Rutherford County Commissioner and Middle Tennessee State University economics professor Charlie Baum is running in the Republican primary for the 37th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives seat, vacated by Rep. Dawn White.

"I will work to promote efficient government, to keep taxes low and to improve public education," Baum said. "My career in economics has taught me that we encourage job growth and help small businesses when taxes are low, and the size of government is limited."

Elected in 2010, Baum serves the 14th District of the Rutherford County Commission, which includes portions of Murfreesboro and the county north of Murfreesboro. He chairs the commission's Audit Committee and serves on the Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee.

"As an elected official, I am committed to being accessible and transparent. I have been extremely honored to serve my constituents on the county commission, and I am proud to have developed a reputation for being a fiscal conservative who opposes property tax increases, wasteful spending, and excessive government regulation," Baum said.

Baum has taught labor economics at MTSU's Department of Economics and Finance since 1999 and served as department chair from 2008-2014. His research on employment trends, wages, labor force participation rates, and employment benefits has recently been cited by Bloomberg BusinessWeek, U.S. News and World Report, and the New York Times.

"I have dedicated my life to teaching and public service, because education is one of the best ways to help people help themselves. Being a public servant who is dedicated to ensuring we continue to have good, quality local schools, brings my experience full circle," Baum said. "I would like to continue serving the citizens of our community by promoting conservative economic principles and family values in the state house."

Baum currently serves on the boards for the Murfreesboro City Schools Foundation, the Linebaugh Library Foundation, Oaklands Mansion, and the American Heart Association. He is a past board member of the Murfreesboro Domestic Violence Center and the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

Baum and his wife, Kelly, have three children, who attend the Siegel schools in Murfreesboro. The Baum's are active members of First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro.