Maybe the nutty no-beer-to-go-from-a-mall-with-a-library bill can be repealed.

Sherrie Weiner to seek repeal

Last council meeting the Council passed one of the stupidest bills I can ever remember the Council passing.  As initially introduced it was bad and stupid but then it was amended to make it less bad but more stupid.

Originally the bill would prohibit beer permits from being issued for establishments located within a shopping mall containing a community center or a public library. This would have applied to on premises consumption or to-go beer purchases.  It was amended to permit beer consumption in a mall but it still prohibited off-premises beer sales. Now, how stupid is that? That means that is a grocery store or a drug store is attached to the mall, they cannot sell a six-pack to go, but a person could drink beer at a restaurant in the mall.

The bill was sponsored by Jacobia Dowell, who represents the the old Hickory Hollow mall area, which is now Global Crossings.  The attempted revitalization of the abandoned mall has seen a lot of Metro investment including a new community center, library. and Ice rink. Her view was that these developments would bring families to the area and to keep it family-friendly the mall should not be selling beer. I think that is a stupid argument anyway. Someone have a beer with their meal at the other end of the mall is not going to destroy the atmosphere of the mall.  A beer joint could not be right next door due to the library or community center or the ice rink because the regular beer permit distance requirements would still apply. When the bill was amended to permit on-site consumption but still prohibit purchases of beer for off-site consumption, the bill went from ridiculous to becoming completely asinine.

Jacobia Dowell was sponsor of no-
beer-to-go-from-a-mall-with-a-library bill

Now people are seeing problems with the bill. The ordinance would apply to any mall that contains a community center or a public library and the council members representing the  Bellevue area are concerned. They are wanting to see the Bellevue mall revitalized and not being able to sell beer to go, may scare off potential businesses that might be considering opening a store in the Bellevue mall. Sherrie Weiner, who voted against the bill last meetings says that she will work to get it repealed.

Below is a copy of the bill and a list of how Council members voted. I am disappointing in some of the "good" councilmen who showed lack of common sense and voted for this nutty bill but pleased to see that six of the seven "no" votes were from the "good" councilmen. Hopefully all of the Council can redeem themselves for voting for such a stupid bill when the repeal bill is introduced.

BILL NO. BL2014-840 

“Ayes”: Maynard, Matthews, Harrison, Hunt, Banks, Scott Davis, Westerholm, Anthony Davis, Pridemore, Pardue, Stanley, Claiborne, Tenpenny, Moore, Allen, Gilmore, Baker, Langster, Holleman, Harmon, Blalock, Dowell, Duvall, Todd (24).

“Noes”:  Garrett, Tygard, Glover, Weiner, Evans, Dominy, Mitchell (7)

“Abstaining”: Barry, Steine, Bennett, Johnson, Potts (5).

Top Stories

Bellevue Landfill Public Notice

The following is an issue probably of little interest except to the people of Bellevue. I am posting this as a public service. 

 From Sheri Weiner

Sheri Weiner

SOLID WASTE BOARD IS RECONSIDERING THE 3RD C & D LANDFILL

 WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE TO ATTEND AS POSSIBLE

PUBLIC NOTICE

METRO SOLID WASTE REGION

BOARD MEETING

WHERE: HOWARD OFFICE BUILDING CONFERENCE CENTER 

WHEN: Wednesday June 27, 2012

 5:00 P.M.

The Metro Solid Waste Regional Board will meet to consider the following:

 approved at March 29, 2012 meeting.

Potential action to rescind or amend the Board’s prior approval of CBM C&D Recycling and Fill/Eco Recycling LLC’s C&D landfill application at the March 29, 2012 meeting due to possible discrepancies with elements of the proposal as previously presented, including but not limited to whether its plan includes comprehensive on-site recycling and whether the Host Community Benefit Program being offered is adequate under the circumstances, consistent with the requirements of our Region’s 10 Year Solid Waste Plan Update.

 

HERE IS A COPY OF THE LETTER I WROTE CO-SIGNED BY COUNCILMEN TYGARD & MITCHELL: June 23, 2012   To:          Mr. John E. Sherman, Solid Waste Board  From:     Councilwoman Sheri Weiner, District 22,                Councilman Bo Mitchell, District 35, Councilman Charlie Tygard, At-Large cc:          Mayor Karl Dean; Vice Mayor Diane     Neighbors; Members, Metro Council; Billy Lynch, Public Works Dept.; Bill     Herbert, Codes Dept.; Members, Davidson County Regional Solid Waste Board; Chris     Whitson, Board of Zoning Appeals; Members, Board of Zoning Appeals; Joey     Hargis, Board of Zoning Appeals; Jamie Hollin,  Attorney; Tom White, Attorney     Dear Mr. Sherman, On January 18, 2012 we attended a meeting at Public Works regarding the aforementioned property at 7739 Charlotte Pike which was downzoned in 2011 (prior to Weiner’s election) from residential (R40) to AR2A.  At that meeting, Councilwoman Weiner was told, “Congratulations, you’ve inherited a landfill.” It’s been a dump for over 30 years accepting inert material, so we were led to believe.  We were advised that the property owner wanted to change it to accept Construction & Demolition materials. We were told that we had the opportunity to have this landfill with benefits or to have this landfill without benefits.  As it had already been rezoned by the Council, we were advised we had no direct control over the use; basically, we were stuck with it.  The benefit proposed was that of a Recycle Convenience Center on 3 acres on Charlotte Pike like the ones at Omohundro and at Anderson Lane. Responding to them, (Weiner) stated “my support hinges on the neighbors response.”  We (Bo Mitchell and Weiner) scheduled a meeting for March 13 at Gower School and required that notices be sent to residents beyond the ‘requirement’ so that more homeowners were notified. Anticipating push back, we were quite surprised that, although there were serious questions asked, no one said no.  You will see a letter (from Weiner) of support in the record written to you prior to hearing from the neighbors that they were opposed. You see no one reached out to us between that March 13 meeting and May 29.  As soon as we received phone calls on May 29 from neighbors, we called an immediate meeting for May 31 at which time they shared with Councilman Tygard and Weiner their specific reasons for opposition.  Weiner wrote Joey Hargis (Board of Zoning Appeals) on June 3, 12 and 14 to let him know of opposition to the proposal and to confirm and clarify her opposition consistent with the commitment in January that her support hinged on the neighbor’s response. As a result of yesterday’s BZA hearing, we learned that such a use (convenience center like Omohundro, Anderson Lane and Dr. Richard Adams Dr.) is not permitted on AR2A, only on IR zoning.  We relied on the information provided to us by Public Works, Mr. Charlie Mitchell (the applicant), his staff David Lowry, his engineer Joe House and his attorney Tom White.  We and the neighbors were told all along that this was a permitted use on AR2A and that they needed BZA, Solid Waste and TDEC permission to proceed. Charlie Mitchell committed to us that, once the C & D permits were completed, he would donate the prepared property for the Recycle Convenience Center. In a nutshell, we feel the applicant Charlie Mitchell used a need in the community (convenience center) to make the case that the combination of that accessory use with another C & D facility would be warranted, when such a use is prohibited in this land use policy for AR2A.  In his application to you, Mr. Mitchell interchangeably uses the words Collection and Convenience Center which is misleading and inconsistent with standing regulations.  Given that we feel misled, we respectfully urge you to reconsider and reverse your prior decision of March 29 to amend the Solid Waste 10 Year Plan to include another C & D facility.  We also respectfully request the Solid Waste Board rescind its approval issued to Mr. Mitchell on March 29, 2012 and correspondingly send TDEC notice of your actions. In order for this to be accomplished, we understand a special emergency meeting of the Solid Waste Board may need to be held.  If this is the case, please make the appropriate arrangements to have this meeting set at the earliest date possible prior to July 19,2012 when the BZA meets again to consider further information relative to the applicant’s request to site a C & D Landfill in the 22nd Council District. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

Top Stories

Update: What happened at the Metro Council 2-7-2012: The School Unions, John Arriola and more.

Council Highlights: Council meetings can be very boring, so I have highlighted the interesting parts of this meeting. I watch the whole council meeting so you don't have to. 
.  

Council Highlights:

Ordinance 2011-83 to allow Metro water services to extend water lines to residential properties currently served by private wells is deferred until the second meeting in March. Councilman Stanley explains the bill. (See 25:06 in the video above)

A memorializing resolution by Councilman Robert Duvall calling for the resignation of John Arrriola. (see video at 34:55)

A memorializing resolution by Councilman Tygard urging the State to expand the prohibition of the manufacture or sale of synthetic drugs. Tygard has various samples of the drugs which he shows to the council. Tygard’s presentation is informative and he makes a passionate argument in favor of passage. (See 36:29) We need to see more presentations like this on the Council floor.

A memorializing resolution calling on Metro Public Schools to abide by the current labor union negotiation policy.  This bill required a suspension of the rules and could have been stopped from consideration had two people objected but none did.  Councilman Karen Johnson, a former School Board member, makes an argument that the Director of Schools changed policy without bringing it to the Board. Councilman Glover counters her argument and makes a good presentation explaining the state law and why the Director is following the law and Board policy. He is clear and his thoughts are well organized. Councilman Bo Mitchell make a pro-union argument and several other members weigh in on the issue. The vote was 29 yes votes, 5 no’s, 2 abstentions and 4 members not present. The four no’s were member who are generally thought to be conservative or Republican members of the council.  They were Glover, Stites, Claiborne, Tenpenny, and Todd. The two abstentions are from members identified as Republicans also, Tygard and Dominy.  Two other Council Members who are considered Republican, Duvall and Blalock, voted with the majority and supported the resolution. (The discussion starts at 40:20)

The Unions win, Arriola condemnation put off two weeks. 

On the memorializing resolution urging embattled County Court Clerk John Arriola to resign, the Rules Committee vetoed 10 to zero to defer until the DA had acted. Councilman  Phil Williams of Channel 5 reported that the committee room was full. He tweeted that there were lots of county court clerk employees present to support their boss.  

Jason Holleman argued the Council should wait until the District Attorney takes action as did the Council in the case of David Torrence.  In the Council meeting, the bills sponsor, Councilman Robert Duvall argued against deferral. Duvall said he "takes no malice with the committee," but said he disagrees with their position. He reviewed the comptroller's audit and said, "These violations are much worse than anything David (Torrence) did." He argued for an up or down vote. The Council voted to defer the resolution for only two weeks. This is a partial victory for Duvall. The DA may not act for months. This drama will be played out again in two weeks.

The Metro Council sided with the SEIU and the Steelworkers union which represent school custodians and bus driver sand voted against Director of Schools Jessie Register's effort to curtail union power. Register recently ended the district's Memorandum of Understanding policy with those union. "He should not unilaterally change existing policy," argued Council Member Karen Johnson, a former School Board Member. The vote was 29-5-2.

A Bill calling for preparation of a fiscal impact statements on most legislation passed on second readings. Council Member Sherri Weiner is the lead sponsor of this bill.

The Council approved on third reading a bill that authorized $2.5M to complete infrastructure in subdivisions that were never finished.

The Council approved Mayor Karl Dean's appointment of former Council Member Anna Page to the MDHA board. She is a former one-term council member who was supported by the Mayor in her reelection bid and who was defeated by current Council Member Tony Tenpenny.

The Council unanimously approved a rules change to have public hearings every month instead of the current every other month.  The change begins in June.

Top Stories

Nothing But the Truth Candidate Endrosements

African-American conservative local radio talk show host Carl Boyd has issued his endorsements for the upcoming election. He interviewed many of them on his local radio program on Nothing But The Truth on WMDB 880 AM.  Where we share an endorsement, I have highlighted it in red. Carl Boyd's endorsements are listed below.

THE TRUTH 2011
Mayor- James Keeton
Vice-Mayor James Baxter
Council at Large: Sam Coleman, Ken Jakes, Donna Crawford, Don O'Donniley and Eric Crafton
District 1- David Phillips
District 2- Gloria M. Jones
District 3- WRITE YOUR OWN NAME
District 4- Dave Patterson
District 5- Scott Davis
District 6- Dave Rich
District 7- Anthony Davis
District 8- Nina Ground
District 9- WRITE YOUR OWN NAME
District 10- WRITE YOUR OWN NAME
District 11- William Guthoerl
District 12- WRITE YOUR OWN NAME
District 13- Josh Stites
District 14- James Stanley
District 15- WRITE YOUR OWN NAME
District 16- Tony Tenpenny
District 17- Jerry Graves
District 18- WRITE YOUR OWN NAME
District 19- Bob Ries
District 20- Gower Mills
District 21- PLEASE WRITE YOUR OWN NAME
District 22- Sheri Weiner
District 23- Emily Evans?
District 24- Jason Holleman
District 25- James Kaminski
District 26- Brock Parks
District 27- Michael Leftwich
District 28- Duane Dominy
District 29- Will decide by Election Day
District 30- Jason Potts
District 31- James L, Widrig
District 32- Will decide by Election Day
District 33- Robert Duvall
District 34- Carter Todd
District 35- Tonya Jones

Top Stories

Meet the Next District 22 Councilwoman Sheri Weiner

Join Us To Meet Our Next District 22 Councilwoman Dr. Sheri Weiner

Monday, August 1, 2011 5:00 P.M. Antonio's Restaurant 7097 Old Harding Rd Bellevue Get the lastest from Rep. Marsha Blackburn

Special Friends John Ambrose                              Lee Beaman                              Beth Campbell Dr Christy Diaz                             Dr.Andy Dixon                            Chuck Grimes State Rep. Jim Gotto                    Dr.Todd Hurst                             Dr. Frank Marghella State Senator Jack Johnson        Andy Miller                                 William Morgan Lisa & Arthur Perlen                    Bernard & Ellen Reynolds           Tootie Haskins Margaret Mary Wilson                 Tommye Maddox                        Kathleen Starnes John & Kristin Shorter                  Davidson Co. Young Republicans Suggested Donation $100.00  For More Information Please Contact: Robin Dillon 975-4001 robin.dillon@comcast.net Paid for by Friends of Sheri Weiner, Alan Bond, Treasurer

Top Stories

The 2011 Davidson County Republican Party Picnic

Kathleen Starnes

The Davidson County Republican Party picnic was today at the Centennial Park Pavilion in Centennial Park. About 150 to 200 people attended. Ninety-six cast votes in the straw poll, but not everyone took part in the voting. We had Whitts pork barbecue with beans and cold slaw and ice cream and cake. Several organizations and candidates had booths. The weather was pleasant and it was not too hot for this time of year. Kathleen Starnes, Chairman of the DCRP served as master of ceremonies for the program.

Tootie Haskins, recipient of the very first Governor Winfied Dunn Leadership Award (2009) presents the award to this years recipient Senator Jack Johnson

Winners of the Governor Winfiedl Dunn Leadership award, left to right: Rod Williams  (2010), Tootie Haskins (2009) Senator Jack Johnson (2011)

Congressman Marsha Blackburn delivers the Keynote address. She spoke about the debt crisis and the fact that China and OPEC owns a large share of America's debt and the importance of getting our spending under control and reducing the US debt.

Karen Bennett

Sheri Weiner

Several candidates for Metro Council in the upcoming August 4th Metro General Election were introduced and briefly addressed the gathering and were warmly received. Unfortunately, my skills as a photographer are not the best and most of the photos did not produce well enough to post (very bright outside the pavilion, I should have used a flash). So, while I don't have pictures to prove it I assure you they were there. It is heartening to see so many Metro Council candidates seek votes at a Republican gathering. Among the candidates was Dave Patterson, District 4; Sherri Weiner, District 22; Josh Stites, District 13; Bob Ries, District 19; Davette Blablock, District 27; Isaac Okoreeh-Baah, District 29, Tonya Jones, District 35; James Kaminski, District 25; Karen Bennett, District 8; Robert Duvall, District 33; Duane Dominy, District 28; and At-large candidates Renard Francois, Ken Jakes, Eric Crafton and Charlie Tygert. I know there were a couple or three other council member candidate there but I did not take notes and am not sure who they were. If I missed mentioning your name, I apologize.

Gail and Peter Voysey man the Green Hills Breakfast group booth.

In the Presidential straw poll the results were as follows:
Bob Corker 1 (write-in vote)
Donald Trump 1 (write-in vote)
Marsha Blackburn 2 (write-in votes)
Rick Santorum 2
Newt Gingrich 4
Jon Huntsman 6
Ron Paul 7
Tim Pawlenty 8
Herman Cain 17
Mit Romney 19
Michele Bachmann 29.

The poll asked, if Sara Palin or Rick Perry got in the race would you change your vote and vote for one of these candidates. Sara Palin got ten votes and Rick Perry got an amazing 39 votes, making him the winner and he is not even a candidate. 

There was also a question asking if you support keeping the fairgrounds. 83 people voted yes and 7 people voted no.

Former candidates chat. Steve Dickerson, former Republican candidates for State Senate District 21 chats with Jeff Hartline, former Republican primary candidate for the US 5th Congressional District. Jeff was manning a booth for the Tennessee Freedom Coalition, an organization of which he is the Director.

Top Stories

The Nashville Business Coalition Metro Council endorsements

The Nashville Business Coalition has announced its support for candidates in the Aug. 4 election. Below are the NBC endorsements. I have highlighted some of favorites in red.

District 1: Lonnell Matthews
District 2: Frank Harrison
District 3: Walter Hunt
District 4: Brady Banks
District 5: Scott Davis
District 6: Hans Schmidt and Dave Rich
District 7: Anthony Davis
District 9: Bill Pridemore
District 10: Doug Pardue
District 11: Darren Jernigan
District 12: Steve Glover
District 13: Josh Stites
District 14: Robert “Bob” Budesa
District 15: Phil Claiborne
District 16: Anna Page
District 17: Sandra Moore
District 18: David Glasgow and Burkley Allen
District 19: Erica Gilmore and Curt Wallen
District 20: Buddy Baker
District 21: Edith Langster
District 22: Sheri Weiner and Seannalyn Brandmeir
District 24: Sarah Lodge Tally
District 25: Sean McGuire
District 26: Brock Parks
District 27: Davette Blalock
District 28: Tanaka Vercher
District 29: Karen Johnson
District 30: Jim Hodge
District 32: Jacobia Dowell
District 33: Page Turner
District 34: Carter Todd
At Large: Tim Garrett, Megan Barry, Ronnie Steine, Charlie Tygard, Jerry Maynard and Renard Francois
Vice Mayor: Diane Neighbors
Mayor: Karl Dean

Top Stories

Realtors endorse candidates

 Below is the list of candidates endorsed by the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors.

I am mystified. I don't know what to make of it. What goes into consideration in making their endorsements?  I am disappointed at some of the choices. Neither Karen Bennett, Robert Duvall, Duane Dominy, nor Emily Evans, some of my favorite incumbent district council members, received endorsements. I know these council members to be smart, fair-minded, even-handed, hard-working and proponents of good government. Is the GNAR so in the pocket of the Mayor that they dare not support any of the candidates the Mayor has targeted for defeat? I don't know.

While they did pick a few good candidates (highlighted in red below) they also picked some real losers. I also do not understand why they would pick two candidates in some districts. (highlighted in blue below) By picking two candidates, if there is a third candidate in the race, that gives the third candidate an advantage by splitting the vote of the opponents of the third candidate. It makes no sense to me. In District 19, by picking two candidates that may actually help Bob Ries. I hope so, Bob Ries is a good guy.

Also, in districts with only one candidate (highlighted in green below) they made no endorsement. You know who is going to win and have nothing to lose by endorsing an unopposed candidate. What is the logic in making no endorsement when  their is only one candidate in the race, unless that one candidate is known to be adamantly opposed to your agenda. Endorsing an unopposed candidate could win you a little good will.

I wish someone from the GNAR could explain the criteria used for endorsing candidates.

Mayor: Karl Dean
Vice Mayor: Diane Neigbors
At-Large: Maynard, Jerry
               Garrett, Tim
               Tygard, Charlie
                Barry, Megan
                Steine, Ronnie
District 1: Matthews, Lonnell Jr
District 2: Harrison, Frank
District 3: Hunt, Walter
District 4 Banks, Brady
District 5: Murray, Pam
District 6: Westerholm, Peter
District 7: Davis, Anthony
District 8: VanReece, Nancy

District 9: no endorsement

District 10: no endorsement

District 11: Jernigan, Darren

District 12: no endorsement

District 13: Stites, Josh
District 14: Stanley, James Bruce
District 15: no endorsement
District 16: Page, Anna
District 17: Moore, Sandra

District 18: Allen, Burkley

District 18: Glasgow, David

District 19: Gilmore, Erica
District 19: Wallen, Curt
District 20: Roberts, Mary Carolyn

District 21: no endorsement

District 22: Brandmeir, Seanna
District 22: Weiner, Sheri 

District 23: no endrosement

District 24: Tally, Sarah Lodge
District 24: Holleman, Jason
District 25: Mc Guire, Sean
District 26: Harmon, Chris
District 27: Parks, Brock
District 28: Vercher, Tanaka
District 29: Tataryn, Vicky
District 30: Hodge, Jim
District 31: Bedne, Fabian
District 32: No endorsement
District 33: Turner, Page
District 34: Todd, Carter

Top Stories

Endorsements for Metro Council

Below are my endorsements of candidates in the upcoming Metro council elections. I personally know several of the candidates who I am endorsing.  Others, I have heard speak at public meetings or have observed on TV. I have studied the voting records of the incumbents. For those with no record and who I do not know, I have taken the recommendation of other people whose opinions I value.  I have not made an endorsement in every race. In some of the races, I simply do not know any of the candidates and in other races it appears that no contender has anything to recommend him over his opponent. This list is subject to change and new endorsements may be added. In a separate post, I will giving my endorsements for the Council-at-large race.

Feedback is welcome. If you disagree with any of my endorsements or have your own recommendations, I welcome hearing from you.  

Charles Hoosoer

District 1, Charles Hoosoer On his website he states he for keeping taxes low and saving the fairgrounds. He has the endorsement of the Davidson County Republican Party (DCRP) For more information see Charles (Chuck) Hoosier For District 1 Council.

District 2, no recommendation

Walter Hunt

District 3, Walter Hunt.  Walter Hunt is an incumbent and has no opposition. I have known Walter for a long time. He is generally a nice guy. One thing that recommends Councilman Hunt is that he supported the effort by Councilman Gotto to curtail eminent domain abuse.

Dave Patterson

District 4, Dave Patterson, 40, is and Army Veteran and still serves in the Army Reserves. He is the area manager for a building maintenance and janitorial business that specializes in "green" cleaning practices. He and his wife are competitive runners and active at Our Savior Lutheran Church. I know David. He is a solid, common-sense conservative. He has a vision for the city. He says he will focus on creating an environment to spur job creation, improving schools through more choices for families, expand transportation options and improve traffic flow. He is one of six candidates running in this open seat.

District 5, no recommendation

District 6, no recommendation

District 7, no recommendation

Karen Bennett

District 8, Karen Bennett. Karen Bennett is one of the "good dozen" council members who voted to curtail eminent domain abuse. She voted against the bill that would have extended special protections to homosexual and transgendered people. Karen is a member of the State Executive Committee of the Tennessee Republican Party. For more information see Elect Karen Bennett.

District 9, no recommendation.

District 10,  no recommendation

William Guthoerl

District 11, William Guthoerl.  He is a former police officer. He favors preservation of the fair grounds. On eminent domain he says, “Resolution RS2008-431 was a proposal to amend the Metro Charter and limit the power of eminent domain utilized by Metro Government. My opponent voted against this measure, leaving your property open to the vulnerability of the use of eminent domain." For more information go to William Guthoerl for Metro Council

Steve Glover

District 12, Steve Glover. I have met Steve and heard him speak. He is a conservative and well qualified to serve on the Metro Council. He is a former member of the Metro School Board where he served as Chair of Budget and Finance, overseeing a budget in excess of $633 million. he is also chair of the McGavock parent cluster for Hermitage, Donelson and Old Hickory. He is running unopposed. For more information see Steve Glover for Metro Council.

Josh Stites

District 13, Josh Stites. He has an MBA in finance and serves as assistant to the Treasurer of the State of Tennessee. His knowledge, skill and experience would be an asset to the Council. His platform is: Responsible Growth and Development, Fiscal Strength, No new taxes, Maintain balanced budgets, Community Strength, Well-equipped Police and Fire Departments. and Improved Infrastructure.

For more info see JoshStites.com.

District 14, no endorsement at this time.

Phil Claiborne

District 15, Phil Claiborne.  Councilman Phil Claiborne has an outstanding record of achievements for his district and an impressive list of civic involvements. He was an outspoken critic of the pro-gay ordinance recently passed by the Metro Council arguing owners with religious convictions must "abandon their core beliefs" to do business with Metro if it passed. He is running unopposed. For more information see www.metro15.com

District 16, No recommendation at this time. This is tough one. I do not personally know much about either candidate but have met incumbent Anna Page. This is the district I used to represent when I served in the Council in the 80's so I have a special interest in this district. I encourage voters to get to know both candidates and make an informed decision. While Anna Page voted against the effort to curtail eminent domain abuse and while she has not distinguished herself as a leader in the council, she is responsive to her district and very involved in the community.

Her opponent, Tony Tenpenny, has been endorsed by the Davidson County Republican Party but I am concerned about his lengthy arrest record. The last arrest however was in 2002 and he very well may have cleaned up his act and be on the straight and narrow. I am not making an endorsement at this time. I cannot find a website on Mr. Tenpenny and have never met him and do not know his qualification.

Sandra Moore

District 17, Sandra Moore. I am not endorsing incumbent Sandra Moore because I agree with her politics but I would rather anyone get elected other than Jerry Graves. Jerry Graves was the person who defeated me by running a very dirty campaign of lies and a last minute smear campaign. Also Jerry Graves is just not that bright and is not qualified to serve. Sometimes you have to choose the least bad candidate. With four people in the race, I would not want to split the vote too many ways and allow Jerry Graves to get elected so I am supporting incumbent Sandra Moore.

District 18, no recommendation

Bob Ries

District 19, Bob Ries. I know Bob and he is one of the nicest men you would ever want to meet and has an engaging sense of humor. Bob was one of the Republicans seeking the 5th Congressional Republican nomination last August. He is pro-growth and often thinks outside the box. He is a small business owner and has a degree in economics. 

District 20, no recommendation

District 21, no recommendation
 

Sherri Weiner

District 22, Sheri Weiner. Sheri Weiner has a long list of civic involvements and recognitions including 2007 Bellevue Citizen of the Year; Past President, Bellevue Chamber; President, Bellevue Exchange Club; President, Pine Forest Homeowners; Chair, Bellevue Picnic; Chair, Bellevue Clean Up Days; and Chair, Bellevue Weather Radio Distribution to Seniors. She has the support of Councilman Eric Crafton who is vacating that seat due to term limits and at-large Councilman Charlie Tygard and the endorsement of the DCRP.

For more information see Sherri Weiner for Metro Council.

District 23, Emily Evans. Emily is running unopposed. Evans, with a background in finance has distinguished herself as the "go to" financial expert in the council. She is respected and listened to. She provides thoughtful opinions on Nashville's issues. Instead of running for district Council member, I wish she was running for Mayor. She would make a great Mayor. She has opposed Mayor Dean on the Convention Center and the fairgrounds redevelopment plan and generally votes conservative. To read more about Emily Evans go to Metro Council District 23.

Jason Holleman

District 24, Jason Holleman. Jason Holleman has apparently really annoyed the mayor and it looks like he may be at the top of the list of those being targeted for defeat. He opposed the new convention center and supported preservation of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. He also was a supporter of Councilmen Michael Craddock's short-lived mayoral campaign. You can read more about the vendetta of the mayor to defeat Jason Holleman in this Nashville Sean article.

James Kaminski

District 25, James Michael Kaminski. James say, "a lot more work needs to be done to address the shortage of sidewalks, the poor planning of existing sidewalks, and the inconsistent bike lanes that plague our area. Upon his election, James will dedicate himself to giving the residents of District 25 the pedestrian-friendly environment that they deserve." I also know Jason is a good conservative who has worked in the Republican Party but if I knew nothing else about him other than he was going to support a "pedestrian-friendly environment" I would be for him. I am glad to see someone else recognized that we build sidewalks stupidly. We need to make Nashville safe for pedestrians and do more to make Nashville a walkable city.

For more information visit James Kaminski for Council.

District 26. No recommendations at this time.

Davette Blalock

District 27. Davette Blalock. Davette is owner of Blalock Services which provides insurance, real estate, and financial planning services. She has received the endorsement of the DCRP and promises good government. For more information visit Davette Blalock for Metro Council District 27.

Duane Dominy

District 28. Duane Dominy. Duane Dominy is one of my favorite Council members. He ran for the State Legislature last August as a Republican against Sherry Jones. He is a solid conservative. He has probably done more to save the fairgrounds than any other council member. He was one of the "good dozen" who voted to stop the abuse of eminent domain.

Distirct 29, No endorsement at this time. I am torn on this one. I personally know Karen Johnson and consider her my friend. She is a former school board member and she is smart and cares about her community. However, Karen is a Democrat and this spring while I was attending a tea party rally advocating teacher tenure reform, Karen Johnson was rallying with the unionist opposing education reform. Still, I like Karen Johnson. She is not such a dogmatic liberal that one cannot reason with her.

I have heard her opponent Isaac Okoreeh Baah speak and am impressed. He is an African immigrant. He is  a Republican and has received the endorsement of the DCRP. He is an engineer and has thirty one years of Building Codes, Zoning and facilities construction experience. That background would be valuable for someone serving in the Metro Council. In the end, ideology will probably win out over my personal friendship with Karen, but I am not prepared to make an endorsement in this race at this time.

Jim Hodge

District 30, Jim Hodge. Jim has been endorsed by State Senator Doug Henry as well as present and past council members Karen Bennett, Phil Claiborne, Eric Crafton, Duane Dominy, Buck Dozier, Robert Duvall, Randy Foster, Jim Forkum, Tim Garrett, Jim Gotto, Michael Kerstetter, J. B. Loring, Rip Ryman, Carter Todd, Parker Toler and Charlie Tygard. He was an outspoken critic of the bill that would have extended special protections to gays and transgendered people.

District 31, and 32 no endorsement.

Robert Duvall

District 33 Robert Duvall. Robert is another one of my very favorite council members.  He is a principled, common-sense, hard-working, smart conservative who is not hesitant to identify himself as a Republican. He has done a lot to help build the Republican Party in Davidson County. He cares about his community, Nashville and our country. He supports limited government, private property rights and low taxes.  In his district he revitalized and made financially solvent five neighborhood organization. He is a caring, kind individual. He is a fighter. He has been a strong advocate of saving the fair grounds. Because of his leadership and willingness to stand up to the administration, he is being targeted for defeat. We must reelect Robert Duvall. Please, contribute, volunteer and help reelect Robert.

Carter Todd

District 34, Carter Todd.  He is an incumbent running unopposed. He is legal council to Gaylord Entertainment and a 1982 graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. He has a long list of civic involvements including Board Trustee, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville; Member, The Green Hills Action Partners (TGHAP); Board Member, YMCA of Middle Tennessee; Member, Downtown Nashville Rotary Club, Board Member, American Red Cross, Nashville Area Chapter; Past Chair, Nashville Sports Council;  Former Secretary-Treasurer of Nashville Bar Association; Past Vice-Chair, Nashville Chamber of Commerce; and more. 

Tonya Jones

District 35 Tonya Jones. Tonya Jones a former Metro Planning commissioner and an unabashed conservative,  is running against incumbent Bo Mitchell, an outspoken Democrat and one of the most liberal members of the Council. Former district councilman Charlie Tygard and the DCRP are supporting Jones; every liberal and labor union in town are supporting Mitchell. For more info visit Tonya's facebook page at Tonya Jones For Metro Council District 35.

Top Stories

Meet Sheri Weiner, Candidate, Metro Counil District 22

Join us for a meet & greet

Monday, June 27

6:30 p.m.

Dixon Center

211 Old Hickory Blvd.
(see map)

Nashville, TN 37221

 Candidate, Metro Council District 22

Sheri Weiner

EXPERIENCED - INVOLVED - DEDICATED

Sheri Weiner will make a great council member. She has a long list of civic involvements and recognitions including 2007 Bellevue Citizen of the Year; Past President, Bellevue Chamber; President, Bellevue Exchange Club; President, Pine Forest Homeowners; Chair, Bellevue Picnic; Chair, Bellevue Clean Up Days; and Chair, Bellevue Weather Radio Distribution to Seniors. She has the support of Councilman Eric Crafton who is vacating that seat due to term limits and at-large Councilman Charlie Tygard and the endorsement of the DCRP.

For more information see Sherri Weiner for Metro Council.

Top Stories