Tim Wells: Candidate for state senate

Saturday, August 13, 2016
Tim Wells is the new candidate for the 28th state senatorial district in the November general election. Running as an independent, Wells, son of a Ballard R-2 school teacher, is a licensed professional counselor and has a conceal and carry permit. (Photo by Johannes Brann/Nevada Daily Mail)

On Thursday, Tim Wells, local licensed professional counselor, confirmed his candidacy for the office of state senator in the 28th district.

"To get on the ballot, we needed a total of 1,567 accepted signatures in the district but we easily obtained and turned in 2,259," said Wells.

Asked what prompted him to run and do so at this late date Wells answered, "Friends have been urging me to run for some time but I resisted. But as I thought about what's going on in this district and in our state, I decided to run because I am particularly concerned about four things: education, second amendment rights, mental health issues and families."

Well's mother taught for many years in the Ballard R-2 district.

"I'm a firm believer in teachers, public schools and increased local control of schools at the district level," began Wells. "I would challenge people to job shadow a teacher for a day and find out for themselves just how much they have to pack in between 8 and 3:30, five days a week.

"Besides that, the vast majority of teachers deeply care about their students and so when they struggle, so does the teacher. I know it did with my mom."

Upon retirement, Wells' mother depended on her pension. The candidate spoke of a legislator who wanted to reduce teacher pensions on the grounds that it was largely state money.

"I don't know about you, but the money put into my retirement, whether put in by me or by my employer is not a gift," continued Wells. "Every cent of it is earned, day in and year out. It's true for me, its true for you and I'm telling you, it's true for teachers!"

Wells spoke of wanting to push for less state and more local control of schools.

"Teachers are professionals who know not only how to teach but also how best to test," said Wells. "I could always write fairly well but I had friends who were better at hands on learning. One size fits all testing is fine for robots but not for people. Yes, we need standards but leave it up to the district and especially to teachers to teach and test."

Recent national news stories about incidents of people with guns and mental illness problems have prompted calls for more mental health professionals being involved in screening some applicants for gun permits.

Wells, himself a mental health professional said, "Not only do I support second amendment rights but I have a conceal and carry permit and I myself carry quite often."

"And as to calls for mental health professionals providing screening and counseling, I cry, 'Amen,' but that leads me to another piece of legislation that I believe is critical at the state level," saidWells. "As it now stands, mental health professionals can bill Missouri Medicaid when helping juveniles but not adults. As counselors, my wife and I have 'eaten' many thousands of dollars in billing so that adults get the help they need but that can't continue and it's just not right."

Wells spoke on how families are the cornerstone of society that needs support.

"Instead of just talking about the changes in our society, we need and can address the issues that will make a real difference in the lives of the people of this district and state," said Wells. "People complain about who can use which bathroom in a public school but I want us to help single parents who are struggling and grandparents who have to raise their grandchildren. And I'm not talking about throwing money but practical support they can use in parenting and in respite that helps them cope with all the pressures they face."

Wells said in conclusion, "I know how important schools are important to a community but if we strengthen families, we empower the next generation and make good things possible for all."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: