Just who are all of these people running for mayor

When you go to vote in the August 1st election, you will see a lot of candidates name's on the ballot of whom you have never heard.  Why do people put their name on the ballot who have zero chance of winning? I don't know. Maybe they are delusional and think they can win. Maybe they know they can't win but have a point of view that they want to express and running for office gives them a platform to be heard, at least by a few people. Maybe they have a big ego and get satisfaction by seeing their name on the ballot.

You will see some names that you have heard of but of whom you know very little.  It is a shame that so many people are elected by voters who just pull the lever for a person because he had a lot of yard signs.  It is a shame so many people are elected because they got the most votes from uninformed people.  If you have a strong political philosophy, and know you want to only vote for a Democrat or a Republican and there are only two choices, then party label can be a good guide for whom to vote. In the race for mayor and council, people do not run on party labels so a voter cannot be guided by party identity of the candidate. I tend to think that is a good thing. There are very few votes a member of the council cast where political affiliation would be an indication of how the council member would vote. There are no Democrat or Republican pot holes.

I am posting below the list of candidates for mayor. Next to each list I will provide links to the candidates website, Facebook page or blog or news stories about the candidate. For some of the candidates I will tell you what I know about them, or if I know nothing. If I have a favorite, I will let you know.  I plan to do the same for council races, but this may prove to take more effort than I want to give it. We'll see.

Candidates for Mayor

Jody Ball: He is a Republican and good sensible candidate but doesn't have a chance. The Republican vote will be split between Carol Swain and John Cooper and even if all Republican voted for one candidate that candidate could not win. Republicans are outnumbered about two to one in Davidson County.  Ball ran for the 5th Congressional District as a Republican and lost that November 6, 2018 election to incumbent Jim Cooper. Cooper beat Ball 67.8 percent to 32.2 percent but some of  the areas where Ball did best lay outside Davidson County. I like Ball but won't vote for him. I appreciate him carrying the banner and providing a token alternative to Cooper in the congressional election but why he thinks he can be elected mayor, I don't know. For more information see this link, Twitter feed, Jody Ball for Mayor.

Mayor David Briley

David Briley: He needs no introduction. As everyone knows he is the incumbent and is running for reelection. I am going to skip posting any links. You will hear his name a lot between now and the election and can learn more than you want to know about him without even trying. Just be aware that Nashville is a financial disaster and Briley has no plan to fix it. Metro is a mess and Briley needs to go.


Julia Marguerite Clark-Johnson: I never heard of her until now.  Here is the Tennessean profile piece from when she ran for mayor in 2018. In that election she got a total of only 168 votes.

John Ray Clemmons: He is a major candidate so I don't need to say much. He is currently a Democrat State Representative representing District 55.  There has been some speculation that he is not running to win but to increase name recognition in order to later challenge Steve Dickerson for his state senate seat. For more see, John Ray Clemmons for Mayor.

John Cooper

John Cooper:  I am supporting John Cooper.  He is a Democrat and the brother of Jim Cooper but in this case I am not going to hold that against him.  John Cooper may be the last sane Democrat left.  I watch almost every Council meeting and study the issues. I have been impressed with John Cooper ever since he began serving.  He has become an expert on Metro's finances. He knows Metro government like the back of his hand.  I don't know his views on building the wall or abortions or medicare for all or Agenda 21, and I don't much care.  Those are national issues. The most important issue facing us as voters for mayor is that we need to get our financial house in order and we need to select the person most qualified and committed to doing that. That is John Cooper.  Metro is the city in the nation with the highest debt per capita of any city.  Our police and fire are understaffed and Metro Schools are underfunded but we are not under taxed. Our local media would be focused on these issues if we had a mayor advocating a tax increase. There could be hysteria created if it served to advance an agenda. John Cooper knows what is wrong and has pledged to fix it. For more see John Cooper for Mayor.

Bernie Cox: He is a person with successes and recognition, apparently in the construction business and the entertainment business. He describes himself as conservative. This is apparently his first time running for office. Link.

Jimmy Lawrence: I can't find anything about him.

Jon Sewell: I can't find anything.

Nolan O.Starnes: He is African-American, has a criminal record but says he has turned his life around. He is a Hemp farmer. He is concerned about gentrification and says he will keep Nashville's New Transit Plan as a priority. His focus seems to be on the plight of low-income Nashvillians. For more see Nolan Starnes for Mayor.

Carol Swain: I like Carol Swain. I feel I know her. She has a compelling life story.  She courageously stood up to liberal intimidation as a professor at Vanderbuilt University.  However, I won't be voting for her. I did in 2018 when she was the only reasonable alternative to David Briley.  Before John Cooper got in the race, I thought she again was going to be the only real alternative. I contributed to her campaign.

She is a devout Christian, a scholar, an author, and a pundit advocating conservative policies. However, I think John Cooper is a better candidate. He has been in the trenches fighting for fiscal sanity in Nashville.  Despite Swain's conservatism, I am don't think she is the person we need for mayor at this time. Also, I just don't see how she can win. There is no path to victory.  As conservatives we must face the fact that Nashville is a very liberal city and more liberal by the day. Swain's position on issues such as homosexuality, immigration, the nature of Islam and her critique of the damaging effects of our welfare state, would make her unelectable by Nashville's progressives. There are, however, liberals who would vote for fiscal responsibility. To decide to support John Cooper over Carol Swain was not an easy decision, but I am firmly convince that it is the right decision.  See Carol Swain for Mayor and do a search engine search and you can find her commentaries and YouTube videos and much more.

Erica Gilmore

Candidates for Vice mayor

The vice mayor conducts council meeting and makes committee appointments and if the mayors office become vacant, the vice mayor become mayor. There are three candidates for vice mayor.

Erica Gilmore: She is an at-large member of the Metro Council.. She was elected to that seat in 2015. She previously represented District 19 from 2007 to 2015. Gilmore was a candidate for mayor of Nashville, Tennessee. Gilmore was defeated in the special election on May 24, 2018. See link.

Jim Shulman

Robert Sawyers, Sr.: I can't find anything about him. Sawyers was an independent candidate for Governor of Tennessee in 2018. He was a  candidate for State House, 54th District, in 2016. 
 
Jim Shulman: Shulman is the current Vice mayor. Prior to that he served as an at-large council member and prior to that he was a district council members. He conducts meetings fairly and has a long list of civic engagements. I will be voting for Jim Shulman.

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SEIU Local 205 endorses David Briley and Erica Gilmore and Harold Love

by Rod Williams - The union that represents most Metro employees except for Police, Firemen and teachers has made their endorsements and I am very pleased. There was no chance the union would endorse anyone who wanted to increase government efficiency and cut government waste. A more efficient government is not in the interest of a public sector union. Since they were not going to endorse anyone interested in a more efficient government, they did the next best thing and endorsed three big-spending candidates. Endorsing three candidates is about as good as endorsing no candidate. They endorsed David Briley, Erica Gilmore and Harold love. Below is the SEIU press release.

Press release - The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 205 announces their recommended candidates for Nashville’s Mayoral special election, which is to be held on May 24th, 2018.

The candidates were chosen by a committee of union members who work for Metro Government or for Metro Nashville Public Schools – all of whom are residents of Davidson County.

Because there are multiple candidates who have been strong supporters of Metro employees and of working families, SEIU Local 205 recommends Mayor David Briley, Metro Council Member Erica Gilmore, and State Representative Harold Love
.
Mayor David Briley has been a strong supporter of Metro employees throughout his tenure on the Metro Council and as Vice Mayor, and he has always been an advocate for making sure Nashville’s prosperity is shared by everyone.

Erica Gilmore was one of the first Metro Council members to speak up to defend Nashville General Hospital and she has been an advocate for holding businesses accountable for public tax incentives they have received.

State Representative Harold Love has fought hard to protect Nashville from overreach by the state legislature and he has been a strong supporter of a living wage in the “Fight for $15” campaign.

All three have been strong defenders of Nashville General Hospital and of the Bordeaux long term care facility.

Election Day for the Mayor’s race will be on Thursday, May 24th. Early voting is from Friday, May 4th until Saturday, May 19th. Complete information on early voting dates and voting locations is available from the Davidson County Election Commission at 615-862-8800.

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Erica Gilmore switches sides, now opposes the transit plan.

by Rod Williams - Erica Gilmore, an at-large member of the Metro Council and candidate for mayor, who voted in the Council in favor of the $9billlion transit plan has switched sides and says she no longer supports the plan. She made the announcement on Monday April 9th, two days before early voting begins April 11. Brenda Gilmore had not only voted for the plan in the Metro Council, she sponsored the legislation that put the question on the May 1 ballot and had advocated for the plan's passage. She was the proponent of the plan in a WKRN News 2 debate that aired in February. As early as two weeks ago she was still advocating for the plan.

Erica Gilmore

Erica Gilmore is African-American and high profile. Her opposition could be a major blow to the transportation plan.  The Black vote is crucial to passage of the plan.  The election is May 1 and that is the Democrat primary, which in Davidson County is tantamount to the election. Courthouse officials, such as County Court Clerk, Juvenile Court Clerk, Sheriff  and some judges will be nominated in the Democrat primary to run in the August general election.  Since Republicans will not be fielding candidates, those who win the Democrat primary on May 1, will run unopposed in August. Traditionally, in the Democrat primary and off-elections in general in Nashville, Blacks turn out is higher than white turn out.

There has arisen serious opposition to the $9 billion transit plan in the Black community. Some  of the opposition is the same as in the larger community, that it is too costly and ignores modern technological changes that is changing the face of transportation. Of concern to many in the Black community is that a fixed rail system on major thoroughfares will not benefit them.  They see a greater need for a better bus system. There is also a concern that the transit plan will further the process of gentrification.

In the race for mayor, David Briley who was elevated to the office of mayor when Mayor Megan Barry plead guilty to a felony and resigned, is running for election to the office of mayor for a one year term to complete the unexpired term of Mayor Barry.  Ten other people are also seeking the office. Many will feel that Briley should be retained in the office for the remainder of Barry's term just so we do not have four different mayors in the span of a little over a year. With eleven candidates for mayor, I do not think Briley can win without a runoff. The way I see it, the person most likely to make the runoff is Erica Gilmore. While she is not my choice to oppose Briley, I think she is most likely to be the Briley alternative.

David Briley is an enthusiastic supporter of  the proposed transit plan. Weather Erica Gilmore has had her mind changed as the debate has brought new facts to light or if it is a calculated move to benefit her in her race against Briley, I don't know. Either way, it is welcome.

At yesterday's press conference Gilmore said the city's current plan is "unworkable." She also  said the plan before voters "distracts from the things that are most important," such as education funding, affordable-housing shortage and the city's increasing cost of living.

“I can no longer support this particular plan,"  she said. "As hopeful as I had been in the past to make this plan work, I recognize that it is too imperfect. I have concluded that salvaging this plan is currently unworkable. I was definitely trying to make this plan work. But as I talk to more and more citizens, they are not in favor of this plan."

For news coverage of this development see this link, this, and this. 

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Nashville Town Hall meetings on August 22nd, Heritage Foundation or Citizens Action, Jim Dement or Erica Gilmore

From Heritage Foundation:

Members of Congress left Washington for the month of August, but even though they’re back home, few are hosting town hall events to hear from you, their constituents.

So Heritage Action is standing in the gap: bringing education on the critical issues and our message of Congressional accountability to critical cities across the country—including Nashville.
Join Jim DeMint, your neighbors, friends, and other local conservatives at the Heritage Action Nashville town hall meeting.
At the town hall you will:

• Meet your neighbors and friends that are willing to take a stand for conservative principles.
• Hear directly from Jim DeMint on the critical fights facing conservative—and how we can win.
• Get educated on key issues like defunding Obamacare.

At this town hall meeting, you will learn how your voice, when added to the growing chorus of conservatives across the country, can make the all difference.
Don’t miss your exclusive opportunity to meet Heritage President Jim DeMint on August 22nd in Nashville.

What you need to know about the event

Date: August 22, 2013
Time: Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Boulevard, Franklin, TN 37067
Cost: Free for conservatives. RSVP required.  The Nashville event has reached its maximum capacity and they are no longer accepting new RSVPs. 

I waited too late and will be unable to attend. There is always this event:

From Mary Mancini of Citizens Action:

“A TENNESSEE FOR ALL” TOWN HALL TO COUNTER MIDDLE-TENNESSEE VISIT BY DIVISIVE JIM DEMINT AND HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Senator Estes Kefauver and Health Care Advocates to Fight for Obamacare’s Important New Affordable and Accessible Health Care Protections for Thousands of Tennessee Families

WHAT: Tennessee Citizen Action’s “A Tennessee for All” Town Hall is a direct response to the extremism that Jim Demint and Heritage Action for America (aka The Heritage Foundation) are bringing to middle-Tennessee this week with their “Defund Obamacare Town Hall Tour.” Heritage Action for America are coming to town to rail against Obamacare and to spread a message of obstruction. Our message? We want to engage with government and create solutions that work for everyone.
WHO:

• Senator Estes Kefauver – Consumer protection, antitrust, and civil rights pioneer (portrayed by Greg Welsch)
• Molly Secours – Writer/Filmmaker (www.mollysecours)
• Michele Johnson – Executive Director, Tennessee Justice Center (http://www.tnjustice.org)
• Councilwoman Erica Gilmore
• Kelly Gregory – Breast Cancer Survivor
• Clare Sullivan – Nurse Practitioner
• Sam Rutherford – Student

WHEN: Thursday, August 22, 2013; Registration at 6:00 PM; Town Hall from 6:30 – 7:30 PM
WHERE: UAW Local 737, 6207 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee 

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Video, summary of Council meeting of 8/20/2013 with commentary

To link to the agenda, staff analysis and my commentary follow this link.

This meeting is an hour long.  When you let just anything pass unanimously you can have some short meetings. 

Councilman Chris Harman is elected President Pro Tem of the Council. He is unopposed. President Pro Tem conducts the council meetings in the absence of the Vice Mayor.

Councilman Walter Hunt is elected unopposed to Chair the Planning Zoning and Historical Committee of the Council. This is one of the few council committees in which the Chair is elected by the body. Most committee chairmen are picked by the Vice Mayor. This gives him a seat on the Planning Commission.

Councilman Frank Harrison is elected unopposed to Chair the Traffic and Parking Committee of the Council. That also gives him a seat on the Traffic and Parking Commission.

Confirmation of Mayor's appointees to Boards and Commissions: All appointee's are approved except for one which was differed and no explanation was given why the one appointee was deferred.  Most likely the appointee was absent. The council does not take seriously the task of confirming appointees and just rubber stamps whom ever the Mayor appoints. The appointees views and qualifications are never questioned.

Council member Gilmore recognizes Dr. Lawson a civil rights leader from the 60's. (See 13:45)

The Consent Agenda:
All of the resolutions except for one memorializing resolution are on the consent agenda.

Included on the consent agenda was the Gilmore resolution expressing the will of the Council opposing sequestration, any budget cuts and calling for raising taxes on the rich and the raising corporate income tax. I am  totally disgusted that no one, even the so called conservatives and self identified Republicans on the Council voted against this resolution . To read my more detailed commentary and to read the actual resolution follow this link: Council passes unanimously a bill urging no budget cut and more taxes!

Resolutions are put on the consent agenda if they pass the committee to which they were assigned unanimously and if no one ask to have them removed.

Resolutions not on the Consent Agenda:  Resolution 665 establishes a "Residential Caucus."  I do not see the logic of this at all. This would be the full council since everyone serves residents. The rules committee voted against it 5-2. The sponsor defers it indefinitely after making a plea for it . (see 19:50-25:27).

Bills on First Reading: First reading is an introduction of a bill and bills are not referred to committee until they pass first reading. All bills on First Reading are considered as group and usually are not discussed. However, in a highly unusual move,  BILL NO. BL2013-523 is pulled and considered separately.

This is an absolutely terrible bill that would establish a Community Benefits Agreement which would establish quotas for hiring and establish "competitive wages" be paid on construction projects that involve metro. The administration would not sign off of the bill as to the availability of funds saying they could not determine the cost and saying there were legal problems with the bill. The bill passes by voice vote.  That vote should not to taken to mean that most council members support the bill.  Some may have voted for it simply to respect the tradition of the Council and let the bill move forward. (See 26:30-32:35)

Bills on Second Reading:

Bill Number BL2013-517 is the racial and female set aside bill for construction projects involving metro.  It passes on voice vote. This is a bad bill that should have been defeated. If I would have been in the Council, I would have asked to be recorded as voting "no".  On the request of five Council members, a roll call vote can be taken. Why did they not demand a roll call machine vote?  I am more disgusted with the self identified Republicans on the Council with each passing day.  I see absolutely no point in electing self identified Republicans or conservatives if they will not take a stand. (see 32:40-36:25)

Bills on Third Reading: 
Bill BL2012-103  to rezone some property in Antioch to allow an asphalt plant Councilman Dominy does a good job explaining the bill. It passes 30 yes, 4 no, 2 abstention. (see 39:30-47:55)

 

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