Jerry Maynard, candidate, Senate, Dist. 19
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The Tennessean Editorial Board asked candidates on the Aug. 4 state and federal primary ballot in Tennessee to answer our questionnaire. Find biographical information and their responses to 10 questions. Early voting started on July 15.
Biographical Information
- Name: Jerry Maynard
- Age (at time of Aug. 4 election): 55
- Neighborhood, town and/or city: College Hill, North Nashville
- Education: Indiana University Maurer School of Law Doctor of Jurisprudence · (1990 – 1993) Indiana University Bloomington Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Major Criminal Justice. Minor Political Science · (1985 – 1989)
- Job history: The Maynard Group Founder and President June 2007 – Present (15 years 2 months) Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County Council At-Large September 2007 – September 2015 (8 years 1 month) Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center General Counsel September 1999 – June 2009 (9 years 10 months) Tennessee Democratic Party Deputy Chairman September 2005 – January 2007 (1 year 5 months) Cathedral of Praise Church, Inc Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel December 1999 – August 2005 (5 years 9 months) Fisk University Adjunct Professor August 1997 – August 2001 (4 years 1 month) Meharry Medical College Director of Legal Affairs & Risk Management October 1996 – December 1999 (3 years 3 months) Tennessee State University Adjunct Professor August 1996 – August 1999 (3 years 1 month) Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Associate August 1993 – May 1995 (1 year 10 months) Harris Bank & Trust Financial Analyst May 1989 – May 1990 (1 year 1 month)
- Family: Mother – Shirley Coates Father – Bishop Jerry L. Maynard, Sr. Sister – Pastor Misha Maynard Brother – Michael Maynard Brother – Khalil David Maynard Son – Jordan Maynard Daughter – Jamille Maynard
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Ten Questions about your Candidacy
What office are you seeking? (Include district)
State Senate District 19 (Democrat)
Why are you running for this office?
To be effective for the community, you have to know when to fight, how to unite, and never lose focus on getting things done. I’ve done everything in my power, whether it was through faith-based groups, nonprofits, the private sector or government service to get things done on economic, healthcare, and social justice issues to lift others up. I’ve spent my entire career fighting for economic and social justice for the citizens of Nashville, and for those across our country. I truly want to help every Nashvillian have a better life. That’s why I’ve built my career on helping others by spearheading economic initiatives that led to over $300 million in contracts to small businesses, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses.
What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)? (Please specify if you are unopposed, but feel free to answer)
I’m a proven leader and coalition builder. When Nashville’s Mayor announced plans to close Nashville General Hospital, I led the effort to save it, working with the hospital to not only reverse the popular mayor’s plan but save the hospital and get it fully funded within 8 months, which proved critical during the pandemic. On the Metro Council, I stopped a plan by the mayor’s office to locate the new Nashville Sounds stadium on the downtown river bank and to build the new stadium at Sulfur Dell where a Negro League team played. The move helped spur a boom in the Germantown area. I also played a leading role in the creation and implementation of the Metro Small Business Growth Act, the Diversity And Inclusion Act, and the Metro Workforce Development Program. Combined, these programs and initiatives have resulted in over $300 million in contracts awarded for small, women, and minority-owned businesses. I’ve made access to quality healthcare for all Nashville residents a priority while in office. I spearheaded the innovative Metro Employee Healthcare Incentive Act, which led to $50 million in new revenue for Nashville General Hospital, a Nashville hospital where a patient can receive healthcare regardless of their ability to pay and generates an additional $5 million in revenue for the hospital annually.
How can you make the biggest impact on your community through this position?
I have a proven track record of getting things done for Nashville, and I want to take the experience I have working with others to the legislative level. I am proud to have the endorsement of State Senator Brenda Gilmore, Councilwoman Sharon Hurt, and many other Nashville leaders. This is an opportunity for me to represent the underrepresented at the state level and fight for racial and social justice. You can count on me to invest in minority-owned businesses and communities. Our city is only as strong as our weakest neighborhoods and poorest residents. I will represent you with an agenda of lifting up others and helping out those who need it the most. I will be committed to taking action and will pass legislation that has a meaningful impact for the district.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
Eliminate the sales tax on food and groceries to make Nashville more affordable for working families. To keep our families safe by keeping weapons of war off our streets.
What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
Voters would like for me to accomplish the following: Housing Affordability in Nashville Eliminate the sales tax on food and groceries Gun Control Healthcare Fight to sustain our democracy
What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
I am firmly committed to expanding voter rights and want to make it easier not more difficult for people to vote. As your state senator, I will continue to be a champion for social and racial justice and empower those who no longer feel they have a voice. I have experience leading statewide minority voter registration efforts that resulted in more than 40,000 newly registered voters.
Tell us about a mentor or guide who made a difference in your life and what wisdom would you impart to the community?
Bob Tuke, U. S. Marine Veteran and Former Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party. Democracy should never be taken for granted. It is fragile and can be broken unless we fight every day to defend and protect it.
Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)
Yes
A fun question: What are one or two attractions (restaurants, parks, venues, etc.) that visitors cannot miss if they come to your community?
National Museum of African American Music The Civil Rights Room of the Nashville Downtown Library
Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dp*****@te********.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas.
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