Mary Pruitt is a Tennessee State Representative from Nashville, representing the 58th district.
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A longtime member of the Tennessee House of Representatives since 1985, Pruitt was originally elected in a special election upon the death of her husband, Charles Pruitt, who had previously held the position.[1][2][3]
Pruitt is a National Honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho, member of the Order of Eastern Star, 100 Black Women of Middle TN, a State Fair Board Commissioner, and a member of the Meharry Medical College Board of Trustees. She has a B.S. and M.ED. from Tennessee State University[4] and matriculated, but did not graduate from, the University of Northern Colorado.[1]
Pruitt was the subject of several investigations focusing on inappropriate or illegal use of funds. In 2006, it was discovered that she was renting a campaign office from herself, but the building was not used, and for some time, did not have utilities.[5] Rep. Pruitt denied the charges, charging entrapment, but was fined $10,000 for failing to appear before the Registry of Election Finance (later reversed).[6][7] Pruitt's attorney argued that utilities were routinely disconnected to discourage vandalism.[8]
Investigations of public records also found several potential conflicts of interest. A scholarship fund which she directed awarded a scholarship to her relative. A legislative earmark she requested awarded $55,000 to a corporation Re. Pruitt founded. She requested a daily per diem allowance for travel and lodging, despite living two miles from her office.[9][10][11][12]
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