Charles Ihrig

Dr. Charles Ihrig Kicks Off His Campaign for State Representative
My name is Charles Ihrig, and I am running for State Representative in District 45, which encompasses the communities of Gallatin, Hendersonville, and Goodlettsville. I have deep roots in this District and spent much of my life in this area. It is part of who I am. Most of my friends and neighbors are quick to ask why I would want to run for office. It is simple, when you seen an injustice occurring you have a few options: You can complain, You can speak out, or You can do something about it. I already tried the first two and now I am doing something about it.
We need a government that is fiscally conservative and values our hard-earned money as much as we do. When we pay taxes, we should feel we get our money’s worth. Our government should provide us with security and basic services that allow us to conduct business in a profitable manner, provide for our family, ensure their safety, and guarantee a state with the same opportunities previous generations have enjoyed. We should live in a state where hard work matters and that there is a job for everyone who is willing and able to put in a day’s honest work.
Let me be clear, government does not create jobs. However, it creates an environment for business and individuals to become successful. Tennessee is a low tax state and must stay that way. Businesses want skilled workers, and we must have a strong educational system to assure Tennesseans are the most prepared for tomorrows jobs. Our infrastructure must be in place to move goods to market and raw materials to industry. Lastly, we must have a strong healthcare system so that businesses are not crippled by healthcare costs and workers can be productive rather than absent due to illness.
I am the man to lead this effort. I am a Psychologist, businessman, and former educator. I know how to grow business, train workers, and keep them healthy. While everyone is up in arms over what happens in Washington, frightened over their future, and losing their jobs, our current legislators spent time debating 105 gun bills and only 3 job growth bills. Unemployment is still at its worst in over 30 years. I support the 2nd amendment and responsible gun ownership, but where were their priorities?
In this session, our legislators were trying to figure out how to balance a state budget that was nearly 1.5 billion dollars short. Meanwhile, Rep. Debra Maggart, sponsored 173 new bills exceeding 100 million dollars in state expenses and even more to federal and local governments. When asked in committee, about her bill (HB#2957), to explain the 39 million dollar cost to local school systems; she answered, “I don’t know how to answer that”. We need a Representative that will know where your money is being spent, especially when they are writing the check!
I will not allow wasteful spending. I will not put guns in bars. I will protect victims and not just punish the abusers. I will provide real solutions to healthcare costs. I will not play party politics. Lastly, I will never waste time or money on any legislation that does not actually help Tennesseans!
Last, but certainly not least, you should know I am a Democrat. When I was growing up, everyone I knew was a Democrat. My grandparents who lived on Old Shackle Island, my mother who grew up in this community, and everyone I met. The Democratic Party was founded in this state on an anti debt fiscal responsibility platform. It was the party of the workers and small businessmen, and it still is! That is who I will be standing with through this campaign.
The state capital could use a good shrink, because it is getting as bad as Washington down there!
I hope you will support my candidacy.
I will be kicking off the summer campaign efforts on June 5 @ 6:00 pm. My wife Jennifer and I will be hosting a shrimp boil and fundraising event at our home. Please call 320-1155 or email me at cihrig@comcast.net to RSVP.
You can also discover more about the campaign at www.charlesihrig.com