.
* Name: Esther Ruth Helton
* Affiliation: Republican
* Previous public office experience: Tennessee state representative, District 30, and vice mayor, East Ridge.
* Why should voters choose you? I care about the people I represent. I have experience at the local government level solving problems close to home. I also have experience solving big picture items such as health-care availability, giving parents and students educational options and protecting our first responders.