NASHVILLE, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – A recent Vanderbilt University poll showed Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has the highest job approval rating of any politician in the state at 64%. Local 24 News Anchor Richard Ransom went to Nashville and snared the exclusive one-on-one interview with Lee about the ups and downs of his first year in office.
“It’s been the most remarkable experience of my life thisyear.”
Governor Bill Lee says he’s looking back at year one with noregrets.
“You know, I can’t think of anything I would dodifferently,” he said.
Not even his school voucher bill, which critics say was rushedthrough, leading to unnecessary confusion for voters and FBI investigationsinto how it was passed. For Lee, it’s a deep conviction that it’s just theright thing to do.
“You know, change is hard for people. It scares people. Theydon’t know how to trust that change. But I think once people realize that thereal motive here is kids.”
Richard asked the Governor about removing the bust of ConfederateGeneral Nathan Bedford Forrest from the state capitol – something this week’sVanderbilt poll shows 76% of Tennesseans now support. But the governor tip-toedthrough his only stated position so far: to leave the issue up to a commissionthat meets next February.
“This individual (Forrest) actually, the history he’sassociated with is particularly painful to one sector of our society, or to alot of folks in our society. So, I um, I think I’m grateful that we’re movingforward with that broader conversation that’s going to happen. Something willget done.”
Even on an issue as divisive as the impeachment of PresidentTrump, this Republican governor is more comfortable walking the line – choosingnot to defend either side, but to criticize both sides for theirpartisanship.
“I don’t think it’s good for our country. I think our countrydeserves better. And it saddens me to watch it.”
Governor Lee says his proudest accomplishment in year one was passage of the G.I.V.E Act, which expanded access to vocational and technical training.
