State Senator and congressional hopeful Dr. Mark Green (R-Clarksville) announced Wednesday he is forming a rural task force for his congressional campaign to identify issues and suggest solutions for the unique challenges of living in rural Tennessee. Former DCS Commissioner Dr. Page Walley will lead the effort, and joining him will be elected officials, business leaders, and community leaders in the rural counties across the 7th congressional district.
“As Tennessee continues to grow, our rural communities are facing serious challenges. Having grown up on a dirt road in a small rural town, I have seen those challenges firsthand and look forward to working with this task force to find solutions,” Dr. Green said in a statement.
“It’s a privilege to have been asked to chair this task force addressing the special needs that our rural counties and communities are facing in the 7th District,” Dr. Walley added. “When Mark spoke with me about my original interest in considering a run for Congress, I shared that we cannot pass by the needs and hopes of our rural families and farmers. I am proud that he not only has this same, deep conviction but intends to make sure we lift up the voices and values of our rural 7th district citizens.”
Dr. Page Walley is the Vice Mayor of Bolivar as well as the managing director of a Casey Family Programs, one of the nation’s largest foundations focused on strengthening communities and families.
Previously, Dr. Walley served as Commissioner of both the Alabama Department of Human Resources and as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs. Prior to his service in Alabama, Walley served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1990 to 2000 and subsequently as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
Dr. Mark Green is currently the sole Republican running to replace Representative Marsh Blackburn (R-TN-07), who in turn is running for the U.S. Senate to replace the retiring Senator Bob Corker.
To date, the Democrats have two candidate vying for their party’s nomination. Their names are Justin Kanew and Joshua Penfold. Of the two, Kanew seems to have the support of the party faithful, touting a Facebook following of 3800, and over $156,00 raised for his campaign, according the latest available filings.
