In this episode of Backroads and Backstories, Senator Paul Bailey talks with the Comptroller of the Tennessee Treasury, Justin P. Wilson. He shares his vast knowledge of Tennessee history and his experience as the state’s 34th comptroller.
Show Notes
Some of the highlights of the show include:
- Justin P. Wilson was born in California, but moved to Nashville when he was 4 months old. He has lived in Nashville for 75 years.
- After finishing law school at Vanderbilt, Wilson took his first job at the Donovan, Leisure, Newton & Irvine law firm.
- Wilson has been in and out the political world for years. In 1996, he became Commissioner of Environment for the state of Tennessee, and then for the Sundquist administration where he was later deputy governor for policy.
- Wilson’s father was finance chair for the state party as well as for the RNC. He was the national finance chair, and he came in right after Watergate.
- The treasurer is chosen every two years when the General Assembly reconvenes a new legislative session, but the secretary of state’s on a four-year term.
- The comptroller of the state has a lot of responsibilities including keeping the financial integrity of the state.
- Part of Wilson’s responsibilities as comptroller include auditing all the counties and all the cities they are responsible for. They also have to review budgets and make sure debts are being paid.
- “Our mission is to make government work better. And local government is a major—of course, is a key to the state of Tennessee.” - Justin P. Wilson
- According to US News and World Report, Tennessee is number one among the states for financial stability.
- Wilson says the person who influenced him the most in his political career is Bill Brock, who was a senator from 1970 to 1976.
- There is a trail named after Wilson that runs through Bledsoe County and Cumberland County.
- Wilson loves to travel and has been to about 100 different countries.
- Wilson says he has a couple of dogs, about two grand-dogs, a cat, and a parrot. He and the parrot have coffee together every morning.
- “Remember three things these days: wash your hands, make government work better, and keep your sense of humor.” - Justin P. Wilson
What is Backroads and Backstories with Paul Bailey?
Senator Paul Bailey started the Backroads & Backstories podcast to take a behind-the-scenes look at the issues and to better get to know the people who are shaping the future for the Volunteer State. In this series, we’ll explore the backstories along the backroads of our part of Tennessee. We invite you to join us on our journey to highlight these folks and what makes our area such a special place to live.