Hendersonville Standard
HENDERSONVILLE WEATHER

Standing on principle




SABRINA GARRETT

SABRINA GARRETT

Congressman Diane Black’s last day in office was January 2, however, after spending 20 years in public service – she insists her work isn’t done.

“There are a number of possibilities and in the next month or two I will explore those just to see what might be possible for me,” she told the Hendersonville Standard. “My heart has always been in service and wherever I can serve and make a difference is where I want to be.”

One opportunity involves recruiting women to serve in public office. The other is a subject very near to her heart and that is Right to Life.

Black, as her constituents know, takes a pro-life stance on abortion. She also is a registered nurse and keeps her license active.

“I am proud of the pro-life legislation I have been able to pass during my time at both the state and federal level of service,” she said.

Black has served the 6th Congressional District since 2011. Prior to that she was elected to the Tennessee Senate serving the 18h District in 2004, and as a State Representative for the 45th District (Sumner County) in 1999.

“I want to continue to make sure we protect life. Life is given to us by the creator,” she said.

Black noted the unborn cannot make decisions for themselves – they rely on their mothers. She stressed the importance of incentives for adoption so that “if a mother is not in the best situation, she can choose adoption and give that child an opportunity to have a life.”

Another highlight of her political career was serving as Chairman of the Budget Committee in Congress. She was the first female to chair the committee in United States History.

“Being Chairman of the Budget Committee and being able to pass a budget which was the most conservative budget that has passed in 10 years has got to be one of the pinnacles of my career,” Black said.

In August 2017, Black announced that she would run in Tennessee’s gubernatorial primary. Although businessman Bill Lee received the Republican nomination and eventually won governor, Black is grateful for getting to meet folks throughout the state during her campaign.

“It was incredible. I met so many good people. People, who like I, have a heart for service and who are doing things in their communities that were remarkable. Had I been successful (in the election) I wanted to roll those things out in a greater way,” she said.

“We really are a three-star state,” Black continued, noting the three starts on the state flag. “There are three distinctive regions of our state and each has their own unique opportunities and challenges.”

Although the primary wrapped in August, Black has continued to serve as Congressman since.

“A lot of people don’t realize that. I just concluded my service,” she said. “This journey has been an incredible honor. I’ve met so many good people and had so many opportunities to serve people in this great state in all three capacities. It is something I never could have dreamed of.”

Leave a Reply