Welcome to the Elect Randy Walker for District 7 State Senate 2010 website.

I am very excited about going to work for Knox County and Tennessee.  This will be  a peoples election and a peoples campaign.  I want to hear from you about the issues that are on your mind.  I want to represent you in a way that will make you proud whether you are a first time voter, independent, conservative, Republican, or (of course) one of my fellow Democrats.

My issues include:

Economic Development

Bring  jobs and sustainable, green economic development to our area.  Lets get Knoxville back on the “front page” for the right reasons.  The best way to maintain low taxes is to increase our tax base.  Entrepreneurs and Corporate leaders are drawn by a diverse, clean, and family-oriented community.

Education

Good schools are enabled by strong community support.  Nothing is more important than our children’s education.  I expect the University of Tennessee to be at the top of the “Best College in America” list in every category, anything less is unacceptable.

Environment

The scenic mountain vistas and beautiful fall foliage are hallmarks of our area.  When I travel and people ask me about where I’m from, I can’t help but brag about the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the pure fun of fishing our crisp mountain rivers, and spending times with friends on our emerald lakes.  I am so proud of our area.  It is what defines our people and our heritage.  Our natural resources are our “Crown Jewels.”  Rest assured, I will never allow a special interest to damage this common heritage.

Community

Have you ever heard of the “Broken Windows Theory?”  It is the philosophy that the leaders of New York used to cleanup Manhattan and Times Square.  The premise is simple, windows that remain broken and unmended in a community send the message that no one cares, therefore, the dark underside of society believes that can do what they want in the area.  No part of our community is safe if any part of our community is in peril. Knoxville is not a place for the dark underside of society.  We will lay the foundations of a safe community that we can all be proud of and together we will ensure Knox County prospers.  If required, we will improve Knox County one “window” at a time.

Pay-as-You-Go Effective Government

Government is for the people not for the special interests.  Effective government is what the people want, not more expensive government or politicians that embarrass them.  I pledge to you, I will never embarrass you as your State Senator, nor spend money we don’t have.  I will listen to your concerns and do my absolute best to represent your values and feelings in Nashville.

Leading the Way

Throughout my  business career I have tried to lead with vision and as you get to know me I think you will find this to be true.

Here is my Vision:  Knoxville Green Energy Capital of the South.  We have three jewels here in the Tennessee Valley that no other community can claim: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TVA, and the University of Tennessee.  I intend to use my career experience and contacts to leverage these powerful resources to realize this vision for Knoxville and in turn enrich this outstanding community we call home.

One of our Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine, wisely said:

“I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments and common sense.”

It is this that I offer you.  As your State Senator I will lead with:

” Common Sense for a Change”

Randy Walker

Tennessee State Senate

District 7