‘Town hall’ meeting for GOP candidates scheduled at a public high school (CHS)
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25
The Republican Party will host a town hall meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25, for GOP candidates running for state representative in East Tennessee.
The event will be held at Clinton High School, 425 Dragon Drive in Clinton, from 6-8 p.m.
A pre-meeting opportunity will be provided for Republicans running as independents in local city council and school board elections throughout the county to introduce themselves.
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank will serve as the town hall moderator.
Questions should be submitted in advance by email to Chairwoman Myra Mansfield at actngop@gmail.com or immediately prior to the meeting at the auditorium entrance.
Please include your name and a cellphone number if possible.
Incumbent John Ragan is a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 33 which covers Anderson County west of I-75 including Clinton, Oak Ridge, and Oliver Springs.
He assumed office in 2010. Ragan graduated from the Air Force Academy and earned an M.S. in aeronautical studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Ragan is a retired Air Force fighter pilot and has worked as a business consultant. While in the state House, Ragan has served on a variety of committees over the years and most recently on the Calendar and Rules Committee, Education Administration Committee, Education Instruction Committee, and as chair of the House Government Operations Committee.
Ed Butler is the Republican candidate for District 41 which includes north Anderson County, a portion of Roane County in Oliver Springs, and Morgan, Fentress, and Overton counties. He is a self-employed business owner, U.S. Navy veteran, family man, and Christian. He has served on the executive board of Adult and Teen Challenge, RFTW assistant Tennessee state coordinator, and has built church facilities in several countries. Butler shares a passion for excellence in education with Ragan.
He was first provoked to run for office when he discovered radical liberal ideologies in the curriculum at his children’s school.
He believes the school should stick to scholastics and leave everything else to the family.
Additionally, he says District 41 desperately needs industrial development for which the community has waited a long time.
Butler said he knows how to create jobs, and plans to work hard to bring new technical skills training opportunities, and to attract new industry, so the population doesn’t continue moving away to find work.
Monty Fritts is the Republican candidate for District 32, which covers Roane County, including the west portion of Oak Ridge and part of Oliver Springs as well as Loudon County.
He is a Christian, conservative, constitutionalist, and a U.S. Army veteran, and is pro-life endorsed. He has two master’s degrees, in business and theology.
Like the other two candidates, he believes some materials are unsuitable for schools, and that strong penalties should be imposed on those who attempt to introduce such.
The community is invited to come out for this lively conversation. For more information call or text Myra Mansfield at 865-712-8027.