Transportation is a vital part of economic development. Having good roads and highways encourages industry and development to come to our communities. We need to be sure the money that is appropriated for our roads gets to us.

Schools are an important factor in the economic development and growth of our communities. Our children need adequate, safe facilities that are conducive to learning; and our teachers need the supplies and materials necessary to prepare the children for the twenty-first century, including proper technology.

Infrastructure - Water treatment plants have to be properly maintained to secure safe, clean water for our communities.

Community facilities, including school buildings, parks, and community centers need to be properly maintained and funded to encourage development and provide appropriate services for our citizens.

Funding - The Lottery Scholarship program does not need to have such an extreme surplus, when we have students who want to go to college and prepare for their future. Students should be given the opportunity to have a difficult class and still maintain their scholarship, or earn their scholarship back before they graduate. Also, some of this money should be appropriated for those who want to earn advanced degrees.

TennCare - The health care programs in Tennessee need to be monitored for abuse so that those who truly need the programs can get the help they deserve, including our children.

All of these issues are important to insure quality of life in our communities. If elected to serve as your State Representative, I will do my best to see that our communities receive their fair share of appropriations.