Janet Testerman kicks off campaign
By Jamie Schnell
schnellj@knoxfocus.com
Janet Testerman, Knoxville City Council member and CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center, engaged the crowd of supporters that gathered at Lakeshore Park in Knoxville last Monday night to kick off her Republican primary campaign for State Representative District 18.
Through drinks and hor d’oeuvres, Janet engaged over eighty attendees, which also included family and friends. Janet’s mother Janet Testerman Crossley told The Focus, “I am absolutely thrilled for Janet.” Her sister, Muffet Testerman Buckner, described Janet as having “a heart for service, a passion to make it better.”
Businessman Doug White introduced Janet to the stage, “Janet takes a deep dive into her community, with class and character.” He went on to describe Testerman as compassionate and possessing a love for her community.
As a daughter of the late Knoxville Mayor Kyle Testerman, Janet is no stranger to the world of community service. She has a background in communications and business and has served on a multitude of community organization boards.
Testerman spoke to the audience about her decision to run and how the decision was assisted and supported by her family. She is thankful to be “surrounded with the strength of people who lift you up and give you honest feedback.” She described her desire to serve the people of Knoxville and spoke of her plans to continue representing the Knoxville community.
“We need to be intentional about our efforts, recruiting top talent and by also retaining our young graduates so they don’t leave their community. We need to help parents bring their voices to the forefront of their involvement in their children’s education.
“We need to keep taxes low, focusing on the inflation crisis. We need to continue to address the crisis in mental health, and we must support our veterans, Back the Blue, and fully fund them. We cannot get complacent.”
The State and Federal Primary will be held on August 4, 2022, with early voting from July 15-30.
To support Janet Testerman’s campaign, visit ElectTesterman.org.
