State House candidates give views on guns, vouchers, other issues

By Buzz Trexler

Star Correspondent

All but one of the candidates seeking to fill two seats in Tennessee House of Representatives Districts 3 and 4 answered issue-oriented questions posed by The Elizabethton Star in recent weeks.

Six questions were sent by email on July 3 to each of the House candidates. There were email-related problems, so repeated attempts were made to obtain answers and the deadline to receive candidates’ answers was moved from July 10 to July 22. Candidates were asked to limit each answer to 100 words. If a candidate exceeded that point, their answer was ended at the last sentence before the overage.

Timothy Aaron Hill, incumbent in the District 3 state House race, is unopposed in the Republican Primary, while Lori Love is unopposed in the Democratic Primary for that seat. District 3 includes Johnson County and part of Carter, Hawkins, and Sullivan counties, including Blountville. That race will not be decided until the Nov. 5 election.

After representing the 4 th District in the state House of Representatives since 2015, state Rep. John B. Holsclaw Jr. decided against reelection and instead sought the Republican nomination for Carter County assessor of property, losing to Simerly in the March 5 primary.

Since no candidate filed for the Democratic Primary in the House District 4 race to represent Unicoi County and part of Carter County, voters in the Republican Primary will effectively decide the seat as they choose between Curt Alexander, longtime mayor of Elizabethton, and Renea Jones, president of Jones and Church Farms in Unicoi.

Early voting in the Aug. 1 state and federal primaries and Carter County General Election began July 12 and continues through Saturday, July 27. The Carter County Election Commission, 116 Holston Ave., is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.

The deadline for absentee ballot requests is Thursday, July 25.

Polls are open on Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here are the questions and responses:

Where do you stand on Governor Bill Lee’s proposed statewide school choice voucher program — known as the Education Freedom Scholarship Act — that would use taxpayer money to fund private schools?

House District 3 Republican Candidate Timothy Hill: Details of any legislative proposal matter. We have to preserve the rights of parents, do what is best for our children while demonstrating concern for the rural school districts throughout the state.

House District 3 Democratic Candidate Lori Love: I am 100% opposed to vouchers. If the state has money to put into a voucher program, they can fund our public schools and concentrate on making them the best in the nation.

House District 4 Republican Candidate Curt Alexander: Did not answer.

House District 4 Republican Candidate Renea Jones: As a long-time school board member and president of the Tennessee School Boards Association, I oppose diverting public funds from public schools. The Governor’s limited voucher program, which began two years ago, shows little evidence of academic growth for Tennessee students. Without such proof, I see no reason for the Education Freedom Scholarship Act’s implementation in Northeast Tennessee. Further, accepting state vouchers may undermine the reasons parents choose private school for their children, as state and federal funds always come with strings attached. I firmly believe that local schools are best governed by local decisions!

Governor Bill Lee at one time supported extreme risk protection orders (ERPO), more commonly known as “red flag” laws,” but in this last session signed legislation preempting local municipalities from enforcing ERPOs. Where do you believe 2nd Amendment rights end and public safety begins?

Alexander (Republican, District 4 race): Did not answer.

Jones (Republican, District 4 race): The Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of “red flag laws” in domestic violence situations. I can understand the fear some face daily. However, protection from abusive partners is only one aspect of “red flag laws.” The Fourth Amendment guarantees due process, which is often disregarded when the government seizes our property. Tennessee law already restricts firearm ownership for felons, domestic abusers, and other offenders. The issue lies in enforcing these laws. That is why I support fully funding our police! Our officers in the Fourth House District are some of the best across Tennessee!

Hill (Republican, District 3 race): I support the 2nd amendment. I oppose Red Flag Laws. I will continue to fight to preserve our 2nd amendment rights.

Love (Democrat, District 3 race): My view on the 2 nd Amendment focuses on “Well Regulated.” Regulations on gun purchases and ownership does not take anything away from those that own firearms. We are required to register and have insurance on our vehicles. Why not guns?

One of the more controversial laws passed during the most recent session of the General Assembly allows teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds. How do you believe we can best protect students and staff in our public schools?

Alexander (Republican, District 4 race): Did not answer.

Jones (Republican, District 4 race): As a grandmother and mother-in-law to a teacher, I want our most precious resource protected at all costs! Over half of all states allow school employees to carry firearms, and Tennessee law requires strict guidelines for this. The Fourth House District is blessed to have qualified School Resource Officers who protect our schools. Both the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department and the Elizabethton Police Department supported implementation of the law. In an armed threat, every second matters. If having trained personnel on-site saves lives, I fully support it. Ultimately, this decision is up to the school boards within our district.

Hill (Republican, District 3 race): The State must provide support in training and financially for SRO’s. Also, conduct an independent safety assessment of each school building and follow the recommended upgrades.

Love (Democrat, District 3 race): Arming teachers is not the answer. The possibility of putting an armed teacher in a situation that could potentially harm a student is far from ideal. I do not have the answer to how we can best protect students and staff. I would be willing to sit down and talk with teachers, staff, and experts from around the state and/or nation to hear their thoughts on this issue.

The General Assembly passed legislation making it a felony for people to camp out on public property. Critics of such legislation, which was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, say it targets people experiencing homelessness. What are your thoughts on this law?

Alexander (Republican, District 4 race): Did not answer.

Jones (Republican, District 4 race): Homelessness is a major problem in our community, often caused by factors like mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence. However, we must keep our public property safe for all. If elected, I will work with faith-based organizations to ensure they get the resources they need to support our homeless population, including helping them become independent. The Regional Recovery Center in Roan Mountain is a great example of collaboration. I want to thank Judge Street, Judge Rice, Mayor Woodby, Lisa Tipton, Representative Gary Hicks, and many others for their hard work on this accomplishment.

Hill (Republican, District 3 race): There are outreach programs to address homelessness. The State should review how it can be supportive of those solutions.

Love (Democrat, District 3 race): The criminalization of unhoused individuals is deeply concerning. The state is willing to spend taxpayer dollars incarcerating these folks, yet is not willing to do anything about the situation that put the individual in that situation.

Tennessee is one of the few states without property tax limitations. With home prices increasing, what do you believe can be done to protect homeowners from the impact of increases in assessed values?

Alexander (Republican, District 4 race): Did not answer.

Jones (Republican, District 4 race): Tennessee home values are rising faster than the national average, and residents in the Fourth House District feel the impact through higher property taxes. Tennessee is one of only five states without a cap on property taxes. A recent bill proposed a 2% cap on increases, with exceptions for debt repayment and voter-approved larger hikes for limited periods. I am interested in how this proposal would affect Carter and Unicoi counties and will listen to county officials’ views on its impact in the Fourth House District.

Hill (Republican, District 3 race): The State must pass a total ban of a State Property Tax.

Love (Democrat, District 3 race): I can say that one thing that is driving up assessments is allowing corporations to purchase, for cash, above asking price. Addressing this issue and possibly grandfathering some homeowners could be a partial solution.

What do you believe are the greatest concerns of voters in your district and how do you plan to address those concerns, if elected?

Alexander (Republican, District 4 race): Did not answer.

Jones (Republican, District 4 race): As I traveled from Roan Mountain to Rocky Fork, voters raised concerns about education, healthcare, land protection, and the local economy. I believe in smart growth that supports local businesses and protects natural resources. As your state representative, I will secure funding for Carter and Unicoi counties, develop strategies to support existing businesses and attract new businesses, and enhance workforce education programs like Elizabethton’s TCAT. I am committed to protecting our farms and ensuring food security. Quality, affordable healthcare is also a priority. I ask for your vote on August 1 because Carter and Unicoi counties are worth fighting for!

Hill (Republican, District 3 race): Inflation, Jobs, Education, Illegal Immigration are just a few of the biggest issues facing Tennessee. With these issues, as well as others, it’s best to listen to the citizens of Tennessee to find the solutions.

Love (Democrat, District 3 race): Our monopoly of a healthcare system is a major concern for voters in this district. I would vote to eliminate the COPA that allows Ballad Health to continue that monopoly. Monopolizing healthcare does not benefit the people and drives up healthcare costs. Our district is lacking in internet access. Our state needs to categorize internet as a utility and make it available to all. While the state is giving our tax dollars as a franchise tax refund to corporations (even out of state corporations) our small business owners are being ignored.

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