Democratic Candidates
Name: Jenny Hunt
Occupation: Alderman, Town of Bell Buckle
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Auburn University
Website: JennyHuntforStateRepresentative.com

Why are you running?
I have been involved in local politics since 2001.  Having been in this environment has given me a broad range of knowledge of our area’s needs, strengths, weaknesses and networking capabilities.  This knowledge along with the trust and respect I’ve earned has given me opportunities to promote our needs to those who have the resources to help this district most.

As an elected official, I have had experience at balancing a municipal budget during the toughest economic times of our lives.  We have not only balanced our budget but lived within it without having to make any major amendments to it at the end of each fiscal year.

I have been an effective advocate for the needs of our local economy and infrastructure and could do more at the state level to benefit our entire district.  I have an established a working network with many of the state departments and know that through having already gained the trust and respect of those departments that I will be able to get more focus to our area to achieve goals in a more timely and efficient manner.

What is the most pressing issue facing the state and your possible solution?
The most pressing issue we have to deal with is the economy.  It is imperative that we focus on bringing in new business and capital investment.  We also need to maintain what we have through job training and programs offered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developemnt.

We need to continue to put stock in our educational system. The Race to the Top funds will hopefully give our students a chance at a better education.  However, once that funding has been completed we will still be required to continue the mandates set by Race to the Top.  The strength of our educational system in the years to come will rely fundamentally on tedious planning, budgeting and implementation.

I would like to see Tennessee become a leader in renewable energy sources. It is up to us to do exhaustive research to make sure we utilize eco-friendly tools to the maximum benefit and our ultimate advantage.

It is imperative that we focus on jobs.  It stands to reason that maintaining what we have and making it stronger through investment and job training will strengthen our economy and begin to raise per capita income.  

The most essential element to survival in tough economic times is preparing a common sense budget and sticking with it.  Attention to the budget making sure that priorities are held in place and that we do not stray off course will make the state stronger when we emerge from this downturn.

Name: Mike Winton
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Education: High School
Campaign Web Site: mikewinton4tn.com

Why am I running?
I believe that I honestly can make a difference in our district.

What is the most pressing issue facing the state and your possible solution?
I believe the economy has got to be our main focus of attack.

I see for the most part, very few inquiries made or pursued pertaining to higher end job markets. In most cases I feel companies pursue us only because of an inexpensive labor force.

We have great educational facilities surrounding us. There would be a good case that our workforce would not only be highly qualified but motivated to remain in our area.

Our energy situations are not behind us. We’ve only had a small taste of what is surely to come if we maintain our dependence on foreign markets. Tennessee can be a leader in other sources of energy and power. A very large amount of monies have already been invested with this process.

Republican Candidate

Name: Pat Marsh    
Occupation: Small Business/Trucking     
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Tennessee
Campaign Web site: marshfortennessee.com

Why are you running?
I am running for reelection as state representative of District 62 because I want to help make our community the best place in Tennessee to work and raise a family. More than anything, being a representative is a job of service.

It can be difficult work, but I take great pride in helping others through both legislation and an on individual basis.

It is a joy to serve the people of District 62 and give back to the area that has been so influential in my life.  

What is the most pressing issue facing the state and your possible solution?
The most pressing issue right now is creating jobs.

The only way to get our local and state economy back on track is to ensure that more Tennesseans have quality jobs.

I firmly believe that this begins with encouraging small business growth. Small businesses are the heart of our local economies and their success determines our state and country’s financial strength.

The solution to this problem is allowing small businesses to succeed by eliminating the senseless government regulations that hinder them.

Our state government must promote fair competition and remove the red tape and taxes that often causes the businesses to close. My colleagues and I passed the budget this year with no tax increases for citizens and eliminated 650 million dollars in wasteful spending.

Creating jobs also begins with investing in our state’s K-12 and higher education. We must give citizens the tools they need to hold good jobs.

A more educated workforce is a huge asset to large companies looking to come to Tennessee. That is why this year the legislature passed a law making it easier for student to transfer credits from community colleges to universities.

We must continue to make K-12 education better and make sure students leaving our technical schools and colleges are ready for the global economy.