Jack Allen

I grew up in the Chattanooga area with three sisters in a two-bedroom house. I worked three jobs through college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting from Berry College. After graduation, I met his wife, Connie, and moved to Athens, TN, where we raised our daughter, Betsy.

I began as an accountant at Citizens National Bank and rose through the ranks to eventually become president. Under my presidency, the bank’s assets grew from $25 million—when I started—to over $600 million by the time it was sold.

I have dedicated my life to improving our country.

When my wife passed away from ovarian cancer, I knew I had to do something — so I became the first and only male lobbyist for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

I have also served in leadership during my residence in McMinn County as the Chair of the Library Board, President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Optimist Club, and Chair of the Economic Development Authority, among several other community enrichment positions.

• Women's healthcare is on the ballot this year. When I lost my wife to ovarian cancer I knew that women's healthcare needed a lot of improvement in this country. We need to ensure that we are taking women seriously and giving the physicians and medical professionals the support they need.
• For too long politicians have said that they will fight for us. Well, folks are tired of the fighting. They want someone who will work for them, and I promise that if elected I will work for you every day.
• I have spent my life helping the community. The office that I am running for is an extension of that lifelong dedication.

The biggest areas of public policy that need tackling in this country are immigration, women's healthcare, and the federal budget.

The most important principles for an elected official are to maintain truth and civility. These have been lost by too many in public office, and we owe to each other to get back to them.

I truly love people and my strong work ethic will help me to work to make safe environments for all families.

The core responsibilities of a Representative are to do just that: represent. They should be the voice and ear of their constituents and work day and night to ensure the best outcome for the district that they represent.

The legacy of someone who was able to take their life experiences who was able to pull people together to provide lasting solutions to the problems of my community, state, and nation.

I spent the summer when I was 15 working on a dairy farm hauling hay.

If I could be a fictional character I would want to be Atticus Finch because he fought for everyone and knew the struggles of being a single father.

It is always important to listen to other ideas. A lack of listening and understanding is what has caused the gridlock we see in today's Congress.

I would work towards fair adjustments in the tax code to ensure that the government works for fair opportunities for every American.