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Contributed commentary by Logan McCraw of McCraw Strawberry Ranch in Kirkwood.
Gov. Bill Lee’s recent endorsement of our very own Aron Maberry is a clear indication of the confidence he finds in his leadership and character. The governor recently said at a campaign event, “It matters who sits in this state legislative seat, and I endorse Aron Maberry because he is the kind of person I would like to work with to continue to push for religious freedom and education freedom in Tennessee.” Aron is one of three people that Gov. Lee endorsed in an open primary across the state, which speaks volumes about his ability to get into the state Legislature and work for Montgomery County and District 68.
The original meeting between Gov. Lee and Aron Maberry centered on one subject, school choice, and no one has fought for it more in Montgomery County than he, as he is the only elected official in the whole county who has voted for school choice as a School Board member. School choice is a Republican issue – literally written into the national Republican platform. According to a poll done by the Beacon Center, 68% of Tennesseans want school choice to include 85% of Republicans. The fact of the matter is that Gov. Bill Lee, Aron Maberry, and the majority of Tennesseans want school choice, and Aron will work to get this done for Montgomery County.
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This, though, is not the only thing Aron wants to see happen. He is the only candidate who has been vocal about repealing the Certificate of Need law that was implemented in the ’70s. Repealing this law would make way and open up the door for a new hospital in Clarksville. As a member of the National Rifle Association, the Tennessee Firearms Association, and the Gun Owners of America, Aron stands with the Constitution and the Second Amendment firmly against “red flag” laws. The NRA recently gave him an “AQ” rating – the same as his opponent, who ran an attack ad stating otherwise.
You may be asking, “How do you know all of this?” My family has run a farm in Kirkwood for over 100 years – I guess you can say I am a local. Growing up here in Montgomery County, I have known Aron Maberry since middle school, and he has consistently been a man of integrity and character since I have known him. I knew him before he was a pastor, a husband, and a father, and one thing I can say about him is he is a good man – full of faith – and has lived a consistent life of character and does what he says.
One of his opponents, Joe Smith, clearly recruited someone who has never had a conversation with Aron to write a negative letter to the editor about him and then recently sent a mailer making it appear as if a local news outlet called Aron a “yes-man” and “dangerous move for District 68.”
I know Aron Maberry, and I assure you, no one will control him. He knows how to run with like-minded individuals and garner support for a good cause, and he won’t change his values or beliefs for any individual. This is deceitful, and no one is fooled that the story was clearly planted to run on the mail piece.
District 68, you can trust Aron’s motivations will be what they always have been since I met him – how can he help others. That is why he is running, that is why I support him, and that is why I encourage you to vote for him in the Aug. 1 primary.
Logan McCraw