Jean Anne Rogers

Murfreesboro optometrist Jean Anne Rogers has announced her candidacy for the 16th District State Senate seat. Rogers will be a candidate in the Aug. 7 Democratic primary.

The district includes all of Moore and Bedford counties and portions of Rutherford County.

Rogers, an optometrist in Murfreesboro for 29 years, served as Siegel High School's first PTA president. As a member of First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, she has been a Sunday school teacher, superintendent of youth, and chairwoman of the staff-parish committee. She has also coached youth league basketball.

Rogers is the vice-chair of the Murfreesboro Power Board and an active member of the Tennessee Academy of Optometry. She is a former president of United Way of Rutherford County, and an ambassador for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.

She and her husband, Mark, have been married for 25 years. They have three daughters: Jan Margaret, Anne, and Addison.

"All across this district, families are struggling to make ends meet, students are struggling to get the education they need to get ahead, and senior citizens are struggling to afford the health care they want," she said. "As your state senator, I will put politics aside and do what needs to be done to provide good-paying jobs, a quality education, and affordable health care."

Rogers says her political beliefs mirror those of Gov. Phil Bredesen and U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon. Bredesen appointed her to the Tennessee Board of Education in 2005.

"I am thankful that my sister, who teaches math, and many teacher friends keep me informed about challenges they face in the classroom. Serving on the Board of Education has provided me an understanding and avenue to address some of these challenges.

"Just as Gov. Bredesen and Congressman Gordon work on the tough problems facing our state, I promise to work hard from day one to make this district an even better place in which to live and raise a family," Rogers said. "Times are tough for a lot of people. We need elected leaders that work hard to protect the best interests of our families."

She credits her commitment to public service to her supportive family and to the teachings of her late mother and father, a retired chief justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court.

"My father used to say there is an art in thinking of others, it has to be practiced. My mother taught us by example to think of others. With this kind of upbringing, I know the importance of helping others. I want to take my care, competence and commitment to another level."

Rogers has said she supports "keeping Tennessee free of a state income tax." She said she supports improving access to health care and ensuring that children are taught the skills they need to be successful.

She said she supports helping senior citizens remain independent and vital as long as possible.

"Our families are treasures, with all their history, knowledge and wisdom. We need to utilize their skills, listen to them and learn from them," she said.

"Government should be open and honest, and everyone in government should work to eliminate wasteful spending. I will listen to your concerns and work hard to solve problems. I will be a good steward of our hard earned money," she said.

Early voting for the primary runs July 18-Aug. 2.

For more information on the Rogers campaign, go to JeanAnneRogersForSenate.com, e-mail jahrogersod@mac.com, or call (615) 890-7920.