Motlow State Student Government Members Meet With State Legislator

By Bill Kraus

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

         SMYRNA -- Members of the Motlow State Student Government (Smyrna Campus) met for lunch on Oct. 30 with newly-elected Tennessee State Rep. Sam Whitson (R-Franklin) to learn how and why he decided to seek the elected post and run against the incumbent legislator.

         Four members of the Student Government heard Whitson say how angry he was with his current representative, who was "facing in excess of 20 sexual harassment charges by State female employees and interns." Whitson told how he began with a "shoestring" campaign consisting of little money but lots of enthusiasm" and eventually beat the incumbent in the primary election by an 80 percent to 20 percent landslide. Whitson went on to win the General Election in November 2016 with more than 70 percent of the vote.

Pictured left to right: Sophomore Senator Cameron Droddy, Sophomore Senator Anood Ezzeir, State Rep. Sam Whitson, Freshman Senator Alex Perry, and Freshman Senator Rhett Kimble

         Over a delicious lunch at Famous Dave's, Whitson urged Motlow's student leaders to "finish your education... become active in politics and eventually seek office yourself." He served in the U.S. Army for 26 years, retiring with the rank of colonel.

         Whitson subsequently met that day with the two American Government classes that are taught by Dr. Bill Kraus. Students heard similar messages with the advice that "young people should become active in the political world today and become our leaders tomorrow."