Karen Gertz

Karen Gertz earned a bachelor's degree from Maryville College in 2000. Her career experience includes working as a technical writer and in quality assurance and auditing within the science industry.[1]

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Note: On October 15, 2024, Karen Gertz edited the Endorsements survey response to include additional endorsements.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’ve lived all over the United States, from the Northeast, to Florida, to Tennessee, to California. As a Navy kid, I got used to the moves, and learned to embrace living in diverse environments and communities. I attended Maryville College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology before commencing my career in technical writing, quality assurance, and auditing within the science industry. But I was always drawn back to Tennessee for its natural beauty and the warmth of its people.

From childhood onward, I have been an advocate for those who did not have a voice, those who were vulnerable, and those who were treated differently for not conforming to the status quo. I have never been afraid to stand up for what is right, and I have always believed that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what they believe, who they are, or who they love.

I want to bring these values to the Tennessee House so that everyone has a voice, knowing they have a representative in their corner who listens to their concerns and puts their needs at the forefront of decision making.

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?

I am a staunch advocate for both reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ rights. Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right, including the right to abortion, IVF, and birth control. Equal treatment under the law is a fundamental right, and the rights of Tennesseans should not be restricted based on orientation or who a person chooses to love. We must do everything possible to ensure that equal rights are unequivocally upheld by Tennessee law.I'm an advocate for the education and safety of Tennessee children. Public schools need to be fully funded to ensure they can attract quality educators by providing appropriate compensation, along with other resources to provide the best education to students. Public funds should not be diverted to any voucher program. We also need common sense gun safety legislation to protect our children.I'm an advocate for the expansion of Medicaid. The refusal of our current Tennessee legislature to expand Medicaid has been detrimental to the health of hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans. The expansion of Medicaid would reduce hospital closures in rural areas and allow many of the uninsured to receive healthcare, as well as provide care for those struggling with mental illness and substance abuse issues. We must move forward with legislation that benefits the health of all Tennesseans, regardless of income.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, education, gun safety, and healthcare.

On a local level, I am also passionate about:

Finding a balance between the need for increased infrastructure for our growing community in Blount County, while also preserving our natural resources

Addressing the housing crisis that is preventing so many people from purchasing homes, and also forcing Blount Countians to leave the area in the face of rising rental rates

Enacting measures that will reduce taxes for individuals, families, and small businesses in Blount County, while increasing taxes for large corporations so that they pay their fair share

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for her successful fight against gender discrimination. Her championship of the Equal Pay Act, Title IX, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is an inspiration to me.

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

The most important characteristic for an elected official is being a voice for all of your constituents. As an elected official, you must strive to listen to everyone from all walks of life, to gain their perspective, and to implement solutions based on their needs and concerns.

Another crucial characteristic is integrity in words and actions. I will always be honest and authentic about my stance on the issues that I find to be non-negotiable (i.e., equal rights, the full funding of public schools, etc.), and I will not change my stance on these issues to gain approval. With me, my word is my bond. In addition, I have not and will not accept any corporate sponsorships or donations, as I will never be beholden to the will of corporations; I will only be beholden to my constituents.

A third critical characteristic for an elected official is the ability to communicate, negotiate, and make informed decisions, particularly on issues that are nonpartisan. In Blount County, some of these issues include addressing the housing crisis; reducing taxes for individuals, families, and small businesses; and balancing the need for additional infrastructure with the need to protect the environment. I am open and willing to communicate with relevant parties and organizations, such as housing authorities, economists, city planners, engineers, environmentalists, etc., to further explore these types of issues and make informed decisions that will best serve the needs of Blount Countians.

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

I remember the Space Shuttle Challenger exploding when I was seven years old. My elementary school class was watching the shuttle launch on TV, and when it happened, we were all shocked and very saddened. That memory has stuck with me for all these years.

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

My first job was as a receptionist in a medical office during the summers in between college semesters. I answered phones, scheduled and confirmed appointments, and often interacted with patients who were stressed or fearful. I learned how to listen, communicate, and address patients' concerns from an administrative perspective.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. I greatly admire the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, for her intelligence, wit, strong character, and her ability to learn and grow past her prejudices.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Invincible" by Kelly Clarkson. It's a song about overcoming your fears and rising up to become something greater than you ever thought you could be.

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

I believe that it can be beneficial for state legislators to not have previous experience in government or politics, as this allows them to bring the perspective of an individual constituent. In addition, a legislator with no previous political background can provide a "fresh-slate" mentality when it comes to proposing solutions that would best benefit the people.

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

I absolutely believe it is beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. In this way, various perspectives and insights can be presented, and there can be a team effort in addressing the issues affecting constituents.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, ChangeTN, and Moms Demand Action, [Tennessee Women's Political Caucus, Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women, Harvesting Democracy]