The West TN State Fair will be opening on Thursday, Oct. 15. I am looking forward to spending some volunteer time at the fairgrounds and hope to see many of you coming out to support the event.
I wanted to share some information with everyone before the Nov. 3 Election. There are three Constitutional Amendments to be voted on the ballot for this upcoming election. These amendments are lengthy and require time at the voting machine if you have not done your homework ahead of time. A “YES” vote is to amend the Tennessee Constitution and adopt the language in the proposed amendment. A “NO” vote is to keep the current language in the Tennessee Constitution unchanged. These votes will pass by majority.
Amendment 1 Summary: This amendment changes Article I, section 15 of the Tennessee Constitution by allowing a court to hold a defendant without bail before trial when that defendant is accused of: an offense punishable by the death penalty, an act of terrorism, second degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, or any crime for which a convicted person would be required to serve eighty-five percent of their sentence. This amendment requires courts to state on the record the reasons for their decision to grant or deny bail in those cases.
Amendment 2 Summary: This amendment adds text to Article II, section 28 of the Tennessee Constitution that prohibits the Legislature from imposing a State property tax on real, personal or mixed property.
Amendment 3 Summary: This amendment changes Article I, section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution by clarifying existing rights for crime victims and adding new rights. The amendment gives victims new rights: to fair treatment; to be informed about and participate in the parole process; to be protected from harassment, intimidation and abuse; to be informed of the minimum sentence the convicted criminal will serve, as well as their scheduled release date; and to have their safety, their family’s safety and the public’s safety taken into account before any decision is made to release the convicted criminal. The amendment also maintains or clarifies victims’ existing rights: to be informed about legal proceedings involving the accused or convicted criminal; to be present at public criminal proceedings; to be informed of any release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted criminal; to talk to prosecutors; to make statements about conviction, sentencing or release of the accused person; to a speedy resolution of the case; to restitution from the convicted criminal; and to be informed of their rights. The amendment does not restrict the powers of prosecutors or courts and does not create a cause of action or claim for damages against the State of Tennessee.
I would suggest that each of you go to https://sos.tn.gov/elections/announcements/2026-proposed-constitutional-amendments#2026 to read all the information before voting. Tell everyone else you know that votes about this.
We welcome people to come and join us as volunteers for the Montezuma Community Center, and we definitely need some new volunteers to help. The more people involved, the easier it is to plan events for Halloween, Christmas and other times to help pull the community together and get to know people better. We collect yearly membership fees for help in supporting our center and rent out the center to help with upkeep of the building. We appreciate all our members.
Please pray for the families of Jessie ‘Buddy’ Elder, Helen Dorris, Josiah Huckaby and other families that have recently lost loved ones.
As always, I am wishing everyone a blessed week. Please call (608-2857) or email me (gaylescox1977@gmail.com) if you have anything to be added to our weekly article.
