Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons says he wants to improve education and reduce crime as governor. He met with reporters in Nashville today after announcing his candidacy earlier this week.
As DA of the state’s most populous county, Gibbons says he’s seen a broken justice system up close, with recidivism rates on the rise.
“We have a revolving door, serious offenders going in and out of our system. We’ve got to change that.”
Gibbons says the state needs tougher sentencing laws for violent crimes. In the field of education, Gibbons says test scores are likely going to get worse before they get better. Starting in 2010, state testing standards will be raised to be in line with national standards.
“I think we’re going to be shocked at how far behind some of our students are. It’s going to be a wake up call, and I’m prepared to shake things up.”
Gibbons joins Knoxville mayor Bill Haslam and Chattanooga Congressman Zach Wamp in announcing bids this week for the GOP nomination in 2010. The field was waiting for former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to announce he would not run for governor.
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