Hamilton County Commissioner Sabrena Smedley said Friday she is endorsing Jonathan Mason for District 30 State representative.
The following is a statement from a press release by the Mason campaign.
“From the very moment Jonathan Mason entered the race, without question, I knew he was the candidate to support. Any active Republican in Hamilton County is aware of the long history Jonathan has as being involved in the party. Unlike his primary opponent, for years Jonathan has been a proud member of the local Pachyderm Club, and more importantly has worked diligently in several local and state races to ensure candidates that hold conservative values were elected.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Jonathan, his wife Rachael, his children, parents, and siblings for years. He and his family are highly regarded and respected throughout this community. Jonathan is mature beyond his years. His temperament is calm, and he is the type of man that does his homework and takes a methodical and deliberate approach on every issue to make the best decision. He will do this as he represents us in Nashville. I have personally watched Jonathan over the last year as a candidate dive into the issues and educate himself in a way few candidates take the time to do.
“Jonathan has vowed to be a strong supporter of ensuring quality education and to do all he can to make sure more funding through the BEP formula returns fairly to our Hamilton County Department of Education. This summer Jonathan took the time to sit down and meet with a group of principals to gain a better understanding of issues they are facing. He is passionate about supporting them, our teachers and wants to make sure they have the resources they need every day to be successful and teach our students.
“Jonathan is also a strong advocate for property rights. Not only did he work hard to help get State Representative Mike Carter elected (strong property rights advocate), but Jonathan supported me many years ago as I fought forced annexation on a local level. Jonathan believes people should have a choice where they want to live. With about 30 seats open in the House this election cycle, it is imperative we elect Jonathan Mason to protect legislation Mike Carter and Bo Watson championed and passed to stop forced annexation.
“The eastern part of the county is projected to experience significant growth over the next 10 years. I know Jonathan will advocate for critical infrastructure needs and do all he can to make sure our state roads are improved to accommodate this growth. Jonathan has attended multiple public meetings I have hosted as well as meetings hosted by our regional planners to adapt a better understanding of the planning process for this growth. I have not seen any other candidate take the time to attend these important meetings.
“From my perspective, Jonathan has run a clean campaign and stuck to the truth and issues. He has been called a liar, has been mocked for being a pastor’s son, and has been called a bully. I know these accusations to be very untrue. Recently, I read an article released by the Helton campaign, that stated Ms. Helton’s voting record may have been altered using Photoshop and that her record as a Republican is the same or better than seven current GOP officeholders. I have a copy of Ms. Helton’s voting record that is unedited and not photoshopped. Anyone can obtain a copy at the Hamilton County Election Commission as it is public record. For the Helton camp to imply seven current GOP officeholders voted for Barack Obama is a serious charge in my opinion. I know I didn’t and have attached my voting record to show the public. The hard truth is that after four years of Obama-era policies, including Obamacare, Ms. Helton agreed with them enough to ask for Democrat ballots in both primaries in 2012.
“I am impressed with amount of time Jonathan has invested in studying the issues during his campaign. He has run a grassroots campaign and knocked on thousands and thousands of doors over the past year to meet his constituents and to give them an opportunity to address their concerns. I am a very hard worker and I want a representative that will work as hard as I do. Jonathan will. Folks, if you want a strong Christian conservative, an honest man with integrity, and someone who will be accessible and respond to the will of the people, then I urge you to vote Jonathan Mason on Aug. 2nd.”
