Karen Reynolds, a City Councilwoman, retired Army Master Sergeant, union member, and proud mother, is running for State Senate in District 22. With over two decades of experience living in Clarksville, Karen is passionate about the issues that directly affect Tennesseans, including public education, healthcare, and affordable housing.
"I chose Clarksville because I love the schools and the affordability of housing," Karen shares. After retiring from the military, she decided to make Clarksville her permanent home because of the sense of community and opportunity it offered. Now, she’s running for State Senate to ensure that those same opportunities remain available to future generations.
Key Issues:
1. Public Education:
Karen is a firm believer that public dollars should stay in public schools. "We need to fully fund our schools and let our teachers teach," she says. Tennessee ranks 44th in teacher pay and 45th in per-child spending, and Karen is determined to change that. "Our teachers deserve better pay, and our students deserve better resources," she emphasizes.
Her goal is to raise standards for education by ensuring that teachers are supported financially and have the freedom to focus on what they do best—teaching. "We’re not paying teachers enough, and it’s critical that we meet this issue head-on."
2. Healthcare:
As someone with a background in healthcare IT, Karen understands the importance of a well-functioning healthcare system. "I trust women to make their own healthcare choices," she firmly states. For Karen, healthcare isn't just a political issue—it’s personal. She wants to expand Medicaid to ensure that working families don’t go bankrupt due to medical bills and unexpected emergencies.
"Tennessee has the highest rate of medical bankruptcies in the nation," Karen explains. "We need to expand Medicaid and make sure families have access to healthcare without fearing financial ruin."
3. Affordable Housing:
Karen’s experience as a member of the Attainable Housing Coalition has reinforced her belief that affordable housing is essential for a thriving community. She’s working to find practical, community-driven solutions to make housing more accessible. "We can do better in our community for affordable and attainable housing," Karen states. She believes that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution, but by taking small steps, it’s possible to make a big difference.
"It’s going to take a community working together, step by step," she says. By working with builders, city planners, and community members, Karen is committed to creating affordable housing solutions that benefit everyone, especially the hardworking families of Tennessee.
A Commitment to the Community
One of the hallmarks of Karen’s leadership is her commitment to listening to the needs of her constituents. "I’m not the expert at the table," she says. "But I bring people together, listen to the experts, and help find the best solutions." Karen’s ability to collaborate and lead by empowering others is what makes her a trusted figure in her community.
"I’ll fight to protect our public schools, improve healthcare, and ensure affordable housing," Karen promises. As a City Councilwoman, she is known for her transparency and accessibility. "I always tell my community how I voted and why. I’m open and available because that’s what leadership should be."
If elected to the State Senate, Karen pledges to continue being the accessible, straightforward leader that Clarksville knows. "I will continue to improve the lives of everyday Tennesseans from affordability to better schools to walkability," she concludes. "We can do this, step by step, together."