Curtiss seeks re-election

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

CURTISS

Charles Curtiss of Sparta has announced his plans to seek re-election as 43rd District representative in the state house.

Curtiss has served for eight years after being first elected in 1994. Curtiss says he spent his first two terms establishing a reputation among the legislature as a fair and honest advocate for the district. His growing seniority has enabled him to rise in influence as he is now on several crucial committees. Curtiss noted the trust he has gained made him able to broker the compromise bill which broke the budget impasse recently.

“As legislators, we need to realize we are sent up to Nashville to represent the folks back home,” Curtiss said. “Our job is to solve problems, not to create more of them. Unfortunately, some folks up there haven’t figured that out yet. That’s why I hope to be given another opportunity to bring a moderate voice to these discussions that are taking place.

“Being way out on one extreme or the other may sound good to some people, but the only thing that really accomplishes is to shut everything down and hurt the little folks out there who are just trying to make a living. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’ll go anywhere, anytime to try to find solutions that will work for the people of the 43rd District and the people of this great state.”

Curtiss believes we must find reasonable solutions to the state budget problems.

“This whole process isn’t going to be easy,” Curtiss said. “Nobody every said it would be. But I believe reasonable and honest people ought to be able to work together to do what is best for the folks back home.”

Curtiss said the state and district has a need for improved education funding and continuing improvements to the state’s infrastructure including highways, bridges and public use facilities.

“It’s been a great honor to be able to carry the voice of the 43rd District to Nashville. I appreciate the support and encouragement so many have given me over the past eight years,” Curtiss said. “I appreciate the folks who have called with complaints, problems and concerns. They have been a tremendous help to me when it comes to letting the people in Nashville know how folks feel about things. There’s a lot of serious work to be done in Nashville over the next couple of years and I would like the opportunity to continue being a part of that process.”

The newly modified 43rd District includes all of White County along with northern Warren County and part of Putnam County.