A.J.

A.J.'s life has always been about serving others. He began his career in Nashville as a bus operator in 1971, and his service was so exemplary that the metro government created an award for operators named in his honor. A.J.'s service to the community includes the active role he played in the lives of his two sons, particularly as a school volunteer and coach.

A.J. became involved in Democratic politics because he saw how the Democratic Party was working to improve people's lives. After years working for the transit union, he now fights for all Tennessee's working people, directing legislative affairs for the AFL-CIO unions. He serves the community in many other ways, as a member of the Board of Elections, the Board of the American Red Cross, and as an active member of his Baptist Church.

First Political Memory
The election of President John F. Kennedy, and it was a great feeling.

Guiding Principles
To treat everyone with respect and always be honest.

Heroes
Senator Avon Williams, Judge A. A. Birch, Harold Ford, Jr.

Why He's a Democrat
I was raised in a Democratic home. The Democrats support my views on how people should be treated.

How He Got Involved
A.J. got involved in politics through his work for his local bus operators' union. Over the years, his service has included working as the state political director for Harold Ford Jr.'s 2006 Senate campaign.