Johnson City Vice Mayor Stout officially kicks off run for state house

Nearly five months after confirming his intention to seek state office, Johnson City’s vice mayor announced that intention this week.On Thursday afternoon, outside Coalition for Kids at 2308 Watauga Road, Clayton Stout welcomed family and friends as he officially launched his campaign to represent District 6 in the Tennessee House of Representatives.On Nov. 13, Stout told Press staff he would be seeking the seat, which is held by state Rep. Micah Van Huss. As his supporters rallied around him Thursday afternoon, Stout said he was prepared to kick his campaign into higher gear. The two will square off in the Aug. 7 state Republican primary.“I’m excited about the opportunity to make our community even better,” Stout said. “I know I’m capable to be an effective state representative for you.”Several of Stout’s fellow city commissioners attended the launch in support of their colleague, including Johnson City Mayor Ralph Van Brocklin. Even though Van Brocklin won’t be able to vote for Stout — because he doesn’t live in the 6th District — Van Brocklin said he thought Stout would be able to bring the right type of experience to the state Legislature.“I’m a very strong supporter of Clayton Stout for state representative,” Van Brocklin said. “In the (three) years I’ve spent on the commission with Clayton, I’ve seen a huge amount of growth and a great deal of understanding about city issues, county issues, and how those two have to meld to form a successful community. With that knowledge base, I think he’s in a position to afford us much better representation than we currently have.”While Stout had previously told Press staff that he respected Van Huss, he acknowledged that there were differences between them.“There are some stark differences between myself and him,” Stout said. “I’m experienced at running a business, being a family man and having children.”In addition to differences in their personal lives, however, Stout said that residents of the 6th district had relayed concerns over issues that they felt were not being addressed in the Legislature.“That should be the priority of every representative that goes to Nashville, is to focus on issues that are concerning your constituents,” Stout said. “From what I’ve heard, the issues are education, jobs, roads (and) infrastructure. That’s what I’ll campaign on, and that’s what I’ll hopefully deliver to the people of the sixth district.”Press staff left a message in an effort to reach Van Huss by phone to comment on Stout’s announcement, but that message was not returned.Follow Max Hrenda on Twitter @MaxLHrenda. Like him on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1kfhKlt



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