Candidate Name: Jerri Green
Candidate’s Preferred Pronouns
She/Her
What office are you running for?
TN State House Representative District 83
With which party are you running for office?
Democratic Party
Election Date
11/03/2020
Why are you running for office?Â
People sometimes ask me how can I run for District 83 with three small children at home. And I ask them: how can I not?
Being a mother means that I have no choice but to stand my ground on ensuring that we pass the values and virtues like kindness, respect, and a belief in justice for all, to future generations. From global issues like the environment and the preservation of this world for future generations, or to personal issues like preventing online bullying and harassment, being a mother means doing everything I can, including running for office.
I am a life-long Memphian. This place is a part of me. I am the child of two small business owners who instilled in me their dedication and work ethic. I have been a human rights worker in Africa and a marathon runner for St. Jude. I have taught in the inner city and built houses with Habitat for Humanity. The people I met in both left me with hope for our future.
My background as an attorney, my years as an advocate for those in need, my time spent as a volunteer, and my experiences as an educator, will help me not only understand the importance of issues like paid family leave, access to affordable childcare, funding for after school programs and the arts, but recognize where our government should prioritize its resources to have the greatest impact.
I am not a politician. I never saw myself running for office. I don’t come from a wealthy family. I am not beholden to dark money – or any other money, for that matter. I am not a part of a political machine or beholden to anyone’s agenda. But that’s the point. Even though this was not part of my life plan, I know, that for the future of my children and my community that something has to change.
My name is Jerri Green, I am ONE TOUGH MOTHER, and I am running for State House District 83 because I believe we need to bring common sense and compassion back to our state government.
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how do you propose helping?
On behalf of myself and my children, I have no choice but to care deeply about what happens in our community. My kids attend public schools, just as my husband and I did. So, when school vouchers take much-needed resources away from teachers and classrooms that are already struggling, I feel compelled to act. We can start by ending this ill-conceived and rushed voucher program.
Because of my children, I worry daily about the epidemic of gun violence that is plaguing our society. As a person who has had gun violence impact her life on three separate occasions, I know all too well how urgently we need to find a solution. When my children — even my two year old — have routine active shooter drills, I know I have to do all I can to fight for a safer future. We can start by adding a live fire requirement back to conceal carry permits and creating a guns in cars law that requires the gun to be disabled and locked away.
Because of my children, I think about how I would never want to be a burden on their futures. Too many people today are being forced to choose between their house payment and life-saving medical care. When I see their stories and look at a legislature that blocks common sense measures to alleviate the rocketing costs of medical care, I know I have to step and speak up. We can start by accepting federal funds to assist those in need.
How do we fix the partisan divide in our country and start working together again?
As a public defender I worked every day on coming to agreements with opposing parties, and I was very successful at it. It starts by finding common ground and building from there. It is also important to always being true to your word. Without trust we will never move forward. And finally, injecting common sense and compassion into our legislature will help people come together to work for the betterment of all people.
Who is your hero?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
What are your hobbies?
running, traveling
What is the most recent book you read?
Represent: The Woman’s Guide to Running for Office and Changing the World
Do you have any kids/pets/talking houseplants?
3 kids – Beau (9), Vivienne (8), and Wilder (2), and two cats – Einstein and Millie
How can our readers get involved in your campaign?
Visit our website and sign up to join our team! Also, follow us on social media for events, like our kickoff party on January 30th.
Candidate Social Media:
Website| Facebook | Twitter
Post created from answers submitted by candidate to our Meet the Candidate survey.
