CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – State Senate District 22 candidates Ronnie Glynn and Bill Powers recently participated in the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Political Forum series at Custom House Museum and Cultural Center.

GOP incumbent Powers and Glynn, his Democratic opponent, answered questions from panelists, including PDI President Jay Albertia, Clarksville Now senior reporter Lee Erwin and Leaf Chronicle business reporter Jimmy Settle.

The candidates answered questions on several topics, including traffic, the economic recovery and the state’s Coronavirus response.

Confederate monuments and history

The removal of Confederate memorials has been a hot topic in recent months, particularly regarding the bust of Ku Klux Klan founder Nathan Bedford Forest, which currently sits in the Tennessee state Capitol.

Jay Albertia asked the candidates how they would vote on the statue’s possible move to the state museum pending a Senate vote in early 2021.

Glynn spoke in favor moving the bust, which he called a “constant reminder” of a difficult time for Black Americans.

“I think I can speak for the Black community when I say anything that reminds us of a very terrible time in our history does not need to be on display in the state Capitol. Do I think the museum is a good place for it? Absolutely. I have no problem with it going to the museum because we should know our history. We should know how we got here,” said Glynn.

Powers, on the other hand, expressed his unease with moving the statue, which he referred to as a possible erasure of history.

“Obviously, this is a tough question, and it’s a touchy question, and it is one that has not come before us (the Senate) yet,” said Powers. “I do have a hard time with erasing history. I think those that forget history are doomed to repeat it. I think we certainly learn lessons as a people from our history, That being said, I’ll be honest with you, I just don’t know exactly how I would vote. But, I don’t know, where it is today, I don’t think it’s hurting anyone other than, you know, there are some groups that are certainly mad about it. It’s been there for a long time, and erasing history is just something I don’t want to take part in,” said Powers.

Tennessee’s COVID-19 response

Settle asked the candidates to speak on Tennessee’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in regards to the economic impact and the effects on the health and safety of Tennesseans.

Powers primarily focused on the virus’ increased effects on those with preexisting conditions as well as its negative effects on the state’s economy.

“I think what we need to do there is ensure that the people that are predisposed are indeed quarantined and stay away from the other folks that may or may not have it. I personally think that I had it back in January and February, and my wife too and my youngest son, Henry. I think that there is a balance that must be struck between lives and livelihood. We can’t wreck our economy over this,” said Powers.

Glynn responded by condemning the state government’s response, which he likened to politics over people.

“I do think our COVID response was failed. I think we failed, the district and the state. If we react when there is a problem, and if we react properly, we can save lives. One death due to COVID is one death too many,” said Glynn. “When there is a crisis, you have to take the tough measures. You have to make sure that you are protecting livelihood. I am a believer in the economy. We have to make a living every day so the economy has to stay strong. But, again, you cannot have a strong economy with a sick workforce. Unfortunately, we made decisions based on political reasons, and that is not how you take care of the people you are sworn to protect and serve.”

The forum is one in a series, each featuring a different local race.  The entire series be viewed on Goodwin Production’s Youtube page (see above).

The District 22 State Senate race will be on the ballot for the upcoming Nov. 3 election. Early voting begins Oct. 14.