Rep. Tandy Darby speaks at Chamber event

About 25 local community leaders gathered Friday morning at the Carroll County Civic Center for a little meet-and-greet with recently elected state Rep. Tandy Darby as part of the Chamber of Commerce’s Capitol Talk series.

Back in November of last year, Darby, a Republican, beat out independent contender Jeff Washburn for the District 76 seat, which came open after Andy Holt chose not to seek re-election.

District 76 includes all of Weakley County and portions of Carroll and Obion Counties.

Chamber President Brad Hurley introduced Darby, pointing out that they are already breaking him in as a freshman in Nashville by appointing him to several committees. These include the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Calendar and Rules, and Education Administration Committees, and the Higher Education Subcommittee.

“I’m not a politician,” admitted Darby during the event. “That was something I never aspired to be.”

Darby, who has spent much of his life working in the produce business, said the idea to seek public office got planted in his head while he was visiting a college campus in Texas with one of his daughters.

“Six months later I found out that Andy Holt wasn’t running, and here we are,” said Darby. “I can look back and say I tried to do the right thing.”

Darby took questions and comments from the audience and several of those in attendance spoke up.

McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland said she would like to see a portion of the local option sales tax revenue that was taken away from municipalities and counties back in 2002 returned to local governments. Darby said he would also like to see more state funding go to smaller, rural school districts.

Hurley brought up concerns about some local residents being unable to collect unemployment benefits from the state, and Darby said he would look into it.

Some comments were offered about the athletic accomplishments of Darby’s daughters, and Darby pointed out that his youngest daughter just started playing T-ball.

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