Senator Profile - Essay Example

Corker is a Presbyterian and in his late twenties, he participated in a mission trip to Haiti. This trip inspired him to become proactive in the welfare of his home community. He remarkably pioneered the founding of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing low interest home loans as well home maintenance knowledge to thousands of Tennesseans since 1986. This enterprise since its inception in 1986 has aided many families to enjoy decent, fit, and affordable housing.

Prior to his graduation from the university, Corker worked as a construction laborer. This points out to his love for hard work and determination to succeed in life. Upon his graduation, he worked as a construction superintendent where he managed to save adequate money. He later commenced his own construction company in 1979 with $ 8,000 he had saved from his former job. Admirably, this company grew tremendously gaining reputation owed to meeting deadlines not only on time but also below the budget.

This attracted numerous clients prompting him to expand operations in eighteen states. In 1999, he had gathered enough funds to purchase two of the largest and oldest commercial real estate companies in Chattanooga. When appointed Tennessee Commissioner of Finance and Administration by Governor Don Sundquist in1994, bob exhibited exemplary leadership. In his two years in this docket, he tightened the state’s budget and helped eradicate poverty by creating jobs for almost forty thousand Tennesseans.

In 2001, Corker rises to become the mayor of Chattanooga where he serves for one term. During his tenure as the mayor, he is famous of fascinating $ 2.1 billion new investments to Chattanooga. He also transformed the waterfront as well as implemented the merit bonus pay for teachers. This program improved student achievement especially in most poor performing schools. He also markedly contributed to crime reduction by working closely with local law enforcement officials. Focusing on his political life, Bob’s interest in politics dates back in 1994 when he declared his interest in contending for the senatorial seat on a Republican ticket.

Unfortunately, he lost to his major opponent Bill Frist during the Republican primaries. However, even after losing to Bill, he continually supported Bill to the general election. This is adorable as it portrays his partisanship and loyalty to the Republican Party. Remarkably, the critics of Bill’s campaign manager who tagged him “pond scum” did not move him. Soon after the 1994 elections, Don Sunquist appointed him the Commissioner of Finance and Administration for the State of Tennessee where he served between 1995 and 1996.

During his time in this office, Bob is attributable with numerous achievements like the $2.1 billion investment, cutting down crime by almost half, improving the quality of education amongst others. Bob served as the Mayor for Chattanooga following his victory in the 2001 elections. As a Mayor, he is significant for his value addition to education in Chattanooga. This he achieved by implementing a “merit based bonus system.” This program entailed giving bonuses to principals and teacher whose students exhibited improved performances.

This encouraged competition amongst schools and ultimately improved performance of the students around Chattanooga. It is also during this time that Corker established a program aimed at facilitating monthly meetings with public