Video coverage of State Senate Special Election Forum
A political forum was held on Thursday night, November 30, for District 17 State Senate candidates, Mark Pody and Mary Alice Carfi. The forum was held at Cumberland University and was sponsored by the Lebanon Democrat. See video below: Op-Ed: Why I’m Endorsing Mark Pody for State Senate, by Gordon Borck
Mark Pody
Mark Pody consistently demonstrates his faith in Christ in his personal life and he holds to conservative values that keep our state government on a financially sound footing. During the time Mr. Pody has been a state representative for a neighboring district he has shown concern for the business of Smith County by working to bring good jobs into our area. He is currently working with our own state representative to accelerate the opening of St. Rt. 25, and for some time now Mr. Pody has been working diligently with our local judges and law enforcement agencies to try to get a handle on the opioid problem that has destroyed the lives of so many of our friends and loved ones here in Smith County. Mark Pody truly cares about the people of Smith County.
Gordon Borck
Mr. Pody’s opponent seems to be a kind person, and the fact that she is a divorce attorney in Mt. Juliet shows she has a good degree of education; but in my humble opinion her liberal Democrat views do not reflect the values of the citizens of Smith County.
I urge you to join with me in voting for Mark Pody to be our next state senator in this special election on December 19th (early voting runs from November 29th to December 14th).
Thank you,
Gordon Borck
Paid for by Gordon Borck, private citizen of Smith County.
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Disclaimer: Smith County Insider reserves the right to reject or refuse any advertisement or article submission.
Early voting begins November 29 for the Special 17th Senatorial District general election
Early voting begins Wednesday (November 29) for the Special 17th Senatorial District General Election, set for December 19.
The election is the result of a vacancy created in the district when State Senator Mae Beavers resigned to focus on her gubernatorial campaign. The District includes DeKalb, Smith, Macon, Cannon, Clay and Wilson counties.
Two candidates are own the ballot for this election. State Representative Mark Pody is looking to move to the upper chamber and is running at a Republican. Wilson County attorney, Mary Alice Carfi, is running as a democratic candidate. They will face each other in the General Election set for December 19th.
Dates to request absentee ballot: September 20 – December 12.
Voter Registration Deadline: November 20
Early Voting Dates: November 29 – December 14
Early voting will take place at the Smith County Election Office located at 122 Turner High Circle, Suite 105, Carthage, TN 37030.
See sample ballot below:
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Williams understands the value of education; Rep. Weaver fails to make education a priority
Press Release – Monday, November 20, 2017
Chad Williams, Tennessee’s 40th District House of Representatives Republican Candidate
Candidate for the Republican Party nomination for Tennessee’s 40th District House of Representatives seat, Chad Williams, released the following statement:
“Our teachers and students are over worked and over stressed. The state has become too involved in directing our local institutions. Teachers are burdened with the pressure of having to meet state standards and it hinders them from being the professionals they have worked for years to become. The job that they were taught to do is lost in the daily shuffle of playing catch-up. Confusing and unclear standards and a strong emphasis on testing brings a great burden on both the teachers and students. “Let teachers teach” seems to be the war cry. Simple, yet a strong call from the people on the front lines wanting their needs addressed.
Since I have begun touring and visiting schools across the district, I have had the great pleasure to speak to students of all ages. The opportunity has been placed before me to not only educate students of all ages on government, campaigns, and current events; but also, to inspire them to get involved in their government. I am hoping to bring a new generation of voters to the polls that will care about the advancement and safekeeping of our communities.
During this campaign dozens of teachers have reached out to me in email, through phone calls, and in person both in public and while I have visited schools. They all wanted to express their desire to see a change in our education system. The message is clear: Teachers want better representation in Nashville that will bring change to this failing system.
The current State Representative incumbent, Terri Lynn Weaver, received a near failing grade based on her voting record for the advancement of public education via the TSS (Tennesseans for Student Success), a non-profit, statewide organization committed to improving student achievement in Tennessee. TSS publishes this scorecard to ensure parents, teachers, and advocates for high-quality public education have, at their fingertips, a detailed analysis of each legislative session, its impact on public education, and an easy-to-understand report on how each member of the Tennessee General Assembly voted on the policies that drive student achievement in the state.
I ask that you consider the future of education system, I ask that you consider giving your support to me and my campaign, and I ask for your vote in the Republican primary next August. Find out more about my campaign platform and message at ChadWilliamsTN.com. I can also be emailed at campaign@ChadWilliamsTN.com.”
Paid for by Chad Williams for Tennessee
Terri Lynn Weaver, received a near failing grade based on her voting
record for the advancement of public education. Link: http://bit.ly/2z64pb4
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Hundreds attend Carfi Meet and Greet
Over 100 people from all over Smith County attended the Meet and Greet for Mary Alice Carfi on October 21, held at the Historic Smith County Courthouse. the event was free and gave everyone an opportunity to talk to Mary Alice personally.
Only one candidate is on the ballot for both primaries. State Representative Mark Pody is looking to move to the upper chamber and is on the Republican primary ballot. Wilson County attorney Mary Alice Carfi is the lone candidate on the Democratic primary ballot. They will face each other in the General Election set for December 19th.
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Voting begins for the Special 17th Senatorial District Race
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Early voting begins Wednesday (October 18) for the Special 17th Senatorial District Republican and Democratic primaries, set for November 7th.
The election is the result of a vacancy created in the district when State Senator Mae Beavers resigned to focus on her gubernatorial campaign. The District includes DeKalb, Smith, Macon, Cannon, Clay and Wilson counties.
Only one candidate is on the ballot for both primaries. State Representative Mark Pody is looking to move to the upper chamber and is on the Republican primary ballot. Wilson County attorney Mary Alice Carfi is the lone candidate on the Democratic primary ballot. They will face each other in the General Election set for December 19th.
*EARLY VOTING
Location – Smith County Election Office 122 Turner High Circle, Suite 105, Carthage, TN 37030
Dates – October 18 thru November 2, 2017
Hours – Monday – Friday 8 am – 4 pm Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm
ELECTION DAY
Location: At your Precinct Hours – 7 am – 7 pm
*Schools will not be closed on Election Day. Early Voting is available at the location and times listed above for voters who want to avoid heavy traffic during drop off and pick up times at the schools on Election Day.
Voting Early by Personal Appearance
Any registered voter who lives and is registered in Smith County may vote early during the dates and times listed above. A voter desiring to vote early by personal appearance shall go to the Election Commission Office, sign an application to vote and cast their vote on a voting machine.
Photo ID Requirements
State law requires all voters who vote by personal appearance to present a US or TN government issued photo ID. For more information regarding exemptions and acceptable forms of photo IDs, please contact our office.
Voting by Mail
To vote an absentee ballot by mail, the voter must make the request in writing and include their name (as registered), social security number, date of birth, residence address (911 address), mailing address (if different from residence address), the election(s) they wish to vote in and political preference if voting in a Primary, the reason they are requesting to vote an absentee ballot and their signature. We will accept written requests by mail, fax, or email during the dates listed above. Requests may be mailed to the Smith County Election Commission at the address listed below.
Sample Ballot:
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Mary Alice Carfi’s Campaign Kickoff Is Tonight
Mary Alice Carfi for State Senate
LEBANON, TENNESSEE – Mary Alice Carfi, candidate for state Senate District 17, will hold her official campaign kickoff tonight from 6-8 p.m., at The Capitol Theatre, 110 West Main St., Lebanon.
The kickoff is an opportunity for voters throughout the six counties in District 17 – Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith, and Wilson – to meet Carfi before the special General Election on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
“I look forward to meeting the voters and learning about their concerns for the future of District 17 and Tennessee,” Carfi said.
Senate Caucus Chair Jeff Yarbro of District 21 in Nashville will be in attendance, along with Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Mary Mancini, and Lebanon-native state Rep. John Ray Clemmons of District 55 in Nashville.
For more information, please visit Carfi’s website at www.MaryAliceCarfi.com.
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Karl Dean for Governor Announces Additional Staff, Memphis Campaign Office
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Karl Dean for Governor is ramping up its organizational capacity and preparing to open a second campaign office later this fall in Memphis, as Dean continues to talk “Jobs and Family Across Tennessee.”
Today, Karl Dean for Governor announced additional staff who have joined the Dean team since the campaign first announced staff hires this spring:
- Political Director: Danny Glover joins the campaign this week after recently having served as the National Outreach Director to Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign. Glover has previously managed four races in Tennessee and was student body president at Tennessee State University from 2010-2011. Glover will be based in Memphis.
- Communications Director: Sophie Friedman joined the campaign in August, and has worked as an advance lead for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and communications staffer in the U.S. Senate.
- Finance Director: Wilson County native Nicole Dorris also joined the campaign in August and brings a decade of fundraising experience back to Tennessee, having led fundraising teams on Congressional and state campaigns across the country.
“Anne and I are excited to announce the growth of our team as we build on the momentum of the past six months and look ahead to expanding our campaign reach this year and into early 2018,” Dean said.
“Traveling to now 68 counties and counting, it’s evident people are concerned about three primary things: where they can find good jobs, public schools, and access to affordable health care for their families. People want pragmatic approaches to our shared problems, not partisan politics, which is why I’m proud to say we have remained focused on talking about solutions to support Tennessee jobs and families.”
The first six months of Dean’s candidacy have built a strong foundation for the campaign moving forward. During the first half of this year, Dean was able to raise the largest one-time haul of any Democratic candidate in Tennessee in a decade. More recently, Dean has led a two-month, statewide “Talking Jobs and Family Across Tennessee” tour to highlight the issues he believes matter most to Tennessee families: good jobs, public schools, and healthcare.
In addition, Dean has received public endorsements from former Congressman Lincoln Davis and Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union No. 669 in recent weeks.
Diane Black: President Trump’s Immigration Principles are a Strong Step to Securing Our Border and Keeping Americans Safe
Nashville, TN – Today, Diane Black released the following statement regarding the immigration principles released by President Trump yesterday:
“I applaud President Trump for taking a strong step to secure our borders and keep Americans safe. The President has been consistent in his efforts to stop illegal immigration and make sure that we put Americans first. I support him and I hope every Republican does the same.
I’m glad the President has included some of the provisions from my bill with Senator Toomey (H.R.400 – Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act) to end sanctuary cities and make sure that liberal politicians around the country can’t ignore the law and put their citizens in danger. It’s something we need to do, and I support President Trump’s efforts to do it.”
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Rep. Weaver receives TN Champion of Prosperity Award
State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver has received the “Tennessee Champion of Prosperity Award” from Americans for Prosperity – Tennessee (AFP-TN), the conservative grassroots organization fighting for lower taxes and limited government.
James Amundsen, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity, presented Representative Weaver the award at Angie’s Diner in Smithville Friday during her monthly “Coffee and Conversations” meeting with constituents.
The “Champion of Prosperity” award is given to select lawmakers who scored 90 or higher in AFP-TN’s biannual legislative scorecard and voted against raising the gas tax.
“Today I presented Representative Weaver with our “Champions of Prosperity Award” which is in recognition for her support for free market economic policies throughout the legislative session. Terri Lynn has scored really high on our biannual legislative scorecard. We are also recognizing the fact that she stood up in defense of taxpayers in the state of Tennessee with her opposition to the Governor’s Improve Act, which we recognize as being a gas tax increase on the hardest working families in Tennessee. We wanted to make sure she was recognized for all of her efforts. We are doing a tour throughout the remainder of this month recognizing about 40 state legislators, both state representatives and state senators,” said Amundsen.
Representative Weaver said she is honored to receive the award.
“A majority of the people in our district did not want any more taxes. They are taxed enough. We stood our ground. I think we did a very good presentation of the peoples’ voice who didn’t want it (gas tax increase). Unfortunately we lost that battle. It takes a lot of spine to stand up in an atmosphere that is basically overwhelming you but the good news is that I can come back to my district and I can tell the people who sent me down there that I stood strong on this issue and that I will continue to stand strong and remain a voice for people who believe in free market values, capitalism , our constitution, and less government. When 65% of your district did not want this to happen (Governor’s Improve Act) that is a strong voice and I am honored that I am able to represent them,” said Representative Weaver.
Although Representative Weaver opposed it, the state gas tax increase under the Governor’s Improve Act was adopted by the state legislature and signed by the governor earlier this year. It took effect on July 1.
The Loop: Getting back to work for District 40
Greetings to the 40th District!
We are officially at the end of summer and at the beginning of a new fall season.
This was quite an eventful summer personally, but I am thankful to say that I am back in the saddle once again after some broken bones and some much-needed rest.
With cooler temperatures in the forecast, I am looking forward to Friday night football games in District 40. I am praying for a safe, fun and winning season for our Tigers, Owls, Yellow Jackets and Green Wave teams. Mike and I try to attend every home game that we can to show our support for our schools.
Terri Lynn Weaver
Every season, I provide a team roster the size of a bookmark to help navigate who is on the field. As an added bonus, they fit perfectly in your wallet.
I am looking forward to seeing you all in the coming months of fall.
Education
The 2017 School Tour has kicked off and I am so excited to visit our local schools in order to listen to our principals, administrators, teachers and students so that your voice and concerns are heard at the state level.
As a firm believer in letting our teachers do what they do best, which is to teach, we need less state and federal intrusion in the classroom interfering with the learning process. It is a topic to which I am passionate on and plan to continue discussion in our upcoming session.
“The Comptroller Audio Summaries” is a great resource on education policy issues and BEP funding. Check it out here at comptroller.tn.gov/OREA/.
Transportation
At my request, TDOT came to our district and we went to the Highway 25 road closure to assess why there is yet another delay in the opening of this vital vein out of Carthage. Though we do have a detour in place, there is still a massive amount of rock that must be removed. We can all agree that the safety of our construction crew and a safe road is the main focus for all involved.
TDOT has assured me that this project is on schedule and they are doing all that they can to get this road opened as soon as possible.
We have begun discussions to improve Exit 258. TDOT plans to widen SR-53 to five lanes with shoulders. The plan is similar to the Bell Road Exit under I-24 in Nashville. This plan is a doable, cost-effective fix for the increasingly dangerous congestion on the North and South side of I-40 at the Carthage/Gordonsville exit.
Currently, south of Airport Road in Gallatin toward the Cumberland Bridge, the first chapter of Highway 109 is now under construction, with the remainder chapter to I-70 to be let in December. With a traffic count upward of 25,000 per day, Highway 109 is a strategic corridor and a primary north/south connector between I-65 and I-40.
Remember, “patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
District 40 is a beautiful rolling landscape of bluffs and rivers. On my watch, I am grateful that major bridges have either been repaired or replaced.
There is still work ahead but our system of pay-as-you-go without debt is a principle I hold and hope remains a Tennessee tradition.
Current Issues
Lawmakers across 16 states have considered legislation to establish medical marijuana programs. Twenty-three states have considered legislation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana.
This month I was asked to attend a hearing where testimonies on both sides of the issue will be presented.
Numerous folks in our district have emailed me on the medicinal benefits marijuana has had on seizures, glaucoma and Alzheimer’s.
The elephant in the room is that with the federal government considering strict drug enforcement laws, the state of Tennessee would not be in compliance should we move to legalize medical marijuana.
However I am looking forward to paying attention to what will be said at this hearing and will be listening with an open mind.
One thing is for sure; big pharma and providers are destroying lives with an opiate epidemic that is affecting all Tennesseans. Perhaps something as simple and natural as a green plant could be the answer?
Upcoming Races
Currently, there is a great amount of focus and attention on the upcoming governor’s race in August 2018. It seems these campaigns get earlier and earlier every go around.
Since house races are every two years, I want those of you who receive “The Loop” to know just how grateful I am that you have afforded me the privilege to represent your voice in Nashville. As one who works for you, I have made it my mission to be transparent, honest, accessible, teachable, and open minded in order to be your voice on issues that matter to you.
You are a principled people that stand on conservative values coupled with Faith, Family and Freedom. My voting record has remained consistent with conservative values and so it is my prayer that you are pleased with your representation. I do not believe my mission in the legislature is yet finished and so I am running for re-election in 2018. I ask for your prayers and your support.
Do not ever hesitate to contact me with your concerns. I am here for you! Contact me at 615-741-2192 or by email at rep.terri.lynn.weaver@capitol.tn.gov.
Faithful to our values,
Blessings,
Terri Lynn
Wilson County attorney Mary Alice Carfi seeks state Senate seat in special election
Mary Alice Carfi for State Senate
LEBANON, TENNESSEE – Today, Wilson County attorney Mary Alice Carfi announces her candidacy in the Democratic primary for the District 17 state Senate seat in the upcoming Special Elections..
“We need some common sense in the Senate,” Carfi said. “Republicans have held the majority since the 2010 elections. They have had ample opportunities to improve the lives of working families in our state, but instead have put party interests before improving the health care, jobs, and education for our citizens.”
An attorney in a solo-practice in Mt. Juliet, Carfi can relate to the issues that affect the small business owners throughout District 17, which includes Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith, and Wilson counties.
“I understand struggles with health care costs,” Carfi said. “The Republicans missed the boat when they failed to expand Medicaid. As a result of their failure to act, the 10th rural hospital in Tennessee announced Saturday that it is closing its doors.”
“All of the counties in District 17, except for Wilson, are entirely rural, and if one of them lost their hospital, it would have a devastating impact not only the health care of its citizens but on that county’s economy,” she added. “This is just one example of how the failure to apply common sense to our health care issues has hurt working families in District 17 and across the state.”
When it comes to jobs and the economy, Carfi noted that in five of the six counties in District 17, an average of 20.6 percent of all households receives food stamps, which is almost 4 percent higher than the state average.
“We need jobs that pay a living wage, so no one who works a full-time job has to rely on public assistance to survive,” she added. “It’s sound common sense to raise the minimum wage because Tennessee’s economy runs on consumer spending. If working families struggle to pay their rent and put food on their table, then how can they afford to buy anything else?”
Last, Carfi wants to make sure all students in District 17 have a quality public education “because it’s the best investment we can make in our state and nation’s future.
“Common sense tells us that we need to fully fund Tennessee’s Basic Education Plan (BEP) so that a child in smaller, less affluent counties like Clay or Cannon County can be assured of getting access to the same quality education as a child in Wilson County,” Carfi said.
“We need less testing of our students, and we need to say no vouchers of any kind because they divert resources from already struggling schools,” she added.
As a general practice attorney, Carfi often works with people who have differing opinions. “It’s my job to bring these people together, to compromise when and where it’s necessary, so that a positive result can be agreed upon by all parties.
“It’s time for some common sense in Tennessee’s Senate, and I ask for your support and vote on Dec. 19 so I can bring this to our legislative body.”
Carfi grew up in Smith County, the daughter of Don and Phyllis Eckel of Gordonsville. She is the granddaughter of the late Pete and Evelyn Watts, who owned Watts Angus Farm. Pete Watts was a well-known building contractor in Middle Tennessee and owner of Pete Watts Construction.
She has one daughter, Alexia, 9, and is a member of the Carthage United Methodist Church, where she sings in the choir. She and her husband, Jamie, are both members of the Bert Coble Singers in Lebanon. She also serves on the Bert Coble Singers Leadership Team.
Carfi is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the 15th Judicial District Bar Association. She is a graduate of Smith County High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice administration from Middle Tennessee State University. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Nashville School of Law. She was chosen as the Best Attorney in Mt. Juliet in 2016 by the readers of The Chronicle of Mt. Juliet newspaper.
A Campaign Kick-Off will be held Monday, Oct. 16, from 6-8 p.m., at The Capitol Theatre at 110 West Main St. in Lebanon.
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Dean and Mackler attend “Meet the Candidates” Picnic
On Monday, September 18, the Smith County Democrats organized a “Meet the Candidates” picnic at Defeated Creek Campground. The picnic was open to everyone who was interested and no one went away hungry! Two candidates attended and gave speeches — Karl Dean who is running for governor and James Mackler who is running for the U.S. Senate. Both candidates fielded questions after their speeches and all those who wanted photos had a chance for a photo opp with their candidate.
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John Rose Stands with President Trump on National Anthem
John Rose issued the following statement in response to the mass refusal from professional athletes to respect the American flag and stand for the National Anthem. “Our flag is a symbol we all hold dear, and it is important that we Americans honor it. It is also important that we respect our men and women in uniform and recognize the sacrifice that they are making for all of us. There is too much division in our country, and our flag and national anthem should be symbols that unite us, not divide us.”
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Meet the Candidates Picnic hosted by Smith County Democrats
The Smith County Democratic Party invites you to attend a “Meet the Candidates” Picnic on Monday, September 18, at 6pm. The picnic will be held at the shelter at Defeated Creek Campground.
Karl Dean, James Mackler, and Craig Fitzhugh are expected to attend.
Tickets are $10 at the door ($5 for children under 12).
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