TEXT OF DONNIE HALL CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT

KINGSTON, Tenn. - Below is the full text of Mr. Hall's campaign announcement.
DONNIE HALL CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT
Hello, everyone, thank you for being here. (I know it's mostly for the food truck, but thank you, anyway.)
I'm Donnie Hall and today I am announcing my candidacy for State Representative in Tennessee's 32nd District. I am asking for your support, your prayers and -- on August 4th -- your vote in the Republican Primary.
For the last decade, the district has been in pretty solid hands under the guidance of Representative Calfee. As he and his wife Marilyn begin new chapters in their lives, my wife Martha and I want to wish both of them only the very best as they move forward. And to Rep. Calfee, I say "Thank you for your loyal service to the 32nd District and to Tennessee."
Ulysses Grant wrote in his memoir, "There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choosing... In other words, man proposes and God disposes."
When Martha and I left Nashville and returned to Harriman -- the place where I grew up -- I never intended to seek public office. All we wanted to do was get our theatre company up and running, entertain people and raise awareness about the arts through education. Despite being dreailed a little bit by COVID, I think we've been doing a pretty good job in that department. But, again, "Man proposes and God disposes."
If you check my social media, you will discover that I am a husband, father, veteran, small business owner, college coach, actor, writer, dog-wrangler... and other stufff. While accurate, it is only a portion of who I am.
Back when Davy Crockett was running for Congress out in West Tennessee, a story is told that he carried a pouch of chewing tobacco and a jug of corn liquor with him while campaigning. When he met a person on the road, he would offer them a swig from the jug. The traveller would expel his chaw, take a drink, and then Crockett would give him a fresh chew. In doing this, Crockett said everyone was better off after they met him than before.
Well, like Crockett, I want to leave you better off for having elected me. I am seeking the office of State Representative to make a difference in the lives of the people of Roane and Loudon Counties and to uphold the laws established by the Constitutions of Tennessee and the United States of America.
Many years ago, I took an oathe to defend the Constitution against all enemies - foreign and domestic. That I will continue to do until my dying day, because there is no expiration date on that oathe.
The other evening in Lenoir City, I was talking to a young veteran who asked me a series of questions on topics ranging from opportunities for veterans and about the relevancy of the Constitution today. In his final question, he asked me very directly, "Do you believe in the red letters?" I do believe in the red letters, all of them, and I am not ashamed to tell you I am a Christian and a conservative and it will be my Christian values that will continue to guide my decision-making going forward, just as they have since I was a child.
As we begin this campaign, it is important to note, I am not running because I have an axe to grind or a bone to pick with anyone. Just the opposite. I am interested in keeping Tennessee headed in the positive direction we have been travelling and to help improve the lives of the residents of this district: Republican, Democrat, men, women, old, young, black, white... everyone.
In the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing my stances on the various issues affecting this campaign. Of course, we're all concerned about education, jobs, taxes, the drug problem, and the environment -- and I will be talking at lenght about these topics, just not today.
Right now, I want to share a couple ideas with you. Within just a mile or two of where we're standing are three Federally designated navigable waterways: the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers. While great for recreatinal boating, fishing and tourism, they can also serve as an avenue to new, high-paying jobs.
For more than 20 years, I worked as a safety and risk manager in the inland waterways industry and even sat on some regional boards and national committees. I know first-hand how imporatnt the industry is to Tennessee. The state already provides more than 20,000 domestic maritime jobs (which is the eighth highest in the nation), and creates $1.24- billion in worker incomes, while chipping in another $4.5-billions to the state's economy each year. I would like to see if we could develop more ports in East Tennesse, allowing us to create good-paying jos while taking advantage of the most cost-efficient and environmentally friendly form of transportation.
Another issue close to my heart is elder care. I want to bring the issue to the forefront and create meaningful dialogue, which will - hopefuly - result in the development of new methods to help care for our seniors, who have done so much to help each and every one of us.
These issues are not government issues alone. Rather, they should be partnerships between communities, churches, government and - in many cases - academia. I am and always have been an advocate for less goverenment. Last week, I saw some figures that reflect Tennessee as the 14th most depdndent state on Federal monies. I would like to see the dependency on Federal funds lessened significantly and will stand as a watchdog to guard against Federal over-reach into our communities.
I truly love my East Tennessee home I always have. I was raised and educated here, but I have also seen how things are done on other places. I am a simple, working man who, long ago, learned the value of service to my community and my nation. That sense of service is why I am here before you today.
To my wife, Martha, Happy Birthday! You are my best friend, my sould mate and, oftentimes, my conscience. There is no one I would rather be on this journey with than you -- no matter where it takes us. You truly are my angel.
To my father, Ricahrd Hall and late mother Donna Hall: Dad, you and mom raised five children in an amazing, Christian home. You taught us to love our neighbors and help our fellow man. And it wasn't just words, you showed us how it is done and led us by your Godly examples. I can never thank you enough.
To my daughters Chelsey and Lauren: I am so proud of both of you and the paths you've taken, the choices you've made and of the women you've become. (I'll say it again: I'm proud of you both.)
To the many teachers, coaches, friends and mentors who have guided me in my paths, I want to say a heartfelt thank you, as well.
Finally, I have made many friends here throughout my life and I look forward to making many more in the coming days. To all of you, I thank you for your support and continued friendship. Most of all, I will appreciate your prayers.
In the next few months, we will have much to ask of each other: you of me and me of you.
With that said, let's get this campaign rolling! God bless you all. God bless Tennessee and God bless America.