Bo Watson, candidate for State Representative in District 31, announced the opening of his Campaign Headquarters at the corner of Market and 2nd Street in downtown Dayton across from the historic Rhea County Courthouse.
Mr. Watson is a lifelong resident of Tennessee. He has been married for 20 years to Jill (Lippse). They have one son, Grey, and a Black Labrador, Zeus. Mr. Watson is a physical therapist and Director of Therapy Services at Parkridge Medical Center. He attends First Centenary United Methodist Church where he is a Sunday school teacher and former Lay Leader of the congregation.
Mr. Watson serves on the Board of Directors of the Wesley Foundation of the United Methodist Church at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is a clinical instructor for the physical therapy program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mr. Watson is active in the Junior Achievement and the Habitat for Humanity organizations. He is the former Chairman of the Hamilton County Chapter of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life which raised over $300,000 in the fight against cancer. He has served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA, the Board of Directors of the University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Alumni Associations, the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association, Past PTA President, and has been active in numerous other community services and activities.
Mr. Watson is against a state income tax. “What we need is smaller more effective government that meets the needs of the citizens of the 31st District rather than a large bureaucracy more interested in the people of West Tennessee and Nashville. Increasing taxes only makes government bigger…it does not make it better.”
Dayton was chosen for the Campaign Headquarters because of its location in the center of the district, its storied history, and its importance in this Republican Primary, he said. “Any candidate that underestimates the importance of the voters in Rhea County will not win this election,” Mr. Watson stated.
“TennCare is the major issue facing the people of Tennessee and the next General Assembly,” Watson stated. “It is not that TennCare needs to be fixed…it must be fixed or our State will have no resources for other important issues like education and economic development. I will join with my fellow Republicans and the Governor to pass legislation that curtails this ‘train that is out of control,’ but an income tax is not the way to do it and I will not support one in any way,” added Watson.
Mr. Watson, who said he has been involved in a vigorous door-to-door campaign and has attended community meetings throughout District 31, commented “It has been my privilege to meet the people of this district and I look forward to serving them in Nashville.”
Bart Quinn, manager for the Watson Campaign, added, “Throughout our campaign, citizens of the 31st District have expressed overwhelming support for Mr. Watson’s message. I think Bo represents the new face of leadership which the people of this District are seeking.”
Mr. Watson was introduced by his wife, Jill, and his campaign manager, Bart Quinn. The Watson Campaign may be contacted at the Campaign Headquarters, or by phone, 954-2059.
Other candidates in the Republican Primary are Don Pickerell, Frank Stewart, Bill Hollin, Daved Senters and Terry Conley.