02/08/10 - Haywood County

By: Keli McAlister
kmcalister@wbbjtv.com
6:52 p.m.
 
State Senator Roy Herron, who is also a candidate for John Tanner's 8th Congressional seat, launched a "Listening Tour" aimed at job creation, Monday.
 
"Time and time again, people in West Tennessee have shared with me their suggestions and time and time again we put that in legislation up in Nashville," said Herron.  "I hope to do the same thing in Washington."
 
The Dresden democrat was in Lauderdale and Haywood counties, Monday.  The most recent state figures show each of the counties has an unemployment rate at or above 18.5 percent.  Herron hopes to visit the areas of West Tennessee most affected by the recession.  However, he intends to visit all 19 counties in the 8th District.
 
"Good jobs are really at the backbone of everything we do," Herron said.  "That's what we need to be about, making sure the economy can grow and people have the work they want and they need, so they can support their families."

Herron met with business owners, leaders and even students to discuss ideas to keep and create jobs in their communities.