Jerri Green on Government Reform

Negotiate with legislature, but line-item veto too

A: In my years of being a public defender, I've had to practice the art of negotiation. Most everyone involved walks away not having gotten everything they wanted, but we came to an agreement. But every now and then, you have to set a case for trial because the powers that be have trampled all over my client's rights. That's exactly how I would approach governance--we'll find the spaces and places we can agree and work on solutions. But when the legislature pushes some hateful or unconstitutional legislation, I'll veto it.

Q: Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

A: The governor should exercise emergency powers when there is a natural disaster, historic weather event, public safety threat, or otherwise that necessitates immediate relief for Tennesseans without red tape holding us back from helping them.

Appoint qualified, ethical leaders--not political cronies

Jerri Green will:
• Launch an online "Report Card" where Tennesseans can track state contracts and grants in plain language, and see where the money goes, what it's supposed to deliver, and whether it actually does.
• Appoint qualified, ethical leaders--not political cronies
• Not use special-called sessions to push political agendas