Former mayoral candidate Jeremy Kane endorses David Fox

Fox, left, listens as Jeremy Kane announces his endorsement.

This afternoon, former mayoral candidate Jeremy Kane endorsed David Fox for mayor. They made the  announcement at about 2 p.m. at the James C. Cayce Homes public housing complex in east Nashville off Shelby Street.

“This was a tough decision for me,” said Kane. “On August 7, I obviously became an undecided voter and I really wanted to take my time and think about this. Ultimately the decision came down to looking at the issues I cared most about,” he said. “For me, this is a personal decision. I’ve been impressed throughout this campaign by what he’s stood for, the issues he’s pushed to the forefront, and so ultimately, this became a very easy decision that not only did I want to vote for David but come out publicly and show my support for him,” he explained.

"Jeremy Kane brought tremendous compassion and intellect to his campaign for mayor," said Fox. "I am honored by his endorsement and his willingness to share his talents and energy with Fox for Nashville."




Jeremy Kane and David Fox share a commitment to education excellence and improving education in Nashville and to advancing school choice.

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Jeremy Kane panders to Seniors

Press release - Jeremy Kane’s campaign for mayor today announced his ambitious plan to make seniors a priority as mayor. His latest TV ad, unveiled today, highlights his commitment to prioritizing seniors and the issues that matter most to them.

Since his announcement in October, and at over fifty debates and forums, Kane has shared his ideas to make seniors a priority. With the release of his plan today, Kane continues to be the only candidate focused on making our seniors a priority.

“While our city is thriving, many senior citizens are being left behind. As your next Mayor, I plan to change that and it begins with making our seniors a priority. My plan brings innovative solutions to ensure they have the full support of our government and better coordination with our non-profit groups who care for and serve them. When I’m mayor, no one will ever question my commitment to those who helped make Nashville the city we love.”

Kane’s plan highlights four priorities: increasing the local match for the property tax abatement program for seniors struggling with rising property taxes; a rapid response team within his Office of Neighborhoods, Non-profits, and Faith to coordinate resources within government and our non-profit sector to increase outreach to our city’s growing aging population; increased funding for the Police Department and District Attorney’s Office to prevent, investigate, and prosecute elder abuse; and support for innovative transportation options that incorporate universal design and assistive technologies, to help serve the unique challenges of our aging population.

I thought millennials, women, children,  LGBTQs, small business owners, Hispanics, Blacks, minorities, single mothers, immigrants, crime, schools, and neighborhoods were going to be priorities? I get it. We are a priority; not the priority. How many priorities can you have? Doesn't it seem that if everything is a priority, then really nothing is a priority?  As a senior citizen, I want to know where will I rank in your list of priorities? Will seniors rank higher than LGBTQ?  Will we seniors rank higher than millennials? Will seniors rank higher than education?  I want to see a ranking!

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Bill Freeman makes a LOT of $$, but all of the mayoral canididates do OK.

The Tennesssean had an article this morning reporting on the results of an examination of the tax return of all of the mayoral candidates.  All of the candidates voluntarily released their income tax returns. All except Howard Gentry are married and filed joint returns, so the income is for both husband and wife except for Gentry. Here is the adjusted gross income for each of the candidates ranked from most income to least:

Bill Feeman: $2,412,451
Linda Eskind Rebrovick: $963,883
David Fox: $643,254
Charles Robert Bone: $255,282
Megan Barry: $243,144
Jeremy Kane: $227,596
Howard Gentry: $130,522

 Bill Freeman make a lot of money and all of them make a lot more than the average person.  I don't really think that is important and is not one of the criteria that would influence me in determining for whom I vote. However I do like knowing, just in a nosy sort of curious way, not that I think it is an important fact.  To read the full Tennessean article follow this link.

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Rep. Harold Love Jr. endorses Jeremy Kane for mayor

Harold Love Jr. endorses Jeremy Kane for mayor

Unlike the Black leaders who endorsed Bill Freeman but were on the Freeman payroll, as far as I know, this was not a purchased endorsement. Harold Love is not on the payroll of the Kane for mayor campaign.

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1st Quarter report on who is contributing to Jeremy Kane

Jeremy Kane

Quite a few out of State contributions

 

I  have examined Mr. Kane's 1st quarter report which is for the period that ended March 31st, 2015, which had a report due date of April 10th. Mr. Kane began the quarter with a balance on hand of $271,084, had receipts of $127,714, and ended the period with a balance on hand of $352,177. The candidate has loaned his campaign no money. He had unitemized contributions of $5,000. Contributions of not over $100 do not have to be itemized. Below are the contributions of interest.

The Kane campaign received $1,000 from a Mr. Dave Alexander with DBI Beverage Inc. of Sacramento, CA. He receive $500 from Todd Anderson of Wilmington, DE employed by  Morgan Stanley and $1,000 from John Anderson of Los Angeles, CA employed by Topa Equities. John Anderson is the son of John Edward Anderson who was one of the 400 richest people in America.

Jim Ayers, CEO of First Bank contributed $1,500 and Janet Ayers president of Ayers Assets contributed $1,500. Linda Bond of St. Louis, MO contributed $1,500 and Christopher Bond, owner of Bond Strategies of the same address as Linda Bond, contributed $1,500. Christopher Bond is the former Governor of Missouri and Republican Senator who represented Missouri for four terms.

Frank Bumstead, Analyst with Flood Bunstead Mead contributed $1,500 and Ann Bumstead of the same address contributed $1,500. Real Estate developer Rick Carlton contributed $1,500 and Andrea Carlton of the same address contributed $1,500 this reporting period for a cumulative amount of $5,500 from this household.

Edward Dobbs, Executive with Dobbs Equity Partners of Memphis and Cynthia Dobbs of the same address in Memphis contributed $1,500. John Hull Dobbs, CEO of Cobbs Equity contributed $1,500 and Susan Dobbs of the same address contributed $1,500.

Tim Downey who is CEO of Southern Land Company and Denise Downey who is a homemaker at the same address, each contributed $1,500. Council member Emily Evans contributed an additional $1,000 for a cumulative contribution so $1,500.

A Memphis couple by the name of Glenn Floyd, who is a residential builder, and Kirby Dobbs Floyd contributed $1,500 each. Michael Gains of Clearwater Florida  who is President of GSL contributed $1,500. Real Estate developer Bill Hawkings gave $1500.

Four individuals with the last name of "Hodge," all employed by the pay day lender Advance Financial each  made additional contributions of $750 for a cumulative contribution of $1,500 each or $6,000 from the Hodges of Advance Financial.

Investor Oman Bond with Oman Gibson Associates and homemaker Amy Oman of the same address contributed $1,500 each. H. G. Hill PAC contributed and additional $500 for a cumulative contribution of $2,500. AGC PAC located at 6070 Popular St, suite 750 in Memphis, which is the same address as that of Mr. John Hull, contributed an additional $1,500 for a cumulative contribution of $7,500.

Three people employed by Thompson Machinery, President John Thomspon, CEO Dewitt Thompson , IV, and President Dewitt Thompson V, each contributed $1,500.

I don't know who most of these people are and listed only those that I found interesting because of their out-of-town address or because multiple contributions came from people associated with the same company.  There may be others contributors that would be of as much interest. I encourage those who may be curious to look at the online financial disclosure. If you find a contribution of interest or have an insight on who some of the people are who are contributing to Mr. Kane's campaign, please leave a comment.

Below is what I posed following the examination of Mr. Kane's initial financial disclosure.

A review of this report shows the following contributions of interest: For the report period ending January 15th, 2015, Jeremy Kane starts his campaign with no money on hand, shows receipts of $310,381, expenditures of $39,297 and a balance of hand at the end of the campaign report period of $271, 084. As of this report, his campaign does not show any campaign loans. He has not put any of his own money into the campaign.

Below are the contributions I found of interest in his report. By no means am I the most well-connected political person in town, so others may find significant contributors that I overlooked or did not know of their significance. If you are an important civic-minded person reading this or someone seeking to maximize your influence and I didn't mention your name, please don't be offended. If you are a reader who wants to see for yourself who contributed to the Kane campaign, follow this link.

Kane's contributors come from a broad category of occupations.  There is no one profession that dominates like the numerous Vanderbilt professors who contributed to Megan Barry campaign or the many attorneys who contributed to Charles Robert Bone.

Kane received $6,000 from AGC PAC located at 6070 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN. I do not know who AGC PAC is and a Google search shows only Dobbs Management Service at that address. I have contacted the Kane campaign asking for clarification.

There is no first name listed but the last name of a contributor is “36 Venture Capital” who gave $3,000, and also Mr. David Freeman CEO of 38 Venture Capital and his wife Melissa gave another $3000.

Other contributors on interest are Attorney Nicholas D. Bailey $300; attorney George Cate, one of the founding fathers of Metro Nashville Davidson County $250; super lawyer and Republican Lew Conner $3000; Colleen Welch, retired Dean at Vanderbilt School of Nursing and widow of the late Ted Welch, who was one of the largest Republican fund raisers in the nation, gave $3,000.

May Dean Eberling who was the first Executive Director of the Metropolitan Historical Commission and a former Director of the Nashville Arts Commission and on the board of numerous non-profits contributed $534.  I also think she had some other important position in the administration of Richard Fulton. Why such an odd dollar amount, I have no idea.

Fred Dettwiller, CEO of Det Distributing and his wife Kathryn gave a total of $6,000 to the Kane campaign. Dettwiller also contributed to $1,500 to the Fox campaign. I guess he is hedging his bet. Butch Eley is another contributor contributing to more than one candidate for mayor. He gave $1,000 to the Kane campaign and his wife gave $750, but he also gave $250 to the Megan Barry campaign. School Board member Mary Pierce contributed $500 to the Kane campaign but also contributed to $500 to the David Fox campaign.

Council member Emily Evans contributed $500. The Waller Lansden PAC gave $1,500 and the  H. G. Hill PAC gave $2,000. Show PAC located at 2033 Richard Jones Rd gave $7,400. I do not know who Show PAC is or their purpose but the treasurer is listed as Steve B. Smith and the address is that of home builder and realtors Haury and Smith.

Retried Senator Doug Henry gave $200. Martha Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Industries, gave $3,000. I don’t know if David and Sarah Ingram are related to Martha Ingram or not but they gave a combined total of $6,000.

Representative Harold Love gave $250. Adam Nickas, former Executive Director of the Tennessee Repubican Party and now a lobbyist with Captol Resources gave $500.

Kane got a few contributions from out of state but nothing of much significants.

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The big Belmont mayoral debate. Who won?

Last night was the night of the big mayoral debate at Belmont University sponsored by The Tennessean and WSMV-TV Channel 4.  Unfortunately I was unable to watch the debate. It was live-streamed but I was otherwise occupied. Fortunately, it is achieved on YouTube. Here it is.


The format of this debate is such that not each candidate gets to answer each question but any candidate can give a quick rebuttal to what another candidate says. With seven candidates in the race, there  is no way to have a real debate unless it lasted hours and hours then no one would watch it, so this is probably about as good of a format as one could have. Also, since most of the candidates are saying the same thing, there is no point to hearing seven candidates say the same thing but just saying it a little differently. Here are some highlights:

Transit and the AMP: Megan Barry says she would chase federal dollars to get transit funding and that sidewalks would go some where. Bone did not say anything much different and said we need a local transit plan and a regional transit plan. David Fox said we must find ways to have the private sector meet some of our transit needs.

The Education Gap between the good schools and the bad schools. David Freeman Howard Gentry get asked this question and neither one answer it. Freeman says the Mayor cannot do much about our schools except be a cheerleader and he says our teachers are not getting a fair shake by all the criticism of our public schools. Gentry doesn't say anything of importance either.  Kane, Fox, Bone and Barry give a rebuttal but one can't say much in one minuet. Fox says the mayor can be very important in influencing school policy.  Megan Barry calls for universal pre-K which confirms why I think she is the worst choice for Mayor. Young children from two-parent middle class or privileged families who have parents that read to their children, give them experiences and engage them, do not need pre-K while kids living in the projects may benefit. Why make pre-K universal rather than focus on where it may actually do some good?

The move of the jail and police headquarters to Antioch and Jefferson St..  Kane and Rebrovick are asked how they would have handled this. Kane says we should start from the neighborhood up and not impose things on neighborhoods. Rebrovick gives a lame answer not addressing the question.

How much would you invest and how would you pay for mass transit: Fox says he cannot come up with a dollar amount and say lets spend that amount. He says we need to come up with a plan, see what we need, what we can afford and sequence that. He again says he would seek private sector partners. I like his answer. Gentry gives a lame answer and says he would seek regional funding. Kane says, "whatever it takes."  Rebrovick offers a rebuttal and says we need to use smart technology.

I am discontinuing my question-by-question report. You can watch the debate for yourself. To save time you can watch it in double time and not lose content, if you know how to do that. Here are some highlights and impression:

• Megan Barry says she would put more money into the office of neighborhoods and gives an endorsement of NashvilleNext.
• Howard Gentry in addressing the proposed $100 Million flood wall ask a question I have wondered about. He says the water diverted from flooding downtown by the wall has to go somewhere else and he would want to know who would be negatively impacted by protecting downtown from a flood. He says the flood wall needs more study.
• Freeman says he is frustrated that the first he knew of the flood wall proposal was when he read it in the newspaper. He says there needs to be discussion and debate before something like this happens. 
• Freeman says we need to pay our police, fireman and city workers more, especially the police.
• Gentry says what happened in Baltimore could happen in Nashville and we need to address inequality.
• Are we investing too much too quickly and should the public be concerned? No, says Gentry; Kane says we must invest in education and transit but does not answer the question; Bone says keep the momentum going and quotes the Bible as he often does; and Barry says we need to take the growth all of the way to the county line.
• Megan says everybody should have transit to get them wherever they want to go.
• Rebrovick keeps pushing synchronized traffic lights.
• Fox is the only candidate who expresses concern about our city's debt obligations.

All of the candidates are personable and seem like friendly, likable people. Charles bone is quick on his feet with zingers and is quick to quote the Bible. Just judging the candidates on performance as a campaign speaker, I think Bone is probably the best one to play the role of a mayoral candidate. Freeman seems like the closest to a good ole boy, backslapping politician and someone you might want to have a beer with.

Fox makes fewer bold and visionary statements and is a little less charismatic than some of the other candidates. When asked to name a song that would make a statement about their campaign, Fox could not come up with anything. I am not sure I could either on the spur of the moment, but anything would have been better than just passing on the question. It is a shame that debate moderators ask such stupid questions. These forums should be about who can best manage the city and what political values a candidate subscribes to rather than questions of the "boxer or briefs" category.  Fox seems the most thoughtful and cautious of the candidates but in a day of massive attention deficit disorder where campaigns more closely resemble a Miss America Beauty contest, Fox's thoughtfulness and intellect may not be an advantage.

Having watched this debate and several others forums and having read the position papers of the candidates and visited the websites of the candidates and knowing something of their record, I have come to the conclusion that Megan Barry would be the least desirable of the candidates to have as mayor, and David Fox would be the best.  The other candidates are kind of lumped together somewhere between.

Fox seems the candidate most concerned that we may be overextending our indebtedness, the most open to seeking private sector solutions to problems, and the only candidate to express respect for private property rights and concern about the abuse of eminent domain. For sometime my support for Fox has been growing but I have been reluctant to reach a conclusion that he was the candidate I would vote for until I knew more about all of the candidates. I met one-on-one with Fox recently and talked with him for a little over an hour and am convinced that he is the best candidate and is absolutely genuine and has deeply held believes about the proper function of government and how the city should be managed. He would not be the mayor that would offer shiny new projects as much as a mayor who would protect our bond rating, use common sense to solve problems, and repair our crumbling infrastructure.

To read the Tennessean report on the debate, if you can get behind their pay wall, follow this link and another Tennessean report at this link. To see The WSMV Chanel 4 report follow this link.

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Kane courts the LGBTQ+ vote.

Kane Press Release - Jeremy Kane held the latest in a series of working lunches today speaking with LGBTQ+ Nashvillians to discuss issues that affect the community and how to make Nashville a more inclusive home for all. The working lunch is the latest in a series held by the mayoral candidate to allow leaders in various communities to share their concerns and ideas with the next mayor of Nashville.

“LGBTQ+ Nashvillians make great contributions to Nashville but they face unique challenges,” said Kane. “As Nashville’s next mayor, I want to hear directly from every community in Nashville and the LGBTQ+ community is no exception. My administration will be accessible, and the LGBTQ+ community, whether on LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, or inequity in public services, will be given a voice.”

Attendees included representatives from the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Tennessee Equality Project, The Brooks Fund, Unite Magazine, the Oasis Center, and the Middle Tennessee Transgender Support Group, and Parker Camp, a former openly-gay NCAA athlete.

Working lunches, along with the Just Jeremy town hall series and other efforts, are one of many ways.

My Comment: I knew what LGBT was an acronym for. That is lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender. I did not know what "Q+" added to the LGBT was. That was new one. I found this definition: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and other identities.

LGBPTTQQIIAA+: any combination of letters attempting to represent all the identities in the queer community, this near-exhaustive one (but not exhaustive) represents Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Intergender, Asexual, Ally - See more at: http://itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2013/01/a-comprehensive-list-of-lgbtq-term-definitions/#sthash.uSRYXmvJ.dpuf

LGBPTTQQIIAA+: any combination of letters attempting to represent all the identities in the queer community, this near-exhaustive one (but not exhaustive) represents Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Intergender, Asexual, Ally - See more at: http://itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2013/01/a-comprehensive-list-of-lgbtq-term-definitions/#sthash.uSRYXmvJ.dpuf

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Jeremy Kane is concered we don't all feel relevant

Vote for Jeremy Kane. He will make you feel
Relevant! He will make you feel welcome! Jeremy
Kane will make you feel valued!
Vote Kane - the "feel good" candidate.

Jeremy Kane press release - Mayoral Candidate Jeremy Kane yesterday hosted a group of local community leaders to identify and focus on resolving unique issues and challenges faced by Nashville’s seniors. The meeting was part of a series of working group meetings Kane has convened to foster collaborative thinking on issues of importance to our city.

Rebuilding Together Nashville Executive Director Becky Carter led those in attendance in a lively discussion about how Nashville’s youth and seniors can better collaborate to ensure that all feel relevant, have access to valuable city services and public transportation, and feel safe and welcome in their respective neighborhoods. Also attending were leaders from FiftyForward, the Council on Aging, and the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee as well as others who work among seniors.

“I’ve heard concerns raised at my town hall meetings and elsewhere that the contributions of our seniors to the community are not as valued as they should be, and that their rights to quality city services and affordable housing should be more recognized and honored,” said Kane. “These working group events are an effort to bring interested parties around a table to work through issues and share ideas that help us foster the notion that we can create a city where we all can contribute to and participate in our city's success. We will create a 'Nashville Together' when we bring diverse perspectives and people together to solve our common concerns."

Working lunches, such as this, a previous lunch discussing equal pay for women, and upcoming lunches, along with Kane’s “Just Jeremy” town halls are all part of Kane’s efforts to inspire a more cohesive sense of community by highlighting what we can do as "Nashville Together."

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1ST TUESDAY welcomes 2 more 1ST-TIER candidates for MAYOR -- bring your questions for Charles Robert Bone and Jeremy Kane

From Tim Skow:

1ST TUESDAY members, friends and guests... WHAT AN EXCITING TIME IN POLITICS IN NASHVILLE !!! Hope you're ready... cause an avalanche of political ads are about to appear on your TV, blast out from your radio and invade your mail box & computer screens !! [ some will make you wonder if they're talking about us ! ]

BUT..... nothing coming to you via the airwaves can possibly approach meeting top-tier candidates for Mayor in person, sizing them up and asking the questions that REALLY matter to you !!!

On Tuesday, May 5th we welcome Mr. Bone and Mr. Kane to 1ST TUESDAY. Both

Charles Robert Bone

men had compelling personal stories when I met with each of them last week. Both men have supporters who are 1ST TUESDAY members and friends. They see unique futures for our city... different problems...and certainly have different plans to for spending the Nashville's roughly $1,900,000,000 budget !!

Here's what could be your last chance to get up close and to size these 2 candidates up in what will be an interesting and complex environment ! SO...what do want to ask them?

Jeremy Kane

AS "usual"... we will meet at WALLER Law [511 Union St - where parking under the building is just $5 if you let them know you've been at our event]. Doors OPEN at 11AM. Lunch at 11:30 an is still $20 for Members/ $25 for Guests who secure their seats via the 1ST TUESDAY website [www.1sttuesdaynashville.com and click on"Join Us" ] Program starts at Noon sharp and our noted Q&A session will end at
1:00PM.

Both candidates plan to remain awhile for those of you who wish to talk to them. Hope to see you on Tuesday !
Thanks,
Tim Skow
Host of 1ST TUESDAY
PLEASE.... if you're coming...register for lunch as soon as possible. It certainly helps with ordering the correct quantities for lunch.

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Jeremy Kane "extreamly disappointed" State Failed to Grant In-State Tuition to "Dreamers"

Jeremy Kane

Kane Press Release - Nashville is responsible for educating one of the largest populations of undocumented children in the State of Tennessee. We undertake this responsibility because it is first and foremost the right thing to do, but we also know that our new immigrant neighbors are part of the reason Nashville is thriving today. We dedicate millions of dollars in resources making sure all of Nashville's children are college and career ready. I have seen first-hand the progress and success of these students and their families. I have sat in their living rooms, worked with them in the classroom, and graduated 100% of seniors at LEAD Academy. Many seniors hope to attend one of Tennessee’s great colleges or universities. Today, the Tennessee House of Representatives put another hurdle in their way.

 

I am extremely disappointed that the Tennessee House of Representatives failed to pass legislation that would make undocumented children eligible for in-state tuition and thus rendering null and void much of our daily education efforts. What is more painful is that this extraordinary legislative loss was delivered at the hands of several Davidson County representatives who know, or should know, the daily struggle of these kids and their hope to contribute to our community. I want to thank Rep. Harold Love, Rep. John Ray Clemmons, Rep. Jason Powell, Rep. Sherry Jones, Rep. Brenda Gilmore, Rep. Bill Beck, and Rep. Mike Stewart for their presence and courageous vote this afternoon.

 

As Mayor I will ask for this legislation to be taken up again. At the time of the vote, I will do whatever I can to make sure our entire delegation is present. Our kids and our community deserve nothing less.

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Kane Campaign Announces Campaign Team. Nashville-Based Team Has Record of Local Success.

Jeremy Kane

Press release - The Jeremy Kane for Mayor campaign today announced new additions to its campaign team with deep Nashville roots.

Seasoned political operative Siobhan Harley has joined the campaign as deputy campaign manager. Veteran communication strategist, Mike Kopp, will assist with communications and direct mail. Alan Seacrest, a nationally-recognized pollster and former executive director of the Tennessee Democratic Party, will serve as the campaign’s pollster. Brandon Tucker and Nate Lerner are now leading the campaign’s cutting-edge field operation.

Giovanni Hashimoto joins to work on a portfolio including digital, press, and campus outreach.

The new additions join campaign manager Darden Copeland of the Calvert Street Group, Linus Catignani who is leading the fund-raising efforts with the help of Finance Chair David Ingram, Treasurer Pam Martin, and former Councilmember Vivian Wilhoite. In addition, local creative agency, Mountain, is providing support on digital strategy, web development, and engagement, while local video production company, Make It Pop!, has produced web videos for the campaign.

“We’re well on our way to building a grassroots campaign that will reach everybody in every neighborhood,” said Jeremy Kane. “I’m proud to have the support of a talented and diverse team that understands campaigns are won with front-porch conversations and a commitment to the values that make Nashville great. They represent the best in their fields. I’m excited to work together to build a better Nashville for all of us.”

Siobhan Harley, Deputy Campaign Manager, manages public affairs campaigns at the Calvert Street Group. Previously, she ran the successful underdog campaign of Tampa’s current Mayor Bob Buckhorn and later served as Special Assistant to the Mayor where she led efforts to increase transparency, innovation, and citizen engagement. Her prior experience also includes Obama's 2008 presidential race as well as a handful of state and local campaigns.

Mike Kopp, veteran communication strategist brings more than 30 years of experience from creative, corporate, and political initiatives. Kopp served eight years as the communications director and press secretary for Al Gore. He has been involved in more than 250 corporate and political campaigns. He is currently a Partner in the All Good Factory, an artist management agency based in Nashville, and was instrumental in saving Studio A and Music Row.

Alan Seacrest, brings over 30 years experience as a leading national strategist and pollster. He has won statewide, congressional, and mayoral races across the country and in Tennessee, he helped elect former congressmen Lincoln Davis and Gordon as well as former Mayor Bill Purcell. He recently served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party.

Brandon Tucker, a graduate of Fisk University, has made his mark as a leading field operative on campaigns across the country. Tucker comes to the Kane campaign from the United Food and Commercial Workers International where he served as political coordinator. Previously, he served as political director to President Obama’s former Chief of Staff Bill Daley and as deputy field director to Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s election.

Nate Lerner, Field Director, has worked on five campaigns in less than three years, including the 2012 Obama campaign and a Pittsburgh Mayoral race where he helped build and run the largest ground game in the city's history leading to a resounding victory over the establishment backed and better funded candidate. More recently, he oversaw field and political operations in Southwest Arkansas for Mark Pryor's US Senate campaign. An avid fan, he looks forward to watching the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup this year.

Giovanni Hashimoto, Director of Digital Engagement, joined his first political campaign while in high school. His recent experience since includes stints as the communications associate at Ready for Hillary PAC and as the press fellow at the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. He also recently served on the national communications team for the College Democrats of America.

Previous Announced:

• Darden Copeland, Campaign Manager, has worked on presidential, congressional, gubernatorial, and local races in Nashville and across the country. He organized the “Save My Fairgrounds” effort in 2011. 
• David Ingram, Finance Chair, is a Nashville native. He serves as Chairman of Ingram Entertainment, the largest distributor of DVDs and video games in the United States, and is the Founder and Chairman of DBI Beverage Inc., the second largest beer distributor in California. 
• Linus Catignani, Fundraising, is a native of Nashville, Tennessee and partner at LCM Strategies, a social media and online content management company that manages political and non-profit clients. He has led successful fundraising operations for a number of notable Republicans, including Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. 
• Vivian Wilhoite, Outreach, brings over 10 years experience as both an elected official and campaign strategist. She was first elected to Metro Council in 2003 and represented District 29 for eight years. In 2014, she served as a key strategist in District Attorney General Glenn Funk’s successful campaign. 
• Pam Martin, Treasurer, President of Cushion Employer Services and a longtime civic leader, served as co-chair of Mayor Karl Dean's 2007 campaign for mayor, as well as a member of his initial transition team. Martin was appointed by Gov. Bill Haslam to serve on the Tennessee Ethics Commission and has also chaired the Mayor's Minority Business Advisory Council the Metropolitan Tourism Commission. She currently serves on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Mountain, Creative, a Nashville-based team of culture makers, thinkers, problem solvers, and doers that specialize in storytelling through digital strategy, social content development, PR campaigns, strategic partnership alliances, and brand development. 
• Make it Pop, Digital Video Founded in 2012,is focused on creating unique, attention grabbing video, and animation content.

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Candidates ordered to refund runoff campaign funds

by Joey Garrison, The Tennessean, April 16, 2015 - Four Nashville mayoral candidates will have to refund money they prematurely raised for a runoff election they hope to compete in but one that won't necessarily take place. The Davidson County Election Commission on Thursday issued a letter ..... Bill Freeman, Jeremy Kane, Charles Robert Bone and Megan Barry have each raised money for not only their race in August, but also a Sept. 10 runoff that would occur between the top two finishers if no candidate collects at least half the votes. (read more)

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Who has the money in the race for mayor how much does it matter?

I have examined the financial reports of all of the mayoral candidates for the campaign finance report period that ended Jan. 15, 2015. That period started when they filed the form appointing a campaign treasurer so it may have been different for different candidates.  Some candidates, in the case of Megan Barry and Charles Bone, filed a mid-year disclosure back in July 2014 and had funds on hand at the start of this reporting period. I have not examined those reports for the mid-year filing but have requested them from the election commission and will examine them when I get them.

The first quarter report for the period from Jan.16 though March 30th are due to be filed on April 10.  As soon as they are filed and posted by the Election Commission to their website, I will be analyzing them and reported who is supporting which candidate. I think it can be instructive to know where the candidates are getting their money from. It gives you an idea who their friends are and to whom they may be beholding if they get elected and who it is that you know that believes enough in the candidate to financially contribute to the candidate. If someone I admire and respect contributes to a candidate that makes me think they may be worthy of my support.

By all accounts, this will be the most money ever spent on a mayor's race. The seven major candidates are all wealthy and can put mass amounts of money into their campaign. I am not sure how wealthy each are or how much they are willing to risk of their own money but lack of money should not hinder any of them from running a good campaign. Probably by August 7th, we will be sick of TV ads, mail pieces, radio ads and robo calls. But it won't end then unless one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote and with seven major candidates in the race, I don't think anyone will get 50%, so the campaigns will continue a while longer.

Money may not win this race. I assume Bill Freeman is the wealthiest of the candidates and is willing to spend million to win it, but more than an adequate amount of money to spend on the race may not be a big advantage.  No one candidate is permitted to buy up all the available advertising spots on TV and freeze out his competitors.  I am not exactly sure of the rules, but it is my understanding, that if one candidate has pre-bought most of the available TV spots and another candidate wants to buy a spot, then the candidate who had first purchased them, must release them back to the media outlet and they will be made available at the same price to the opponent.

Also, I don't think that once one has received four or five pieces of mail from a candidate that the sixth, seventh or eighths piece has much impact. I am not a campaign professional, but there must be diminishing returns to saturating the voters with your message.

Another factor that makes me think money will not necessarily win this race is that voter turnout will probably be low. It is amazing how few people care about local politics. Among people I know many of them just can't generate much interest in a local election although they may be passionate about national politics. They may want to complain about the quality of schools, or lack of sidewalks or high taxes but they don't care enough to vote in local elections.  If this election coincided with a more high profile race such as a presidential election, then many people would vote for president and then vote for the mayoral candidate who had the most name recognition, but there is nothing to draw people to the polls this election unless they care about local government. Which, in a way, is a good thing. That means the people who do vote are more serious and are not going to be swayed by name recognition alone or a catchy slogan, but are more likely to carefully consider their choices. So, if a candidate has adequate money, more than adequate money may not be of that much help.

Below is the spread sheet of showing the money raised by each candidate. Fox leads the pack now, but that very well may change after the April 10th reports are released. To see what stood out when I examined their financial report, click on their name.  If you would like to see the complete report of a candidate, follow this link.

Candidate	Balance on hand at start	Funds raised	Funds spent	Balance on hand  at end 1/15/2015
Megan Barry	$321,967	$234,572	$109,849	$451,609
Charles Bone	$509,742	$250,224	$268,410	$491,556
Kenneth Eaton	0	0	0	0
David Fox	0	$1,303,030	$256,666	$1,046,363
Bill Freeman	0	$31,500	$30,000	$1500
Jeremy  Kane	0	$310,381	$39,297	$271,084
Linda Rebrovick	0	$658,463	$172,195	$486,268

I will also soon be reporting on the financial contributions to candidates for Vice Mayor, Council-at-large and council district races. I am in the process of reviewing them now. Stay tuned.

If you are a candidate for office, if you will send me your announcements or press releases or position paper on a topic of interest, I will most likely post it. If I post a candidate's press release I will note it as such and my posting of a press release of a candidate should not be construed as my endorsement. I will be making it clear which candidate I am endorsing. I do not generally post annoncememts of funrd raising events except for candiates I support.

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Who is contributing to the Jeremy Kane campaign?

Jeremy Kane

For the report period ending January 15th, 2015, Jeremy Kane starts his campaign with no money on hand, shows receipts of $310,381, expenditures fo $39,297 and a balance of hand at the end of the campaign report period of $271, 084. As of this report, his campaign does not show any campaign loans. He has not put any of his own money into the campaign.

Below are the contributions I found of interest in his report. By no means am I the most well-connected political person in town, so others may find significant contributors that I overlooked or did not know of their significance. If you are an important civic-minded person reading this or someone seeking to maximize your influence and I didn't mention your name, please don't be offended. If you are a reader who wants to see for yourself who contributed to the Kane campaign, follow this link.

Kane's contributors come from a broad category of occupations.  There is no one profession that dominates like the numerous Vanderbilt professors who contributed to Megan Barry campaign or the many attorneys who contributed to Charles Robert Bone.

Kane received $6000 from AGC PAC located at 6070 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN. I do not know who AGC PAC is and a Google search shows only Dobbs Management Service at that address. I have contacted the Kane campaign asking for clarification.

There is no first name listed but the last name of a contributor is “36 Venture Capital” who gave $3000, and also Mr. David Freeman CEO of 38 Venture Capital and his wife Melissa gave another $3000.

Other contributors on interest are Attorney Nicholas D. Bailey $300; attorney George Cate, one of the founding fathers of Metro Nashville Davidson County $250; super lawyer and Republican Lew Conner $3000; Colleen Welch, retired Dean at Vanderbilt School of Nursing and widow of the late Ted Welch, who was one of the largest Republican fund raisers in the nation, gave $3000.

May Dean Eberling who was the first Executive Director of the Metropolitan Historical Commission and a former Director of the Nashville Arts Commission and on the board of numerous non-profits contributed $534.  I also think she had some other important position in the administration of Richard Fulton. Why such an odd dollar amount, I have no idea.

Fred Dettwiller, CEO of Det Distributing and his wife Kathryn gave a total of $6000 to the Kane campaign. Dettwiller also contributed to $1500 to the Fox campaign. I guess he is hedging his bet. Butch Eley is another contributor contributing to more than one candidate for mayor. He gave $1000 to the Kane campaign and his wife gave $750, but he also gave $250 to the Megan Barry campaign. School Board member Mary Pierce contributed $500 to the Kane campaign but also contributed to $500 to the David Fox campaign.

Council member Emily Evans contributed $500. The Waller Lansden PAC gave $1500 and the  HG Hill PAC $2000. Show PAC located at 2033 Richard Jones Rd gave $7400. I do not know who Show PAC is or their purpose but the treasurer is listed as Steve B. Smith and the address is that of home builder and realtors Haury and Smith.

Retried Senator Doug Henry gave $200. Martha Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Industries, gave $3000. I don’t know if David and Sarah Ingram are related to Martha Ingram or not but they gave a combined total of $6000.

Representative Harold Love gave $250. Adam Nickas, former Executive Director of the Tennessee Repubican Party and now a lobbyist with Captol Resources gave $500.

Kane got a few contributions from out of state but nothing of much significants.

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The Mayoral Forum at the Urban Land Institue. David Fox is looking better and better.

Fox's star is rising but I am still listening.

This mayoral forum which occurred on March 24th was organized and sponsored by the Nashville chapter of the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to the responsible use of land and to creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. To learn more about the Urban Land Institute follow the link.

All of the mayoral candidates except Kenneth Eaton took part in the forum.  The candidates each answer five questions; questions about traffic and parking, affordable housing, regional multi-modal mass transit, infrastructure, and the roll of government in building a healthier community.

On most issues the candidates were indistinguishable. Fox scored a point with me when in his comment on affordable housing said, I am more of a "carrot" person rather than a "stick" person and I oppose mandatory requirements on developers making them do things. I could support incentives that entices developers to develop affordable housing by awarding them density bonuses for building affordable housing, he said. He went on to say, it is simplistic to look at affordable housing as simply a "supply" problem, saying it is also a "demand" problem. He said that by improving education, that will negate much of the problem by giving people the means to afford housing.

On the mass transit problem, Bill Freeman scored a point when he said the "AMP was a solution looking for a problem." He said the AMP was a colossal waste of time and that we must look for a regional solution.

Howard Gentry lost a point when he bragged about the Music City Star as a success. These are the facts about the Music City Star:

The commuter line starts 30 miles east of Nashville in Lebanon and runs into downtown. When it launched seven years ago, proponents promised that 750 people per day would ride the train. Yet, an average of less than 550 riders climb aboard daily. And those riders catch a break, because they pay just 15 percent of the total cost to run the train round-­‐trip from Wilson County into downtown and back once per day. Ticket fares are expected to rake in a measly $779,400 this year, a fraction of the train’s $5.1 million operating budget. Where does the rest of the money come from to cover the difference? The pockets of federal and local taxpayers. Nashville taxpayers alone fork over some $1.6 million a year to keep the train on time. The Star has the second worst ridership in the nation. (link)

If Howard Gentry thinks The Star is model for solving our transportation problem, he does not need to be mayor.

Fox scored another point with me when he said the World War II culture of planning is what got us to this point to where we are. "It was a culture that separated everything we do; where we live, where we work and where we shop. It has maximized our need to get in the car and go everywhere." He said we need to encourage nodes of development where you live, work and shop in close areas. I think he is exactly right. What was considered the most enlighten progressive ideas of the time led us to the car-dependent urban sprawl culture of today. I could expound on this with examples but am pleased to see we have a candidate for mayor who recognizes it. Fox went on to say we need to "harness the private sector" in developing mass transit. Fox is looking more and more like my preferred candidate. I would like to see Nashville do something outside the box when it comes to mass transit. Fox appears the only candidate thinking outside the box. To see Fox's remarks about mass transit go to time stamp 49:25.

On the question of health, Jeremy Kane lost a point when he commended the role of Meharry-General hospital. In my view, just as we got out of the nursing home business, it is way past time to get out of the hospital business. For more on this issue follow this link. Bill Freeman scored a point when he said, "I have no idea on how to solve the obesity problem in Nashville."  Sometimes saying you don't have a solution to a problem is the best answer. I am tired of politician claiming they can solve every problem.

I am not yet to the point to where I know who I will support for Mayor but the field is narrowing. Megan Barry was never in the running as far as I am concerned and I am ready to remove Howard Gentry from consideration. Fox gave several answers that pleased me in this forum and said nothing that disappointed me. Fox's star is rising but I am still listening.

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Kane Campaign Announces “Just Jeremy” Town Hall series designed to engage voters across Nashville

Jeremy Kane

Press Release, Nashville, TN – Nashville Mayoral candidate Jeremy Kane today announced a series of eleven town hall meetings to be held across Davidson County. These events will give voters the opportunity to meet Jeremy and engage in meaningful conversations about the future direction of Nashville. Additional Town Halls will be added as dates and venues are confirmed.

Nashville Mayoral campaigns are traditionally dominated by a variety of multi-candidate forums – fourteen have been held thus far and thirty more are confirmed. Jeremy Kane has participated in every single one and plans to continue to participate in as many future multi-candidate forums as his schedule allows.

But with seven major candidates in the race, the multi-candidate format only affords each candidate limited time to convey their background, vision, and stance on important issues. Furthermore, campaign staff and supporters typically dominate those in attendance - often leaving few truly undecided voters in the audience.

“We’ve said from day one that our campaign will be a broad-based grassroots campaign focused on having a true dialogue about issues that matter to Nashville voters. I’m excited to have this opportunity to speak directly with voters across our county about what it will take to build a better Nashville for all,” said Jeremy Kane.

“In a race that seems aimed more toward showcasing gimmicks – from jingles, vans, and speed dating, to beer koozies and mascots - we feel the voters deserve a more serious conversation with their next mayor. ‘Just Jeremy’ is just that – a frank and open conversation with Jeremy. It puts the focus on topics that matter most to Nashville’s future in a format that encourages a true dialogue with voters where they live and work,” said campaign manager Darden Copeland.

“Some candidates will spend their millions on 19 weeks of television. We will spend the next 19 weeks hosting town hall meetings with voters across Davidson County. Instead of 60-second TV advertisements, Jeremy will have 60-minute conversations. Voters want the opportunity ask questions, offer their views, and meet their next mayor,” said Copeland.

The first in the series of town hall meetings is scheduled for Monday, March 23 and will take place at Fantasy Hall in Antioch from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Scheduled “Just Jeremy” Town Halls

• Fantasy Hall, 2332 Antioch Pike, Antioch, TN 37013 - Mon., March 23rd, 6pm - 8pm
  
• Historic RCA Studio A (special focus: Music Industry), 30 Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203 - Mon., April 6th, 6pm - 8pm

• Tennessee State Fairgrounds (special focus: Historic Tennessee State Fairgrounds), 500 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 - Sun., April 12th, 1pm - 3pm
  
• Green Door Gourmet, 7011 River Road Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 - Thurs. April 23rd, 6pm - 8pm
  
• Nashville Entrepreneur Center (special focus: Entrepreneurs and Technology), 41 Peabody Street, Nashville, TN 37210 - Thurs., May 7th, 6pm - 8pm
  
• House of God, 2714 Scovel Street, Nashville, TN 37208 – Tues., May 12th, 6pm - 8pm
  
• Chef's Market, 900 Conference Dr, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 - Sun., May 17th, 1pm - 3pm
  
• Ruby, 2411 Blakemore Ave, Nashville, TN 37212 - Mon., June 8th, 6pm - 8pm

•  Arts at Center Street, 401 Center St, Old Hickory, TN 37138 - Sat., June 20th, 10am - Noon
  
• Cane Ridge Event Center, 12633 Old Hickory Blvd, Antioch, TN 37013 - Tues., July 14th, 6pm - 8pm
  
• Cathedral of Praise, 4300 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218 – Thurs., July 23rd, 6pm - 8pm 

Additional “Just Jeremy” events will be announced as locations and venues are confirmed.

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