Jackson, TN Mayoral Candidate Ray Condray after posting a controversial political ad campaign, was recently asked on social media to give specifics on what “Identities” Jackson is losing? And what “Family values” that made Jackson great have been lost?

Ray Condray responded with the following:

hi, I am happy to answer you. Jackson is at risk of losing its identity that those of us who grew up here know and love. We have always had a hometown identity where the local church and local business was the core of the city and people were friendly. We were able to take our kids to the park without worrying about crime or having our children exposed to things that should be for adult entertainment only. The family values of love, respect, honor, sharing, and forgiveness are principles which help people live in harmony with one another, not only in families, but also in communities. As we grow, and continue to bring in more industry, we are at risk of becoming more like the bigger industrialized cities and moving further away from the wholesome values that made Jackson an attractive place to raise your children.

The commentator on social media then asked:

Ray Condray thanks for the response. Just a few things… Jackson still has local churches, local businesses, and friendly people. I actually own a small local business, and I’ve been a member of a couple of Jackson’s local churches. The pride event came and went, and I’m still a Christian and I don’t know of any church congregations that broke up because of that event. I also grew up watching church leagues play ball at Muse park. I was taught to not run off. I was taught to have someone go with me if I had to go to the bathroom or if I wanted to go to the playground. I don’t have kids, but I have taken my nieces to the local parks many times without them being exposed to adult entertainment.

The pride event was well publicized especially by those opposed to it. It was not hard to avoid. If parents didn’t want their kids exposed, don’t go to that park during that event. I agree with the values you listed. Loss of those values is a general trend in society today and not limited to any town. Those values were lacking in the youth in Jackson long before those events you posted came to town. When students disrespect teachers, even cussing them out to their face, and get away with it, the problem is not the events you posted. The problem is how kids are being raised and how society is not punishing bad behavior. Those events aren’t going to change me at all because my parents taught me to discern right from wrong. God could easily remove all evil in the world, but He choose not to. Instead, He gave us laws, but also the free will to obey the laws or not.

I wish everyone was a Christian, but I can’t force them to be. That would be denying them the free will God gave them. It is our responsibility to teach non-Christians, but it is up to them to become a Christian or not. Since God allows evil to exist, it is our place to teach right from wrong, but we can’t force our morals on them. If it was, where do you draw the line? How far do you go? Do you not allow homes where minors live to have cable tv? Even the basic channels have programs full of filth. It is much easier for a child to be exposed to that. Do you ban kids from public beaches? Have you seen how skimpy some of those swimsuits are? Or do we go the other way and impose modest dress codes? As I said, where do you draw the line? Do we impose Christian values or some other religion? If Christian, which denominations? Some believe in the Sinner’s Prayer, and some do not, so do we require it or ban it? Some believe women should not cut their hair or wear pants. Should we require that of everyone? Ok, my little rant is over. I do have another real question as opposed to the rhetorical ones above….

Part 1: As Jackson’s mayor, what specifically would you do to restore those values?

Part 2: You commented, “As we grow, and continue to bring in more industry, we are at risk of becoming more like the bigger industrialized cities and moving further away from the wholesome values that made Jackson an attractive place to raise your children.”

So, are you suggesting imposing a limit to Jackson’s growth?

We support small businesses and want them to be successful, but how much success is allowed? At one point, Walmart was a small business. They successfully became a huge corporation. Now they are the evil big business hurting small businesses. Where do we draw the line of success for these businesses? More importantly, if you are against Jackson growing, how do you plan on stopping growth?

Just wondering if this will be the week I get an answer?

Ray Condray simply responded with the flyer for Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest! See screenshots below and links:

Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest 2023

Saturday, October 14th at The Amp in Jackson, TN

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tennessee-metal-devastation-music-fest-2023-tickets-542779246337

Featuring:

Casket Robbery

Raven Black

Summoners Circle

Fires In The Distance

Autumn Lies Buried

Blood Stained Dusk

The Red Mountain

Gravehuffer

Tombstone Blue

The Band Repent

Temple Of The Fuzz Witch

Crazy Mad Ride

The Gunpowder Plot

Sponsors:

Dragonfly Hemp Company

Lisa Adkins Photography & Marketing

Black Doomba Records

Dark Sails Entertainment

Over 20 Vendors TBA!

(Exact order and set times to be announced)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tennessee-metal-devastation-music-fest-2023-tickets-542779246337