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

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Gay publication, Out and About, endorses candidates

Below are the endorsement of the homosexual publication Out and About and some of the commentary that accompanied the endorsements. This is a good list of people to vote against with the exception of Glover, Evans, Blalock, and maybe Holleman, who despite the endorsement of Out and About are worthy of support. Even a stopped watch is right twice a day. Even a blind pig occasionally finds an acorn.

Those highlighted in red are good candidates disliked by Out and About who are very much worthy of our support.

Mayor: Karl Dean
Mayor Dean has supported and signed two non-discrimination ordinances and directed his administration to lobby actively against HB600, a state law that eventually nullified Metro’s 2011 contractor non-discrimination ordinance. At this year’s Pride, he told the crowd, “We’re with you,” and he has consistently demonstrated his support.

Vice Mayor: Diane Neighbors
Vice Mayor Neighbors has not had to cast any controversial tie-breaking votes on equal rights ordinances, but her inclusive outreach to our community is always appreciated. Last year, she was the keynote speaker at the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition’s dinner.


Council Members At-Large: Megan Barry, Jerry Maynard, Ronnie Steine, Vivian Wilhoite, Sam Coleman. Barry, Steine, and Maynard were all sponsors of the 2009 non-discrimination ordinance. In addition, Barry and Steine were cosponsors of the 2011 CAN DO law.

District 1: Lonnell Matthews.  Councilman Matthews was a sponsor of the 2009 NDO and voted for   CAN DO.

District 2: Frank Harrison. Councilman Harrison voted for the NDO and CAN DO.

District 3: No endorsement. Incumbent Councilman Hunt is unopposed and abstained on third reading of CAN DO

District 4:  Brady Banks. 

District 5: Scott Davis.

District 6: Peter Westerholm. He has been the public policy chair for the Tennessee Equality Project. He is the embodiment of an ally.

District 7: Anthony Davis. Current District 7 Councilman Eric Cole will be hard to replace, but Davis’s business endorsed CAN DO and his guest editorial in the Tennessean in support of the ordinance showed equality is one of his core commitments.

District 8: Van Reece. She has been active in support of our community organizations for years. Her opponent, incumbent Karen Bennett, voted against the CAN DO law on third reading.

District 9: No endorsement. Candidate Bill Pridemore is unopposed.

District 10: No endorsement


District 11: Darren Jernigan. Voted for the NDO and CAN DO. He is opposed by a socially conservative candidate.

District 12: Steve Glover. Said to be conservative, Glover nevertheless voted for inclusive non-discrimination policies for Metro teachers and students as a school board member. He is unopposed.

District 13: Marilyn Robinson. 

District 14: No endorsement, but a recommendation.Councilman Bruce Stanley did not vote in favor of the NDO or CAN DO, but his opponent is reported to be more socially conservative. Stanley did support Councilwoman Barry’s resolution opposing HB600, though. For that reason, we recommend a vote for Stanley.

District 15: No endorsement.  Councilman Phil Claiborne is unfortunately unopposed. He spoke and voted against the NDO and CAN DO. If you live in this district, consider writing in your own name.

District 16: Anna Page. Councilwoman Page supported both the NDO and CAN DO.

District 17: Sandra Moore. Councilwoman Moore supported both the NDO and CAN DO

District 18: David Glasgow. He has been an active supporter of our community for a number of years.

District 19: Erica Gilmore. She has a perfect voting record on equality ordinances and was a sponsor of CAN DO. She is a plaintiff in the suit to overturn HB600.

District 20: Buddy Baker. Councilman Baker was a sponsor of the NDO and voted for CAN DO. He has the distinction of being, as far as we know, the only Council Member who is a parent of a gay child, a son who was tragically lost to HIV/AIDS. As well as his long history with his West Nashville district, he has a perspective that we need on Council.

District 21: Edith Taylor Langster. Councilwoman Langster voted for the NDO and CAN DO. She is unopposed.

District 22: Seanna Brandmeier. A former executive director of the Davidson Co Democratic Party, Brandmeier has received a warm reception from members of our community who have already volunteered in her campaign. Her openness will be a welcome change from Councilman Eric Crafton who currently holds the seat.

District 23: Emily Evans. Councilwoman Evans voted for the NDO and CAN DO despite the fact that socially conservative organizations targeted her vote during the discussion of both ordinances.


District 24: Councilman Jason Holleman. Voted for the NDO and CAN DO.

District 25: Sean McGuire. A sponsor of the NDO and voted for CAN DO.

District 26: Chris Harmon. Harmon has reached out to our community.

District 27: Davette Blalock. Blalock has reached out to our community.

District 28: Tanaka Vercher.

District 29: Karen Johnson. As a school board member, Johnson voted for inclusive non-discrimination policies for Metro teachers and students.

District 30: No endorsement. Incumbent Jim Hodge fiercely opposed the NDO and CAN DO. His opponent Jason Potts is reportedly as socially conservative.

District 31: Fabian Bedne. When he was president of the Middle TN Hispanic Democrats, Bedne led the organization to endorse the NDO.

District 32: Markeith Braden. Supportive of CAN DO and reaching out to the community when the bill passed Metro Council.

District 33:  Page Turner. Turner has the best chance of defeating incumbent Robert Duvall who aggressively opposed the NDO and CAN DO.

District 34: No endorsement. Councilman Todd voted for the NDO

District 35: Bo Mitchell.  Councilman Mitchell voted for the NDO and for CAN DO.

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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.

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