Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester called state Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver’s recent posting on her Facebook page referencing the need to repair bridges in her district an acknowledgement that she is a “clueless pawn” of the Republican leadership.

The Smith County legislator voted against authorizing the use of bonds to repair or replace bridges across the state earlier this year. Weaver’s Facebook posting now reads “FIX THE BRIDGES NOW!” after facing several months of criticism from people in her district.

“Mrs. Weaver has received an onslaught of criticism for her vote against the much-needed bridge projects,” Forrester said. “She likely understands now that was an irresponsible vote.

“But what does that say about her votes in the future? Is she going to continue being a clueless pawn for a partisan bunch of Republicans who would rather score cheap political points than move our communities and this state forward?”

Weaver’s legislative district includes Smith, DeKalb and Macon counties. Earlier this year the state announced plans to repair two crumbling bridges in Smith County through the Better Bridges Program. The two bridges are located on Lebanon Highway at Roundlick Creek and on Dixon Springs Highway at Lick Creek.

Although not in the first year’s list of projects, the Sligo and Cordell Hull bridges also are slated to be repaired or replaced through the four-year program, Tennessee Department of Transportation officials have acknowledged.

“We need our elected officials in the state Legislature to understand they work for the people they represent,” Forrester said. “This is not a game. This is serious business, and their decisions have serious consequences.

“Too many people are out of work and struggling to make ends meet. Our communities are in desperate need for jobs. Roads and bridges, along with good schools and reliable utilities, are critical to economic development and job recruitment. Mrs. Weaver, I’m afraid, does not have the skill set or the independence it takes to help her district with the challenges it faces,” he added.