Dear John,

Last Thursday’s partisan proposal to expel three democratically elected members of the TN House of Representatives was a shocking break with precedent and an excessive response to a peaceful expression of speech on the House floor. 

When the votes were counted, my representative and good friend, Gloria Johnson, avoided expulsion by one vote.  I was relieved that the people of District 90, which is a substantial portion of Knoxville, would still have a voice in Nashville.  But I am appalled that Justin Jones and Justin Pearson appear to have been expelled for no other reason than that they are young, Black, men who forcefully and unapologetically advocate for their communities.  Racism continues to pose a grave threat to inclusive, fully representative democracy in Tennessee.

Let’s not lose sight of why Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson spoke out - they were standing in solidarity with thousands of courageous Tennesseans gathered at the Capitol, to demand action in the aftermath of yet another catastrophic school shooting.  

Our nation continues to be plagued by relentless gun violence.  Far too many GOP leaders believe this is an unfortunate but acceptable price to pay in their defense of the 2nd Amendment.  It does not have to be this way.  Students, parents, faith leaders and thousands of people from every background gathered in Nashville to remind us that there are bi-partisan, common sense solutions to this problem.  

We can make common sense gun reforms a reality if we’re ready to do the work.

We are not nearly as divided on this issue as some would have us believe.  In a recent poll conducted by Vanderbilt University, a clear majority of Tennessee parents support universal background checks; extreme risk (“red flag”) laws, safe gun storage requirements, and keeping the minimum age to purchase a gun at 21.  Our children deserve to be safe.  We CAN do something to free our communities from gun violence.

As Mayor, public safety is my number one priority and I pledge to do everything within my authority to keep our children and our communities safe.  As a parent, I will stand with the thousands of mothers and fathers who will no longer accept inaction in the face of this public health emergency.  

The past two weeks have been deeply troubling - but if we devote ourselves to the difficult work ahead, we can emerge stronger, safer, freer, and more united.  

As so many in Knoxville celebrate this Holy time of Easter, Passover, and Ramadan, I know that we can work together for peace.

Thank you for your support,

Paid for by "Kincannon for Knoxville", Kelly Johnson, Treasurer

Kincannon for Mayor
PO Box 3783
Knoxville, TN 37927
United States

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