This is audio from the 1983 TN House debate on the district election bill.
The bill was adopted that year and is the basis for the 2023 district election bill.
This 3-minute clip includes the bill sponsor former 15th District State Rep Pete Drew, of Knoxville former Democrat now Republican.
Former 13th District State Rep Ted Ray Miller, of Knoxville, Democrat, in opposition to bill.
Former 16th District State Rep Charles Severance, of Knox County, Republican, in support of bill.
1983 heard some of the same arguments for and against as heard in 2023.
