Jack Burks Allen Jr.

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Jack Allen completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Allen's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading-bio-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI grew up in the Chattanooga area with three sisters in a two-bedroom house. I worked three jobs through college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting from Berry College. After graduation, I met his wife, Connie, and moved to Athens, TN, where we raised our daughter, Betsy. \r\n<p>I began as an accountant at Citizens National Bank and rose through the ranks to eventually become president. Under my presidency, the bank’s assets grew from $25 million—when I started—to over $600 million by the time it was sold.\r\n</p><p>I have dedicated my life to improving our country.\r\n</p><p>When my wife passed away from ovarian cancer, I knew I had to do something — so I became the first and only male lobbyist for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.\r\n</p>\nI have also served in leadership during my residence in McMinn County as the Chair of the Library Board, President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Optimist Club, and Chair of the Economic Development Authority, among several other community enrichment positions.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading-key-message-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Women's healthcare is on the ballot this year. When I lost my wife to ovarian cancer I knew that women's healthcare needed a lot of improvement in this country. We need to ensure that we are taking women seriously and giving the physicians and medical professionals the support they need.</li><li>For too long politicians have said that they will fight for us. Well, folks are tired of the fighting. They want someone who will work for them, and I promise that if elected I will work for you every day.</li><li>I have spent my life helping the community. The office that I am running for is an extension of that lifelong dedication.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading1-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe biggest areas of public policy that need tackling in this country are immigration, women's healthcare, and the federal budget.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading2-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe most important principles for an elected official are to maintain truth and civility. These have been lost by too many in public office, and we owe to each other to get back to them.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading3-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI truly love people and my strong work ethic will help me to work to make safe environments for all families.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading4-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibilities of a Representative are to do just that: represent. They should be the voice and ear of their constituents and work day and night to ensure the best outcome for the district that they represent.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading5-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe legacy of someone who was able to take their life experiences who was able to pull people together to provide lasting solutions to the problems of my community, state, and nation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading6-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI spent the summer when I was 15 working on a dairy farm hauling hay.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading7-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIf I could be a fictional character I would want to be Atticus Finch because he fought for everyone and knew the struggles of being a single father.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading8-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt is always important to listen to other ideas. A lack of listening and understanding is what has caused the gridlock we see in today's Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-212418-2024-07-03\" id=\"heading9-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-212418-2024-07-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-212418-2024-07-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-212418-2024-07-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would work towards fair adjustments in the tax code to ensure that the government works for fair opportunities for every American.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJack Allen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Allen's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I grew up in the Chattanooga area with three sisters in a two-bedroom house. I worked three jobs through college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting from Berry College. After graduation, I met his wife, Connie, and moved to Athens, TN, where we raised our daughter, Betsy. I began as an accountant at Citizens National Bank and rose through the ranks to eventually become president. Under my presidency, the bank’s assets grew from $25 million—when I started—to over $600 million by the time it was sold. I have dedicated my life to improving our country. When my wife passed away from ovarian cancer, I knew I had to do something — so I became the first and only male lobbyist for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. I have also served in leadership during my residence in McMinn County as the Chair of the Library Board, President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Optimist Club, and Chair of the Economic Development Authority, among several other community enrichment positions. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Women's healthcare is on the ballot this year. When I lost my wife to ovarian cancer I knew that women's healthcare needed a lot of improvement in this country. We need to ensure that we are taking women seriously and giving the physicians and medical professionals the support they need. For too long politicians have said that they will fight for us. Well, folks are tired of the fighting. They want someone who will work for them, and I promise that if elected I will work for you every day. I have spent my life helping the community. The office that I am running for is an extension of that lifelong dedication. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? The biggest areas of public policy that need tackling in this country are immigration, women's healthcare, and the federal budget. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? The most important principles for an elected official are to maintain truth and civility. These have been lost by too many in public office, and we owe to each other to get back to them. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I truly love people and my strong work ethic will help me to work to make safe environments for all families. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities of a Representative are to do just that: represent. They should be the voice and ear of their constituents and work day and night to ensure the best outcome for the district that they represent. What legacy would you like to leave? The legacy of someone who was able to take their life experiences who was able to pull people together to provide lasting solutions to the problems of my community, state, and nation. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I spent the summer when I was 15 working on a dairy farm hauling hay. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? If I could be a fictional character I would want to be Atticus Finch because he fought for everyone and knew the struggles of being a single father. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? It is always important to listen to other ideas. A lack of listening and understanding is what has caused the gridlock we see in today's Congress. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? I would work towards fair adjustments in the tax code to ensure that the government works for fair opportunities for every American.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Allen’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><big><b>There are sweeping changes we can make to ensure the best experience for everyone.</b></big><br/>\n</p><p><b>Immigration</b><br/>\nThis nation was founded on immigration; coming from other countries to make a better life is the bedrock principle of our democracy. We know that America can still be the land of possibilities, but we also know that our system does not support those possibilities.<br/>\n</p><p><b>Energy</b><br/>\nA growing economy requires energy. Just like our nation’s transition from whale oil and burning wood to fossil fuels, we must invest in and promote alternative energy sources that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. <br/>\n</p><p><b>Jobs</b><br/>\nWith near-record job creation and the lowest unemployment rates since the 1960s, jobs would not appear to be an issue, but now is the time to concentrate on the kinds of job opportunities we are creating.<br/>\n</p><p><b>Money</b><br/>\nThe Federal Government's budget is no different from our church, business, or personal budget. We must have a plan, addressing priorities and a financial map to get there. <br/>\n</p><p><b>Firearms</b><br/>\nWe have a monumental opportunity to save lives by passing reasonable firearm legislation. <br/>\n</p><p><b>Healthcare</b><br/>\nQuality, affordable healthcare should not depend on your zip code or income. It is time we close the healthcare deserts plaguing this country. <sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Jack Allen’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Allen’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ There are sweeping changes we can make to ensure the best experience for everyone. Immigration This nation was founded on immigration; coming from other countries to make a better life is the bedrock principle of our democracy. We know that America can still be the land of possibilities, but we also know that our system does not support those possibilities. Energy A growing economy requires energy. Just like our nation’s transition from whale oil and burning wood to fossil fuels, we must invest in and promote alternative energy sources that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. Jobs With near-record job creation and the lowest unemployment rates since the 1960s, jobs would not appear to be an issue, but now is the time to concentrate on the kinds of job opportunities we are creating. Money The Federal Government's budget is no different from our church, business, or personal budget. We must have a plan, addressing priorities and a financial map to get there. Firearms We have a monumental opportunity to save lives by passing reasonable firearm legislation. Healthcare Quality, affordable healthcare should not depend on your zip code or income. It is time we close the healthcare deserts plaguing this country. [2] ” —Jack Allen’s campaign website (2024) [3]"}]