State Representative John Gillespie, a sponsor of several new laws targeting dangerous criminals, announced today that he has been asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the Memphis Crime Commission.
“I’m honored that Bill Gibbons would ask me to join the Board of Directors of the Crime Commission,” Gillespie said. “Violent crime is the greatest challenge facing our community and this is why I’ve made fighting violent crime my top priority in the State House,” remarked Gillespie.
Gillespie was a sponsor of Tennessee’s new “Truth in Sentencing” law. Truth in Sentencing requires certain violent offenders to serve their entire prison sentence. Gillespie was the prime sponsor of a law that increased penalties for those who commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Gillespie has worked to bring more State Troopers to Memphis interstates to enhance safety on local roads and free up Memphis Police officers to focus on crime in neighborhoods. A strong supporter of law enforcement, Gillespie is endorsed by the Memphis Police Association and the Shelby County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.
Bill Gibbons, former District Attorney General and Tennessee Commissioner of Safety, serves as President of the Memphis Crime Commission. Its mission is to improve public safety by identifying and advocating best practices to prevent and reduce crime.
“I look forward to working with Bill Gibbons, other members of the Crime Commission, and local law enforcement to make our community a safer place to live, work, raise a family, and retire,” stated Gillespie.
A graduate of High Point University, Gillespie is a native Memphian. He supports the mission of a local senior living facility by serving as Grant Coordinator. Gillespie is a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Representative Gillespie was elected to the District 97 seat in the House of Representatives in 2020. The district includes much of East Memphis and part of Cordova. More information about Gillespie may be found by visiting VoteJohnGillespie.com.