Daniel Hawthorne

Daniel Hawthorne was born in Tennessee. He earned a graduate degree from Tennessee Technological University in 2011. His career experience includes working as a teacher.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Daniel Hawthorne is a Husband, Father of 4 Daughters (ages 11, 13, 16 & 19), a Public School Teacher (for 10 Years) and a lifelong resident of Tennessee who currently resides in Smith County where he has lived for the past 8 years.

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?

People in this district deserve a choice when they go to polls, if only one person is running that is not Democracy.I am AGAINST Charter Schools and School Vouchers, not only because I believe in our Public Schools, but because Tax Dollars should not be given to private entities with little or no accountability. We need to help and support our Public School Systems NOT DEFUND THEM.I am FOR the legalization of Marijuana in this state, I want this to help farmers in the eastern part of our State who have been hurting for a Cash Crop for over 20 years since Big Tobacco went away. We need to find a way to help these Family Farms to be more successful or we are going to lose an entire way of life in this part of our State.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As I have already stated I care about Our Public Schools and finding new ways to fund them by potentially expanding the tax base through legalized marijuana.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A strong sense of self and belief in helping the people you are elected to represent.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Voting for laws that will help the people who elected me to my office and not just bowing to party politics.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I started working for my Grandfather's Business, Bushhogging for the Public at the age of 13. I worked for him for 5 years until I moved to Cookeville to attend Tennessee Technological University where I studied and became a Public high School Teacher. Working for him I learned the value of hard work.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

A cooperative and respectful relationship is best, but neither should dictate policy to the other or just be able to push through any legislation that the governor wants.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Balancing Economic and Population Growth with maintaining Tennessee's cultural heritage.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No the opposite.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, you can't get legislation passed by yourself it takes a coalition of like minded individuals to achieve anything of true and lasting importance.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No, the only politician I would model myself after is former President Harry Truman, who famously had the sign on his desk "The Buck Stops Here!" I believe anyone in politics should own and be accountable to the decisions they make.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes in emergency situations.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A bill reversing the recent $1.9 Billion tax cuts and rebates given to corporations in Tennessee by this sessions Legislature and Governor Bill Lee.

What committees interest you?

Education Committee

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

100% transparency and honesty are always the best policies for ensuring accountability in government.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

It would be a good idea, it would conceivably give the voters a more direct voice in the lawmaking process.