Candidate profile: Incumbent Rep. Scott Cepicky lays out top legislative goals, successes

In the state Republican Primary Aug. 1, incumbent House Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, is being challenged by county commissioner and Columbia native Ray Jeter. Read the below questionnaires to learn about the candidates.

Candidate profile: Scott Cepicky, 58

What city/town in Tennessee do you live in?

Culleoka

Education: B.A. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Job history: cattle rancher, mortgage banker

Family: Teresa, Gabriel and Daniel

Challenger: Candidate profile: Learn about challenger Ray Jeter in 64th District race

Why are you running for this office?

To continue the work we have started transforming public education in Tennessee

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

I have Six years of experience working in the General Assembly and built a reputation as one of the best legislators in educational policy in the state.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

Continue transforming education policy in Tennessee, working to resolve homelessness and protecting Tennessee agricultural industry.

What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

Fix education and protect our agricultural land.

Are you satisfied with the direction of the country? Explain why.

No, if we do not change our direction and focus in regards to economy and immigration it will destroy or country.

What is your assessment of the performance of Gov. Bill Lee over the last six years?

Steady, he was dealt a curve ball with Covid but has been a steady force in Tennessee. Gov. Lee plans to reintroduce his Education Freedom Scholarship Act (school vouchers expansion) in 2025.

Do you support this plan? Why or why not?

Yes, I was the one who carried it last year and will carry it this year. It will provide better options for students and force public schools to look inwardly at their process.

Has Tennessee done enough to address public concerns about firearms safety? Explain your position.

Yes.

Tennessee has some of the most restrictive laws on abortion. Do you agree with Tennessee's approach? Why or why not?

Yes, life is life.

Americans have identified immigration as a top issue in the 2024 election. What role, if any, does Tennessee have on this issue?

We have added 160 state troopers to address illegal immigration, and we will stiffen penalty’s for those that are here illegally and commit crimes.

The Tennessee legislature has passed several "tough-on-crime" laws in recent years (i.e., truth-in-sentencing and death penalty for raping a child). Do you agree with these policies? Why or why not?

Yes.

What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on election day?

If you look at the bills I have passed over the last six years, you will see a very conservative member of the General Assembly. My reputation as a fighter is well known and most of the time, I will be tasked with carrying the tough bills.

A "fun" question: When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Tennessee or your specific community?" what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?*

Come to Mule Day in the Spring, our Christmas Parade in December and First Fridays on the Square in Columbia.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Candidate profile: Incumbent Rep. Scott Cepicky lays out top legislative goals, successes