CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Monica M. Meeks has announced her candidacy for Tennessee House of Representatives, District 68.
Meeks, a native of Salemburg, N.C., has lived in Adams for 13 years.
She has a master’s degree in criminal justice and is a certified fraud examiner. She is a proud Army retiree. Following 20 years of military service, she began working for the state of Tennessee.
Meeks is an active member of two veteran service organizations. She works with state legislators on the needs of active-duty military, veterans, families and communities. She also focuses on the rights, issues and benefits of women veterans.
Meeks, who is running as an independent on the November ballot, said she is running for office because she is tired of seeing more of the same. “Our current political system is not accessible to everyone,” she said, adding that she wants others to feel seen and heard.
Meeks is an advocate for medical cannabis. “It was truly disheartening to see our current state legislators table every bill related to medical cannabis until 2023.”
She said there are too many conflicts of interest with Big Pharma. “Tennessee is one of only 11 states that do not have medical cannabis despite proven benefits to those that struggle with PTSD and other medical issues,” she said.
Meeks said she would like to see the state expand Medicaid. “There are notable rural disparities for low-income Tennesseans. A review of the state’s budget shows we spend more on tourism initiatives than we spend on the underinsured residents of Tennessee,” she said.
She plans to fight for the rights of parents in education. “All children deserve a fair education. Parents should have more oversight with the school curriculum,” she said.
District 68 covers most of east Montgomery County, including eastern portions of Clarksville.
Meeks and her husband, Tramayne, have a son, Jared, and fur babies Keiko and Koco.
For more, go to the Monica Meeks campaign website or campaign Facebook page, or email VoteforMeeks@gmail.com.
Information from Monica Meeks campaign.