TennesseeTicket

Just as other states are focusing on their inherent strengths and maximizing their benefits to the people, Cammack said, Tennessee needs to take stock of what we have and build it out to its greatest capacity. Industry and the natural environment would join together, rather than be seen as competing entities, in a state he envisions. Furthermore, Tennessee would export these innovations and practices to the rest of the country, and the world, and save ourselves from certain economic hardship in the process.

In addition to solar, wind, and biomass power technology, Cammack would like to see Tennessee well-connected to surrounding states via high-speed rail. This, along with existing transportation infrastructure, such as our rivers, the package delivery hubs in West Tennessee, and good roads, would enable such an industrial boom.

Cammack also talked passionately about education, and said that one of his first goals as governor would be to double the number of associate degrees awarded by the state's community colleges and vocational training centers. He says that the current graduation rate in our state's public high schools is leading toward an employment crisis, which in turn spells doom for the economy.

When asked how the state would pay for the initiatives he would push, Cammack first made sure the audience knew he was against a state income tax—it's unconstitutional, and the lack thereof is a selling point for inviting job-creating industry—and then went on to say that the government's revenue cannot all be on the backs of consumers, as in a sales tax. (He mentioned possibly lowering the sales tax on locally grown food.)

He stated that a lot of the funding, such as for workforce training, should come from private industry, like Volkswagen, Wacker, and Hemlock are possibly going to provide. He mentioned toll roads as another possible revenue source. Overall, he seemed ensconced in the idea that by keeping taxes low, and having a plan to grow industry and create jobs, that the budget will work itself out.

On the point of attracting industry, Cammack stated that this year's "guns in ___" bills sent the wrong message about our state, and that the next governor should be more outspoken (than Governor Bredesen was, it was inferred) on legislative items that do not meet his or her approval. (One could argue that a veto sends a pretty clear message.)

In summary, after presenting a fairly grim outlook for our economic situation, Ward Cammack informed the group that he is the only candidate with a detailed plan for changing the current trajectory into one that aims toward prosperity, by both incubating and enticing businesses to create "green" energy jobs, and by placing a critical priority on educating and training a workforce who can hold those jobs.

My personal take: I found very little in this candidate's message with which to argue. But reality being what it is, Cammack's campaign is not currently where it needs to be to contend for the top job. These things could change; but if I were one of the frontrunners on either major team, I would be seriously looking at Ward Cammack as a potential key administration member—say, Commissioner of Economic and Community Development.

We need smart, successful people who have new ideas and a willingness to serve. If those talents get Ward Cammack elected as he wishes, then he'll be as capable an executive as any of the other candidates I've witnessed so far. But if not, then I hope he is able to put his energy to use in other ways.