I’m voting for Kathy Lennon for Tennessee House District 27 on Nov. 5. We need leaders who are connected to the real challenges our community faces, defending the rights of everyday people and who are committed to doing the hard work to bring about positive change. Kathy is that leader, and I believe she’s exactly what District 27 needs.
I first met Kathy Lennon in 2015 when she was running the Chattanooga Workspace Building. At the time, I was working for an organization looking to lease a space, and it didn’t take long to recognize Kathy’s deep passion for the community. She was always looking to create opportunities for local artists and small businesses, ensuring the space was more than just a building—it was a hub for creativity and growth.
By early 2016, I began considering running for the school board, only to learn that Kathy had already decided to run. With a smile, she said, "You should run too. We could run against each other. It’d be fun!" But I decided to stand with her instead of running against her, becoming her treasurer. I saw in Kathy someone with an unwavering commitment to improving our schools and our community. She wasn’t just talking about change—she was leading it.
Fast forward to 2020, when I was privileged enough to be elected to office, one of the first pieces of advice Kathy gave me was simple but profound: “Marco, remember—it’s always about the students, the students, the students.” That’s who she is. Her focus is always on those who matter most—the people she serves.
Kathy’s policies reflect that same commitment to people-first leadership. She understands the importance of strong public education as the foundation for our future. Kathy advocates for fully funding our schools, improving teacher pay, and ensuring that every student—regardless of their background—has access to a high-quality education.
Kathy is deeply invested in expanding healthcare access for all Tennesseans. She supports efforts to expand Medicaid in our state and has been a vocal advocate for affordable healthcare, particularly for rural communities where access is limited. She’s not swayed by big pharmaceutical companies or insurance lobbyists; Kathy is focused on making sure every family has access to the care they need.
With regards to economic development, Kathy is all about sustainable growth. Through her experience with the Workspace and the Chattanooga Market as well as her family's own business, she recognizes that in order for our district to thrive, we need to invest in small businesses, support innovation, and ensure that job opportunities are accessible to everyone.
In today’s polarized political climate, Kathy Lennon stands out because she doesn’t play partisan games. She’s not led by special interests or personal vendettas. Kathy listens to the people in her district, and she’s committed to putting their needs first. Whether she’s advocating for better schools, healthcare, jobs, or economic development, her approach is always thoughtful, practical, and grounded in the realities of what will move our community forward.
I invite you to vote with me.
Marco Perez