Karen Reynolds (Tennessee)

I’m Karen Reynolds, a proud veteran, dedicated public servant, and passionate community advocate. After retiring as an Army Master Sergeant with 21 years of honorable service, I chose to return to Clarksville to raise my sons and fully engage in the community. Married to Billy Burgett and a proud mother of three sons, one of whom serves in the U.S. Navy, I hold a Master of Arts in Adult Education from East Carolina University and am a graduate of Leadership Clarksville and Leadership Clarksville Montgomery County School System.

Currently, I represent Ward 9 on the Clarksville City Council. My tenure has been marked by engagement with residents, fostering open communication through monthly newsletters and town halls, ensuring their voices are heard. I chair the Montgomery County Health Council and actively participate in numerous committees, including the Women’s Shelter, Tree Board, Sustainability Committee, and more.

My career spans from serving as a Veteran Service Representative to working as a Project Manager in Healthcare Informatics at Blanchfield Army Hospital. My experiences have shaped my commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-driven solutions.

I am committed to building a future for Tennessee marked by equity and equality, advocating for affordable housing, healthcare, education, and green energy. As a State Senator, I pledge to research issues diligently, communicate openly, and work for the people.

• Proven Problem Solver and Community Advocate: As a dedicated City Councilwoman, Karen Reynolds has a reputation for digging into details, holding people accountable, and pushing back against business as usual. She has created and implemented impactful local policies, such as the Healthy Yards program and improvements to traffic and mental health planning. Her record shows a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
• Bipartisan Collaborator with Strong Principles: Karen Reynolds is dedicated to bipartisan collaboration while standing firm against extremism. She aims to make state government work for the middle class by addressing affordability issues, expanding Medicaid, and creating a medical home for children in foster care. With a background in healthcare, she supported initiatives like the county’s first mental health court and HIV treatment programs. Karen collaborates with community members to provide free education, HIV/STD testing, and contraceptive services through the REACH clinic. She is a staunch advocate for public education and women’s reproductive freedom, and supports ending Tennessee’s grocery tax.
• Champion for Healthcare and Education: Karen Reynolds leverages her extensive healthcare background to address critical community needs. She has chaired the Montgomery County Health Care Council and supported initiatives like the county’s first mental health court and HIV treatment programs. Karen works with Ruth’s Army to provide free education, HIV/STD testing, and contraceptive services through the REACH clinic. As an advocate for public education, she opposes vouchers, supports teachers, and fights for well-funded schools. Karen is dedicated to improving the lives of Tennessee families by ensuring access to quality healthcare and education.

Public Policy Passions: Infrastructure, Healthcare, Affordability
Karen Reynolds is passionate about improving infrastructure, healthcare, and affordability. She advocates for robust infrastructure to enhance community connectivity, safety, and walkability. In healthcare, she focuses on comprehensive access, including women’s health services and reproductive freedom, as well as mental health initiatives. Karen is also committed to affordability, pushing for attainable housing, fair wages, and ending Tennessee's high grocery tax. Her goal is to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all Tennessee families.

An elected official must embody integrity, transparency, and accountability. "Promises made are promises kept" should be their guiding principle. I ran for office with a commitment to advocate for mental health, walkability, and infrastructure, and I have diligently upheld these promises. Transparency is essential for building trust; thus, I have consistently written a monthly newsletter to inform the community of my voting decisions and the reasoning behind them. This practice not only keeps constituents informed but also invites their input, fostering a collaborative environment.

Integrity is paramount. An official must be honest and adhere to ethical standards, always prioritizing the public good over personal gain. Accountability means being answerable to the people, ensuring that actions taken are in line with the promises made during the campaign.

Communication is crucial. Engaging with the community through regular updates and being accessible to address concerns helps bridge the gap between officials and constituents. This approach not only strengthens democracy but also ensures that the needs and voices of the people are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

Moreover, an elected official should be forward-thinking and proactive in addressing future challenges and opportunities. This includes being a lifelong learner, continuously seeking knowledge and understanding to better serve their community. My background as a lifelong learner, military service member, and advocate for marginalized communities has equipped me with a diverse perspective and a commitment to justice and equality.

In summary, the core principles of an effective elected official include integrity, transparency, accountability, continuous engagement with the community, and a forward-thinking mindset. These values are essential for fostering trust and ensuring that the needs of the people are met with dedication and sincerity.

As an officeholder, I bring a diverse skill set and a deep commitment to serving the community. My extensive background in healthcare IT and advocacy for healthcare and education equips me with a nuanced understanding of critical community needs. I have a proven track record of keeping promises and delivering results, evidenced by my establishment of the Montgomery County Health Care Council and initiatives such as the county's first mental health court and HIV treatment programs.

Moreover, my dedication to transparency and community engagement is reflected in my monthly newsletters, which provide constituents with updates on my work and opportunities for input. I prioritize collaboration and value the input of experts and community members in decision-making processes. My advocacy for reproductive freedom, walkability, and equitable access to healthcare and education underscores my commitment to social justice and equity.

Additionally, my experience as a military veteran and a single mother has instilled in me resilience, adaptability, and empathy, qualities essential for effective leadership. I believe in the power of listening, empathy, and collaboration to drive positive change and improve the lives of Tennessee families.

The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office encompass advocating for equity, equality, and the well-being of all residents. This includes addressing the regressive tax structure by eliminating the grocery tax, supporting working families through affordable daycare, and increasing teachers' pay while reducing classroom sizes. It also involves listening to educators and collaborating with the community to make informed decisions. Effectively utilizing Rainy Day funds to address pressing needs like the Department of Children's Services and foster care systems is paramount. Overall, the key duties revolve around ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and effective governance for the benefit of all constituents.

"Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison captivated me for several reasons:

Rich Characterization: Morrison's masterful portrayal of complex characters like Milkman Dead and Pilate, each with their own struggles and aspirations, drew me deeply into their world.

Exploration of Identity: The novel delves into themes of self-discovery and cultural identity, prompting introspection and sparking conversations about race, heritage, and belonging.

Powerful Narrative: Morrison's lyrical prose and evocative storytelling captivated me from the first page, weaving a rich tapestry of history, myth, and personal revelation.

Spiritual and Mythical Elements: Infused with elements of folklore and myth, the novel explores profound truths about the human experience, inviting readers to ponder deeper meanings.

Literary Impact: As a milestone in African American literature, "Song of Solomon" continues to inspire readers and writers, challenging conventions and expanding the boundaries of storytelling.

If I could embody any fictional character, I would choose Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." Atticus embodies qualities of integrity, empathy, and courage, standing as a beacon of moral strength in the face of injustice. His unwavering commitment to justice and fairness, even in the midst of social prejudice and adversity, inspires me deeply. As Atticus navigates the complexities of race and morality in the Deep South, he serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. His quiet dignity, wisdom, and compassion make him a timeless symbol of moral integrity and human decency.

"Somebody's Someone" by Daphne Willis

Yes, previous experience in government or politics can be highly beneficial for state legislators. Such experience provides valuable insights into how the political system operates, an understanding of legislative processes, and familiarity with policymaking dynamics. Legislators with prior governmental or political experience are often better equipped to navigate the complexities of governance, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and craft legislation that addresses constituents' needs. Additionally, they may have established relationships with key stakeholders, which can facilitate coalition-building and the advancement of legislative agendas. However, while prior experience can be advantageous, it's also essential for legislators to remain open-minded, receptive to diverse perspectives, and committed to representing the interests of all constituents, regardless of their political background.

Yes, one particularly touching and impactful story that resonates with me involved a foster care parent who shared her struggles in accessing pregnancy care for a 17-year-old foster care child under her care. Despite being 30 weeks pregnant, the teenager had not received any prenatal care, and was initially denied care. Recognizing the urgent need for medical attention and support, I was deeply moved to take action.

Inspired by this story, I initiated efforts to establish a medical home model specifically tailored to meet the healthcare needs of foster care children in our community. Collaborating with a dedicated team of healthcare providers and leveraging the resources of the Montgomery County Health Council, we worked tirelessly to ensure that no child in foster care would be denied essential medical care again.

This story serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of advocating for the most vulnerable members of our community and underscores the significance of proactive measures to safeguard their health and well-being. It fuels my commitment to championing policies and initiatives that prioritize the needs of foster care children and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.

Expanding the ballot initiative process in Tennessee would not only enhance democracy but also strengthen the voice of residents in shaping policies that directly impact their lives. As a proponent of increasing citizen participation in governance, I fully support efforts to establish a robust ballot initiative system that empowers voters to propose and enact laws on important issues such as expanding Medicare, addressing gun violence, or school vouchers.

Currently, Tennessee lacks a statewide citizen initiative process, but successful local initiatives in cities like Chattanooga, Jackson, and Knoxville have demonstrated the potential for direct citizen engagement in policymaking. By expanding and strengthening the ballot initiative process statewide, we can ensure that the priorities and concerns of all Tennesseans are heard and addressed.

A broader citizen-initiated ballot measure process would further democratize our governance and promote transparency and inclusivity. Allowing residents to directly participate in decision-making through ballot initiatives would foster greater citizen engagement and ensure that our government truly represents the will of the people.