When I bounce things off of him, I'm getting a different perspective. I consider myself a moderate on a lot of issues. Highlights of her tenure include being named chairwoman of the House Education Committee, developing a prescription drug plan for seniors, finding extra funding for Elder Affairs and welfare reform. Until this year, Cynthia had never been defeated in politics. Forced to give up her seat because of term limits, she ran and lost to State Attorney Rod Smith in the Democratic primary for the District 5 state Senate seat.
Times go on and so that's that.
The future For the first time in 13 years, only one Chestnut will be in office after Nov. 7. After two failed runs in 1991 and 1994, the family worried that the public just wouldn't accept three Chestnuts in office at the same time. The way the districts are drawn, we couldn't even vote for him. But Chuck Chestnut, although the most soft-spoken in his political family, is quick to point out he's his own man and an independent thinker. While he makes his mark on the city commission, the next few weeks will mean change for Charles and Cynthia.