Meet Tim Lee, candidate for U.S. House, Tennessee District 5
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.
Biographical Information
Name: Timothy Bruce Lee
Age (at time of Aug. 4 election): 52
Neighborhood, town and/or city: Nashville
Education: High School- Fred J. Page High School, Columbia Community College-Paramedic License, Tennessee State university- Bachelor of Science Political Science
Job history: Current- Nashville Fire Department/ Paramedic
Family: Married to Kate Smith Lee, Children Peyton Lee, 24 years old, and Rowan Lee and Aidan Lee, 14-year-old twins. Father Mark A Lee Sr in Columbia, Tennessee, Brother Richard Lee in Nolensville, TN
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Ten Questions about your Candidacy
What office are you seeking? (Include district)
Tennessee Congressional District 05 (Republican)
Why are you running for this office?
When I left Tennessee with my co-workers to volunteer at Ground Zero after our Country was attacked on 9\11, I felt a calling from God to serve and protect others. I dedicated my life as a Paramedic to helping those calling for help, saving those lives I could, and rendering compassion to family members. I have done this for over 20 years. The last two years have been the worst two years of my life, watching people die from Covid-19, Politicians politicizing the Pandemic for their political gain, and parts of my community not getting the resources they need. Law enforcement agencies turned into the enemy by the press, friends turning on each other because of political ideology, Nurses prosecuted by rogue DAs for mistakes, an increase in psychiatric issues in children, the elderly not adequately taken care of, and First responders overworked and dying, and homeless rates increasing and many more problems. This was the next step that God had placed before me. To take these problems and do what first responders do best, answer the call, find solutions, and fix the problem. That is why I am running for TNCD-05.
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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)
The constitution sets requirements, and I meet all requirements. I have been helping change lives for over 20 years as a paramedic. The pandemic never stopped me from doing my job; I worked more. While most people sleep at night, I am out on the streets helping others. I was at work in the middle of protests and riots, being threatened as we helped victims. I do not need the news to tell me our county's problems. I don't need to make a trip to the Southern Border to see the issues, and I do not need a career politician to tell me our problems. I work with the people every day that experience the issues our country faces, and as a Tennessean and a paramedic, I provide solutions. That makes me more Qualified than any candidate running for the 5th or has run for the 5th in the last 150 years.
How can you make the biggest impact on your community through this position?
Bring a working man's perspective to the position. A person that understands and can relate to being homeless. A person who people rely on to make the tough decisions because lives are at stake. I will not always make the correct choices, but my choices will be based on my community.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
Health care, mental health, and protecting those that protect us.
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What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
Lower gas prices are what everyone complains about, fix the border and fix our country.
What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
My campaign is about fixing problems we have in our communities. Fentanyl overdoses are a problem that is out of control. Eighty-four thousand deaths last year in the U.S. We have to fix our archaic immigration system. Cut the red tape and streamline the process, so it is easier for immigrants to blend into our country and not have to live in the shadows. Bring education back to the local level. Reallocate funds from the Department of Education and direct those funds to our local schools for supplies and increase teacher pay.
Tell us about a mentor or guide who made a difference in your life and what wisdom would you impart to the community?
Danny was a paramedic that I looked up to and helped me when I was an EMT and later as a Paramedic. Words that he told me one day I have remembered my entire career and share it with new nurses and EMS workers." The whole world may be crashing around us but remember everyone is watching you to see if it is going to be ok." The public does not need rhetoric to flame the situation; they need someone that can take it on the chin and say what's next.
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)
Yes
A fun question: What are one or two attractions (restaurants, parks, venues, etc.) that visitors cannot miss if they come to your community?
Eastern battlefield park, drive down the Natchez Trace, just obey the speed limit
Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Aug. 4 election: Tim Lee, candidate for U.S. House, Dist. 5
