Gayla Hendrix Candidate For State Representative
	Tennessee State House District 40 Gayla Hendrix Parent   Educator Small Business Owner             Protecting the most precious resources in Tennessee - Families, Children, Communities
Contact   Issues   Family   Gayla In Action         Contribute Online	I am running for your District 40 State Representative in the General Assembly. I am a lifelong resident of this District and I have a sincere desire to continue the process of improving our communities. I grew up on a small farm in DeKalb County and I know the devastation a drought can have on the farmers and the nurserymen. These citizens provide essential services and products for our communities and when they are in trouble our government must provide adequate assistance to ensure their survival. Having been a small business owner, I also understand the burdensome affects of a slow economy, and taxation. Our government must support and encourage the survival of small businesses by offering tax breaks and incentives where they are needed. As a school teacher and a parent, I have seen the devastating affects that drug abuse has on the teenagers and families in this community. We must ensure that our law enforcement officials have the means necessary to combat drug dealers. In addition, it is imperative that we provide the resources and services necessary to help the good people, who fall into the devastating trap of addiction, to recover and restore their family relationships and their place in society. We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful district; however, we cannot take our environment for granted. While industry and growth are necessary for progress, we must safeguard our clean air and water, support for our state parks, and the restoration of Center Hill Dam. If elected to serve as your State Representative, I will do my very best to insure quality of life in our communities and hope for our future. Gayla C. Hendrix has a wealth of experience - family, education, and work - making her uniquely qualified to represent the families of the 40th Legislative District. A lifelong resident of Middle Tennessee, Gayla grew up in and around Smithville where she attended elementary school and graduated from DeKalb County High School. After graduation from Middle Tennessee State University she married her high school sweetheart, Farron Hendrix. Gayla and Farron have been married for 24-years and have three children; Ali, age 22, a senior at MTSU, Lee, age 18 a freshman at MTSU and Abi, age 14, an eighth grader at DeKalb Middle School. Gayla has served the DeKalb County School System for over 18 years. First as a Home Economics & Theatre Teacher for 10-years, and then as Librarian at Smithville Elementary and most recently at Northside Elementary School. In addition to her B.S. Degree, Gayla has earned an M.ed. (Master's Degree) from MTSU and an EDS (Education Specialist) Degree from Tennessee Tech. Currently she is a fourth year law student at the Nashville School of Law. Gayla has been a Christian and member of Smithville First Baptist Church for 36 years where she has served in several capacities over the years.  Gayla has been involved in many community activities and served as co-chair for the building of Greenbrook Park playground.  These are just a few of the "real life" experiences and education that Gayla brings to the table.