Fleischmann, Gorman address issues in survey
The following is one 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 candidates for Tennessee’s U. S. House of Representatives District 3 seat, which includes Hamilton, Polk, McMinn and Monroe counties, as well as the southern half of Bradley County. The candidates’ answers are presented in alphabetical order.
CHUCK FLEISCHMANN
› Affiliation:
Republican
› Previous public office experience:
Elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2010
› Why should voters choose you? During my tenure in Congress, I have worked tirelessly to represent the values of the people of the 3rd District of Tennessee and have been able to aid and assist all of my 11 Tennessee counties with my work on the Appropriations Committee, and with my colleagues in the Senate and the administration.
› What is the biggest challenge facing the office you seek? To renew the American people with their faith and optimism in the ability to legislate at the federal level.
› How will you address this challenge? I will continue to be a positive catalyst for cooperation for effectiveness while maintaining and advocating fiscal and social conservative values.
› What policy position of yours might surprise people?
By virtue of my position on the House Appropriations Committee, I work effectively across the aisle and across the capital for bipartisan and bicameral collaboration and success.
› What past or current public servant do you most admire? Why? Ronald [ Ronald] Reagan. President Reagan embodied a great respect and advocation for American values and promoted them domestically and internationally, all to the benefit of the American people. He inspired my generation to succeed.
› Campaign website: chuckfor congress.com
› Occupation: Attorney
› Education: Undergraduate degree in political science and history from the University of Illinois and a juris doctor degree from the University of Tennessee.
› City of residence: Ooltewah
› Church/civic involvement: St. Peter and Paul Basilica and Christway Community Church
› Best phone number for voters to contact you: 423-488-2236
MEG GORMAN
› Affiliation: Democrat
› Why should voters choose you? I’m running for Congress because our current leadership is failing us. We deserve someone who will show up for more than just ribbon cuttings — someone who will lead with compassion, serve with integrity and fight every day to solve the real problems facing the people of District 3.
› What is the biggest challenge facing the office you seek? The polarized nature of our current Congress has proven to be a huge challenge facing this office. In order to lead with compassion and humanity, we must be able to have real, open discussion with our colleagues across the aisle and not allow disagreement to turn to hatred.
› How will you address this challenge? I’ll address this challenge by sincerely connecting with my colleagues in Congress, not just the Democrats, not just the Republicans. Every person in our country deserves real, meaningful representation, and we can all benefit from a legislative body who puts people before power, money, or party. So often, the differences in opinion aren’t about what needs to happen, but how it needs to happen. With fresh perspectives in Congress and by keeping an open mind, I know we can accomplish so much more and do right by the American people.
› What policy position of yours might surprise people?
If this job is done the way it was intended, it shouldn’t be sustainable long term. So I support term limits. In Congress, as with any demanding job, it’s easy for people to become overworked, disillusioned and less effective. We need to restore these positions to ones of public service.
› What past or current public servant do you most admire? Why? I admire Sen. Bernie Sanders for his willingness to fight for what he believes in, even when he’s been the odd man out or his positions have been considered radical. Being a leader means doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy — especially when it’s not easy.
› Campaign website : meg2020.com
› Age on Election Day: 28
› Occupation: Store support leadership
› Employer: Whole Foods
› Education: Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
› Family: Single
› City of residence: Chattanooga
› Neighborhood of residence: North Chattanooga
› Church/civic involvement:
Lots and lots of voter registration and outreach
› Best phone number for voters to contact you: 423-8273310
AMBER L. HYSELL (NO RESPONSE)
KEITH DOUGLAS SWEITZER (NO RESPONSE)