Meet Wyatt Rampy, candidate for Tennessee House, District 59
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.
More: Learn about candidates running in the Aug. 4 Tennessee primary election | Editorial
Biographical Information
Name: Wyatt Rampy
Age (at time of Aug. 4 election): 54
Neighborhood, town and/or city: Bellevue, Nashville
Education: B.S. Marketing, Lipscomb University, 1989
Job history: Various banking positions until we started the first of three companies in 1997. Today we own Poplar Hill Realty Company, a residential real estate brokerage and property management firm.
Family: I've been married to Wendy for 25 years. We have four children and two spoiled dogs.
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Ten Questions about your Candidacy
What office are you seeking? (Include district)
Tennessee House, District 59 (Republican)
Why are you running for this office?
To make life better for the people of this district and the state. That means our children need an exceptional education. People need to feel safe which means we need to invest heavily in the men and women of the Metro Police Department. We also need to find creative, efficient and effective ways to meet the needs of our growing homeless population. Lastly, our economy is thriving statewide, thanks to the Republican leadership in the General Assembly and the Governor's office. We need to continue attracting the kind of businesses that bring good jobs to Tennessee.
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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)
For at least 25 years I've been actively serving the citizens of Bellevue in some capacity, whether it be through church or as a member of various boards including the Bellevue YMCA, the Bellevue Harpeth Chamber of Commerce, the Bellevue Community Foundation, and Nashville Christian School. I also serve on the board of World Christian Broadcasting. Being a working member of the community has provided a unique perspective on all the issues people want addressed. That work has also afforded numerous opportunities to learn from peers and mentors.
How can you make the biggest impact on your community through this position?
By maintaining and growing the relationships established through decades of work we can continue to advocate for the right solutions to important issues. The Tennessee House will provide the greatest venue for bringing those solutions to reality.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
Without a doubt, the number one priority is education. We are on the right track but there is still much work to be done to ensure our children have the brightest future. Secondly, we need to address the many needs of our communities. While the spectacular growth we've enjoyed is wonderful, it brings with it challenges we must address.
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What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
Again, education and safety are their top priorities.
What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
I'm the son of parents who started a small manufacturing business 55 years ago that is still providing good jobs and making quality products today. Along with working in the community and running my own small business, I have a very good perspective on what citizens face every day. I very much want to play a role in finding effective ways to keep them free to pursue their ideal life.
Tell us about a mentor or guide who made a difference in your life and what wisdom would you impart to the community?
There are many people who have or continue to have a major influence. Certainly, my father and mother are at the top of the list. My father-in-law, though he probably doesn't realize it, is an incredibly wise man who has a great impact. And I have three brothers who force me to consider issues from all perspectives. As it relates to the desire to serve the people of District 59 and the State of Tennessee, a huge debt is owed to Mr. Jacobs, the man who taught U.S. Government during my senior year of high school. He was the kind of teacher every child ought to have. Every day he brought an infectious enthusiasm for the Constitution, our form of government and the freedoms we all take for granted. Without knowing it, he inspired the desire to serve people at the highest level.
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?
Nobody can come anywhere near Bellevue and not stop by The Loveless Cafe. It's an institution. After they eat all those biscuits they can work it off by walking the spectacular trails of the Warner Parks. They are an absolute treasure everyone can enjoy.
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: Wyatt Rampy, candidate, House District 59
