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Let’s Talk Trash! SEPT/OCT 2018
©2018 The Keenan Group, Inc
What‛s it like to be a Senator? an interview with State Senator, Kerry Roberts
representing about 200,000 Tennesseans each. In my case, I represent Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Humphreys, and Robertson counties. We not only vote on laws but we also help our constituents when they have problem that need to be solved. What did you do before you became a Senator? I owned three bicycle stores. How much education does it take to be a Senator? Do Senators make a lot of money? There is no education requirement, although many are college graduates and a few have higher degrees (e.g., law, medical, business). The job is supposed to be a part-time job, although many of us work it full- time for a part-time pay of $23,400 a year. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a senator? Passing legislation that makes a positive difference in the lives of the people who live in Tennessee! Helping people with affordable healthcare, helping people down on their luck get back on their feet, making it easier for folks to make a living, and raise kids, There are too many things to list! What’s the difference between a senator and a state representative? A Senator serves in the Senate and a Representative serves in the House. Much of our duties are the same, except a Senator represents three times the people than a Representative. There are 33 Senators and 99 House Representatives.
What was your favorite subject in school and why? My favorite in high school was Band – I played the trumpet in marching band, concert band, and jazz Band. I love music! Much of the time, I was 1st chair! Now, all three of my kids play the trumpet. My favorite in college was Accounting – love being able to make things balance. Who was your favorite teacher and why? My favorite teacher in High School was my English teacher, Mr. Lair. He had a gift for making stories come alive and encouraged my love of reading. Who was your hero when you were a kid and why? My grandfather! He was intelligent, successful, and a community leader. But he also had time to spend with me and teach me about life. And he lived on a farm, which is why I live on a farm today. Have you ever moved to a new place where you didn’t know anyone? Yes! During the MIDDLE of my sophomore year in high school, we moved from Ohio to Indiana. I went from a high school of 600 to a high school of 2,400! I didn’t know a single person, so it was very intimidating. But I worked hard, made friends, and ended up loving it! What do you prefer PB&J or Ham & Cheese? PB&J with grape jelly should be in the dictionary as Did you play sports in school? I played basketball, but was too short and too slow – so I switched to cycling. Actually, I rode my bicycle everywhere. I have probably ridden a bicycle over 200,000 miles in my lifetime including Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. I owned bicycle shops before I became a Senator. What did you want to be when you were a kid? President, of course! What is a Senator and what do they do? Do they make laws? In Tennessee, there are 33 state senators
What is the coolest thing about being a senator? Is it a fulltime job? Giving Capitol tours – sharing the history of our Capitol is my favorite thing about being a Senator. I’ve given tours to famous people and to kindergarten kids – and I try to make each tour fun! What’s the funniest thing that happened to you as a kid? My brother and I caused a lot of trouble so I’m not sure I can tell you the funniest! But there is one story that I’m reminded of from time to time...one Christmas I was at my grandparents and climbed up the old staircase on the outside of the banister. Near the top, it curved back in the opposite direction, and I got
my head caught in the narrow curve. I was just sort of hanging there while my uncles and out how to get me free! What do you do in your spare time?
We live on a farm, so I tend to the farm and the horses. I also have a couple of antique sports cars that I try to work on from time time for them.
Remember, Senator Roberts was a kid just like you too!
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The Ashland City Times
aaron@usstn.com c: (615)982-2998 w: (615)227-2275 f: (615)746-5211 ProjectManager AARON WOLFE
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