By Bill Grubb

ROGERSVILLE — With the results of the November 4 election now official, newly elected State Senator Mike Faulk is looking ahead to his new role and the challenges the job will bring.

Faulk, a Republican, defeated incumbent Mike Williams by less than one-half of one percent of the votes cast in the senate district that includes Hawkins, Hancock, Grainger, Claiborne, Jefferson and Union counties.

According to vote totals released by the Tennessee Division of Elections, Faulk  received 29,422 and won in Hawkins and Jefferson counties.  Williams, a former Republican who declared himself an independent, received 29,175 and carried the other counties in the district.

Faulk said he owes his “razor thin win” to dozens of friends and supporters who worked for his election effort as well as some advice from his father.

“Without one of those strong advocates, the election would have turned out differently.  From a personal standpoint, I tried to follow dad’s advice there will always be someone smarter, just make sure they don’t out work you,” Faulk said.  “I’m sure glad I personally knocked on more than 6,000 doors and averaged about 6,000 miles per month traveling to additional campaign events.”

Although running as an independent, Williams had the endorsement and support of Governor Phil Bredesen, a Democrat.

Faulk said he does not believe that will hinder his ability to work with the governor.

 “The governor and I have talked privately.  There is mutual respect.  In my book, he starts with a clean slate.  While he may have worked for my competitor, the Governor himself had nothing negative to say about me. He was ‘for’ the other guy but said nothing ‘against’ me,” Faulk explained.

Dealing with sluggish revenue collections and the negative impact on the state’s budget will be a high priority for the Republican led Tennessee Legislature when the body convenes next year, according to the new state senator.

“Filling an $800 million budgetary hole will dominate this next session. I can’t see any new programs or initiatives with a price tag having much of a chance. I say deal with the financial crisis and adjourn before any additional financial damage can be done,” Faulk predicted.

While some cuts may be necessary, Faulk said funding for education is a high priority.

“I say fund education first.  Then, let’s see what is left to spend on other programs,” he said.  “Until our financial house is in order, new legislation will not receive the attention it should.”

Faulk said state leaders need to prioritize spending in Tennessee and evaluate any new legislation to accurately determine its cost and impact.

 “Any new legislation must be placed under a microscope to analyze its cost, not only to the state but also to our citizens,” Faulk said.