John Gillespie

John Gillespie was born in Memphis, Tennessee.[1] Gillespie earned a B.A. in political science from High Point University.[1][2] His career experience includes working as a financial service representative with First Tennessee Bank and a grant coordinator with Trezevant Episcopal Home.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

John Gillespie is a native Memphian..

His professional career began in the banking business at First Tennessee. John learned the financial business from the ground up. He started as a Financial Service Representative opening new accounts and serving as the face of the bank. He later moved to Evolve Bank and Trust where he worked in the mortgage division. John reviewed home loans to ensure compliance before families closed on their new home.

John presently serves as Grant Coordinator at Trezevant Episcopal Home. He writes and researches grants, plans events, and solicits major gifts at Trezevant.

John is active in political campaigns and service organizations in our community. He served as Assistant Campaign Manager for former Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell's successful 2010 campaign. John is a member of the Phoenix Club of Memphis where he's helped raised funds for the Boys and Girls Club.

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?

Education Criminal Justice Reform (Sentencing Guidelines)Economic Development for Shelby County

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Keeping people safe from crime should be the top priority of any government. I've had the pleasure of riding along with law enforcement officers on multiple occasions. These dedicated men and women perform a dangerous job and a critical role in keeping us safe. They deserve our support. As your State Representative, I will proudly have the back of our brave men and women in law enforcement.

I want the state to do more to help us combat the number one challenge in Memphis and Shelby County-violent crime. This means providing our community with the necessary resources for sufficient prosecutors and law enforcement officers. This also means ensuring we teach marketable skills to those inmates who can be rehabilitated so, when they are released from prison, they can obtain a good job and become responsible citizens. Reducing recidivism saves taxpayer dollars and makes our community safer.

COVID-19 ended the longest economic expansion in American history. Fortunately, many of the fundamentals of our economy remain strong-particularly, here in Tennessee. As a result, I believe we are well positioned for a strong recovery.

Tennessee is ranked as the most fiscally stable state in the country. Our state has the least debt of any state. When we do borrow money, we are able to borrow at a very low interest rate due to our excellent AAA bond rating.

I'll work to create jobs and rebuild our economy by supporting conservative fiscal policies that keep Tennessee on the ri