Rick Scarbrough launches campaign for state representative
RICK AND MOLLIE SCARBOROUGH
It’s been 39 years since Scarbrough, at the time a young deputy with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, spent a lot of time in booth No. 10 at Hoskins Drug Store, courting his now wife, Mollie. Mollie Scarbrough, a daughter of the store’s founder, R.C. “Dudley” Hoskins, is a co-owner of Hoskins today.
“I spent a lot of time in there trying to earn a date,” Rick Scarbrough said.
It’s been a busy year in the Scarbrough family. The couple recently became grandparents – with three grandsons born in the past year.
Becoming a grandfather sparked a passion in Scarbrough to increase his already high level of community service, he said.
“Becoming a grandparent changes your perspective,” he said. “Working in law enforcement, I’ve worked hard to keep our community safe,” he said. “As a father and a husband, I’ve been blessed to raise a family in Anderson County. Now, as a grandfather, I worry for the future that my grandchildren will have. My opportunity to make an impact for them, and every child in Tennessee, is now, and I don’t want to waste my time.”
At the May 20 kickoff, the crowd listened to music by the Parrott Brothers and ate barbecue sandwiches.
After Rob Leach, Scarbrough’s childhood friend and pastor of Beech Park Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, kicked off the festivities in prayer, and several people spoke in support of his candidacy. They included former Clintoncity Councilman Zach Farrar, former county Mayor Myron Iwanski, and county commissioners Shain Vowell and Tracy Wandell.
“Rick leads by example, not by title,” Wandell said. “We need a state representative who will listen and represent our needs in Nashville. That’s Rick.”
Scarbrough became executive director of the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center on Aug. 1, 2018. Before joining the university, he served 23 years in the Clinton Police Department, the last 16 years as chief.
He began his law enforcement career serving six years at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.
“We need thoughtful leaders who listen and work to solve problems, not chase headlines,” Scarbrough said.
“I’ve spent my career working with others to serve and protect our children and our community. I know I can use that experience in Nashville,” he said.
The Scarbroughs have two daughters, Natalie and Rachel. Natalie and her husband, Jeff, have two sons, Jack and Eli. Rachel and her husband, Burton, have a son, George.
“I want my grandkids to grow up in Tennessee and have every opportunity possible to live a prosperous and free life,” Scarbrough said. “That should be our aim for every child in Tennessee. I am committed to listening to the concerns and needs of the people of Anderson County and to working tirelessly to find solutions that benefit everyone.”
The Republican Primary is August 1st. You can learn more about Rick Scarbrough at rickscarbrough.com.