Elections 2024: Tennessee should strive to improve poor voter turnout
The Tennessean Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas encourages voters to cast their ballots in the Aug. 1, 2024 primary election in Tennessee.
Editor’s note: The Tennessean Editorial Board invited candidates for the 2024 congressional elections to fill out our questionnaire. They include biographical information and answers to 11 questions on variety of topics from key policy issues to their recommendation for visitors on what to see or do in their congressional districts.
Election Guide: Learn about candidates running in Aug. 1 Tennessee primary election for U.S. Congress
Key dates:
July 2: Voter registration deadlineJuly 12-27: Early votingJuly 25: Deadline to request absentee ballotAug. 1: Primary electionNov. 5: General electionBiographical Information
Name: Civil Miller-Watkins
Which office are you seeking? U.S. Senate. One of four Democrats in the primary election.
Age at the time of election: 58
What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Rossville
Education: B.S. Sociology, B. S. Social Work, and M.Ed each from University of Tennessee Martin
Job history: Realtor, marketing manager, medical social worker, HR manager, presently an 8th grade math teacher
Family: Husband of 35 years, Charles Watkins. Eight children: Diondria, Adarian, Charles II, Solomon, Justice, Emeth, Chayil, and Michlal. 10 grandchildren
11 questions for the candidates
Why are you running for this office?
Tennesseans should have a Senator who will listen to them, even if they do not agree. I am a mom of a high schooler, a recent college graduate, college student, small business owner and hard worker. My 86-year-old mother-in-law lives with us as well as other extended family. When we talk about public schools and the need to invest in them, how affordable housing and employment are obstacles for our young people, college debt, enhancing ways to support small businesses, making certain American workers are respected and have a living wage, and finally addressing the caregivers of our elders. I’m not just talking about it, I’m living it. It’s time Tennessee has a Senator who understands many of the kitchen table issues facing families across our country and will fight for families around the tables in Washington. In short, I am running so that all Tennesseans will have someone who will represent them.
What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?
By meeting the qualifications listed when you pull the petition to run: age (at least 30 years of age); U.S. citizenship (at least nine years); and residency in the state a senator represents at time of election.
I have been involved in Tennessee politics for most of my life. I have served on the school board for six years, therefore, I understand major budgets and systems, I understand consensus. I understand to be efficient and effective one must find areas of common ground to realize goals that move all toward progress. I understand that building coalitions and then collaborating are essential when one speaks of passing sound legislation that addresses the kitchen table issues of Tennesseans and our fellow Americans.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
Passing voting rights legislation, a woman’s right to make her own healthcare choices, and making certain that our children are provided a global and multilingual education where they are safe at school, in their communities as well as making certain families can provide shelter, food and healthcare to all under their care. To help elect people to office who care about our democracy.
What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
Voters are wanting to have a focused plan around helping our young people have opportunities to live a full and productive life.As an educator, many of my colleagues express the need to invest in our public school systems, especially rural schools.To have a Senator who will work for all Tennesseans, whether they voted for me or not. So that when I say, “Our TN way of life,” it includes all Tennesseans.
Are you satisfied with the direction of the country? Explain why.
Depending on your station in life the direction of the country can seem quite positive or very challenging. The stock market is booming, our infrastructure is being rebuilt, unemployment is low, we are producing more oil than ever before, and manufacturing is on the rise.
However, I acknowledge that my granddaughters have fewer rights than I did. Many of the gains of freedom, equity, and democracy of the last 60 years, are under attack (i.e., women’s rights and voting rights). The calls for common sense gun laws have gone unanswered. I know that inflation is real to many in Tennessee and across the nation. I know that housing is challenging to our young people and our families. We are in a maternal health crisis, especially if you are Black or brown.
So while I believe that we have turned the corner and are heading in the right direction, I am running because there is much work to do.
What is your assessment of the performance of the President Joe Biden over the last four years?
There have been great strides made in getting our country through the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in infrastructure, our rural counties appreciate expanded broadband, our roads and bridges are getting the needed attention, and our colleges and universities, especially HBCU’s applaud the investments made.
He not only saved NATO, he expanded it. Solidifying our relationships with our allies is important. President Biden has done more than many of us expected with the number of votes we sent to Congress.
Has everything been perfect? No. Have there been challenges? Yes. I believe once we elect more people who care more for America and her families instead of special interests, more good work will be done. The American people should be our only interest.
How should the U.S. approach foreign policy goals as it pertains to regions, nations and conflicts such as China, Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war?
We should always lead with our humanity and understanding of each conflict from the perspective of the countries we are engaging with. We should operate within the best interest of our country while upholding the ideals of our democracy and republic. Where tyranny exists we should work through alliances so that democracy can prevail. In all things we must consider humanity and the right for all people to live in peace with the ability to shape their own destiny.
Americans in recent polling say immigration is one of the top issues, if not the most important issue, facing the U.S. What should Congress do to address the immigration and border security?
A great first step would be to pass the bipartisan agreement which creates a foundation for a more functional immigration system. For too long immigration, like abortion, has been used as a point of grievance to further political aspirations. The bipartisan bill represents a road to a solution that allows our great nation of immigrants to actually live up to the words at Ellis Island, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
Tennesseans and our fellow Americans are having kitchen table conversations that are centered around getting to work and their paychecks, their children learning and being safe at school, having available healthcare choices and especially in our rural areas, access to quality food options, and being tired of the chaos in Washington. When I speak to neighbors about these issues, I am not just talking about them … I’m living them.
It’s time to send someone who can and is willing to understand first-hand and be willing to speak up and vote to improve kitchen table issues around the decision making tables in Washington. There is a direct threat to our health, wealth, and democracy. It’s up to each of us to make sure that we have a democracy where it’s citizens and future generations have a right and an opportunity to have their voices heard.
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?
Book an overnight package at Cumberland Caverns, visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, a drive down Natchez Trace, enjoy Beale Street and BBQ in Memphis, and grab a plate of catfish from Uncle Larry’s in Chattanooga.
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
Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X at @davidplazas.
Source link : https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2024/07/01/tennessee-election-congress-civil-miller-watkins-senate/74270330007/
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Publish date : 2024-07-01 19:02:17
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