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Former Governor Bill Haslam Speaks to WestStar

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JACKSON (August 11) — On Wednesday, Former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam addressed alumni of the WestStar Leadership Program at the Southwest Development District office in Jackson, Tennessee. Haslam spoke briefly about his career and new book, “Faithful Presence: The Promise and the Peril of Faith in the Public Square,” as part of the leadership program’s “Lunch-Learn-Leadership series.”

Speaking to a room full of community leaders and government officials, Governor Haslam stated the reason for the book was in hopes to help create healing in a divided nation. He stated, “Our country is divided now more than ever in modern history. The nation has become contemptuous towards the other side.”

He added in today’s political spectrum, the two major political parties are more divided than ever. The atmosphere is charged to such a degree that there is more tension and distrust than with the religious factions in the Middle East.

“People of faith need to be the answer/solution when in positions of leadership. The works and words of Christ teach us how to rise above the fold.”

He went on to quote his political mentor, Senator Howard Baker, Jr., “You should always go through life working on the assumption that the other guy might be right.” Haslam believes the best approach to an argument is to get the right answer, not necessarily to win it. With such a great division it is even more difficult to find the right answer and make a difference.

“Government has a chance to make a difference. Leaders should work to make a difference,” said Governor Haslam.

People of faith should focus on solving problems. Haslam quoted Jeremiah 29:5-7 “Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” It was the Lord saying we have to make our society a better place so we can make it home. Thus, people of faith, especially those in leadership roles must be present, be faithful in their engagement.

Haslam reminded the audience they have to hold fast to their Christian morals as he quoted Ephesians 4:15 “But speaking the truth in love.” Meaning, an individual can state their belief in what is true but it must do so in a compassionate way.

Before closing his presentation, Governor Haslam provided a few anecdotes of his time in office and on the campaign trail.

One such story dealt with his feeling of vulnerability as a gubernatorial candidate. Then a friend reminded him that everything is going to be okay regardless of the outcome. He learned that candidates have to realize the story is not about them; we (the leaders or elected officials) are only part of the story. Success comes when you consider others greater than yourself.

In closing, one of his greatest successes was as governor was mentioned. In 2013, Haslam launched the Drive to 55 with Randy Boyd to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or credential to 55 percent by 2025. This allowed for a first-time freshmen enrollment increased of 25 percent at community colleges and 20 percent at technical colleges in one year, and the college-going rate in Tennessee increased to a high of 62.5 percent in 2015.

He and his wife, Crissy, have been married for over 40 years and have three children and 10 grandchildren.