CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Sen. Bill Powers, R-Clarksville, who is finishing his first term in the Tennessee Senate, has a Democratic opponent on Nov. 3 in Ronnie Glynn.
Their District 22 includes Montgomery, Stewart and Houston counties.
Here is information on both candidates, why they are running for office and where they stand on the top issues in the race.
Ronnie Glynn, 50, is owner and operator of JumpMaster Inflatables. He retired from the Army as a master sergeant. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Trident University International.
Why are you running for office? “I’m running for office because everyday Tennesseans need true representation in Nashville to help make their lives better. For too long, big businesses and corporations have numerous votes in the General Assembly, it’s time for working families and individuals to have a voice advocating for them. The supermajority has voted many times to cut public education funding, including teacher raises. Our own state senator promised to vote against the voucher program that would take more than $70 million from public schools and then broke that promise on his first vote. I’m running to restore integrity and truth to this office.”
What’s the top campaign issue and what’s your stand on it? “I think there are two campaign issues that are so interconnected that they must be a focus: raising the minimum wage and expanding Medicaid. Both of these items will expand the working class and allow people to get ahead rather than living from paycheck to paycheck. Higher wages and saving money on healthcare premiums will give a boost to our economy and allow everyday Tennesseans to thrive. For far too long, big businesses and corporations have been getting economic relief and aid through tax cuts and corporate welfare; it’s time our working families and individuals get the relief they deserve.”
For more: www.RonnieForSenate.com or on Facebook RonnieForSenate
Bill Powers, 63, the incumbent state senator, is a managing partner with Wyatt Johnson Automotive Group and previously served on the Clarksville City Council. He has a bachelor’s degree in English History from the University of Tennessee.
Why are you running for office? “I am running because I understand the importance of serving others. I’ve felt the call of public service my entire life. My father was an inspiration to me. He bravely served in World War II and then later served 25 years on the Montgomery County Commission. I have lived here my whole life. Whenever anyone asks, I like to say that I went to Smith School, Greenwood and Clarksville High. I know this county better than most, and I care about the people who live in it. Public service is a passion I’ve always had, and I hope to continue that mission in the state Senate.”
What’s the top campaign issue and what’s your stand on it? “I’d say, right now especially, our economy is the top issue we face here in the district. We’ve been fortunate here in Montgomery County, but as our country recovers from the coronavirus, we must be mindful of the balance of lives and livelihoods. I’m a businessman by trade, so I know that the health of our citizens is tied to more than just this virus. Without stable jobs, we can’t expect to have a healthy population. We must ensure all receive training and job opportunities, especially our veterans after their service. It’s vital that we get our economy back on track and so we continue to move forward, not backward.”
For more: BillPowersTN on Facebook or VoteBillPowers.com.
Election coverage from Clarksville Now
Are you registered to vote in November? If not, here’s what you need to do
Here’s who’s running for state House: John Dawson and Jason Hodges
Here’s who’s running for City Council in Clarksville
Here’s who’s running for Circuit Court Clerk in Montgomery County