FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2010
Gibbons to Attend Youth Forum; Encourages Mentoring Programs
Memphis, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons pledges to support the growth of mentoring programs aimed at improving life for at-risk children who are more likely to move in and out of the juvenile justice system.
"I know first-hand how important it is to have caring adults in young people's lives to help lead them in the right direction. My father walked out on us when I was four years old, and I watched as my mother struggled to make ends meet. I was skipping school at an early age. I found hope from individuals who took an interest in my life -- a teacher who schooled me in lessons beyond the textbooks, a minister who introduced me to the church I've attended for more than forty years, even the man who bought my childhood home and farm in foreclosure. Not only did he hire me to work on that farm, but he also introduced me to politics. Without the support of these people, my life may have gone in a different direction," Gibbons said.
Gibbons is talking about the importance of mentoring programs in conjunction with his appearance at a gubernatorial forum in Nashville on Wednesday hosted by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. The commission is an independent state agency created by the Tennessee General Assembly whose mission is to improve life for our state's children and families. The Shelby County D.A.'s office oversees a mentoring program for truant students at the middle school level. The effort is funded in part by a grant from the commission.
"I started the program in large part because of my own experiences growing up. While I'm not proposing to grow government, I am suggesting we tap into the volunteer spirit of the Volunteer State. I think with encouragement from the next governor, we can grow the number of people committed to supporting Tennessee children and keep them off a path that often leads to crime," Gibbons added.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2010
Gibbons Files Paperwork for Gubernatorial Race
Nashville, TN -- Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons today filed the official paperwork with the Tennessee State Election Commission in Nashville solidifying his run for governor of Tennessee.
"While I've been committed to the race for Tennessee governor for more than a year now, filing the election papers today makes my run official," Gibbons said.
"I'm ready to lead our state into a new era focusing on my three top priorities -- more good-paying jobs, better schools and safer communities," Gibbons added.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2010
Gibbons Tours The MED; Learns About Challenges Facing Trauma Center
Memphis, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons toured Memphis' Regional Medical Center today to learn first hand about the area's largest trauma center, the financial challenges it faces, and what it needs from Tennessee's next governor.
"The MED is in critical condition financially, and as a candidate for governor, I wanted to speak directly with leaders at The MED about the root of the problem, and how to pave the way for a more positive future for the trauma center. It is imperative that we properly support and fund the hospital to keep it's doors open," Gibbons said.
The MED, which houses cutting-edge trauma, burn and neo-natal centers, serves a six state region within 180 miles of Memphis and often absorbs the cost of a large number of patients without insurance. It is also critical to UT's Health Sciences Center.
"The MED is not only a safety net hospital that gives medical care to the uninsured, but it's also an educational training facility for doctors in Memphis. Of the roughly 450 physicians going through residency programs, 140 of them do so at The MED. I'm not sure state government understands the importance of The MED to Tennessee, but I do. And as governor, I will be committed to helping the hospital get the money it deserves," Gibbons added.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2010
Gibbons First-Ever Candidate to Use JoggleBug
Memphis, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons, also a candidate for Tennessee governor, recently became the first political candidate to use JoggleBugTM! JoggleBug is a one-of-a-kind voice social network that empowers people to record an instant voice message that can link directly to Facebook, Twitter, My-Space, or the user's personal website.
"One of the great things about this race for governor is finding new ways to connect with Tennesseans. JoggleBug is giving me an opportunity to go beyond a typical email message, Facebook or Twitter update. I can actually talk with voters instantly about my thoughts and experiences. I'm excited to be the first political candidate to use JoggleBug," Gibbons said.
General Gibbons has already recorded several JoggleBug messages, including thoughts on his meeting with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, his recent tour of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and his visit to Freedom Preparatory Academy, a Memphis charter school.
"Since unofficially launching last September, we've enjoyed fabulous success connecting artist, or "Jogglers," together with their fans," said JoggleBug CEO Ann Cameron Troy. "The natural evolution of the JoggleBug social network is to become a focal point for connecting all public personalities with their fans. Joggling is a great way to foster the uniqueness of the political forum and help candidates and politicians reach out to their constituents. We are pleased General Gibbons has selected JoggleBug to compliment his other messages during his campaign."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2010
Candidate for Governor Responds to Address; Promises Change
Memphis, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons, also a candidate for Tennessee governor, issued this statement after watching tonight's State of the State Address:
"I commend Governor Bredesen on his eighth State of the State address, for his years of service to Tennessee, for his success during this year's special session on education and for working under such difficult budget constraints. We are now preparing for a new administration. I am ready to take the reigns and move Tennessee forward with my plans for more good paying jobs, better schools and safer communities.
With the state of our economy still uncertain, job creation must be on the front burner. Governor Bredesen presented the liklihood of more than one thousand lay-offs in state government alone. I plan to turn around this trend by putting together incentive packages attractive to industry and by keeping taxes low.
I will improve our often under-performing public education system by supporting a performance based evaluation system for teachers that will attract our best and brightest, and back them up with strong principals.
Governor Bredesen specifically challenged our institutions of higher learning to have the same success in education that they do in sports programs. I will place major emphasis on increasing the research capabilities at both The University of Tennessee and The University of Memphis. That includes giving the U of M its own governing board, which will position it to more effectively compete for research dollars.
Finally, as governor, I will tackle Tennessee's crime problem by enacting tougher sentencing laws, ultimately shutting the revolving jailhouse door on criminals."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2010
Gibbons Partners with Tennessee Sheriffs to Fight Crime
Memphis, TN - Already a seasoned crime-fighter, Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons is taking the job on the road to talk with West Tennessee sheriffs about his crime platform once he is elected governor.
"Tennessee has the third highest violent crime rate in the nation, and that's unacceptable. My goal is to partner with sheriffs in West Tennessee and across the state to lower our crime numbers, and to make Tennesseans and their families feel safe in their own neighborhoods. That includes getting sheriffs' views on making their counties safer, and also toughening sentencing laws so that we shut the revolving jailhouse door, and keep violent criminals behind bars to serve their full sentences," Gibbons said.
On Wednesday, Gibbons will meet with several West Tennessee sheriffs. Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell will travel alongside Gibbons to meet with some law enforcement officers. Sheriff Luttrell was National Sheriff of the Year in 2009 and supports Gibbons' run for governor.
"Bill Gibbons has been tireless in his effort to make our state as safe as possible. His aggressive stance on crime, especially repeat criminal offenders, has led to changes in our state laws. As governor, he’ll continue to involve all levels of law enforcement in the state-wide fight against crime,” Sheriff Luttrell said.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2010
Gibbons Urges Other Candidates to ‘Do the Right Thing’ on Financial Disclosure
Memphis, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons has sent letters to fellow Republican candidates for governor encouraging them to join him and go beyond what state law requires currently when it comes to releasing their sources and amounts of income and investments.
Current Tennessee law says candidates must list each source of income over $1000, but not the amount from each source. It also requires candidates to list each investment over $10,000, but not the amount of each investment. January 31 is the deadline for General Gibbons and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey as state elected officials and Mayor Bill Haslam as a local elected official to file their financial disclosures. General Gibbons will release all sources of income and the amounts, as well as all of his investments and amounts, and wants the other candidates to do the same.
As candidates who do not currently hold state or local positions, Congressman Zach Wamp and businessman Joe Kirkpatrick will have to file their financial disclosures within 30 days of the filing deadline, which is April 1.
“We must have full openness about our finances to ensure public trust. Some candidates understand that, others do not. That's why I'm formally reaching out to the other Republican candidates, asking them to do the right thing by releasing this information to uncover the existence and scope of any conflicts or potential conflicts of interest," Gibbons said.
Gibbons sent letters to Ramsey, Haslam, Wamp, and Kirkpatrick. He is also asking his fellow Republicans to support strengthening state law to require candidates to fully disclose such information.
"After highly publicized corruption scandals in Tennessee, General Gibbons is more determined than ever to make sure state government does not operate under a cloud of secrecy and shady business. We believe strengthening our state law is necessary to show Tennesseans that our state government is working in their best interests," said campaign manager Josh Thomas.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2010
Gibbons Outlines First Year Agenda on Crime
Memphis, TN - With the Tennessee General Assembly now in session, Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons today released his plan to cut crime in Tennessee by outlining what he hopes to accomplish his first year in office as governor.
"Tennessee ranks third in the nation in violent crime. This is unacceptable. Tennesseans deserve to feel safe in their homes and on their streets, and they should not have to live in fear in their own neighborhoods. Creating safer communities is a top priority for me, which is why I'm ready to lay out specific plans for combating crime in our state my very first year in office," Gibbons said.
Gibbons has eight steps he plans to take his first year in office as governor:
1. Toughen sentencing laws for violent gun crime
Under Tennessee law, someone can be convicted of robbery with a gun and only serve a small portion of his sentence before being paroled. This system is creating a revolving door of criminal activity, with repeat offenders viewing the punishment simply as "the price of doing business." “Specifically, I will propose abolishing parole for robbery with a gun, enhancing sentences for gang-related violent crimes (defined as violent crimes committed by three or more), and expanding of the current crooks with guns law to provide enhanced sentences for additional types of crimes committed with guns not currently covered,” he said.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2010
Gibbons Lays Out Plans for Improving Tennessee's Public Schools
Nashville, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons today outlined his plans to improve the quality of education in Tennessee's public schools, specifically retaining the state's best teachers, recruiting the best and brightest to teaching, and backing them up with strong principals. He visited Whites Creek High School to talk about this vision, focusing primarily on his new A+ Teacher Initiative.
"Tennesseans deserve quality public schools. I know first hand how important it is. I am a product of public schools, as are my children. Our public schools are the primary vehicle for people to realize the American dream, and we cannot afford to lag behind our neighbors in the southeast and the rest of the country in basic skills like reading, writing and math. My A+ Teacher Initiative is one way of bringing more top-notch teachers to classrooms across our state," Gibbons said.
The A+ Teacher Initiative would be a highly competitive program that uses state lottery revenue to fund scholarships to students who attend a Tennessee public university, maintain a set grade point average during their college career, and teach for at least four years in a Tennessee public school after graduation, with priority being placed on teaching in low performing schools.
"This initiative has two primary benefits to Tennesseans. The first is that it would infuse our classrooms with highly capable college graduates who have the potential to be first-rate teachers. The second is that it would keep many of our top high school scholars in-state for their college years. This plan is not the entire solution to fixing our education system in Tennessee, but it is one positive step in that pursuit," Gibbons said.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2010
Gibbons Speaks Out Against U of M, UT-Memphis Research Funding Snub
Memphis, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General and candidate for governor Bill Gibbons expressed disappointment that the University of Memphis and UT's Health Science Center are not included in new research opportunities in legislation pending before the General Assembly in its special session on education.
“The University of Memphis is a unique urban research university, and UT-Memphis is positioned to play a vital role in biomedical research. Yet, state government continues to neglect the vital research roles these two institutions can perform,” Gibbons said.
Also, Gibbons renewed his call for a change in state law to create a separate independent governing board for the University of Memphis.
"The Board of Regents oversees 45 institutions of higher learning. That's too many in my mind, putting the U of M, in particular, in a weakened spot to get additional money. Giving the U of M its own governing board would allow the university greater opportunities to go after private funding it desperately needs, especially funding for research," Gibbons said.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2010
Gibbons Calls for Government Openness, End to Secrecy about Sources and Amounts of Income
Nashville, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons today re-enforced his commitment to disclose his federal income tax returns in full while serving as governor and outlined other steps to curtail a culture of secrecy in state government.
"As a candidate for governor, I have chosen to release information about my sources of income and investments and the amounts of each. As governor, I will propose legislation requiring all key state officials to share this information in the annual financial disclosures they file with the state. When it comes to a key public official’s sources of income, investments, and the specific amounts, there should be no secrets," Gibbons said.
“Some candidates and officials refuse to provide information needed to let citizens know about their conflicts of interest. Instead, they keep their sources and amounts of income secret. We can give people more confidence in their public officials and actually make government more honest by being more open,” he said.
Gibbons also promised to propose legislation that would ease the process of obtaining public records from state government and vowed to re-establish regional branches of the governor's office to help citizens cut through the red tape and maze of the state bureaucracy.
"Citizens have the right to reasonable access to public records, yet, under our current law, citizens can literally be charged thousands of dollars in labor costs in order to get them. This is unfair. As governor, I will end this practice,” Gibbons added.
Bill Gibbons, a Republican, is the Shelby County District Attorney General, serving as the top state law enforcement official in Tennessee's largest jurisdiction. He entered the governor's race on January 4, 2009. For more information on Bill Gibbons, visit his campaign website at http://www.Gibbons2010.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2009
Gibbons Calls Health Care Legislation a "Train Wreck"
Memphis, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons today released a statement on the recent health care legislation. Gibbons said, "I am deeply concerned about the Senate Democrats' health care legislation, and its potential affect on Tennessee's budget, namely through unfunded mandates. As it's written now, this legislation could cost our state $735 million between 2014 and 2019, money that will send Tennesseans into deeper debt. To make matters worse, we could be footing the bill for states like Nebraska and Louisiana, which appear to get special deals under the bill. Governor Bredesen has described this as the 'mother of all unfunded mandates.' I believe this health care legislation is a train wreck, and one of the most glaring examples of Congressional irresponsibility in recent memory."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2009
Memphis Police Association Endorses Gibbons for Governor
Memphis, TN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons is pleased to announce that Memphis' premiere law enforcement alliance, the Memphis Police Association, has endorsed him as the Republican candidate for governor.
"The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are on the front line in the fight against crime, in many cases risking their lives. Their support means a lot to me and is a great boost to our campaign," Gibbons said.
"As governor, I'll be committed to giving law enforcement the tools it needs to make our communities safer, so that neighbors can sit on their front porches without fear. That includes changing our sentencing laws to get serious offenders off our streets and out of our neighborhoods," Gibbons added.
The Memphis Police Association was founded in 1973 to ensure superior police protection, integrity on the police force and efficient methods of law enforcement. The MPA's board, representing 2,100 members, voted unanimously to support Gibbons in his run for governor.
"Bill Gibbons has done a great job in assisting officers in their fight against crime. As governor, Gibbons would continue to support law enforcement officers and make fighting crime in Tennessee a priority," said MPA President J.D. Sewell.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2009
Tennessee GOP Candidate Releases Personal Financial Information; Promises Government Transparency
Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons announced today the release of his financial records to seven major newspapers across Tennessee. Gibbons, a candidate for Tennessee Governor, opted to go beyond a current media request for three years of financial information, instead releasing five years worth of documents. "I believe in government transparency, especially in a position such as governor that involves so much public trust. I wanted to take an extra step in terms of disclosure so that Tennesseans know exactly where I stand. I encourage the other candidates, Republican and Democrat, to do the same," Gibbons said. Gibbons is releasing his tax returns and current investment information to The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, The Tennessean in Nashville, The Jackson Sun in Jackson, Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Kingsport Times-News in Kingsport, Chattanooga Times Free Press in Chattanooga and The Leaf Chronicle in Clarksville. His latest tax return and the investment information reflect all current sources of income. "General Gibbons wants to be an open book. He is letting the media get a first-hand look at his tax returns for the last five years. This is beyond what anyone in the media has requested, because General Gibbons believes that citizens have the right to know about their new governor, and any potential conflicts of interest. We hope that other Democratic and Republican candidates for governor join us in full disclosure, " said campaign manager Josh Thomas. Gibbons, a Republican, is the Shelby County District Attorney General, serving as the top law enforcement official in the state's largest jurisdiction. He entered the governor's race on January 4, 2009. For more information on Bill Gibbons, visit his campaign website at http://www.Gibbons2010.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2009
Gibbons Issues Statement on Early Release of Prisoners in Tennessee
Tennessee GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Gibbons today issues the following statement in response to a proposal by the Department of Corrections to save money by releasing prisoners early: “I am very concerned about any proposal to balance the state budget by releasing state prisoners early and thereby risking the safety of Tennesseans and our communities. “As a candidate for governor, I strongly oppose this idea. As governor, I would never compromise public safety to balance a budget. I hope – and believe – Governor Bredesen will take a long, hard look before agreeing to cut the state's number one priority of public safety. “The very first sentence of our state constitution says state government exists to provide for the peace and safety of the people. When the state fails in that mission, it is failing to fulfill its basic purpose and obligation to its citizens. “Tennessee has the second highest violent crime rate in the nation. If any area should be spared budget cuts, it is public safety. The amount of time someone spends in prison should be based on what is appropriate to hold that person accountable and nothing else. “These are very difficult economic times, and the state has hard decisions to make. But it won't do much good to increase funding for schools if children and families will be less safe in their homes and neighborhoods.” Bill Gibbons is Shelby County District Attorney General, serving as the top ranking law enforcement officer in the state’s largest jurisdiction. Gibbons entered the Tennessee Republican primary in January 2009. Gibbons for Governor is on the Web at http://www.gibbons2010.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2009
Tennessee GOP Candidate Bill Gibbons Outlines Plan of Attack to Reduce Meth Distribution, Use
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Tennessee Republican Bill Gibbons today outlined an aggressive plan of attack on meth makers and users and pledged to enhance education to promote the dangers of meth if elected governor. In a lunchtime speech to the Bradley County Pachyderm Club, Gibbons provided details of his plan to reduce the manufacture and use of methamphetamine and to expand educational efforts, particularly to young people, to highlight the devastating affects the highly addictive drug has on lives, families and communities. “Meth is a terrible plague in Tennessee – it is destructive and very costly to our state in many ways,” said Gibbons, the Shelby County District Attorney General. “If I am governor, we will take a very aggressive position so that meth is harder to make and distribute within our state, and step up our efforts to capture drugs coming into Tennessee.” Gibbons outlines the following five-point plan:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2009
Gibbons Outlines Economic Recovery Plan for Tennessee
KINGSPORT – Tennessee Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Gibbons today outlined his 5 Point Plan to combat some of the highest unemployment rates in Tennessee history. Speaking before a crowd of about 150 economic development professionals from across the state, Gibbons said the key to economic recovery in Tennessee is to combat wasteful state spending, unnecessary taxation and rising crime rates and to invest in infrastructure, job creation and education. “As I’ve traveled Tennessee talking to business leaders, legislators, and local and state officials, I’ve identified several areas that are critical to job growth and economic recovery in Tennessee,” Gibbons told more than 150 this morning during a speech to the Tennessee Economic Development Council (TEDC) Convention being held at the Meadowview Conference Resort & Convention Center. “The way I see it, job No. 1 is job creation,” Gibbons said. “That means, as governor, working with every part of the state to recruit new industries and help grow existing business. It means keeping our business taxes among the lowest in the country. It means improving education and job skills for our citizens. It means safeguarding and improving every item on that checklist that business and industry executives consider as they are making that critical decision to either relocate their business to Tennessee or to expand and create new jobs in Tennessee.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2009
MEMPHIS – With the resignation of a top supervisor due to possible misuse of funds and a larger investigation, Shelby County District Attorney Gen. Bill Gibbons re-emphasizes his commitment to restore professionalism and public confidence in the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “There has been a political culture within the Highway Patrol for far too long, and the result is a loss of public confidence and trust,” said Gibbons. “As the chief law enforcement officer in the state’s largest jurisdiction, I know firsthand the importance of professionalism among law enforcement agencies. As governor, I will be committed to restoring the Tennessee Highway Patrol to the level of professionalism that both the public and our state troopers deserve.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2009
Elected State Officials, Grassroots Team Join Gibbons Campaign
MEMPHIS, TENN - A group of leading elected state officials and community leaders, including many of the top law enforcement officials in Tennessee, are taking major roles in Bill Gibbons for Governor. The state elected officials will serve as an initial group of campaign vice chairmen and key advisors. The group consists of leading Republicans and some Democrats and independents who have declared their support for Republican Gibbons in next year’s election. The area coordinators will take the lead in the campaign’s grassroots efforts across the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2009
Gibbons Campaign Names Finance Leadership and Campaign Staff
MEMPHIS, TENN - Bill Gibbons, Republican candidate for Tennessee governor, today announced major additions to the campaign's finance, strategy and management team.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2009
Gibbons Polls Strong Among State's Largest GOP Base
MEMPHIS, TENN - In a county that contributes more votes to GOP candidates than any other in Tennessee, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Gibbons has overwhelming support and off-the-chart favorables, according to a poll released today.
Not surprisingly, Shelby County Republicans support Gibbons for governor with 60 percent support over U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp (3 percent) and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam (0 percent), with the rest undecided.
"People strongly believe that Bill Gibbons is 'committed to public service,' is 'honest and trustworthy,' and has the 'courage to do what is right.' He polled especially strong in the areas of competency and character," said pollster Dr. John Bakke, who consulted on the poll conducted by Memphis-based research firm Ethridge & Associates.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2009
Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Gibbons Speaks to Carroll County GOP
HUNTINGDON, TENN - Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons, Republican candidate for governor, met with Carroll County Republican Party leaders Tuesday night and told the group his priorities for the state are safer communities, better schools and creating more good jobs for Tennesseans.
By addressing these issues, Tennessee will be a state that is more attractive for companies to grow and expand their businesses, and in a better position to provide more and better job opportunities for Tennesseans," Gibbons said.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2009
David Kustoff Will Serve as Chairman of Gibbons for Governor Campaign
MEMPHIS, TENN - Attorney David Kustoff, former state campaign manager and chairman for two successful Bush-Tennessee presidential campaigns, and state chairman for Lamar Alexander's 2002 U.S. Senate campaign, will serve as chairman of Bill Gibbons' campaign for governor.
Kustoff, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, is joined on the team by Shelby County attorney John Bobango, a veteran of numerous statewide GOP races, who will serve as chairman of the campaign's advisory committee. Gibbons, the Shelby County District Attorney General, entered the 2010 governor's race on Jan. 4.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2009
Shelby County's Bill Gibbons Begins Tennessee Gubernatorial Campaign
MEMPHIS, TENN. - The following statement is issued today by Bill Gibbons, Shelby County District Attorney General:
"I am a candidate for governor and will seek the Republican nomination in the August 2010 primary.
"As governor, I will place priority on two issues - crime and schools - that pose big challenges to our state and that we must address if we are to achieve a better future for Tennessee.
"Through safer communities and better schools, Tennessee will be positioned as a state where people want to live, raise their families, work and retire. And we will be a state where existing businesses want to remain and expand and new businesses want to locate."
