Derek Hawn

Derek Hawn was born in Harriman, Tennessee. He earned his paramedic certification and licensure from Roane State Community College in 2006. His career experience includes working as a paramedic and as a dual credit instructor for Roane State Community College in the high schools. Hawn has been affiliated with the Tennessee Cattleman's Association and Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Derek Hawn, and I'm running for State Representative in district 41 because I believe in the power of positive change. I've spent 18 years as a paramedic, an ems educator, and a volunteer firefighter, and I've seen the challenges and opportunities facing our community firsthand.

I'm not a career politician; I'm just a regular person who understands the issues that matter most to our neighbors. I'm committed to improving education, healthcare, and economic development and working tirelessly to make a difference for all of us.

Together, we can bring about the changes we need to thrive.

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?

Transparency and Accountability: You deserve a representative who listens, communicates openly, and is accountable for their actions. I will be accessible, transparent, and committed to representing your interests.Healthcare Access: Every resident deserves access to quality healthcare. I will work to expand healthcare access and affordability, ensuring that no one has to choose between their health and their financial stability.Economic Growth: I am dedicated to fostering economic growth that benefits everyone. I will advocate for policies that support small businesses, create jobs, and ensure fair wages.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a paramedic, I see firsthand the issues in our healthcare system. I am passionate about creating healthcare policies that focus on affordability and accessibility that will allow better outcomes for everyone. I have also been an educator in high schools working as a dual credit instructor. I have heard and seen so many issues within our education system. I am dedicated to ensuring a safe learning environment that cultivates the growth and success of our future generations.

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

Accountability: We must be accountable for our actions and decisions. And, we should be responsive to the needs and concerns of our constituents and be willing to explain and justify our choices.

Representation: We should represent the interests and values of our constituents effectively by advocating for policies and legislation that benefit our constituents, and working to address their concerns.

Responsiveness: We should listen to our constituents and be responsive to their feedback and concerns. We should be accessible and open to communication.

Transparency and Open Government: We should promote transparency in government operations and the decision-making processes to ensure that everyone has access to the information about governmental activities.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that I can remember is not a national event, it was a local event. I was 8 years old. I actually remember it being fun for me and my friends, but bad for our parents. It was the blizzard of 1993. I remember playing in the snow and building tunnels through it. I have never seen a snow like that since.

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

My very first job was at Kmart in Oak Ridge. I worked there during my high school years.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Like most people, I have struggled with living pay check to pay check. Worrying about if something drastic happens and how I would be able to afford it. This is why am running for office. I want to be your voice and work with you and for you on alleviating some of our struggles.

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

Affordability of everyday life. We have to face our issues within our healthcare system. Our educational system is going to be on the forefront.

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

Absolutely not. I believe we have too many career politicians who are holding us back from creating the systems and laws to improve the lives of all Tennesseans.

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

Yes, It is very important to build those relationships. I believe it is important to build relationships with both democrat and republican legislators so we can all work together for the betterment of Tennessee.

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

Possibly, we will see how this goes first.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

The degree to which compromise is necessary or desirable can vary depending on the specific context and the nature of the policy issue at hand. While compromise is often a positive aspect, striking the right balance between compromise and maintaining our core principles is a complex and ongoing challenge. I believe that it allows for the resolution of conflicts and disagreements and helps achieve practical and sustainable solutions to our issues.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

As you will see throughout my campaign and my website, I support the working class citizen. We have to take measures to stop causing further strain on our working class. One way to do that is to create a tax relief policy that taxes large corporations and removes the sales taxes that hurts working class citizens.

What committees interest you?

Healthcare, Education, Agriculture.