By Erika Sugarmon, District 12 Representative, Shelby County Board of Commissioners

As your representative for District 12 on the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, I want to draw your attention to two critical political developments that will significantly impact our community: the upcoming federal primaries in August and the opportunity to reshape Tennessee's state government.

Federal Primaries: A Local Perspective

While our district's day-to-day concerns often focus on local issues, the August federal primaries are of utmost importance to Shelby County residents. These primaries will determine the candidates for two Congressional districts covering our area and a U.S. Senate seat.

The outcomes of these races will directly affect our community's representation in Washington D.C. As your commissioner, I encourage all District 12 residents to engage in this process. Your voice matters in shaping policies that impact our daily lives, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and economic development.

Key points to remember:

• Early voting opens on July 12th
• The primaries include races for Congressional districts and a U.S. Senate seat
• These representatives will advocate for our interests at the federal level

Breaking Up the Supermajority: A Call for Balance

Beyond the federal races, we have a unique opportunity to create a more balanced state government in Tennessee. Currently, one party holds a supermajority in our state legislature, which can lead to unchecked power and policies that may not represent all Tennesseans.

As an educator and public servant, I've seen firsthand how state-level decisions impact our schools, healthcare systems, and local governance. A more balanced legislature could lead to:

• More robust debate on crucial issues
• Increased accountability
• Policies that better reflect the diverse needs of all Tennesseans

I believe that by engaging in these elections and encouraging others to do the same, we can work towards a government that truly represents the people of Tennessee.

Your Role in Shaping Our Future

As we approach these important elections, I urge every resident of District 12 and Shelby County to:

1. Stay informed about the candidates and issues
2. Register to vote if you haven't already
3. Make a plan to vote, whether early or on election day
4. Encourage friends and family to participate

Remember, our democracy is strongest when we all participate. By engaging in these elections, we're not just choosing representatives; we're shaping the future of our community, our state, and our nation.

Let's work together to create a government that truly represents all of us. Your vote is your voice - make it heard!