What I would ask Bill Freeman and Linda Eskind Rebrovick if I could attend First Tuesday

For several years I have regularly attended the monthly meetings of First Tuesday,  hardly ever missing a meeting.   Unfortunately, the last two months, my wife had doctors’ appointments on the day of First Tuesday and I was unable to attend and Monday I will be in a work required training for the day and will not be able to attend. I wish I could. The guest will be candidates for mayor Bill Freeman and Linda Rebrovick.

At First Tuesday, I usually get to ask a question. If I was going to be there, I would ask one of these three:

Your desire to perform same-sex marriages.

From the dawn of time until very, very recently marriage was between a man and a women. Until a

Bill Freeman

few short years ago the idea that marriage could be a union of two people of the same sex was considered absurd. Recently in an interview on Nashville Public Radio it was pointed out that as Mayor you are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. You were asked, if marriage became legal in Tennessee would you officiate a same-sex ceremony.

Mr. Freeman you answered, “You know, I abhor discrimination of any kind, and I would be proud to perform that marriage.” Ms Rebrovick you said, “"I look forward to that opportunity, actually."

Should the law change to allow same sex marriage, it is one thing to insure the law is followed, it is another to give you blessing to such a union by performing the ceremony. Many Christians and proponents of traditional values find gay marriage offensive.

Why would you be glad to perform a same-sex ceremony? When did you have an epiphany that a union of two gay people should be given the same honor and status as traditional marriage?

Funding for Meharry-Metro General Hospital.

You each recently attended a meeting called “pancakes and politics,” at Meharry Medical College, The Tennessee Tribune. One of the questions asked at that meeting was “if General Hospital, located at Meharry, would continue to serve the safety net needs of patients who have the highest needs, would Meharry and Metro General be supported in the Mayor’s budget and to what extend”?

Linda Rebrovick

sponsored by

You both indicated you would continue to support funding for Meharry.

There is no requirement that Metro maintain a charity hospital and some would contend that a Metro General hospital is a service that has outlived its usefulness and should be discontinued. Many cities do not have a city financed charity hospital. Ever since the advent of Medicare and Medicaid people who used to rely on charity hospitals have been able to choose the hospital of their choice. Other changes have enhanced consumer choice. With choice, people are not choosing Meharry. Meharry-General is subsidized to the tune of about $34 million a year. While Metro employees get an incentive for using Meharry and all Metro prisoners who need hospitalization are taken to Meharry, Meharry can still not fill its beds.

Last year Metro finally got out of the nursing home business by privatizing the Bourdeau and Knowles nursing homes, saving the city $10.5 million a year. Why should metro not also get out of the hospital business? What is the justification for spending $34 million to subsidize a hospital that is not needed and cannot attract patients?

 Metro’s pension liability

Employee benefits are taking a greater and greater share of metro’s budget. Also, more importantly, we have a current $396 million unfunded pension liability. Also, Metro provides employees with health insurance in their retirement and this is a large liability that is growing.

Currently, we have a defined benefit plan as do most cities but not very many companies. A defined benefit plan says something to the effect that after x number of years being an employee, the employer will pay the employee x% of the salary he was making at retirement for the rest of his life.

A defined contribution plan says something like, the employer will contribute an amount equal to x% of the employee's salary every year into a retirement fund somewhat like a 401k or IRA. Often the investment options are limited to a few options with varying degrees of risk and return.

Some employees will do better under a defined contribution plan than a defined benefit plan, but others will not do as well. For the city, a defined contribution plan removes future liability. Transitioning to a defined contribution plan would not address our current $396 million unfunded pension liability but it would stop it from growing. Would you support a transition to a defined contribution plan? How would you deal with the unfunded pension liability? What would you do about the liability of providing health insurance to future retirees.

The above would be one of the questions I would ask if I was going to be there. There are other question I hope someone would ask however.

I would like for someone to ask a question about Metro’s use of incentives to get businesses to relocate to Nashville or stay in Nashville and if this use of incentive is not costing Nashville more than we are gaining.

I would also like the candidates to elaborate on why they support “inclusionary zoning” as they recently said they did at a forum sponsored by the group NOAH. Inclusionary zoning is another term for home price-fixing. I want to know what their inclusionary zoning regulation look like. How long would they require home prices be kept affordable? What would be the income level at which they must be affordable? And, what percentage of any housing development must be priced “affordable?” In addition to price fixing for real estate, do they support any other forms of price-fixing?  

First Tuesday meets the Monday March 9th in downtown Nashville. The program starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. If you can take a two hour lunch you can get there and back in that time frame, maybe even less. The food is good, the price is reasonable, the view is great, the parking is convenient and cheep. It is a great opportunity to hear from important people about the issues of the day and to network and enjoy the company of like-minded people. To purchase your ticket, follow this link.

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In Tennessee the right to inspect public records is about to be taken away. State legislature to make "Open Records" meaningless.

There is not much that people across the political spectrum agree on but there is one issue that should equally concern Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, liberals, libertarians, and progressives and that is that government should be transparent. Citizens should be able to know what their government is doing. Deals should not be struck in secret meetings in back rooms and citizens should have a right to have access to public records.

Transparency in government has always been important but with newspapers disappearing and shrinking and having fewer investigative reporters, it is going to be more and more the responsibility of citizens to keep tabs on their government. That is hard to do if one cannot not know what the government is doing.

In Tennessee the right to inspect public records is about to be taken away. There is a bill pending in the State legislature that would so cripple the open records law so as to make it meaningless. Under this proposed legislation, the agency of which one is requesting to inspect records will be allowed to set the fee for the cost of you inspecting their records.

I am going to immediately write my state representative and senator and ask them to oppose this bill. I am also going to write Senator Tracy and ask him to withdraw the bill.  This bills has been assigned to the Senate State and Local Government committee.  I am going to write the members of that committee and ask them to defeat the bill. You can follow this link and find out who is on the committee and write the members of that committee and urge them to defeat this bill.  The bill needs to be killed in committee. You can track the bill at this link.

Ken Jakes is a citizen activist who has exposed government waste and corruption time after time. Below is a copy of  an email I received from Ken in which he asked me to contact my state legislator about the issue. Also is a copy of the letter he sent to senators and representatives. His letter explains more fully why this is so important.  Please join me in taking a stand for continued government transparency. Rod

From Ken Jakes:

Below is an email I sent to all members of the Senate and House Committees. Yes it did take a moment of time to post and paste to each member, however in committee is where it needs to die. This bill does not need to make it to the floor. Our time we volunteer is our strongest asset. Are you willing to donate a moment of your time for LIBERTY?

Dear Senator and Representative,

I ask that if you believe that Tennessee should have open government and full transparency to the people, to help me take action to preserve the right for full disclosure of public records with no restrictions placed for inspection of any and all documents deemed to be a public record.

Senator Jim Tracy of Shelbyville and Representative Steve McDaniel of Crossroads are sponsors of Senate Bill 328 and House Bill 315. The current law under TCA 10-7-503, The Tennessee Public Records Act, affords to any resident of Tennessee who wishes to make a physical inspection of public records, the right to do so at no charge. This new legislation would allow, after the first hour of labor, a government entity to charge for the time it takes to produce the record.

Our liberty and freedom of holding elected and government officials accountable will soon die. The citizens must have a right to inspect and review the peoples documents at no charge. Otherwise, when the media and citizens activist groups investigate sensitive matters the government entity could place such an exorbitant fee and it could be used as a method to block access. Keep in mind the government entity is the official time keeper. Who is to say other than them that it took five minutes or five hours to provide a public record for inspection?

I personally took more then a year as a citizen investigating Nashville Electric Service. I gained nothing from this other then exposing corruption, waste and abuse as a citizen activist. Without the Tennessee Public Record Act as a tool to use in collecting data it would have failed as an investigation. Please review this link...http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/repository/CA/2011/NESReport.pdf.  This is a summary of some of the findings of the State Of Tennessee Comptroller Office. My research of public records made available for my inspection and review by the current law, The Tennessee Public Record Act, resulted in these findings:

• An invoice for Gaylord of more then $ 71,000.00 dollars was swapped out by a contract giving lavish gifts to include golf passes, dinner and show tickets, free parking, free hotel rooms, along with other gifts provided in exchange for payment for the upper brass at NES. 
• Illegal awarding of sole source contracts by NES. 
• Purchases made by employees of NES on NES credit cards at Babies R us, Amazon, and EBAY. 
• NES credit card issued to a non-employee of NES. 

The report contains a brief summary of the findings uncovered by the citizens having the right to physically inspect records at no charge. The citizens are not getting a free ride because they are required to make a personal appearance rather then just ask for copies or duplication. They have travel expense, sometimes parking expense, and most of all spend hours of their time researching through public documents. ( How much is your time worth? ) I am posting the link below from A Disgruntled Republican to verify my part in this investigation. Channel 5 has since removed their post but this will document that a citizen or citizen activist group can make a difference.

Please do not take away the only tool that citizens have to hold elected and government officials accountable. http://www.adisgruntledrepublican.com/2012/08/tbi-confirms-nashville-electric-service.html

Sincerely, Ken Jakes
615-347-3379.

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Nashville’s Next Mayor Is Ready To Officiate A Gay Wedding. Council Candidate Ken Jakes gives his opinion.

Nashville’s next mayor will be supportive enough of gay marriage to officiate a same-sex ceremony.


Marriage ceremonies have been performed in city halls around
the country after courts strike down gay marriage bans.
This couple went to city hall in San Francisco to get married.

The societal hot-button is a non-issue for the field of candidates. ....

“You know, I abhor discrimination of any kind," real estate developer Bill Freeman said. "I would be proud to perform that marriage.”

The six other major candidates said they’d do the same, some with a simple “yes.” (read more and listen to an interview where each candidate shares his views.)

My Comment: From the dawn of civilization until just very, very recently marriage has been the union of a man and a women. If gay "marriage" should become legal in Nashville, I would not expect the next mayor to violate the law or go to extraordinary efforts to stop it from occurring.  Not obstructing a law however is very different than giving such union one's blessing by performing the ceremony. Personally, I am disgusted. I was hoping there would be a candidate for Mayor whom I could support rather than just voting for someone because they were the least objectionable.

In the audio at the above link, candidate Linda Rebrovick say, "I look forward to that opportunity actually."  David Fox, who is the major candidate most often identified as a Republican and someone who I thought I could get behind says, "Certainly, I would be delighted to do so." Megan Barry says councilmen can perform marriages also and she hopes she doesn't have to wait until she is mayor. The others answer "yes."  Not included in this interview was mayoral candidate Kenneth Eaton.

As to Megan Barry's point that councilmen can perform marriages also, I wonder how many of the candidates for Councilmen would perform same-sex couple weddings.

If any other candidates for Mayor, candidates for Vice Mayor, or Council would like to tell me if they would perform same-sex marriages if elected, please answer that question in the comment block at the end of this post or email me.  I will post your answer and update this post every time I get a response.

Ken Jakes, Metro Council-at-large candidate  has already answered this question on his facebook page with this comment:

Why won't they ask me where I stand. The crap that goes on in our city makes me sick. When I have to go against everything I believe in to serve the people they can have it and I will go to the lake. My Christian faith is clear that marriage isn't for same sex. If not performing a marriage for same sex partners is discrimination, then let me be the first to discriminate!

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Ashley Judd to be special guest at Women for Megan Barry event.

From Megan Barry:

I am so excited to announce that actor and activist Ashley Judd will be my special guest at the upcoming Women for Megan Barry event on Friday, March 27 at Cabana. I hope you can join me and hundreds of my supporters for this wonderful evening.  Everyone is welcome!

Please note that the above has been modified from the original. Rod

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The March 3rd Council meeting: The stopped-the-swingers-club meeting. (update)

To follow along with a copy of the agenda, the council staff analysis and my commentary, follow this link.

The first item of business is the vote on the motion to reconsider  BILL NO. BL2015-1008 which is the bill that set new restrictions on tethering dogs. The motion to reconsider failed by a vote of 3 in favor of reconsideration, 26 opposed, 1 abstention and 6 not voting; so, the vote of the previous week which approved the bill stands. So, if you have a 40 pound dog that can chew through a cable rated for a 200 lb dog; tough luck. Now, you cannot use a chain to tether your dog no matter how small the chain.  Also, if you have an Alaskan Husky that loves snow and cold weather, you can not leave him in his cozy well-strawed dog house if the temperature dips below 32 degrees.  If you have one of those breeds of dogs that originated in central Africa trained to track lions and has a great tolerance for heat, well, in Nashville they now cannot be left outside with water and shade if the heat index is above 90 degrees. An African Basenji and an Alaskan Husky must be treated as if they were the same.

The confirmation of Mayoral appointments to Boards and Commissions pass unanimously.

Bills on Public hearing
I do not even attempt to form an opinion on all of the rezoning bills. There are various rezoning bills that are of importance to specific neighbors of the rezoning or neighborhoods. I only report on those that I deem are of general importance or of interest from a policy viewpoint. There may be bills on pubic hearing that are very important to a small number of people. These are the bills on public hearing that I think are of interest.

• BILL NO. BL2015-1004  is a bill that rezones a hundred and some acres of the county to single family where as now they are zoned for duplexes. Almost everyone gives lip service to affordable housing and support for mass transit. Bills like this are contrary to those objectives. To have viable mass transit and a stock of affordable housing we need greater density, not less. No one appears to speak in opposition and it passes.
• BILL NO. BL2015-1032 imposes a "contextual overlay" to a neighborhood in East Nashville, that would require any modification or new construction in the neighborhood to be in character to the existing neighborhood. It would prohibit new construction that is out of scale to the neighborhood. Many people speak in favor and a couple speak in opposition. Councilman Tenpenny ask for more details of the overlay. It passes.
• BILL NO. BL2015-1035 is another contextual overlay bill. This one is in Councilman Baker's district. One of the persons speaking in favor is Bret Withers who is running against Councilman Westerholm in District 6. This bills passes.
• BILL NO. BL2015-1036 is the zoning text change designed to stop the swingers club from relocating to Madison. See time stamp 1:41:20- 2:10:52.  A whole bunch of speakers speak in favor of this bill including former Councilman Buck Dozier. Here is the Tennesseean's report on the swinger club issue:

Council advances zoning change to block swingers club

Dozens of opponents to a swingers club trying to move to Madison flooded the Metro Council meeting Tuesday to rally against the club and to support a zoning change to block it from opening.

"The people of Madison see creeping into its area a business that does not promote a positive image," said Buck Dozier, a Madison resident and former councilman. "These families want to be surrounded by wholesome activities."

After about 30 minutes of comments, the Metro Council voted unanimously in favor of the zoning change. A third and final vote is still required. (link)

 Resolutions
Most are on the consent agenda. Those not on consent include the following:

• RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1398  by Council member Megan Barry puts the council on record supporting HB317/SB496 prohibiting short-term lenders from charging an interest rate for any short-term lending transaction that exceeds 28 percent per year. Short-term lenders are normally referred to has "payday" lenders. Here is how these lenders operated: Assume a person gets paid every two weeks and he needs to borrow money, say to keep the electricity from being cut off. He borrows $300 and on pay day he pays back $340. Do the math: 40/300= 13.3% x 26 two-week periods in a year = 347% interest. Some people end up with four or five of these. It is terrible. However, when you compare the cost of this loan with the cost of being without electricity and then paying a reconnect fee, it is not so bad. Or if you compare this cost with the cost of being overdrawn by $1 in in your checking account which then causes a lot more checks to bounce and you have to pay a insufficient funds fee for each check and a daily over draft fee, then the pay day loan is not so bad.  People should not let their electric bill go unpaid or bounce checks. People need to learn good money management skills, but pay day lenders are no more predatory than the Nashville Electric Service or First American Bank. Robert Duvall raises a question similar to mine above about a reconnect fee at NES. The resolution passes and no one ask to be recorded in opposition.
• RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1400  by Council member Josh Stites declares  May 14, 2015 as Stand With Israel Day in Nashville.  Israel is our long time ally in the Middle East and shares our democratic values. I stand with Israel and would vote for this resolution. There was one abstention in committee. Councilman Stites ask for a one meeting deferral of the bill.

All bills on introduction and First Reading pass as is customary.

There are only two bills on Second Reading of not much interest and they pass.

There are eleven bills on Third Reading of not much interest except BILL NO. BL2014-948  which amends the Five Points redevelopment plan, changing some permitted uses and it provides an additional $670,000 in Tax Increment Financing.  Previously the sponsor had amended the bill to take out seven parcels which had been put in the bill without the consent of the owners of those properties. One parcel however was still in the bill which would rezone the property without the consent of the owner.  Councilman Charlie Tygard takes to the floor and argues that this additional parcel should also be removed.  The chair rules the bill is not amendable on third reading but the council votes to override the ruling of the chair and consider the amendment. The amendment removing that parcel passes.

I share the concern about changing a property zoning without the concern of the owner. I am pleased to see the amendment pass. Rezoning a property without the consent of the owner is a partial taking of property. It should not happen.

I have another concern about the bill which is less about this particular bill than it is the general overuse of Tax Increment Financing. I fear we are overusing this development tool, denying revenue to the General Fund when it is not necessary. If TIF causes a project to be built that most likely would not be built then it makes sense. If however, it is just a giveaway in a popular area where development would occur anyway then it is a misguided policy in my view. I would like to know how much money has been diverted from the general fund over the past few years due to TIF and if this development tool is being overused.

For discussion of this bill see timestamp 2:22:36 - 2:32:12. 

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Who is running for Mayor and Council (update # 7). See who pulled qualifying petitions.

This is update #7. Since the last update, I have examined the list of everyone who has picked up a qualifying petition. It should be noted that many times people pick up a qualifying petition and then do not run, so all of the people listed may not be serious candidates. Below is the codes I have used for understanding what actions the candidates have taken toward their campaign.

"(T)" means the candidate has filed a treasurer's form. Candidates are not permitted to begin raising money until this form is filed.
"(D1)" means the candidate has filed a campaign disclosure. Candidates who did not appoint a treasure prior to January 15 were not required to file a campaign disclosure.
"(QP)" means the candidate has picked up a qualifying petition.
Please pay attention to "link." That will take you to the candidates website or news items about the candidate.

If you are a candidate and I missed your website or Facebook page and you would like it listed, please send me the link. I will also post any candidate's press release announcing their candidacy.

Where I have made endorsements, the candidates name is bold and in red typeface. I will be making more endorsements as time goes on but I may not make an endorsement in every race, as I may not have enough information to make an informed decision in each race or some districts may have candidates so equally distasteful that I don't care who wins.  Winnability is a factor in who I support as well as experience and philosophy of government. I will be making a modest campaign contribution to those whom I endorse.

Below are the people running for Mayor:

• Megan Barry, progressive Council-member-at-large.  (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Charles Robert Bone, an attorney (link)  (T)(D1) (QP)
• Linda Rebrovick, Consensus Point president and CEO. A Republican. (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Kenneth Eaton, owner of Eaton's Used Cars and other business interest. He is a Republican.  (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Jeremy Kane, CEO and President of Lead Academy (link)  (T)(D1)(QP)
•  David Fox, a former Tennessean business reporter, former Titan Advisor, former school board member. He is assumed to be a Republican and has a Republican campaign team. (link. link).  (T)(D1)(QP)
• David Freeman, local businessman and major fund raiser for the Democratic party. (link) (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Howard Gentry, former Vice Mayor, came in third when running for mayor in 2007. The only African-American in the race. Currently serves as Davidson County Criminal Court clerk. (link) (T)
  (QP)
• James B. Johnson, (T)(D1)(QP)

Tim Garrett

This is who is running for Vice Mayor:

• Tim Garrett, Councilman-at-large and former state representative. He is in the funeral home business. He is a Democrat, but he is a reasonable, fiscally conservative Democrat and a very nice guy with a depth of knowledge about Nashville. The job of Vice Mayor is to conduct Council meetings and to appoint the members of Council to committees. It is a fine balance between running efficient meetings and stifling debate. I think Garrett will strike the right balance. I think he will be fair and thoughtful in making committee assignments. With so many good people leaving the council, we need someone with institutional knowledge in the Council. Tim Garrett will be a great vice mayor. (T)(D1)(QP) (link)
• David Briley, grandson of former Mayor Beverly Briley, an attorney with Bone McAllester Norton, former candidate for mayor. (T)(D1) (link)

There are no incumbent Council members at-large. They have all been "termed-out." These are people who have said they are running for Council-at-large or assumed to be running: 

• Karen Bennett, currently represents a Council District and is a member of the Republican Party State Executive Committee. (T) (link)
• Walter Hunt. He is currently serving as the Councilman from District 3, he is a retired substitute teacher and served in a high level  capacity in the Boner administration and is a member of the Davidson County Democratic Party executive committee. He is African-American. (T)(D1). (link)
• Ken Jakes, he owns a produce company and is a citizen activist who has often exposed government waste and corruption.  He has previously sought the position, garnering the most votes other than the five incumbents. (T)(D1) (QP) link,  (link to everything ever published in this blog about Ken Jakes and learn of his work for honest and open government.)  
• John Lasiter. He previously served in the Council represented District 18 in 2007. He is openly gay. (T)(D1) (QP)link, link,  link,
• Don Majors, who has been working in constituent services for Rep. Jim Cooper, is leaving that position to run for council. He previously represented the Maplewood area in the 90s and early aughts. (T)(D1)(QP) (link)
• Lonnell Mathews, Jr., currently representing District 1 and termed out. He is African American. (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Bob Mendes, an attorney, chairs the board of Nashville Electric Service. (link) (T) 
• Jim Shulman. (T)(D1)(QP)
•  Robert Duvall, currently a district councilman, term limited out, former unsuccessful candidate for the State House, and current Chairman of the Davidson County Republican Party.
•  Sandra Moore, she is Council member in District 17 who is termed-out. (QP)
• Al Carota (link) (QP)



Ken Jakes

• Erin Coleman (QP)

Below are the people who are running for a District council seats or who may be running for District Council seats and any links to there websites other information. Most of the current Council members are "termed-out," meaning they have served  two terms and are not eligible to seek reelection. The names of incumbents who are seeking reelection are italicized in the list below. Three Council members, Josh Stites in District 13, Brady Banks in District 4, and Chris Harmon in District 26 are not termed-out but have chosen not to seek reelection.

District 1.

• Ruby Baker, (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Lioniel Green, Jr.. (T)(QP) Former officer in US Army, served in Iraq, on the board of the charter school Purpose Prep and Northwest YMCA. (link)
• Rueben Dockery, he is a former candidate for the State Senate (link) (QP)
• John H. Montgomery, (T) (QP)
• Johnathan Richardson, (QP)
• Jerry Stange, (QP)
• Roosevelt Williamson, (QP)

District 2.

• Carrie Searcy is an attorney  focused on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury with the law firm of Edward J. Gross. (link) (T) (D1)(QP)
• Robert "Bobby" Stockard, (link)(T)(D1)(QP)
• Decosta Hastings, He is a member of the Davidson County Democrat Party Executive Committeeman.(link) (T)
• Danavan Hylton, President and Owner of Hoshana Management Group (link) (T)
• Melvin Black, He is a former member of the Metro Council. (link) (T)(D1)
• Charles Covington, (QP)
• Laura Fortier, (QP)
• Andre Southall, (T) (QP)

District 3.

• Brenda Haywood, (T)(QP)
• Helen Hughes, (T)
• Timothy R. Coleman, (T)(QP)

District 4.

• Robert Swope, (T)(QP)(link)
• Peter Tuttle, (QP)

District 5.

• Joseph Zerbee, (T) (D1)
• Scott Davis, he is the incumbent, (link) (T)
• Sarah Martin,  She is a liberal, works in the non-profit sector, neighborhood activist. She is a liberal, works in the non-profit sector, neighborhood activist.  (link) (link) (link) (T)(QP)

District 6.

• Peter Westerholm, He is the incumbent and one of the more liberal members of the council (T)(D1)
• Brett A. Withers, (link) (link) (T)(QP)

District 7.

Steve Clements

• Anthony Davis, he is the incumbent councilman.
• Stephen Clements, a Republican who heads the Caffeinated Conservatives group, works for the State of Tennessee, former Army officer, active in Madison Now and other civic affairs.  (link)  (T)(D1) (QP)

District 8.

• Nancy VanReece, (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Ramona Gholston, (T)(QP)
• Chris Swann, (link) (link) (T)(QP)
• Robert Sawyers,Sr., (T)(D1)(QP)
• Danny Williams, (QP)

District 9.

• Bill Pridemore, He is the incumbent seeking reelection. (T) (QP)

District 10.

• Doug Pardue, He is the incumbent seeking reelection. (QP)

District 11.

• Larry Hagar, He is the incumbent, elected in a special election in August 2014. In the short while he has been in office, he has voted the right way on the few controversial votes. He deserves another term. (T)(QP)
• William Cyril Guthoerl, He is a conservative and I supported Guthoerl in his two previous races for this seat, however, Hagar has voted the right way since he has been in office and I am supporting Hagar. I spoke to William recently and he said he is still considering running. I discouraged him. He has not appointed a treasurer or picked up a qualifying petition as of 3-3-2015.

District 12.

• Steve Glover, He is the incumbent seeking reelection. (T)(QP)

District 13.

• Holly Huezo, (QP)

District 14.

• Kevin Rhoten, a former Tennessee state attorney and legislative liaison in Gov. Pill Bredesen's administration. (T)(D1)(QP)

District 15.

• Jeff Syracuse. (T)(D1)(QP) (link)
• Eric Pearson. (QP) (Eric Pearson is blogger and his blog is www.militianews.com.)

District 16.

• Tony Tenpenny,  He is the incumbent.(QP)

District 17.

• Christopher Cotton,(link) (T)
• Colby Sledge, A community activist, public relations professional with McNeely, Piggott and Fox and former employee of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus. (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Paula Foster. She is endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. She is practicing privately as a clinical social work supervisor and therapist as well as a practicing faculty member for the Vanderbilt School of Nursing. She lives with her "wife." (link) (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Tony Watson, (T1)(QP)

District 18.

• Burkley Allen. She is the incumbent (T)(D1)(QP)

District 19.

• Freddie O'Connell,  President of the Salemtown Neighborhood Association, board member of Walk Bike Nashville. (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Bill Shick, an attorney, member of the Tennessee Democratic Party's executive committee. (link) (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Brian Mason, He is, a Republican and an international business consultant. He recently ran for the State Legislature

District 20.

• Marisa Frank, (T)
• Frank Stabile (link) (T)(QP)
• Mary Clayton Roberts (T)(QP) 

District 21.

• Leah P. Dupree, An attorney and legislative liaison for the Tennessee Department of General Services. (link) (T)(QP)
• Edward Kindal, (T)(QP)
• Mark Lollis, Jr (QP)

District 22.

• Sheri Weiner, The incumbent Council member, a Republican. (link) (T)(D1)(QP)  

District 23.

• Thom Druffel,(link) (link) (T)(QP)
• Mina Johnson, very active in the West Meade neighborhood organization. (link)(T)(D1)(QP)
• Timothy Lee, Tim Lee is a Republican and a former candidate for the state house. I like both Tim Lee and Jim Roberts in this race, however, I have already committed to Jim Roberts and am supporting his candidacy. (T) (QP)
• Jim Roberts, former Republican candidate for Chancery Court Judge.

District 24.

• Allen Grant, (link) (link) (T) (D1)
• Nick McGregor, (link) (T)(QP)
• Kathleen Murphy, She is a government lobbyist and active in Democrat Party politics. (link)(link) (T)(D1)(QP)

 District 25.

• Russ Pulley, (link) (T) (D1) (QP)

District 26.

• Jeremy Elrod, An attorney, employed at the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. (link) (T)(QP)
• Brocks Parks, (QP)

District 27.

• Davette Blalock, The incumbent councilmember, A Republican.(link) (T)(D1)(QP)

  

  Davette Blalock

• Gary Clement Ledbetter, Jr., (T)(D1)

District 28.

• Travis W. Danker, (link) (QP)
• Melissa Smithson, (link) (T)(D1)
• Tanaka Vercher, (link) (T)(D1)

District 29.

• Karen Johnson. She is the incumbent Council member. (T)

District 30.

• Jason Potts, the incumbent council member. (T) (QP)

District 31.

• Fabian Bedne, the incumbent council member. (T) (D1)(QP)

District 32.

• Jacobia  Dowell (T1)
• Troy Moody, (T)(QP)
• Gerald Proby, (T)(QP)
• Williams Kissie, (T) (D1) (QP)

District 33.

• Sam Coleman,  former Councilman, (T)(QP)
• Jimmy Gafford, (T)(QP)
• Timothy H. Herndon, (T)

District 34.

• Steve Butler, (link) (T) (D1)
• Angie Henderson, (link) (T)(D1)(QP)

Lonnie Spivak

District 35.

• Lonnie Spivak, a Republican and a former Republican primary candidate for the 5th Congressional district. (link) (T)(D1)(QP)
• Vic Lineweaver, A former Metro Councilman who went on to be elected Juvenile Court Clerk and extreme mismanaged the office. He was once arrested for failing to provide client files to the court. He was filmed by a local news station in his driveway getting his newspaper while on the phone claiming to be at work. Lineweaver lost his re-election bid. He has been trying to get back into politics every since. (Lineweaver arrested by Juvenile Court officers) (link) (T)(QP)
• Dave Rosenberg, a supporter of State Rep. and Council member Bo Mitchel and a supporter of School Board member Amy Frogge. Those are two good reasons to vote against him. He has several Bellvue community involvements. (link)(T)(D1)(QP)

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Which Tennessee congressmen will boycott Netanyahu?

If you keep up with the national news then you are aware of of the growing rift between the Obama administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  This rift has been growing for six years.  The primary cause of the rift is that the US has taken a less hard line toward Iran's nuclear ambitions and Israel fears for its survival if Iran becomes a nuclear power. Other issues that have caused tension is that Israel continues to allow Israeli settlements in the territory that is often referred to as Palestinian territory.

The tensions between the two leaders has lead the Obama administration to engage in efforts to defeat Netanyahu in his upcoming election for another term as Prime Minister of Israel. Obama is funneling money to Netanyahu's opponent.

Once the Republicans gained control of Congress, they invited Mr. Netanayahu to address a joint session of Congress.  It is assumed Mr. Netanyahu will speak on how a nuclear armed Iran will cause greater nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, lead to further destabilization in the region,  and why a nuclear armed Iran is viewed as a threat to Isreal's survival.

It is not unprecedented that a foreign leader addresses the U.S. Congress.  Numerous heads of state have addressed Congress over the years. Congress is a co-equal branch of government with a role to play in foreign affairs.  Congress must approve the budgets necessary to fund our diplomatic efforts, must fund the defense budget, must approve ambassadors, and has the constitutional authority to declare war. Certainly Congress is not overstepping any bounds by inviting a foreign leader to address the body.   The President is livid, however, and has let it be know that he objects to Netanyahu speaking to Congress.

A number of top Democrats, including Vice President Joe Biden, whose is President of the Senate won't be attending the event. A total of 57 members of Congress will be boycotting the speech.  The only Tennessean member of Congress joining the boycott is Representative Steve Cohen of Memphis.

For more on the ruptured relations between the US and Isreal, follow these links:

57 members of Congress skipping Netanyahu's speech

Boost for Bibi? Widening rift with Obama could propel Netanyahu in upcoming electionA Strained Alliance: Obama-Netanyahu Rift Grew Over Years

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What's on the March 3rd Council Agenda? Stopping a swingers club, dog chains, and standing with Israel.

Council meetings can be really boring if you don't know what's going on.  With an agenda and a staff analysis of the agenda you will know what is going on. The meeting will still be boring but not really, really boring. Follow the indicated links to get your own copies of the agenda and staff analysis.

The Effort to stop a swinger's club from opening in Madison.

The big item of the night will be the pubic hearing on BILL NO. BL2015-1036 which would prohibit private clubs from being in certain zoning districts  where there are now permitted.  The aim of this is to stop The Social Club from being able to open in Madison.  The Social Club is a swingers club that is currently located downtown at 700 Division Street across from Frugal McDougals. They have been at that location for a number of years but have been in Nashville for 35 years.  With downtown property values soaring, the private club sold their property and looked to relocate. A think a hotel is going in at the current location.

The Social Club is a private club and as such does not come under the same restrictions as do adult entertainment businesses such as strip clubs which can only locate in the central business district. If there were allowed to locate in Madison, there would be no flashing lights saying "Girls, Girls, Girls," and no pictures and scantily clad women.  There would probably be nothing more to indicate it was even there than the initials "THC" on a door. Unless someone asked, probably no one would know what was going on behind the closed doors.

The location where THC plans to relocate is near Good Pasture Christian School. If anyone wants to see pictures and maps for a better understanding of  proximity of the school and the proposed club, follow this link and click "pictometry" and "view metro map."  I think that the proximity to a school is simply and excuse to oppose the club. If no one told students at Good Pasture, they would never know it was there. The club has already received most, but not all, of the necessary approvals to open. The lawyer for the club says if the zoning is changed to prohibit the club from opening at that location, then he will sue the city. The staff analysis does not address the probability of the city prevailing if this bill passes and the club does sue. That should be an important factor in determining how one votes. I hope someone ask that question at the Planning and Zoning committee of the Council when this bill is discussed.

The Planning Commission approved this bill which changes permitted uses on property zoned such as this property is zoned and several other zoning categories.  The churches in the Madison community have been active in generating opposition to the club  and promise to pack the court house with proponents of the text change to the zoning ordinance. I expect several pastors will speak in favor of this bill. Sponsors of the bill are Karen Bennett, Bill Pridemore, Duane Dominy, Larry Hagar, and Karen Johnson.

The first item on the agenda is BILL NO. BL2015-1008. This passed last council meeting but then Councilman Duane Dominy, in a rarely used parliamentary procedure, moved to have the bill reconsidered so that is why it is back on the agenda this meeting. This is my commentary on the bill and my report of what happened to this bill last meeting:

BILL NO. BL2015-1008 regulates how one could tether their dog such as how long the

cable must be and how heavy and also prohibits keeping a dog tethered when it is too hot or too cold and prohibits tethering a dog with a chain. If the dog has water and shade I do not see that a heat index of 90 is excessive. Also some dogs, such as Alaskan Huskies, can tolerate being outside in a well-strawed dog house at 20° below for up to 8 hours (link). Some dogs are bred for cold weather. This bill treats all dogs the same, and they simply are not. I do not want to see any dog mistreated but I am not sure why a light-weight chain is banned. What is wrong with a chain?

Councilman Karen Bennett, the lead sponsor of the bill, makes a pitch for her bill. Councilman Duane Dominy gets recognized and ask for a suspension of the rules in order to offer an amendment of the bill. On third reading council rules prohibit amendments to bills, but the council may suspend the rules in order to entertain a proposed amendment. There was an objection and Duane was unable to offer an amendment. He then spoke on the bills itself. Councilman Dominy says his 40 pound dog Lucy has chewed through four cables, one rated for a 250 pound dog. Dominy has the chains and holds them up and shows them. He says as currently drafted the bill endangers animals. Dominy asks for the bill to be deferred but does not make that in the form of a motion. In a wise, seldom used, parliamentary move, Dominy voted in favor of the bill, then moved to reconsider. He got five people who supported him in that request, so the bill will be back on third reading next Tuesday. To see the floor action on this bill see time tamp 36:48 - 45:56. (See video)

I don't know what will happen to this bill this time. I think Dominy may have been doing some lobbying and maybe negotiating with the sponsor and I hope his concern can be addressed, but I would hope the whole bill could be killed.  A Greyhound and an Alaskan Husky have different tolerances for heat and cold. In my view, we should not be micromanaging how people care for their dogs.

There are four appointments to Board and Commission on the agenda but the Council never examines these appointees and they always pass.

There are 18 resolution on public hearing including the text change aimed at stopping the location of the swingers club in Madison. Most rezoning bills interest only those people in the neighborhood of the rezoning and I don't event attempt to keep track of them or  form opinions on them, so if you want to see if a rezoning bill interest you, look at the agenda.

BILL NO. BL2015-1004  is a bill that rezones massive swaths of the county to single family where as now they are zoned for duplexes. Almost everyone gives lip service to affordable housing and support for mass transit. Bills like this are contrary to those objectives. To have viable mass transit and a stock of affordable housing we need greater density, not less.

BILL NO. BL2015-1032 by Councilman Weterholm  applies a contextual overlay plan to lots of properties in east Nashville. What this really does, I cannot tell from reading the bill and the staff analysis does not tell us, but because it effects so many parcels it may be something important.

There are six resolutions, all on the consent agenda. None of them are of much interest except this resolution which was deferred from last meeting:

RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1389 is interesting. It involves the settlement of a lawsuit brought  by an employee who sued the city when fired. It is somewhat complex.  The fired former employee was a Metro Parks Police officer with the Parks Department who is a lesbian and one of the first females hired by the Parks Department for a Parks police position with the department. The department fired her for inefficient performance of duties, insubordination toward a supervisor, violation of written rules and dishonesty. She claims she was discriminated against. This resolution would settle the suit for $295,000. I understand those who may not want to settle this suit, but my view is that the Council should settle lawsuits when defending them would be more costly than settling and when there is serious doubt if we would win  if it went to trial. I tend to trust the legal department when they propose settling a suit. This resolution is deferred one meeting. Why, I don't know.

There are 12 bills on First Reading. I have not examined them. First reading is a formality that allows a bill to be considered. No serious attention is paid to bills until after first reading.

There are only two bills on Second Reading and neither are of interest.

There are eleven bills on Third Reading.

BILL NO. BL2014-948  was on the agenda last meeting and deferred. Why it was defered I do not know. Here is what I said about it at that time:

BILL NO. BL2014-948  amends the Five Points redevelopment plan, changing some permitted uses and it would provide and additional $670,000 in Tax Increment Financing. TIF lets the taxes from a project first go to pay for improvements in the area of the project before any tax from the project goes to the general fund of the city. I am not opposed to TIF but think it must be used cautiously . If TIF causes a project to be built that most likely would not be built then it makes sense. If however, it is just a giveaway in a popular area where development would occur anyway then it is a misguided policy in my view. I would like to know how much money has been diverted from the general fund over the past few years due to TIF and if this development tool is being overused. This bill is deferred one meeting at the request of the sponsor.

None of the other bills on Third Reading are of much interest.

There are four memorializing resolutions on the agenda. Two of them are non-controversial; two others may be.  A memorializing resolution has no force in law, but simply expresses the opinion of the Metro Council. These should be taken seriously however. Sometime these bills are part of a nationwide effort to influence Congress. Unless the memorializing resolution gets a "no" vote in committee or someone objects from the floor, a memorializing resolution becomes part of the consent agenda. The Council has from time to time has passed some very liberal memorializing resolution without any discussion or dissent.

RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1398  by Council member Megan Barry puts the council on record supporting HB317/SB496 prohibiting short-term lenders from charging an interest rate for any short-term lending transaction that exceeds 28 percent per year. Short-term lenders are normally referred to has "payday" lenders. Here is how these lenders operated. Assume a person gets paid every two weeks and he needs to borrow money, say to keep the electricity from being cut off. He borrows $300 and on pay day he pays back $340. Do the math: 40/300= 13.3% x 26 two-week periods in a year = 347% interest. Some people end of with four or five of these. It is terrible. However, when you compare the cost of this loan with the cost of being without electricity and then paying a reconnect fee, it is not so bad. Or if you compare this cost with the cost of being overdrawn by $1 in in your checking account which then causes a lot more checks to bounce and you have to pay a insufficient funds fee for each check and a daily over draft fee, then the pay day fee is not so bad.  People should not let their electric bill go unpaid or bounce checks. People need to learn good money management skills, but pay day lenders are no more predatory than the Nashville Electric Service or First American Bank.  This memorializing resolution needs to be defeated.

RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1400  by Council member Josh Stites declares  May 14, 2015 as Stand With Israel Day in Nashville.  Israel is our long time ally in the Middle East and shares our democratic values. I stand with Israel and would vote for this resolution.

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Nashville GOP 2015 Caucus & Convention

A message from the Chairman:

To Everyone:

I needed to send out a message to clarify dates, times, & place for the election of the Davidson County Republican Party Officers. Yes, it's that time again, when we as Republicans have the opportunity to elect our Board Members and Leadership. There seems to be some misinformation as to dates, time, and place, so I hope this will act as an unofficial notification until the official notice is posted.

The Caucus will be held as follows:

March 14, 2015 Caucus -Ed Jones Auditorium - Ellington Agricultural Center 8AM to 12 PM (Watch the notification for cut-off time to register) (You must become a delegate to vote at the following Saturday's Convention, so the Caucus is important for that status)

March 21, 2015 Convention - (You must be a delegate to vote at the Convention) Ed Jones Auditorium - Ellington Agricultural Center 8AM to 12 PM

Note: Anyone seeking to run for a County Party office, please contact Ed Smith (krisland1@comcast.net) via email for the Contest & Credentials Committee to get a jump on qualifying you as a candidate. Last but not least, I have enjoyed the past two years as your Chairman and will be running for re-election as the Party Chairman at the Convention.

Best wishes to all,
Robert Duvall
Chairman

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Carrie Searcy announces her candidacy for Metro Council District 2.

Carrie Searcy

Press Release- Metro Council District 2 candidate, Carrie Searcy, prepares to officially kick off her campaign on Thursday, March at the Al Menah Shrine Temple, 1354 Brick Church Pike at 5:30p.m., with Dwayne Bell, Sr. serving as campaign Treasurer. Attorney Searcy has practiced law in Nashville since 2011. She currently provides legal services focused on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury in a firm with Edward J. Gross. Prior to practicing law, Mrs. Searcy worked in the title insurance industry. Mrs. Searcy also worked with the Tennessee Initiative for Gifted Education Reform, as well as Special Education Services to promote appropriate education services for children with special needs. While in law school she completed an internship at the Metro Nashville Public Defender’s Office. During this time, while working on a case, Mrs. Searcy was shot during an unrelated altercation between two young men. This strengthened her resolve to assist not only those accused of crimes, but also working with young people and residents to reduce criminal activity in local communities.

"I have worked hard all my life in school, as a parent, and as a practicing attorney. When elected as your council representative, I will work hard for you. I thank you for your support and would appreciate your vote of confidence”, says Mrs. Searcy. She has been solving problems and conflicts for clients and community members, and wants to help our District 2 by applying this experience to benefit our community. She will use her skills to protect the history of our neighborhood, improve our services and amenities, and encourage those who live in District 2 to participate alongside her in “Taking Pride in Our Community”.

Mrs. Searcy and her husband are members at Mount Zion Baptist Church and have been active community volunteers, including participating in the Tennessee Adopt a Highway Program covering two miles of highway along Trinity Lane and Whites Creek Pike. She is currently serving on several non-profit boards, including the Northwest YMCA, Disciples Village Retirement Community Executive Board Secretary, Bordeaux North Chamber of Commerce Legal Committee Chair, Judge Rachel L. Bell Beautification Project Community Coordinator, and NAACP Nashville Branch Executive Committee and Legal Redress Committee. She is also a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, Nashville Bar Association, Napier Looby Bar Association, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Women In Numbers, Davidson County Democratic Women, Tennessee Democratic Committee, National Democratic Committee, Eastern Star Rock City Chapter and Nashville School of Law Cooper’s Inn Society.

She invites the community to join her at her community kick off Thursday, March 12th, 2015 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, at Al Menah Shrine Temple, 1354 Brick Church Pike for complimentary refreshments.
For more information you can visit www.ElectSearcy.com, connect on Facebook at Carrie Searcy Metro Council District 2, on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram, or call Mrs. Searcy at her office at 615-259-9725

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Who is running for Mayor and Council (update #6). Duane Dominy not running at-large.

This is a quick update. A more detailed update will follow soon listing everyone who has appointed a treasurer and everyone who has picked up a qualifying petition.

Duane Dominy, who is termed-out and cannot run for reelection for his district seat, was undecided but thinking about running for an at-large Metro Council seat.  I met with him last week and he told me definitely he has decided not to run at-large.   Dominy is one of the brightest, hardest-working, and most conservative members of the Metro Council. His talents in the Council will be missed. He was a leader in the effort to save the fair grounds.

Below are additional people who are running for council district seats.

Sarah Martin, District 5. She is a liberal, works in the non-profit sector, neighborhood activist.  (link) (link) (link)
Leah P. Dupree, District 21. An attorney and legislative liaison for the Tennessee Department of General Services. (link)
Jeremy Elrod, District 26. An attorney, employed at the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. (link)

If any candidate sends me their announcement of candidacy, I will post it to this blog.

Below is update #5. No changes have been made to the below since posted on Feb. 12.

Look who is running for Mayor and Council (update #5). A lot more candidates throw their hat into the ring.

This is my fifth update. Additions from the previous update are underlined. Deletions from the last update are simply deleted in most cases, but when a person was previously an announced candidate and has recently withdrawn, I have listed them but noted they have withdrawn and struck through their name.

"(T)" means the candidate has filed a treasurer's form. Candidates are not permitted to begin raising money until this form is filed.
"(D1)" means the candidate has filed a campaign disclosure. Candidates who did not appoint a treasure prior to January 15 were not required to file a campaign disclosure.

Please pay attention to "link."  That will take you to the candidates website or news items about the candidate. If you are a candidate and I missed your website or Facebook page and you would like it listed, please send me the link.

Where I have made endorsements, the candidates name is bold and in red typeface. I will be making more endorsements as time goes on but I may not make an endorsement in every race, as I may not have enough information to make an informed decision in each race. For Mayor and Councilman-at-large races, I want to know who all is running before I make a decision of who I am supporting. Winnability is a factor in who I support as well as experience and philosophy of government. I will be making a modest campaign contribution to those whom I endorse.

Below are the people running for Mayor:

• Megan Barry, progressive Council-member-at-large. (T)(D1)  (link)
• Charles Robert Bone, an attorney (T)(D1) (link)
• Linda Rebrovick, Consensus Point president and CEO. A Republican. (T)(D1) (link)
• Kenneth Eaton, owner of Eaton's Used Cars and other business interest. He is a Republican. (T)(D1) (link)
• Jeremy Kane, CEO and President of Lead Academy (T)(D1) (link)David Fox, a former Tennessean business reporter, former Titan Advisor, former school board member. He is assumed to be a Republican and has a Republican campaign team. (T)(D1) ( link. link). 
• David Freeman, local businessman and major fund raiser for the Democratic party.(T)(D1)
• Howard Gentry, former Vice Mayor, came in third when running for mayor in 2007. The only African-American in the race. Currently serves as Davidson County Criminal Court clerk. (T)
  

There are other people who were once thought to be running for Mayor or who some people hoped would run, but who have since said they are not running or whom we may assume are not running if they have not declared by now.  These once-potential mayoral candidates include the following: Daron Hall, William F. Carpenter III, Jerry Maynard, Ronnie Stein, Lee Beaman, Charlie Tygard, Emily Evans. and Tim Garrett.

Tim Garrett

This is who is running for Vice Mayor:

• Tim Garrett, Councilman-at-large and former state representative. He is in the funeral home business. He is a Democrat, but he is a reasonable, fiscally conservative Democrat and a very nice guy with a depth of knowledge about Nashville. The job of Vice Mayor is to conduct Council meetings and to appoint the members of Council to committees. It is a fine balance between running efficient meetings and stifling debate. I think Garrett will strike the right balance. I think he will be fair and thoughtful in making committee assignments. With so many good people leaving the council, we need someone with institutional knowledge in the Council. Tim Garrett will be a great vice mayor. (T)(D1) (link)
• David Briley, grandson of former Mayor Beverly Briley, an attorney with Bone McAllester

  

  Ken Jakes

  Norton, former candidate for mayor. (T)(D1) (link)

These are people who have said they are running for Council-at-large or assumed to be running:  

• Eugene Batsuk. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the Davidson County Democrat Party. (T)(D1) (link) This candidate has withdrawn. He is not running.
• Karen Bennett, currently represents a Council District and is a member of the Republican Party State Executive Committee. (T) (link)
• Renard Francois. He is an attorney, he serves on Metropolitan Social Services Commission and he is a previous candidate for Council-at-large. He is African-American. (T) (link) This candidate is no longer running. He has withdrawn.
• Walter Hunt. He is currently serving as the Councilman from District 3, he is a retired substitute teacher and served in a high level  capacity in the Boner administration and is a

  

  Duane Dominy

  member of the Davidson County Democratic Party executive committee. He is African-American. (T)(D1). (link)
• Ken Jakes, he owns a produce company and is a citizen activist who has often exposed government waste and corruption.  He has previously sought the position, garnering the most votes other than the five incumbents. (T)(D1) link,  (link to everything ever published in this blog about Ken Jakes and learn of his work for honest and open government.)  
• John Lasiter. He previously served in the Council represented District 18 in 2007. He is openly gay. (T)(D1) link, link,  link,
• Don Majors, who has been working in constituent services for Rep. Jim Cooper, is leaving that position to run for council. He previously represented the Maplewood area in the 90s and early aughts. (T)(D1) (link)
• Lonnell Mathews, Jr., currently representing District 1 and termed out. He is African American. (link) (T)(D1)
• Bob Mendes, an attorney, chairs the board of Nashville Electric Service. (link)  
• Jim Shulman. (T)(D1)
•  Robert Duvall, currently a district councilman, term limited out, former unsuccessful candidate for the State House, and current Chairman of the Davidson County Republican Party.
• Duane Dominy, currently a district councilman, term limited out, former unsuccessful
  
  
  

  

  Robert Duvall

  
  candidate for the State House.  He is a good Republican and lead the fight to save the fairgrounds. 

Below are the people who are running for a District council seats or who may be running for District Council seats and any links to there websites other information. Incumbents are not included in this list. See the chart following this list for information on incumbents.

• Ruby Baker, District 1, (T)(D1)
• Lioniel Green, District 1, (T) Former officer in US Army, served in Iraq, on the board of the charter school Purpose Prep and Northwest YMCA. (link)
  
• Carrie Searcy, District 2 (T) (D1)
• Bobby Stockard, District 2 (T) 
• Decosta Hastings, District 2 (T)
• Danavan Hylton,  District 2 (T)
• Melvin Black, District 2 (T)(D1) 
• Brenda Haywood, District 3 (T)
• Joseph Zerbee, District 5 (T) (D1)
•  Brett A. Withers, District 6, (T)
• Stephen Clements, District 7, a Republican who heads the Caffeinated Conservatives group, works for the State of Tennessee, former Army officer, active in Madison Now and other civic affairs. (T)(D1) link
• Nancy VanReece, District 8, (T)
• Ramona Gholston, District 8, (T)
• Chris Swann, District 8, (T)
• Robert Sawyers,Sr., District 8 (T)
• William Cyril Guthoerl, District 11. The incumbent is attorney Larry Hagar who was elected to this seat in a special election in August 2014. In a three man race Hagar won 57% of vote and Guthoerl won 25% of the vote. It will be difficult to unseat an incumbent unless he does something to disappoint a lot of people. I supported Guthoerl in two previous races, however, I am going to wait to see how Hagar does before endorsing in the 11th. So far, on the few controversial votes Hager has voted the right way. Gutherl has not yet appointed a Treasure. I spoke to him recently and he said  he is still considering running. I discouraged him.
• Kevin Rhoten, District 14, a former Tennessee state attorney and legislative liaison in Gov. Pill Bredesen's administration. (T)(D1)
• Jim Garrett in District 15. (not announced) He has not yet appointed a treasure. 
• Jeff Syracuse in District 15. (T)(D1) (link) 
• Christopher Cotton, District 17 (T)
  
• Larry Weakley, District 17 (T)(D1) No longer a candidate. 
• Colby Sledge, District 17, a community activist, public relations professional with McNeely,

  

  Jim Roberts

  Piggott and Fox and former employee of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus.(link) (T)(D1)
• Paula Foster, District 17. She is endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. She is practicing privately as a clinical social work supervisor and therapist as well as a practicing faculty member for the Vanderbilt School of Nursing. She lives with her "wife." (link)(T)(D1)
• Freddie O'Connell, District 19, President of the Salemtown Neighborhood Association, board member of Walk Bike Nashville. (link) (T) 
•  Bill Shick, District 19, an attorney, member of the Tennessee Democratic Party's executive committee. (link) (T)(D1)
• Brian Mason, District 19, He is, a Republican and an international business consultant. He recently ran for the State Legislature 
• Marisa Frank, District 20 (T)
• Frank Stabile, District 20 (T)
• Leah Dupree, District 21 (T)
• Edward Kindal, District 21(T)
• Thom Druffel, District 23 (link) (link) (T)
• Mina Johnson, District 23 (T)
• Timothy Lee, District 23, (T) Tim Lee is a Republican and a former candidate for the state house. I like both Tim Lee and Jim Roberts in this race, however, I have already committed to Jim Roberts and am supporting his candidacy.
• Jim Roberts, District 23, former Republican candidate for Chancery Court Judge.(link)
• Allen Grant, District 24 (T) (D1)
• Kathleen Murphy, District 24. She is a government lobbyist and active in Democrat Party politics. (T)(D1)
• Jan Stinston, District 25 (T)(D1) No longer a candidate. 
• Russ Pulley, District 25 (T) (D1)
• Jeremy Elrod, District 26 (T)
• Gary Clement Ledbetter, Jr., District 27 (T)
• Melissa Smithson, District 28 (link) (T)(D1)
• Tanaka Vercher, District 28 (link) (T)
• Williams Kissie, District 32 (T) (D1)
• Sam Coleman, District 33, (T) former Councilman,
• Jimmy Gafford, District 33, (T)
• Timothy H. Herndon, District 33, (T)
• Steve Butler, District 34 (link) (T) (D1)
• Angie Henderson, District 34 (link) (T)(D1)
• Lonnie Spivak, District 35,(T)(D1) a Republican and a former Republican primary candidate for the 5th

  

  Lonnie Spivak

  Congressional district. (link)
• Vic Lineweaver, District 35, (T) Lineweaver is a former Metro Councilman who went on to be elected Juvenile Court Clerk and extreme mismanaged the office. He was once arrested for failing to provide client files to the court. He was filmed by a local news station in his driveway getting his newspaper while on the phone claiming to be at work. Lineweaver lost his re-election bid. He has been trying to get back into politics every since.  (Lineweaver arrested by Juvenile Court officers) (link)
• Dave Rosenberg, District 35, (T)(D1) a supporter of State Rep. and Council member Bo Mitchel and a supporter of School Board member Amy Frogge. Those are two good reasons to vote against him. He has several Bellvue community involvements. (link)

Italics indicate termed limited. A strike through indicates they are not a candidate. 

OFFICE	INCUMBENT	Who is running for this seat (or may be)
Mayor	Karl Dean	See the list above
Vice-mayor and President	Diane Neighbors	Tim Garrett, David Briley
COUNCIL
At-large	Megan Barry	See the list above
At-large	Ronnie Stein
At-large	Tim Garrett
At-large	Charlie Tygard
At-large	Jerry Maynard
Districts
1	Lonnell Mathews, Jr.	Ruby Baker, Lioniel Green
2	Frank Harrison	Carrie Searcy, Bobby Stockard,  Melvin Black, Decosta Hastings
3	Walter hunt	Brenda Haywood
4	Brady Banks  **
5	Scott Davis	Joseph Zerbee
6	Peter Westerholm (T) (D1)	Brett A. Withers
7	Anthony Davis	Stephen Clements
8	Karen Bennett	Nancy VanReece, Chris Swann, Robert Sawyers,Sr
9	Bill  Pridemore (T)
10	Doug Pardue
11	Larry Hager (T)	William Cyril Guthoerl
12	Steve Glover
13	Josh Stites    *
14	Bruce Stanley	Kevin Rhoten
15	Phil Claiborne	Jim Garrett, Jeff Syracuse,
16	Tony Tenpenny
17	Sandra Moore	Larry Weakley, Colby Sledge, Paula Foster, Christopher Cotton
18	Burkley Allen (T)
19	Erica Gilmore	Freddie O'Connell, Bill Shick, Brian Mason
20	Buddy Baker	Marisa Frank, Frank Stabile
21	Edith Lancaster	Leah Dupree,  Edward Kindal
22	Sheri Weiner (T) (D1)
23	Emily Evans	Jim Roberts, Timothy Lee, Thom Druffel, Mina Johnson
24	Jason Holleman	Allen Grant, Kathleen Murphy
25	Sean McGuire	Jan Stinston, Russ Pulley
26	Chris Harmon	Jeremy Elrod,
27	Davette Blalock (T) (D1)	Gary Clement Ledbetter,Jr.
28	Duane A. Dominy	Melissa Smithson, Tanaka Vercher
29	Karen Y. Johnson (T)
30	Jason Potts (T)
31	Fabian Bedne (T) (D1)
32	Jacobia Dowell (T)	Williams Kissie
33	Robert Duvall	Sam Coleman, Jimmy Gafford Timothy H. Herndon
34	Carter Todd	Angie Henderson, Steve Butler
35	Bo Mitchell	Lonnie Spivak, Dave RosenbergVic Lineweaver

  * Josh Stites is one of the more conservative members of the Council. I regret he is not seeking reelection. 

** Banks had been considered a rising star in Nashville's progressive circles when elected in 2011, but then was arrested for soliciting a prostitute.  The charge was dismissed after he completed the "john school" offered to first-time offenders.  Banks has consistently supported the Dean administration's agenda. 

This is a work in progress and I will be updating from time to time when new information becomes available. There are probably some candidates for Mayor or the Metro Council that I inadvertently left off of this list.  If there is an obvious candidate I failed to add to this list, please let me know.  

If you are a candidate, please be sure to send me your announcements, press releases, position papers and website links. Readers of this blog should not assume that because I post news of a campaign event or a press release from a candidate, that that constitutes an endorsement of that candidate. If I endorse someone, I will make it clear.


Important Dates:

• February 2nd was the financial report filing deadline for those who had appointed a treasurer by January 15, 2015. Metro financial reports are not available online.
• February 20th  is the date candidates may pick up qualifying petitions.
• Candidate qualifying deadline - Noon, Thursday, May 21
• Withdrawal deadline - Noon, Thursday, May 28 (Candidate must withdraw in writing)
• Election Day - Thursday, August 6

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