There are several things that Ms. Helton would like to see improved within District 30, which includes East Hamilton County, areas of Chattanooga, East Ridge, East Brainerd, Apison, and Collegedale.
These are very serious issues such as health care, vocational education and good-paying jobs and keeping our taxes low. The two issues I’m supporting Ms. Helton is one, the opportunity for vocational education for our students who are leaving high school with no real job skills and no opportunity for a good-paying job.
Not everyone can afford to go to college and some students don’t want to go to college. If we give high school students the opportunity and hope for skilled jobs, such as welders, plumbers, and data support systems, heat and air for residential and commercial, pharmacy tech, certified nurse assistant, these are all good-paying jobs that would make sure we have graduates from high school who are ready to leave high school and have needed job skills to go to work.
The second reason I’m supporting Ms. Helton, is her background knowledge of the healthcare system. I’m one of those that can’t afford healthcare. In order for me to have healthcare, I must rely on my husband’s insurance from his work place. That puts him in the position that he can’t retire. I don’t want to see a single-payer system in District 30 or anywhere in this country. Ms. Helton is willing to go up against the insurance companies and demand that healthcare be put back into the hands of the doctors and patients.
Esther Helton will face Democrat Joda Thongnopnua on Nov. 6 for the chance to serve a two-year term in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Mr. Thongnopnua says that he wants to be a part of the bread and butter issues, however, Mr. Thongnopnua is advocating for a $15 increase in minimum wage and expanding Medicaid. To quote Mr. Thongnopnua “But because of the inaction and negligence of our state legislature, too many Tennesseans are falling further behind and find themselves locked out of the promise of opportunity.”
I must disagree with Mr. Thongnopnua’s assessment of Tennessee.
Tennessee posted an 8.7 percent gain in the number of new business filings, compared to the first three months of 2016. The increase marks the 22nd consecutive quarter of growth, according to a report from the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office.
The more overall growth for District 30 and for the state of Tennessee the more opportunity there is for people to have a good job with a good paycheck for their families.
I support Ms. Helton for District 30 because of the very serious issues such as health care, vocational education and good-paying jobs and keeping our taxes low.
As a supporter for Esther Helton I’m asking that you vote for her.
Early voting for the Great State of Tennessee starts Wednesday, October 17th! I encourage everyone in District 30 to get out and vote for Esther Helton as your State Representative! She is the right person for the job and will work hard for our district.
_ Gayla Dunfee, East Ridge, Tennessee
