Three gubernatorial candidates spoke to the crowd in Collins Alumni Auditorium at the “Focusing on the Future: 2010 Gubernatorial Forum” hosted by the Nashville Junior Chamber. Cara Kumari, the state Capitol reporter for WSMV, moderated the event.
Mayor (Knox.) Bill Haslam, Mike McWherter, and U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp partook in the event. State Representative and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey was schedule to attend the event but was unable due to an extended Senate session.
The candidates answered questions regarding young professional involvement in the future administration, Race to the Top educational funds, TennCare, creation of jobs, the possibility of liquor being sold at supermarkets, and natural disaster relief. The questions were a compilation of submissions via Facebook, Twitter, and directly to the Nashville Junior Chamber.
The three candidates took similar stances when it came to making healthcare affordable for the people and the state, and ensuring that young people partook in their future administrations. All equally ensured their utmost dedication to making Tennessee a better place.
Differing opinions came with questions regarding education reform and liquor availability in supermarkets. Congressman Wamp made a clear stance by promoting early childhood reading as a means to improve the students’ chances to succeed in the later stages of schooling. Both Mayor Haslam and McWherter focused on educational reform and good utilization of Race to the Top funds.
Mayor Haslam and Congressman Wamp both agreed that making liquor available in supermarkets would hurt the local economy and its small business owners. McWherter pleaded a conflict of interest due to his family’s beer distribution business.
The evening concluded with a video of the flood’s damage and a question regarding the Governor’s role in natural disaster response. The three candidates assured the crowd of voters that they would promptly secure the safety of the community, assess damage and possible dangers, as well as inform the President if a state of emergency was declared.
The Red Cross used this opportunity to collect donations to support the relief efforts in Middle Tennessee.