Adam Kurtz

Adam Kurtz earned a high school diploma from Newton South High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester in 2001. His career experience includes working as a musician.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a musician out of Nashville running for Governor to be the candidate that I - and so many others - want to see. We want to see actual representation, that means a member of the working class who knows what trials and tribulations we face here in Tennessee. I'm running to show that hey, we're supposed to run for office, we're supposed to represent each other, and there is no such thing as a political ruling class. It's supposed to be government by the people, for the people. I'm a people! I want to bring back humanity and compassion to Tennessee, to make it a state that welcomes all and we can be proud of, and where we make life better and more affordable for you.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We have to make life in Tennessee more affordable, and safer and better for everyone. That means raising the minimum wage, removing the grocery tax, generating new revenue by legalizing marijuana and closing tax loopholes to pay for infrastructure improvements like paving our roads, and fully funding our public education system.I want to work toward affordable healthcare, with an eye to bring Medicare for all here. I went to Australia in January and made a 15 minute documentary about Aussie healthcare to help explain how it works, how much it costs, and how it could vastly improve the health and pocketbooks of us in the US and in Tennessee. Go check it out on YouTube, it's called "A Basic Human Right: Australian Healthcare Explained." It's a fun movie, you'll get a kick out of it.Government is supposed to be on your side. As Governor, I will LISTEN to you, to help improve life for us all. That means if you're a farmer, I will bring you to the table to hear from you directly how the TN Government can help. If you are struggling to pay for rent or think home ownership is but an American Dream, I will work with you and experts to make it an American Reality. My ultimate message is: it's time to have one of us in charge, and he or she doesn't have to be an expert on everything, but they do have to have a strong moral compass and show the direction they aim to take the state. That's what I offer: a collaborative approach to making Tennessee a state we're all proud of.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about making Tennessee work for us instead of against us. I'm most passionate about improving healthcare so we no longer lead the country in medical bankruptcies, and people across the state have access to great and affordable healthcare. Almost all societal woes stem from inadequate public education. I want to fully fund our system statewide with the ultimate goal of having the best public education system in the US. I am passionate about protecting Tennesseans and not vilifying them so the corrupt people in power now can stuff their pockets at our expense by distracting us.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Kyle Gass of Tenacious D and Matthew DeBardelaben, councilman from Knoxville.