This past Saturday morning, I spoke at the Wilson County Republican Party headquarters in Lebanon. We had a great conversation about crime, taxes, healthcare, and many other issues facing our state. One person inquired about what I would do to keep GM from shutting down the Spring Hill plant if I were governor. It is a great question, and one that I know many are concerned about. After all, not only are hundreds of jobs at stake, but the closing of such a plant would not fare well for the local economy.

My answer to this question is simple- As governor, I would do any reasonable thing in my power to keep those good paying jobs in Tennessee; however, I would not allow GM to put a gun to my head and say, “Give us $200 million or we’re gone.” I will not allow a company to simply raid our state treasury in order to be “bailed out.” I feel strongly that GM should remain in Spring Hill. After all, that plant is truly state-of-the-art, and capable of producing the cars of tomorrow.

As governor, I will work hard every day to bring new businesses to Tennessee and to retain businesses that are already here. I will not, however, allow such businesses to decide how we spend your tax dollars! You deserve more from your state government. I will be held accountable for the way your tax dollars are spent, and will not allow that accountability to be compromised.

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The Tennessee General Assembly has adjourned with at least some progress on the big challenges facing our state but with much more left to do.
 
Most disappointing is the continued failure to make major, comprehensive changes in our sentencing laws to keep violent offenders off our streets and out of our neighborhoods. Legislators did enact tougher sentences for attempted first degree murder involving use or possession of a gun, and every step helps. We are in a battle with the gang members and drug traffickers. As governor, I will make it a legislative priority to give law enforcement the tools it needs to win the battle, including elimination of parole for violent offenders.
 
Adoption of legislation to expand the pool of students eligible for charter schools is a big step in the right direction. It was a tough fight, especially in the House. This is not the end of the fight. Many in the education bureaucracy will continue to resist change. Charter schools are still limited to just five communities in Tennessee. Every community in our state should have the right to create charter schools as alternative types of public schools. As governor, I will push for that.
 
The General Assembly provided bond funding to acquire 1,700 acres in Haywood County for a megasite industrial park to help position west Tennessee for recruitment of new industry. Such megasites have been successful in east and middle Tennessee. Earlier this month, I had the chance to visit the middle Tennessee megasite, where Hemlock Semiconductor will locate, bringing hundreds of good paying jobs to the Clarksville area. The Haywood County site will help west Tennessee compete for new, high-paying jobs. It’s a perfect example of how state government can provide the necessary infrastructure for job growth.
 
As governor, my legislative priorites will focus on the need for more good-paying jobs, good schools, and safe streets.

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While on the campaign trail, I have been talking about the real challenges facing our state. I don’t have to tell you about the dire economic situation that many Tennessee families are facing today. As Governor, I want to focus on creating new and better jobs and to maintain a low-tax rate. That means No Income Tax!

You may also know that Tennessee ranks 42nd in public education. This is simply unacceptable! I had the opportunity to go to a great public school. That is an opportunity that every child in our state deserves.

You may have also heard me talk about the fact that Tennessee has the 2nd highest violent crime rate in the nation. Although the primary role of state government is to provide for the peace and safety of its citizens, we have not had a Governor who has taken seriously the problems of gang violence in our urban centers and the scourge of meth in our rural communities. You can be assured that I will be a Governor who will take crime seriously.

I will continue to talk about how we can make Tennessee a state with good jobs, good schools, and safe streets. But I need your help! Please consider getting involved with our campaign. You can simply e-mail me at Bill@Gibbons2010.com. Also, if you are able, please consider making a donation of $10, $25, $50, or $100. You can contribute securely on our Contribution Page. Your help will go a long way, and I would sincerely appreciate it.

I hope to see you soon,

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