In Rogersville, Tennessee, Congressman John Rose, who is also running for governor, paid visits to Elizabethton and Rogersville this past Thursday. These stops marked part of a broader series of town hall meetings he’s hosting across the state.
The aim of these meetings is twofold: to engage directly with the concerns of voters and to better understand the challenges they face in their communities.
During his visit, Congressman Rose addressed a multitude of issues, with a significant focus on emergency management. This topic resonates deeply with residents as they continue to recover from the destructive aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane wreaked havoc on the region and highlighted gaps in disaster response protocols.
“When disaster strikes, immediate assistance often comes from where it matters the most—from neighbors and nearby counties,” Rose articulated. He stressed the importance of regional support over reliance on federal intervention. “The federal government shouldn’t be expected to arrive with all necessary aid in hand,” he added. Citing President Trump’s views, Rose emphasized reforms towards decentralizing emergency management and empowering state-level responses, a strategy he supports wholeheartedly as a means to improve efficiency during crises.
Rose told News Channel 11 that his stop in Rogersville was his 48th so far and that he has visited all 95 counties.
He is running against Marsha Blackburn and Monty Fritts in the Republican primary.