A constituent recently told me that she wondered if the lawmakers in Nashville were aware that Memphis was even in Tennessee. As the state legislature enters into its first session of the new year, I want to assure Memphis and Shelby County that they are represented, and have a voice, in the Capitol.

The unique problems we face, from the tragedy of violent crime to the dangerous public nuisances that don’t grab national headlines, are both scary and frustrating to all of us. That is why I have worked hard to draft a Truth in Sentencing bill — House Bill 5 — that would make it mandatory that those convicted of kidnapping and/or rape serve out their full sentences.

This session, I will also be introducing a separate bill requiring that bail for anyone arrested for a capital crime be determined before an elected judge, rather than an appointed judicial commissioner. Violent cases like these require deliberate and accountable consideration. Our judicial commissioners do fine— and much needed — work in our stressed legal system but ultimately, they are not directly accountable to the voters who have an interest in how our homes are protected.

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Keeping violent and repeat offenders off our streets is crucial to the well-being of a community. Additionally, our day-to-day lives are also interrupted by rampant public nuisances that can be no less deadly. In my first term, I sponsored a bill to fight aggravated reckless driving and drag racing. In that spirit, I am introducing measures to strengthen that bill by allowing law enforcement to remove the cars being used as reckless weapons off the street through civil seizure of vehicles used in drag racing. Heading to the grocery store without having to look over your shoulder is crucial for a thriving community.

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Yet the truth is that most of our challenges do not grab national headlines — but this makes them no less frustrating or dangerous. Within the last year, a Memphis firefighter, a TDOT employee and an MLGW worker have all been in fatal accidents caused by drivers failing to abide by the “mover over” law that requires motorists to move their vehicles out of the way of emergency vehicles, if possible.

These are public employees who are working hard to protect and serve the community and deserve to be protected on the job. To that end, I plan to introduce legislation that would double the fine for not following this common sense, life-saving statute on the books for all of us.

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Memphis is a great city with a style and rhythm all its own, and its concerns and aspirations are also unique. The new year always brings hope — and it should. Know that as we head into a new legislative session, Shelby County is represented, and your concerns are being heard. New beginnings also bring change. We are always evolving, so the job of reform is really done.

I realize in these trying times that the measures listed here won’t fix all of our problems or surmount all of the challenges we face together, but don’t give up. Change is happening. Your voice is being heard at the state level — and being heard clearly. We are Memphis, and together we will make that voice sing.