Kathy Lennon

I am a passionate advocate who has a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to service. I have dedicated myself to making a positive impact in Hamilton County. I was a teacher for over 25 yrs teaching students at every level, from elementary to high school. At the high school level, I served as Dept. Chair and developed and implemented a school-wide Service Learning and Outreach Program. I was the Director of Chattanooga WorkSpace, a vibrant arts community in Downtown Chattanooga. I served as a founding board member for Welcome Home of Chattanooga, which provides end of life care for the homeless population in Chattanooga. I was a facilitator for Branding the Arts, organized the 6th Street Block Party and partnered with the Downtown “Y” for Spark 2013. I was elected to serve on the Hamilton County School Board for District 2 from 2016 – 20. I served as policy chair for 2 years. I was Founder of the District 2 Advisory Committee which comprised community members from all the D2 schools. I served as a representative for Any Given Child through the Kennedy Center. I served as a founding member on the HCS Foundation Board, served on the Scenic City Clay Arts Board, a member of the Red Bank Jubilee Committee, and a member on Mayor Kelley’s Transition Team. I currently serve as Co-Chairperson on the UT/TSU Extension – Hamilton County Agriculture Committee. I am a lifelong resident of Tennessee. I am happily married to John Lennon and a proud mother and grandmother.

• Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, for every individual in Tennessee. Our state leadership continues to block federal resources from entering our state to ensure healthy families thrive. I am committed to protecting Tennesseans' health and well-being, from improving access to mental health services to legalizing medical cannabis. I will ensure that a woman's healthcare decisions are guided by her healthcare professional, not politicians. Every Tennessean should have the right to make private healthcare decisions, especially regarding reproductive health, without interference from the government. We must protect and promote the health and well-being of our citizens.
• The lack of funding in Tennessee's education system is putting a strain on students and teachers. Every child in Tennessee deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful future. Tennessee ranks 46th in the nation for education spending per student and 42nd for public teacher salary. Our neighborhood schools need to receive their share of state funding to meet the needs of our growing community. Tennesseans hard-earned tax dollars should always go to our public schools - not private corporations. I want all our educators to be elevated and respected, well-trained, well-paid, and have the resources to safeguard our schools for future generations.
• Communities flourish when everyone feels secure and valued. According to a 2023 report from the Tennessee Department of Health, firearms are the leading cause of death for children in Tennessee, with 1 in 4 child deaths tied to guns. I support common-sense gun laws that prioritize public safety while respecting the Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners. I support repealing the 2013 law that allows any legal gun owner to store loaded guns in their vehicles and the respectful discussion regarding firearm safety. This is an emotional topic that must be discussed. Arming teachers in Tennessee is not a solution to ensure school safety and may create additional risks and dangers in our schools.

* Expanding access to affordable healthcare.

• Funding for reproductive healthcare programs.
  
• Women in Tennessee should have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including access to reproductive healthcare services, without government interference.
  
• Education Funding. Increase funding for public education. Taxpayer dollars should be invested in public education, rather than diverting funds through vouchers to private schools.
  
• Tennessee is 1 of 12 states without a viable medical cannabis program. Legalizing medical cannabis in Tennessee can provide patients with alternative treatment options and generate revenue for the state. It will also address issues related to healthcare access and criminal justice reform.

Daily Meditation Book, "The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday and any book by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Transparency, accountability, empathy, commitment to serve the needs of all our neighbors, compromise, educate myself and collaborate. Listening to others and bringing the right people together to solve issues that affect our diverse communities.

Pe

Representing the interests and needs of my neighbors in Tennessee House District 27. Advocating for policies that address key issues like the lack of funding for education, affordable healthcare, women's reproductive rights, economic development, and working to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for all my neighbors in District 27. I will enact and engage in legislation that benefits everyone in District 27 and the state of Tennessee.

The Assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. I was 8 years old.

Collaboration, communication, and mutual respect. Open dialogue, compromise, and transparency. It is important to always work together and listen to each other. Agree to disagree.

Addressing healthcare access and affordability, women's reproductive rights, improving education outcomes, promoting economic opportunity and equity, protecting the environment and natural resources.

Yes, as it provides them with a deeper understanding of the legislative process.

Yes, it strengthens communication and fosters collaboration. By working together across the aisle legislators can better address complex issues, find common ground on shared priorities, and serve the best interest of all Tennesseans.

No

Emergency powers are necessary in times of crisis to respond quickly and effectively to urgent situations. Checks and balances should be used in the use of emergency powers to help safeguard civil liberties, protect the rule of law, and uphold the separation of powers in government.

Expanding access to affordable healthcare which includes access to reproductive healthcare services for women.

Education Committee, Health Committee, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

Fiscal responsibility while remaining compassionate. Tax revenue should be used ethically. Government actions are open and transparent and accessible to the public. It is my responsibility to be a good steward of hard earned tax payer dollars.

Good