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 InformationName: Corey StrongWhich office are you seeking? U.S. House District 9. One of four Democrats in the primary.Age at the time of election: 43What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? MemphisEducation: B.S.. US Naval Academy, MBA San Diego State University, JD University of Memphis, MEd Broad Center at Yale School of ManagementJob history: 21-year Naval officer (8 active and 13 reserves), 10-year education administrator (Memphis Shelby County Schools, Freedom Preparatory Academy, Progeny Place, First 8 Memphis)Family: Wife, Angela Strong11 questions for the candidates
Why are you running for this office?I’m running for office because I believe in our community and I know we can make Memphis and our district shine as an economic powerhouse on every level — regionally, nationally, and internationally. For too long, our district has been overlooked. We’ve seen federal investment decline while our neighbors thrive. This lack of funding means fewer jobs, fewer opportunities, higher local taxes, entrenched poverty, and rising crime rates. We need a strong, capable, and dedicated representative who believes in our potential and will bring the big investments we deserve — investments that will spur economic growth, create high-skill and high-wage jobs, and make our district a vibrant place to live.
I’ve dedicated my life to serving others, and I know TN-09 needs a representative ready to truly serve. We need someone who understands that building a solid economic foundation is key to lifting our communities from poverty to the middle class. Together, we can create a place where anyone, regardless of their background, can lead a life of purpose and opportunity.
What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?
I am the leader that can put Memphis back on the map. I have global experience from over 20 years in the military that taught me how to lead and motivate people, solve serious problems, and understand the greater world the United States operates in. I have over 10 years of experience in public education and know how to invest in people and help them grow. I have degrees and experience in business and law. I restored the Shelby County Democratic Party and helped orchestrate the 2018 Blue Wave. And I have a deep passion and understanding for the 901 and what is possible if we start believing what we are capable of.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office
Increased federal funding for infrastructure, job training, and community organizations; development of a mega site in the district to attract industrial growth; improved support of local government and community organizations for participation in federal government programs.
What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
Help address poverty, crime, and lack of job opportunity especially for the youth.
Are you satisfied with the direction of the country? Explain why.
No. Our country and slowly losing its influence globally through its antiquate foreign policy of interference and conflict as opposed to partnership and cooperation. We need to reprioritized the support and development of our people and communities through job training and economic growth to reestablish our value to the world around us. That includes programs that allow Americans to live out productive lives including universal healthcare, universal childcare, and a more robust and affordable educational system.
What is your assessment of the performance of the President Joe Biden over the last four years?
He has very aptly navigated a very perilous economic situation to help our country recover from heinous corporate tax cuts and a near recession. He has excelled at creating programs that provide opportunities to compete to underserved communities. However, he has failed by recycling failed foreign policy approaches with our ally Israel in their genocidal response to Oct. 7th.
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?
Our foreign policy should be to compete economically through cooperation with China. This will give us a greater influence in areas of conflict in Asia and Africa. We should remain strong with our response to resisting Russian advances in Ukraine. And we should cease economic aid to Israel until there is a permanent ceasefire, aid is provided to the Palestinian people, and their efforts to annex Gaza and settlements in the West Bank are stopped.
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?
Congress should redraft our immigration policy in a manner that supports our current needs and maintains our national sovereignty. We should also pursue foreign policy that help quell the waves of migrants that are coming to the U.S.
What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
I am running to put TN-09 back on the map. Over the past 18 years, this district has seen its overall investment from the federal government shrink while our neighboring districts in Mississippi and Arkansas have doubled, the state of Tennessee’s investments tripled, and Davidson county has seen its federal money increase by 14 times! Shrinking funds means less programming, less jobs, and higher local taxes. This district needs a strong, capable and committed representative to bring investments home.
I am the leader that can put Memphis back on the map. I have global experience from over 20 years in the military that taught me how to lead and motivate people, solve serious problems, and understand the greater world the United States operates in. I have over 10 years of experience in public education and know how to invest in people and help them grow. I have degrees and experience in business and law. I restored the Shelby County Democratic Party and helped orchestrate the 2018 Blue Wave. And I have a deep passion and understanding for the 901 and what is possible if we start believing what we are capable of.
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?
Check out HOF BBQ at Cozy Corner, catch a Memphis Grizzlies Game, and spend some quiet time on our river at Tom Lee Park.
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
all 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-corey-strong-house-district-9/74269476007/
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Publish date : 2024-07-01 19:01:28
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