Bo Watson
› Office: Tennessee
Senate, District 11
› Party: Republican
› Previous public office experience: Currently serving in the Tennessee Senate; elected in 2006; previously served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2004-06.
› Why voters should choose me: I have a clear record of getting things done for Hamilton County, such as ending emissions testing, ending forced annexation, providing 12 months’ insurance coverage for teachers, toughening the laws on gang activity, restoring property tax relief for veterans, and creating a system of tuition-free community college. I focus on getting results.
› Biggest challenge facing the office I seek: Keeping the focus on sustaining and growing the incredible success Hamilton County and Tennessee have experienced the past eight years. We have more people working, more students graduating, lower taxes, low debt, Triple-A bond rating, increasing wages, great business environment, better roads and bridges — all within a balanced budget.
› How I will address this challenge: I will use my expertise, leadership and just plain hard work to keep us focused on results, not rhetoric. By any metric, Tennessee has made incredible progress. Through smaller government and a laser focus on essential services, we are experiencing a transformational period in our state’s history. It has never been better! But the critics will want to use our success to grow government, raise taxes and expand the welfare state. It takes an enormous amount of energy, fiscal discipline and true grit to stay focused and resist the temptation.
› Policy position of mine that may surprise people: My commitment to those Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year I worked to ensure that an additional $16.7 million was allocated in the budget to boost the hourly rate of pay to those individuals who provide direct care to this special group of people.
› Public servant I most admire: Current — U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander because he is such a darn good legislator. His “Little Plaid Book” is political gospel to me. Past — Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Both brilliant. Jefferson for his idealism and Hamilton for his common sense.
› Campaign office: P.O. Box 2059, Hixson, TN 37343
› Campaign phone: 423-488-2353
› Campaign email: Under redesign
› Campaign website: Under redesign
› Campaign Facebook:
@senbowatson
› Campaign Twitter: n/a
› Campaign Instagram: Bofor
tennessee
PERSONAL
› Age: 57
› Occupation: Physical therapist
› Education: University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences; University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
› Family: Nicole Osborne, fiance; son, Grey Watson
› Residence city: Hixson
› Church/civic involvement: Attend First Presbyterian Church
› Quote or saying I live by: There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you. — Derek Jeter