The Tennessean Editorial Board asked candidates on the Aug. 4 state and federal primary ballot in Tennessee to answer our questionnaire. Find biographical information and their responses to 10 questions. Early voting started on July 15.

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What office are you seeking? (Include district)

U.S. Congress District 8 (Republican)

Why are you running for this office?

It's time for change, it's time for term limits and a balanced budget. I believe in election integrity and protecting the peoples vote at the ballot box and I will fight for it. I'm tired of people with Christian faith being attacked and dismissed. The media fights to force us to accept others lifestyles and divides us constantly. As a true Christian I believe God called us to love everyone no matter their personal life style or beliefs. Together we can accomplish great things. It's time to remove the career politicians!

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)? (Please specify if you are unopposed, but feel free to answer)

I have been in the trades business all my life, my company started out doing simple residential jobs and built up over the years to commercial work. To accomplish all of this I had to be a successful leader, which means doing the right things. I also have a great understanding for the working class people and small business owners. Other qualifications I possess are competence, budgeting, good work ethics, self-discipline, skilled, vision, commitment, awareness, passion, responsibility, and integrity.

How can you make the biggest impact on your community through this position?

Cutting back the governments power and control, especially through the government controlled 3 letter agencies. Power needs to be handed back to the states.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

Control handed back to the states, balanced budget, term limits (drain the swamp)

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What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

Voters are wanting leaders that will stand their ground, have a back bone, and not cave in. To know their votes matter and end the corruption from both political parties. To put a stop to empty promises and at least fight for what is ethically and morally right. We need to fix our own country before trying to fix others. We have veterans, families, kids, and the elderly that need our support first. Our wall needs to be completed so we can focus on our country and not worry about constantly being invaded by illegal immigrants, especially those with a criminal background. For the good of all open the pipeline back up! I will fight for all of this. It's time to take our country back.

What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?

I'm a down to earth person and very transparent. I'm not from money, but every penny I have made has come from hard and honest work. Do your research on all your candidates, don't vote simply because you know them somehow. Vote for what you stand for morally and ethically. You don't have to announce who you voted for and you don't have to explain why you voted for a particular person. Too many lines of division have been drawn to divide our country. I don't support any groups that separate us by race and sexuality. We are all American and it's time we started coming together. We all need to know our true history, the good and the bad. That's how we learn and improve to progress forward. History will repeat itself if we are not educated on it.

Tell us about a mentor or guide who made a difference in your life and what wisdom would you impart to the community?

My father was a huge influence and encourager. I learned about HVAC and others skills when working with him in my younger years. Every bit of knowledge I obtained from him, I carried with me when I started my own business. He taught me about ethics, integrity, and dedication, which he modeled when I worked with him. I became confident with the trade and was not really wanting to attend college. As for wisdom, I think we need to start educating kids while they are in high school to learn more about what different trades entail. Trades such as mechanics, plumbing, welding, HVAC/R, electrical, etc. will always be needed. Many kids do not have interest or the passion to attend four plus years of college and do not want to accrue the debt of one. My line of work has always provided for my family. Often it appears kids are taught that learning a trade for a career is not as shined upon as attending a college/university. Schools don't really go into depth about how valuable those trades are. During the COVID shut down, in my line of work, my business never shut down or slowed down.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

A fun question: What are one or two attractions (restaurants, parks, venues, etc.) that visitors cannot miss if they come to your community?

The Grind in Martin, TN & Skyzone in Jackson, TN

Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas.