FAMILIES GATHER FOR OLD-FASHIONED COMMUNITY MEETING IN ERIN

By TERESA N. SETTLE
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER

* If you missed the Old-Fashioned Community Meeting in Erin on Monday, Oct. 4,
you missed a feel-good, family-oriented gathering with a political message.
* That’s because the event was really a way of introducing State Senator-
hopeful Brenda Radford, a Republican running against incumbent Democrat
Rosalind Kurita.
* Retired Brigadier General Wendell Gilbert, former chief of staff and
Tennessee’s first homeland security director, welcomed the small crowd gathered
at the Betsy Ligon Park Pavilion at 5:30 p.m.
* “It’s great to be here. I feel right at home,” Gilbert said, adding that
although he grew up in Clarksville, he visited Houston County often in his
childhood. He recalled fishing for small bass at White Oak Creek, “a magical
place,” he said.
* Gilbert said he didn’t catch much fish, but he did get a whole lot of poison
ivy and chiggers.
* “You haven’t lived until you’ve had a case of both of those at the same
time,” he joked.
The Reason For His Visit...
* Gilbert’s reason for being in Erin this week, however, was to introduce
Radford and to share three reasons to vote for her.
* First, he said, after serving the last three years in Nashville and watching
the Tennessee General Assembly up close, Gilbert said it’s time for new faces
with new ideas.
* Second, he said Radford is totally responsive to everyone in her current
district as a Montgomery County commissioner.
* And thirdly, Radford has “unquestionable integrity and honesty. She’s just a
nice person,” he said, before turning the meeting over to her.

A SMALL GATLINBURG...
* Radford began by comparing Erin and Houston County to a small Gatlinburg,
with lots of potential, friendly people, and beautiful scenery.
* She mentioned meeting several Houston Countians on the campaign trail,
including the Hataways, the Fussells, and the Douglases.
* She also introduced her husband Al, her mother, her sister, her mother-in-
law, and her sister-in-law.
* “Don’t just meet me,” she said, “Get to know my family, too. That way you’ll
know a lot more about me and what we stand for.”
* Radford told the crowd that it’s time for a change in the 22nd district. She
said she would fight for tax release, road projects, monthly community town
meetings, and small business aid for insurance.

TAX RELIEF PROPOSAL...
* She said she would also support a Taxpayers Bill of Rights, something she
said has been in effect in Colorado since 1996, and which has allowed for $3
billion of tax overcollections to be returned to the taxpayers in that state.
* Radford reminded attendees that last spring the incumbent (Kurita) opposed
sending state overcollections back to taxpayers.
* Radford said one of the biggest differences in her and her opponent is that
Kurita over time has collected a half million dollars of political
contributions from special interest groups and political action committees who
do not even reside in the 22nd district.
* “My only special interest is you,” Radford said, adding that “As your next
state senator, I will work hard for you the people, not the special interest
groups.”
* Radford said she is Pro-Life as opposed to Kurita’s pro-abortion advocacy and
that the Tennessee Right to Life has given Radford their endorsement. The
Tennessee Home School Family PAC has also endorsed Radford.

NO SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS...
* Radford warned residents that they would probably see “slick” advertisements
from the incumbent in the next few weeks, but to keep in mind that they are
funded by special interest groups.
* In fact, Radford brought the financial report for herself and her opponent.
In Kurita’s financial report (also available on the internet), 80 percent of
the contributions were marked as PAC or other special interest groups who do
not reside in the 22nd district. Her current balance is over $260,000.
* On the other hand, Radford has a $27,000 balance, with all but a handful of
contributions coming from individuals and businesses in the 22nd district.
* During a question-and-answer session, Radford was asked about her feelings on
a state income tax.
* “I am opposed to a state income tax,” she said. Radford added that state
employees should be asked to find other efficiencies. She mentioned TennCare as
being a problem that needs addressing, along with other healthcare inequities.

READY FOR A CHANGE...
* In closing, Radford quoted, “People, Get Ready; There’s a Change A Comin’;
People, Get Ready; You better get on board!”
* “I ask for your vote... God bless you and your family.”
* Local resident Annette Pulley of Houston County Printing was also on hand at
the community meeting. Radford introduced her as a good friend and her
political chairman here in Houston County.
* Pulley said she and Radford have been friends since 1987 when she lived in
Montgomery County.
* Pulley said of Radford, “She hasn’t changed. She’s the same person that cares
about people. She has outstanding character and values. What she says, she
means.”

MUSIC, FOOD, AND FAMILY VALUES...
* Entertaining the crowd with their musical talents were several locals who
played country, bluegrass, and gospel songs. They included: Otis Kelly, Jimmy
Luffman, Don Fitzhugh, Dan Wallace, Randy Holland, and Jamie Holland.
* Refreshments were served, including sandwiches, chips, moon pies, RC’s, and a
big batch of banana pudding made by Radford herself.
* Several local residents attended, including: Matt Blakely, Frank and Ann
Young, Clay Hataway, Ray and Millie Kresge, Ken and Sammie Douglas, Elizabeth
and Sarah Martin, and Thelma Jenkins, to name a few.
* Don and Cindy Camp, who came out to support Radford, were the perfect picture
of strong family values.
* The couple, who have lived in Houston County most of their lives, brought
their six children: Rachel, 10; Cari, 8; Jarrett, 6, Jana, 3; and twins Keaton
and Kelli, four months.
* “I’m here to support a woman with morals and convictions,” stated Don, who
works for Nagle Industries. “[Radford] represents the Camp family values.”
* Cindy is kept busy homeschooling her children as well. “I like it,” she
stated. “It works well for our family.”
* To get involved in Radford’s campaign, contact Pulley at Houston County
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