CLINTON, Tennessee — Rick Scarbrough started his term for District 33 at midnight on Wednesday, a role he is expected to be in for the next two years.
"I didn't come into this race with an agenda other than wanting the opportunity to serve our community, and maintain the quality of life that we've come to enjoy here", said Scarbrough.
He said he wants to hear from the community and have open communication with them.
"I'm gonna be accessible, somebody that's gonna listen. You can reach out and communicate with me and let me know what you need for our community. Again, I want to be that person that they can reach out to," said Scarbrough
He also said he wants to hear from them about issues they find important. The first bill filed for the upcoming legislative session reintroduces universal school vouchers for discussion, a proposal that effectively uses public money to pay for students' education at private schools.
"There's been a voucher bill filed on day one of this year, already. So, let's see what the content of those things are. Right now, we have great schools in our community, I'm going to listen to our community and hear what they have to say as well," said Scarbrough.
He's also focused on working on pre-established relationships and helping the community thrive.
"When you have safe communities and good schools, you're gonna have good jobs. And we have everything we need here to have that community," said Scarbrough, "The relationship between the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory is second to none across the country and what can we do to nurture that as well."
He said several members of his district were a support to him during the campaign.
"It means a lot to a candidate when you're going through this race, when people step up and help you," said Scarbrough. "But it also gave us a sense of community, and regardless, whether it be Clinton, Oak Ridge, Oliver springs or Rocky Top, or the north end of the county — we loved when people stepped up to help."