One example Bass used was a change made in the state’s sex offender registry law, which he said does not allow law enforcement to make public anyone convicted as a sex offender before Jan. 1, 1995.

“We’ve had several move in here that are violent sex offenders because they know Tennessee doesn’t allow that,” Bass said. “Some people have them living in their neighborhoods and don’t even know it. There was no excuse for our legislature doing that.

“This has been a pet peeve of mine since state law mandated sheriff departments to take over the monitoring of sex offenders,” he added. “I will actively work to get this law changed because I believe law-abiding citizens deserve to know if a sex offender is living among them.”

As a public servant, Bass said he has always been, and will continue to be, willing to listen to the concerns of the people he represents. His stances on the issues, he said, will be clear and concise.

"As always, if you call me, I will return your call," he said. "I want to hear your questions, and I will give you answers. I want everybody to know where I stand on every issue, and if there is any issue you want to know my stance on give me a call. I won't give you the 30-minute politician answer.” 

Among those issues that Bass feels most important are:

• Illegal immigration - “This problem is increasing on a daily basis,” he noted. “The solution is not the passing of new laws. We must see that the federal government enforces what is already in place or give local law enforcement the authority to enforce our immigration laws.”

• Education - “There is no substitute for a good education for our children,” said the 1975 Giles County High School graduate, father of two married daughters, Natalie Oakley and Andrea Stafford, and grandfather to 7-month-old Sadie Stafford. “I strongly believe that we have some of the best teachers to be found anywhere, and we must pay teachers well enough to prevent them from going elsewhere for higher pay.

“However, money alone will not solve all the problems,” he continued. “We must pass legislation that will make our schools safer and remove students who are consistently disruptive.

“Our schools will never improve until we hold parents accountable for the actions of their children, restore discipline and put prayer back into the classroom,” Bass said.

• Gun Control - “I, along with almost all law enforcement officers, am opposed to any type of gun control,” he said. “This is a right guaranteed by the Constitution and any law-abiding citizen should be able to possess a weapon whether it be for collecting, hunting, sport shooting or self-protection.”

• Same-Sex Marriage - “I strongly oppose same-sex marriage and would aggressively oppose any legislation that would recognize anything other than marriage between a man and a woman,” Bass said.

• State Income Tax - “I am opposed to a state income tax,” he said. “The state ended this fiscal year with a surplus and with further spending cuts, we should be able to explore the possibility of seeing cuts in the current tax imposed on Tennesseans.”

Bass announced his decision not to run for a fourth term as Giles County Sheriff in April, adding at that time he was considering a run for the House of Representatives seat held currently by Joe Fowlkes. Fowlkes, also a Democrat from Giles County, announced in April that he would not seek a ninth two-year term in office.

On Aug. 3, voters in Giles and Marshall counties will choose Democratic and Republican primary candidates to challenge for the Tennessee House of Representative seat from the 65th District in November. Bass is seeking the Democratic nomination.

Bass said he knows the state of Tennessee and the people of the 65th District face many important issues. If elected, his promise to the people of Giles and Marshall counties is that he will educate himself on the legislation that comes before the House and base his decisions on his values and the will of his constituents.

“My main interest is representing what the people of my district want,” he said.