Election Results coverage by the Elizabethton Star
Dear Friends,
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It is an honor to serve you, the citizens of Carter County, as your State Representative in
the 105th General Assembly. Together, we have made great strides during 2007 and 2008 that have put Carter County back on the map. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about my work in our State Capitol on your behalf and the accomplishments we have made in this short period of time. You will find this information on the following pages.
I am very fortunate to have been appointed to several key committees by the Speaker of the House. These appointments, along with my desire to create good will in Nashville, have enabled me to give you a voice which is heard and respected there. I can assure you that our state government now knows that Tennessee does not end in Knoxville.
I have always felt that in order to be an effective representative of the people, one would need to work full - time. I have done just that in 2007-2008. Carter County deserves to have this representation and I intend to work in this capacity again should you allow me the privilege of remaining your Representative.
I want to continue to promote Carter County’s progress and influence in state government. I have also worked hard over the past two years to bring as many tax dollars as possible back home. You can expect me to work just as hard in the next term if I am re-elected.
Thank you for your vote and support. Please feel free to call me any time with your concerns. As always, I am here for you.
Sincerely,
Kent Williams
State Representative, 4th District
Carter County, Tennessee
REMINDER: Primary election is Aug. 7th.
Early voting is July 18th - Aug. 2nd.
Last day to register to vote is Tuesday, July 8th.
Biographical Information
* Born June 23, 1949, Carter County
* Married, wife Gayle, four sons
* Southern Baptist
* Restaurant owner / Farmer
* Graduate of Unaka High School
Public Office
* House member of the 105th General Assembly
* Member, Republican Caucus Crime Task Force
* Member, House Finance, Ways and Means Committee
* Member, House Health and Human Resources Committee
* Member, House Health Care Facilities Subcommittee
* Member, Joint Select Oversight Committee on Education
Community Involvement
* Chairman of the United Way Campaign
* Carter County Republican Party
* Elizabethton-Carter County Chamber of Commerce
* The Tennessean Restaurant Association
* Elizabethton-Carter County Hunting and Fishing Club
* The National Rifle Association
E-Mail Address
Rep. Kent Williams
District Address
126 S. Main Street
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Home Phone (423) 768-3431
Cell Phone (423) 943-2528
Nashville Address
212 War Memorial Building
Nashville, TN 37243-0104
Phone (615) 741-7450
Fax (615) 253-0310
Staff Contact: Amy Darnall
I am a member of the following committees:
Finance, Ways & Means
Health & Human Services
Healthcare Facilities Subcommittee
Long-term Healthcare Task Force
Select Oversight Committee on Education
Study Committee on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
EDUCATION
The State of Tennessee’s education system is now ranked 16th nationally. This is a tremendous improvement from our position of 47th just 2 years ago. The graduation rates and grade point averages of our students are increasing, which corresponds with our rise in rank. Our state now has an improved Basic Education Program (BEP), which places more dollars in our school systems. This new BEP also calls for greater accountability from the school systems. It is also more simple, fair, and transparent. Carter County’s share of the BEP is $28.6 million and Elizabethton City Schools’ share is $9 million.
HEALTHCARE
I am proud to serve on three committees that deal with healthcare. We have passed legislation this year that will allow people to stay in their homes longer after becoming ill. We are developing ideas that will provide citizens with alternatives to nursing homes. I do this because of my strong belief that our elderly and disabled citizens deserve to live their lives in comfort and with dignity.
While developing these alternatives, I feel we must remember that nursing homes will always be needed and appreciated. The state government must continue to ensure that our nursing homes receive the resources necessary to provide the best care possible to their residents.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation improvement is important to Carter County’s future growth and development. I will continue to advocate the progress of the following road projects:
LYNN AVENUE BRIDGE PROJECT - Construction to begin June 2008.
WILBUR DAM BRIDGE (SIAM) - Right - of -way is currently being purchased. Bids will go out in late fall 2008.
GAP CREEK ROAD - Right - of - way purchase to begin late summer or early fall 2008.
HWY 91 (Northern Connector) Project - Environmental studies & public meetings are ongoing.
FUNDING
Carter County fared well in the budget considering the state’s available resources. Our portion of the state budget funding saw an increase of 18% since the year ending in 2006. Some of the funding Carter County has received since then includes the following:
$2.3 million in new funding was appropriated to support k-12 education in Carter County.
The Gap Creek Road Project right-of-way acquisitions were included in the 2008 budget.
$37.7 million for education (k-12th grade and higher education).
$12.6 million in state shared tax collections.
$30.6 million in for health and social services.
$3.2 million for justice and public safety.
$3.1 million for recreation and resources development.
$1.4 million for state highway projects.
$1 million for miscellaneous items.
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT GRANTS
All representatives were each assigned $100,000 in Community Enhancement Grants for our districts. These grants are appropriated for community improvement. In order to be considered for grant money, applicants had to first apply to the state. The use of the requested money had to be documented and established standards were required to be met. The following Carter County organizations received these grants:
Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library $20,000
Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County $31,000
Abortion Alternatives & Women’s Center $18,000
Carter County Volunteer Fire Departments $20,000
Elizabethton Senior Citizens Center $10,000
Eastern Eight Community Development Corp. $1,000
TOTAL $100,000
In addition to the above assigned grant money, I was also able to secure our district an additional $25,000. This money went to:
East Tennessee Christian Home $5,000
Happy Valley High School “We the People” Competition Team $10,000
Happy Valley High School Math Program $10,000
Note: Happy Valley was the only school in our district that applied.
Some other noted grants we received were:
$120,000Skills grant awarded to Alliance for Business and Training to train at-risk youth
$37, 338 Litter Grant
$5,000 Highway Safety Grant
$120.000 Aeronautics Grant for the growth of Elizabethton Municipal Airport.
Funds for one new Carter County pre-K classroom.
$90,000 Aeronautics Grant for Elizabethton Municipal Airport.
$477,000 North Elizabethton Utility District-Water Tank
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