Maryville Candidate Faces Threats While Campaigning
In the charming city of Maryville, a local candidate is feeling the heat as she hits the campaign trail. Karen Gertz, a Democrat running for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives, has recently come forward with startling claims of threats made against her life while campaigning outside the Blount County Public Library.
On October 19, as Gertz and her mother were attempting to connect with potential voters, a truck drove by, and the driver shouted out a chilling statement: “This is a good place to die, motherf—ers.” Both Gertz and her mother were understandably shaken by the encounter and, unfortunately, were unable to get a look at the truck’s license plate. But the scare didn’t stop there. Just two days later, on October 21, Gertz found herself in a similar scenario in the same spot. This time, the driver made an even more troubling comment referring to a civil war!
Feeling Rattled
Standing next to three campaign volunteers and a reporter, Gertz expressed her feelings about the situation, remarking, “I expected maybe some signs to be stolen… but I certainly did not expect to be threatened.” The threats have left her feeling uneasy, especially considering how accessible candidates’ personal information can be.
Gertz didn’t take these threats lightly and promptly reported them to the Maryville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Blount County Election Commission. While the police confirmed that a report was filed, they did not provide any further details about the investigation. This lack of transparency adds to Gertz’s growing concerns about her safety.
Concerns for Safety
As a candidate trying to engage with her community, Gertz’s worries are natural. She has shared that the threats have her nervous—not just for herself, but for her mother as well, who lives with her. During this time of heightened tensions, it’s crucial to create a safe environment for open political discussions and campaigning.
Gertz stated that she has been in contact with Moe Click, the Blount County Administrator of Elections, who assured her that poll workers would be warned about the threatening driver. Meanwhile, Chris Davis, Knox County’s Administrator of Election, mentioned that he hasn’t heard of any similar reports occurring in Knox County, which may offer some comfort to voters in that area.
Election Season Tensions
As the days wind down toward the end of early voting on October 31, it’s clear that the atmosphere can become charged during election season. Gertz’s experience serves as a reminder of the intense emotions and sometimes dangers that can accompany political campaigns. Voter intimidation and threats can deter candidates from engaging with their communities and ultimately suppress voter turnout.
As Gertz continues her campaign against Republican Tom Stinnett, the need for support from fellow candidates and citizens becomes paramount. Political discourse should always remain respectful, allowing candidates and voters to express their views without fear of harassment or intimidation.
It remains to be seen how this situation develops, but for now, Gertz is determined to keep campaigning and connecting with voters. After all, democracy thrives on participation and the exchange of ideas. Let’s hope that candidates can continue to chase their dreams without having to worry about their safety along the way!
