Government Accountability to the People
The government serves you; therefore, it should be accountable to you.

Recently I visited Martha Ridings to see the remains of her destroyed home and examine her current living conditions.  Many of you read about Blount Counties accidental destruction of her shop and home.  As you can see in the picture, not much remains of her shop.

She is living in a mobile trailer with a tarp over it because the roof leaks, and tape on the ceiling because parts of it are falling in.

The Tennessee Tort Liability Act limits her compensation to $100,000, even though the cost of the destruction was much more.  All government should be accountable for it's actions; therefore, I am calling for change to this unaccountable cap.  Read more... 

Education
Tennessee has excess funds from the lottery, resulting in much debate about where these funds can be used best.  Some mention Pre-K, more scholarship money ect.  I propose another solution.  The money should be used to establish vocational programs in the public high schools.  Often high school graduates enter the work force with very limited skills, making it difficult to obtain employment.  Some of these kids choose to go to college simply because they lack the skills necessary to enter the work force.  Many of these graduates do not want to go to college, and aren't adequately prepared for college.  Academic standards should not be lowered.  Instead we should focus on raising the standards of both vocational and collegiate studies.  (Tona was the first candidate in this race to raise this novel issue on Talking Frank 850 AM on June 30, 2008.)

Illegal Immigration
Illegal Immigration must be stopped.  This country was founded on legal immigration, but something must be done about the 12 million illegal residents in this country. 

Taxation
I will always oppose a state income tax.  Budget cuts must be made, rather than tax hikes.  Your government officials should have to budget just like the citizens do.  It's time for responsible balanced spending by your state government.  Recently I signed 2 no tax pledges.  Read more here.

Right to Keep and Bear Arms
We need criminal control, not gun control. 

Traffic Safety
Sound engineering principles are the key to safety, not revenue enforcement such as red light cameras.  Read more about my strong interest and active participation in motorist rights and the true solutions to traffic safety.

If you have an issue that is important to you and you'd like to discuss it, please email me or call me at 856-0814.