Woodard to emphasize education, roads in state Senate campaign
The winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries will face off in the general election in November.
When asked why he wants to serve, Woodard says he enjoys helping people.
‘I also enjoy providing leadership to get things done,’ he says. ‘From trying to make CBAT a reality to working with farmers and small businesses on issues important to them, to serving the people of this district, I just enjoy helping others. I consider myself a consensus builder and enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I am also a solution-oriented person. I like getting things done for people. I have been praying about this decision, and feel this is the path I should follow.’
The sprawling 14th District covers seven counties: Bledsoe, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Sequatchie, Van Buren and Warren, with a total population over 150,000. There are 33 state senators in Tennessee. The 14th District seat was held by former state Sen. Jerry Cooper from 1984 to 2007.
‘If given the opportunity to serve in the state Senate, I plan to focus on four main issues: education, roads, economic development, and helping ensure a better quality of life for our senior citizens,’ said Woodard. ‘I have a keen interest in education and providing the kind of schools our children deserve. My mother is a retired principal and teacher, and my wife, Sharon, is a teacher. Being the father of four children I am concerned about how to best educate not only them, but all the children in our district.’
‘I am also concerned with economic development. Jobs are the lifeblood of our community, and we must do everything possible to recruit jobs to our district. We must also have a strong relationship with existing businesses.’
Woodard, a former Tullahoma alderman, is the owner of Woodard’s Diamond Showroom in Tullahoma. A native of Winchester, he has been in the jewelry business since his teenage years, when he worked at Jennings Jewelers in Winchester. He is a graduate of Franklin County High School and MTSU.
He is the son of Mary Ruth Woodard and the late Stone Woodard of Winchester. He and his wife, the former Sharon Burr of Manchester, have four children, Anna, Stone, Grace and Hope. The family resides in Tullahoma and are members of Highland Hills Church of Christ.
Woodard is an active volunteer with several organizations, including the Tullahoma Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts of America, Organ Donors Association, Tullahoma Education Foundation and Trinity Day Care Center.
‘I am anxious to hear from the people of this district with their ideas to accomplish what we need to do to move forward. To learn more about what the people of the district have on their minds, I plan to hold listen and learn meetings in every community in the district, from McMinnville and Spencer in the north, to Pikeville and Dunlap in the east, to Tracy City and Winchester in the south, to Manchester and Tullahoma in the west.’
Anyone who would like to talk to Woodard is encouraged to call 273-9383, or e-mail [email protected]