Yusuf A. Hakeem
› Office: Tennessee House of Representatives, District 28
› Party: Democrat
› Previous public office experience: Nineteen years: Chattanooga City Council, 10 years; Chattanooga Public School Board, seven years; Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole (appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen), six years; Tennessee Human Rights Commission (appointed by Gov. Bredesen)
› Why voters should choose me: As I welcomed my second great-grandchild into the world, I realize that there is still a lot of work to be done in my community. I am motivated by solutions and action, not politics. While serving my neighbors and community for more than 30 years, I have always worked across the aisle to find resolution.
› Biggest challenge facing the office I seek: While there are numerous pressing issues in House District 28, education continues to be at the top of the list. All five of the lowest-performing public schools in Hamilton County are in District 28. National studies show that education level is tied to numerous indicators of success, including the likelihood of having insurance, being uninsured, health, lifespan and, for women, the likelihood of being a victim of domestic violence.
› How I will address this challenge: I will be an advocate in the legislature for fully funding and updating the BEP formula in Tennessee as a first step to improving public education in Hamilton County. The BEP was last updated in 2007 before numerous education reforms. The formula does not take into account the rising cost of education, inflation, enrollment and attendance challenges, and the new mandates to improve the state’s lowest-performing schools. These efforts require additional staff and expensive intervention programs.
› Policy position of mine that may surprise people: I have a carry permit for my personal firearm. I am a supporter of the Second Amendment but I am also a supporter of commonsense gun legislation. I will support any legislation to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence. I support requiring a permit to purchase a gun and stricter gun laws, including support more training and stricter background checks for persons who apply for open or conceal carry of a weapon. I also support closing the gun show loophole.
I support handing out gun locks at community events and a public service campaign to make parents aware of not leaving loaded guns where minor children or inexperienced adults could access them and kill themselves or others. All of these items will take funding, and I will fully support those.
› Public servant I most admire: Dr. Paul A. McDaniel, pastor emeritus, Second Missionary Baptist Church. When I was young and arrogant, he took time to help me understand that it is not about me but about all people. When others may have turned their back on me, he was always there. I have tried to carry that forward in my relationship with others.
› Campaign office: 1089 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404
› Campaign phone: 423-883-4255
› Campaign email:
yusuf@yusufhakeem.com
› Campaign website: yusufhakeem.com
› Campaign Facebook: @hakeemfor
house
› Campaign Twitter: n/a
› Campaign Instagram:
@hakeemforhouse
PERSONAL
› Age: 69
› Occupation: Retired from GE
› Education: Howard High School and Chattanooga State Community College
› Family: Married 52 years to Baseemah, four children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
› Residence city: Chattanooga
› Church/civic involvement: Second Missionary Baptist Church, deacon; Bessie Smith Cultural Center, chairman; NAACP of Chattanooga, executive board member; Fortwood Center, board member.
› Quote or saying I live by: And as you would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. — Luke 6:31, King James Bible.