Age: 65
Occupation: physician, prior computer analyst, prior public school math teacher
Residence: Maynardville, Tenn.
Years lived U.S. Congressional District 3: 42
Family: Married, two children, three grandchildren
Education: M.D., M.S.Computer Science, B.A. Mathematics, University of Tennessee
Previous Public Office Experience: Appointee Oak Ridge Health facilities Board, currently serves on Union County Health Council
Church or Civic Involvement: Lutheran, past board member of League of Women Voters TN, Knoxville, Health & Public Policy Committees TMA, ACP
Achievements: Advocacy for voter rights, assisted implementation of TennCare, assisted understanding, implementation PPACA
What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?
District 3's biggest challenge: overcome political polarization and the influence of 'big money'. Government and Congress should serve the people, particularly the 99 percent. To do that I, Dr. Mary Headrick, will demonstrate to my peers in Congress and to my constituents: common sense, lots of hard work and a desire to solve problems for the short and long haul. Two-way communication with peers and constituents is crucial to success. This requires patience,listening, studying, sharing and summarizing.
We voters must engage and change Congress.We must solve our current, urgent and future problems: U.S. job loss, U.S. manufacturing loss, collapsing middle class, weather disruption due to man, perverted campaign finance and violence here and abroad. With Congressional change we can preserve our liberty, opportunity, security and quality of life. I will place people before politics.
Why should voters choose you?
I, Dr. Mary Headrick, will do the people's work. I cannot be bought nor swayed by politics and big money. I apply common sense, experience, knowledge and human interaction to problem solving. I understand the problems and joys of our district. As a medical doctor, computer scientist, public school math teacher, activist for voting rights and healthcare access, wife, mother of two and grandmother of three, I have touched the lives of thousands in East Tennessee. I listen, study and work. I believe in the people: their hard work, resourcefulness and goodness. I will remain connected with the people: their rights, needs, wishes and concerns. Precious to me: security, quality of life, equal justice, fair treatment with equal opportunity and the fundamental rights and religious freedom of every District 3 person. I will work for the people and attack the special interest loopholes that harm our district and nation.