CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – With his petition certified by the County Election Commission, Dennis Potvin held a press conference this week to formally announce that he will be on the August 2nd primary ballot for State House of Representatives.

Here is the full transcript of his speech at Smith-Trahern Mansion:

“Today, I filed papers with the Montgomery County Election Commission, to formally announce my candidacy in the Democratic primary for the office of State Representative in Clarksville’s 68th Congressional District.

This seat has been held for the past fourteen years by the incumbent representative. I thank him for his service, and, regardless of the outcome of the primaries and general election, I wish only the best for him both politically and personally.

Our #REUNITE campaign has focused entirely on the matters of Tennessee and will continue to do so. I am fully aware that I am the first member of the opposition party to run for this seat since 2010. As voters, we deserve a more democratic process than that.

Tennesseans have had enough … more than enough … of the apathetic and uninspired governance that comes with a complacent super majority. I face an incumbent who has won seven straight elections; four of them without an opponent. So, I need voters – all voters – to give us a chance this August and this November. Please vote… and, while you’re at it, please vote for me. And together, we can take those first steps to REUNITE our great state of Tennessee.

Thank you.”

Potvin is an avid donor and volunteer for Clarksville charities, and is an advocate for organized labor, reduced sales tax, two free years of college or trade schools for high school graduates, and a complete overhaul of the state operating budget. Potvin is a member of several groups supporting the Roxy Theatre, Dunbar Cave State Park, the Montgomery County Historical Society and the Clarksville Animal Shelter.

Potvin has discussed issues with voters in rallies and in listening sessions since last summer, including the topics of new sidewalks and erosion control, a new exit off of I-24 for Tennova Hospital, and free meals in public schools for students K-8.

Potvin has been a manufacturing manager for 23 years, is a graduate student at Austin Peay State University (he will complete his Master’s degree this August), and an author. He has been married for twenty years, and he and his wife have two teenage daughters.