Written by: JR Robinson

As the 2024 election for Tennessee's House District 13 approaches, voters in west Rutherford County face a critical decision. Three candidates with distinct backgrounds and policy priorities are vying for the opportunity to represent the district in the state legislature. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced comparison of the candidates' platforms, helping voters make an informed choice at the ballot box.

The Candidates

Jonathan Yancey (Democrat)
Jonathan Yancey brings a unique perspective to the race, with 25 years of leadership experience and nearly two decades as an educator. His campaign, centered around the slogan "Y.E.S. for YANCEY," emphasizes empathy, problem-solving, and accountability.

Robert Stevens (Republican incumbent)
The incumbent representative, Robert Stevens, is seeking his second term in the General Assembly. A former Rutherford County Commissioner with a background in law and business, Stevens has focused on conservative priorities during his first term.

Jami Averwater (Republican primary challenger)
Challenging Stevens in the Republican primary is Jami Averwater, an attorney, business owner, and current member of the Murfreesboro City Council. Averwater's campaign emphasizes her local roots and business experience.

Education

Jonathan Yancey
Education is at the forefront of Yancey's campaign, given his extensive background in the field. He has experience teaching various age groups and in different modalities, including in-person, online, and hybrid settings. This diverse experience informs his approach to education policy.

Yancey advocates for:

• Increased funding for public education
• Support for teachers and educational staff
• Emphasis on diverse learning modalities to meet student needs
• Promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in curricula

Robert Stevens
While education hasn't been Stevens' primary focus, he has supported initiatives aligned with the broader Republican agenda in Tennessee. His stance includes:

• Support for school choice initiatives
• Emphasis on parental rights in education
• Backing legislation to restrict certain topics in school curricula

Jami Averwater
Averwater's approach to education is influenced by her experience as a local business owner and city council member. Her platform includes:

• Opposition to school vouchers, arguing they would distribute Williamson County's "hard-earned tax dollars" to private schools
• Pledge to secure "equitable" funding for local schools
• Emphasis on local control in education decisions

Economic Policy

Jonathan Yancey
Yancey's economic policy is shaped by his experience as both an educator and a small business owner. His platform includes:

• Support for small businesses and entrepreneurship
• Emphasis on workforce development and job training programs
• Advocacy for fair wages and worker protections

Robert Stevens
As an attorney and business owner, Stevens' economic policies align with traditional Republican principles:

• Maintaining low taxes
• Reducing regulations on businesses
• Promoting job creation through business-friendly policies

Jami Averwater
Averwater's economic stance is heavily influenced by her background as a business owner. Her priorities include:

• Maintaining low taxes to support economic growth
• Supporting small businesses by reducing government interference
• Promoting conservative economic principles at the state level

Conclusion

The race for Tennessee's House District 13 presents voters with three distinct choices, each bringing unique experiences and priorities to the table. Jonathan Yancey offers a fresh perspective rooted in education and empathy, with a focus on solving issues and putting people first. Robert Stevens, the incumbent, represents traditional conservative values with a focus on limited government, Second Amendment rights, and anti-abortion policies. Jami Averwater brings a blend of local government experience and business acumen, emphasizing public safety, low taxes, and local control.

As the election approaches, voters in District 13 will need to carefully consider these platforms and decide which candidate best aligns with their vision for the district and the state of Tennessee. Regardless of the outcome, this race highlights the importance of local elections and the impact they can have on communities.

Voters are encouraged to further research the candidates, attend local forums, and engage directly with the campaigns to make the most informed decision possible. The future of District 13 and its representation in the Tennessee House of Representatives lies in the hands of its constituents.