Tennessean Q&A: 2019 Nashville At-Large Council Runoff Candidates

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I
1	Candidate	Burkley Allen	Fabian Bedne	Steve Glover	Sharon W. Hurt	Howard Jones	Gary W. Moore	Zulfat Suara	Sheri Weiner

2	Age	61	59	58	61	57	70	53	63
3	Office sought	At-large Council Member	At-large Council Member	At-large Council Member	At-large Council Member	At-large Council Member	At-large Council Member	At-large Council Member	At-large Council Member
4	Town or city and ZIP code	Nashville 37205	Nashville 37211	Hermitage 37076	Nashville 37221	Nashville	Joelton 37080	Nashville	Nashville 37221
5	Education	BS in physics Davidson College, MS Mechanical Engineering University of VA	Equivalent to a Masters in Architecture	UAH	BS, Tennessee State University, MEd Belmont University	Graduate from Whites Creek High School; BS and MS from Tennessee State University	Some college	Higher National Diploma in Accountancy Certified Public Accountant	BSEd, Communication Disorders, Univ of Ga M.A., Audiology, Univ of Tn AuD, Doctor of Audiology, Univ of Fl
6	Job history	Mechanical Engineer with I.C. Thomasson Associates, Inc.	Currently, I am a partner in Organicus Design LLC and am a Metro Council member for District 31. Past: Till last January I was the Interim Director of Hispanic Family Foundation, before then I worked with Rebuilding Together Nashville and Hart Freeland Roberts Architecture and Engineering.	Glover Financial Group	President/CEO,JUMP and Executive Director Street Works	Currently I serve as Assistant Principal, Stratford High School. I have been employed in the MNPS System for nearly 30 years in positions ranging from Assistant Principal to Instructor. Prior to joining the MNPS, I was employed with the Nashville Juvenile Court System as a probation officer. I have also served as Senior Pastor of Fairfield M. B. Church for 30 years. Volunteering with several organizations and ministries have also been a priority to me with such agencies as the Union Rescue Mission and sponsoring the July 4 service and food annually. As pastor of Fairfield M. B. Church, I lead our activities in outreach ministry, such as a restaurant and affordable housing, which speaks to economic salvation.	Thirty-two years with the Nashville Fire Department, retired.	Assistant Controller- Restricted & Endowment- Meharry Medical College President- Advance Business Consultant CPA Senior Auditor - KPMG LLP	President, Hearing Services of Tennessee, Inc (1987 - present) Vice President, Champion One, LLC (2011 - present)
7	Family	Married to Newton Allen, jr with three grown-up children	Wife - Mary Linden Salter Son - Gabriel Daughter - Olivia	Wife Sandie and Two Children and Three Grandchildren	Husband, and mother of three daughters	A Nashville native, I have two adult children; Ashea Jones Brown and Howard E. Jones, III . I am the son of the late, Howard E. Jones, Sr., known as BO, and Barbara Jean Jones, of that union, five chldren were born, of which two are deceased.	Widowed	Dr. Rahaman Suara and 5 amazing kids	2 daughters, 2 sons in law, 2 grandsons, 2 sisters, 2 rescue dogs
8	Why are you running for this office?	I am running for Council At-Large because Nashville needs experienced leadership to direct the current growth in a way that benefits the whole city. The knowledge I’ve gained from 25 years as a neighborhood advocate and eight years on the Council enables me to work effectively on the overarching issues like transit, housing affordability, preserving neighborhoods, and spreading economic development throughout the county.	I fought hard to represent District 31, in doing so I realized that some issues required a mandate from a city wide electorate. I want to expand my effort to be a voice for equitable spending and government accountability, affordable housing and the reduction of poverty, the inclusion of new arrivals and support for the marginalized. I want to make sure that the important decisions are vetted by all constituents.	To help get our city back on track with our income and clean up our spending	I believe there needs to be continuity in our local government. We have had a turbulent past two years and stability is very much needed to restore the citizenry’s trust in our government. I also think I bring a voice of reason that speaks up and out.	I am running for Council-At-Large because I have a calling to serve the people. Two often our citizens and residents feel they are voiceless, I want them to know their voices will be heard. I am ready and willing to work for all citizens for a good quality of life in Nashville-Davidson County. I believe in equity in budgeting and fairness in the services for the citizens. Equity in terms of the distribution of services for our tax dollars and fiscal responsibility are paramount, as well as safety for all of Nashville.	To continue my community service	I choose to run for a number of reasons. First, I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and I worked as an auditor. When I had my CPA practice, I had consulting contracts with four county and two city governments, where I learned about city finance. I would like to apply my professional experience and background to give back to the city of Nashville that has given me so much. Second, I am an MNPS parent, I see the state of some of our public schools, and I believe we have to fund our public schools. My daughter's school has limited computers. What is sad is that many of the kids in her school also do not have computers at home. I am running to ensure that we increase funding for our schools and give our teachers and children the resources they need to succeed. Third, as a Muslim immigrant, my election to the Council will add diversity. I will bring the perspective of a Black, Muslim, Immigrant mother and accountant. I am running because I believe in a Nashville for all, a Nashville where everyone is vested and everyone thrives. Right now, that is not the case for every Nashvillian. Many are not benefiting from the spurt in the city’s economic growth, and it’s creating a lack of trust in our city government. I hope I can help change that.	Because Nashville needs thoughtful and strategic infrastructure investment to address our long term growth so that every corner of the county may benefit while addressing government financial efficiencies, prioritizing needs and improving transparency.
9	What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?	As a district council member I have been successful expanding historic districts; installing new sidewalks, bikeways, and greenways; and guiding zoning in a way that protects neighborhoods. I have also worked effectively on city wide issues like storm water regulations, housing affordability, and expanding funding for sidewalks. Serving two years on the Planning Commission has given me a deep knowledge of the zoning code and what smart growth looks like. As an engineer, I bring a collaborative, solutions oriented approach to Nashville’s issues.	I believe that I have shown the strength to stand for what is right and to fight for all people regardless of their background or influence.	I have held a position on the school board and presently D12 for council	The fact that I am an incumbent is first, it takes two-three years to figure out what you are to do and the other time to do it. With institutional knowledge under my belt, it helps the promotion of good legislation being presented.	I am aptly qualified for the position of Council-At-Large, representing the citizens from throughout the county. In my career positions as a pastor and educational leader with MNPS, I have become keenly aware of the concerns of the citizens and their issues. I have helped many citizens in my adult life as a servant leader. I am aptly qualified because as a servant leader in juvenile justice, I provided social and emotional stability among families.	First, I do not think myself or any other candidate is better qualified than the other. Nashville is a very diverse city and should be represented by ALL aspect of its citizens.	I bring to this position my professional and grassroots activist experience. As a CPA, I bring over 30 years as an accountant to the conversation. I have also been an activist for over 20 years. I served as the chair of the American Muslim Advisory Council as well president of the Business and Professional Women of Tennessee. For the last six years, I served as the chair of Tennessee Women’s Day on the Hill and helped co-ordinate annual Legislative Day for 25 organizations. I am a commissioner with Metro Action Commission and serve on other not-for-profit boards. All of these experiences make me in tune with the issues that are important to our residents. Finally, as a current MNPS parent, I have firsthand knowledge of the state of some of our public schools.	For eight years, I have championed responsible economic development, respectful growth and the integrity of neighborhoods during the rebuilding my community. In her role in Metro leadership, Sheri has I have earned a reputation as a proven consensus builder, being fair-minded and willing to listen in order to find common ground when addressing issues facing, not only the Council, but neighborhood & issues. As Councilwoman At Large I will continue my work on our budget process, identifying costly operational inefficiencies and supporting district councilmembers in their work for neighborhood amenities.
10	What are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?	I intend to focus on expanding economic opportunity throughout the city, improving stormwater and transportation infrastructure, and supporting housing affordability.	Affordable and workforce-level housing: Everyone knows that affordable housing is one of our city's most pressing issues, but it must be addressed with the explicit aim of removing negative gentrification pressures. Displacement to more affordable parts of the city doesn’t solve the core problem of the erosion of our communities. Equitable access to all of our city services: We must ensure that we make education, transit, safety services and basic infrastructure work for all Nashvillians, regardless of their zip code. Transparency, open communication, and accountability: These values have guided my service for the past eight years. They will continue to inform everything I do as an at-large council person.	Public Safety, Education and paying down our debt	Continue to see more equity for women and people of color in business opportunities. Finding ways to keep families in their neighborhoods amidst gentrification. Help safeguard the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community.	I am a Servant leader in education. I was a part of leading Cameron Middle School to be designated as a Reward School. I was a part of the leadership team at McGavock High School transforming it into a mega safe learning environment. I am a Servant Leader in the faith-based commuunity providing housing, jobs and economic development. Because of these and other attributes, I am keenly qualified to serve effectively as Council-At-Large as a Servant Leader. I know the people, I care about the people and I will serve the people.	1) More funds for infrastructure. 2) Smart growth. 3) adequately fund education, public safety, and infrastructure.	1) Community based budgeting. This is a budgeting mechanism that prioritizes and takes input from the community. It ensures that government funding reflects issues that are important to the citizens. A good budget must have two components. First, it must be financially sound, and secondly, it must be a moral document. It cannot be a moral document unless it is in tune with the issues that the citizens care about. A community based budget helps create and reinforce trust between the government and the people. 2) Increased funding for our schools. As a mother of five children who are past and current MNPS students and someone in countless conversations over the years with teachers and staff, I know the importance of providing equitable funding for ALL schools. When elected, I am committed to ensuring that our schools get the resources they need regardless of the location or zip code. 3) A livable wage. A livable wage speaks for itself. No one should be working full time anywhere in the U.S., and certainly not here in Nashville the “It City,” and not be able to support himself or herself and their families. There should be no such thing as the “working poor.” A livable wage ensures a good quality of life, which includes being able to afford housing and transportation and still have some savings left over.	Our Money: As Council At Large member, I will work with my colleagues to establish a plan implementing an examination of costly operational inefficiencies across departments, improving those inefficiencies found and establishing a system of routine review while setting debt reduction as a top priority. Our Neighbors: Everyone in Nashville deserves to benefit from the city's successes. I know many who cannot afford to live in Nashville but spend a large percent of their take home pay in transportation costs. The STR industry has had an impact in this area as well. As Council at Large member, I will work with my colleagues to implement legislation that will enable us to identify, not only funding sources, but meaningful actionable plans to implement affordable housing. Our Cars: It's just time that we get transit right. As Council At Large member, I will work with my colleagues, the Administration and WeGo/RTA to make a transportation plan that is fair to Metro residents from a cost perspective, that offers connectivity around and through Nashville and one that we can realistically implement in a phased approach sooner rather than later.
11	Do you think Nashville is headed in the right direction? Why or why not?	To quote Clay Stauffer, one of The Tennessean’s religious writers: “Change is inevitable; progress is optional.” Nashville is changing, and we all need to be engaged to ensure that the change is positive. While the numbers may show unemployment and poverty rates to be down, people are still concerned about underemployment and lingering inequity. Even as we work to bring new jobs to Nashville, we have to focus on making our schools and neighborhoods great, and supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs.	If we ask people if they are better off than eight years ago most people will say yes, but there are many who won’t be included in that because as the city grew they were left behind in various ways. We can do better, we are a very successful city and with that we can also create lots of opportunities for all.	No, we have the greatest amount of revenue we have ever witnessed and we are unable to manage our spending	I do, if it is looking to focus more on the people who help Nashville become the “it” city and not add to the division.	Yes, I think Nashville is headed in the right direction. However, we need to take a deeper look at neighborhoods and collaborate with all its residents. It is then we may calculate growth and its impact on the citizens.	Yes in growth, but needs to be controlled. No in expenditure, too many give aways.	I think Nashville has done a great job expanding our tax base and bringing new jobs and businesses to our city. A city cannot grow without a strong workforce. But these next few years will be critical in the direction in which our city continues to move. We have issues with our infrastructure that need to be addressed, questions about transportation, and problems with the funding of our public school system, all of which need attention in order for the city and its residents to prosper.	Yes. Nashville has opportunity and challenges - more so over the last year. How we choose to manage those and set priorities accordingly will determine how we move forward. If we set our priorities such that we manage our debt and spending responsibly, identify non tax revenue opportunities that can be spread across Nashville and prioritize our residents, employees, first responders and educators, then I'd say we're headed in the right direction. I believe that those of us running for seats in the Council as District and At Large Councilmembers, as well as for Vice Mayor and Mayor, all have these priorities in our sights. So, for those reasons I believe that, while we may not all agree on how to get there, the commonality of knowing what is important will lead us to making the right choices to head in the right direction.
12	What is your opinion on Nashville's growth and should it be sustained? If so, how?	I think Nashville’s growth can be a positive development; however, we need to be thoughtful about how it happens. We need to work harder to make infrastructure keep up with growth so we reduce the gridlock on our streets.	We are past the growth “tipping point.” Our challenge is to be good stewards of it and to make sure it is truly sustainable. My way to do that has been to engage and partner with the residents in 31 to ask for their help in deciding what is right and then respect their decisions. I plan on continuing that engagement.	No we can’t keep this pace, because we have not been investing in infrastructure and public safety.	We should always use educated and strategic planning to produce smart growth. Listen to the people, curtail the development, invest more in our people and show a balance in sharing the wealth that the city is experiencing through inclusion and equitable opportunities.	The growth is astronomical! In practically every neighborhood, there is some residental and business development. We have had from 75-100 people moving to Nashville a day. Growth is good but swelling is a sign of sickness. Therefore the challenge is to sustain the uniqueness of Nashville's character and grow at the same time. To sustain a systematic growth, we must collaborate with fiscal responsibility as a family, as a complete city unified, leaving no one behind.	Nashville should continue to grow, however, we cannot continue to out grow our infrastructure, education, and public safety needs.	Our issues are not whether or not the city is continuing to grow, but, rather, are we providing the resources for Nashville’s residents to prosper? Our continued growth will be determined by our middle class. We must provide the resources for Nashville small businesses to develop and prosper. We must provide an educational system that sets up our students for success later in life. We must ensure that our teachers, Metro workers, and first responders are able to afford to continue to live in the city that they’ve helped achieve new heights.	Yes, it should and with careful, deliberate planning. We cannot close up shop but we have to catch up our infrastructure to our growth. We have to prioritize, create a plan and then implement that plan. We have had a tendency to be reactive and not proactive (scooters is a classic example). We need to fully examine what has happened in other cities and create a plan appropriate for Nashville and resist knee-jerk reactions.
13	In his State of Metro address, Mayor Briley said he wants Nashville to be the most equitable city in America. How do we get there and what barriers are holding the city back?	Being an equitable city means that we are providing all of our residents and businesses what they need to succeed. We have to ensure that our schools are providing a quality education to all of our students so they can fill the jobs of the future. We need to look at where investments have been made throughout the city and compare that to the deficits identified in research like the Community Needs Evaluation. That combined information should be used to inform where future investments are made. The current Opportunity Zone designations could be used to direct an economic boost to some economically depressed areas, especially if investors are willing to engage with the community to identify the needs there and determine together the best ways to create local jobs.	We have created many ways to bring more equity to Nashville, but the State Legislature undermined many of our efforts to bring equity in Education, Housing, Environment and quality of life. We need to engage with residents, all local interest groups and find common ground so we can re-engage with the State on issues.	Equal treatment of all area’s with regards to needs of the basics. Roads, Police and Fire protection and educational opportunities.	I think we must continue to send the message and show by example. Much of what happens politically is about the will of the leader. It is encumbered upon the Mayor to show equity in major decisions, lack anywhere is a threat to excess everywhere.	In order to be the most equitable city, everyone must be invited to the table. Our citizens must be educated. The way we get to being the most equitable city is that we address our civic responsibility to be engaged, empowered and educated. Our mindset should be, not just what we get but what we give...and that is being equitable. The balance of the two is equity. Poor engagement in the educational process is holding us back. Our children need to be college and career ready, when they leave high school. To be career ready means when students graduate they should have industry certification. And, know how to read, write and do aritimetic and score atleast 21 on the ACT.	Equitable is defined in many ways. However, I assume he is talking about equity in businesses. I think for Nashville to be an equitable city for all we should be the “It City” for everyone. City monies should be spent proportional in ALL thirty-five council districts. I realize more monies will have to be spent in downtown, however as it relates to outside of downtown everything should be equal.	To be an equitable city, we must have a situation where ALL groups have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to improve the quality of their lives—not equal resources but equitable resources to meet needs. Equity is an action word and therefore has to be intentional. To be an equitable city we must identify the inequities in our city, socio-economic and political. To name a few, right now we have schools in certain neighborhoods with limited computers and torn textbooks, residents without access to transportation and affordable housing, a district in Metro with no public library, neighborhoods without sidewalks, and a zip code with the highest incarceration rate in the nation. By identifying the inequities, we can work together as a community to fix them. The solutions for equity will involve government, businesses, faith institutions, not-for-profits, and citizens. Real solutions are not quick fixes; they require long-term commitment and changing societal cultures. One of the barriers holding the city back is ignorance, some of our citizens not knowing the conditions of others outside of their circle, and others choosing not to know. Another barrier is that oftentimes when equity is being discussed, the folks most impacted are not part of the conversation. Another critical barrier is lack of capacity. If the city wants to be equitable, there must be funding and resources put behind our actions.	Affordability and education are primary barriers. Funding and meaningful action plans need to be identified and implemented in order to allow everyone to flourish. Public private partnerships will go a long way toward achieving this goal.
14	What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?	Voters want the city to improve traffic, to match infrastructure improvements to growth, and to protect their quality of life.	Maintaining and/or improving quality of life seems to be the bigger concern, it is clear that some of the issues people talk about (scooters, speeding, STRP, traffic, etc) require a refocusing of city services and enforcement.	Manage their money and get the debt under control and improve the overall safety of the city. They also want us to fix traffic.	Better pay for our teachers, take care of the people, especially those who are marginalized and disenfranchised.	The citizens, whether registered voters or not, have an opinion. I am hearing no new taxes, better schools, being safe and fix the traffic issues. They want us to fix those problems together.	1) More funds for infrastructure. 2) Adequate funding for education, public safety, and affordable housing. 3) No more cooperate handouts.	The biggest frustration voters express to me is the rising cost of living despite stagnant wages. According to the not-for-profit Open Table Nashville, the minimum wage in Nashville is the same as it was ten years ago, while the average cost of rental has increased from $760 to $1,400. While the issue of minimum wage is decided at the state level, Metro government along with MNPS represents the city’s largest work force. Therefore increasing the wages of Metro and MNPS employees will help alleviate part of the burden. Achieving a livable wage will also encompass tackling affordable housing, education and transportation.	Making sure that the communities outside downtown benefit from the synergy and returns on investment we are seeing there. Addressing the budget by reducing expense inefficiencies and maximizing revenue generating opportunities. Creating opportunity for Affordable housing around the county.
15	What is your position on economic incentives to private companies in the past and in the future?	Nashville has learned a lot about getting more bang for our buck with economic incentives. Unlike earlier projects, job grants are now tied directly to how many jobs are actually created, and payments are not made until after the jobs are documented. Metro currently pays about $2 million per year in job grants, and foregoes property taxes of about $23 million on incentivized projects that theoretically might not have happened without the incentive. This amounts to about 1 percent of the overall $2.3 billion annual budget. I have asked the Economic Development office to provide data documenting that these expenditures on Metro’s part do indeed pay for themselves in increased economic activity as the forecasts have indicated. The Council has passed legislation requiring new economic incentive requests to provide information about hiring locally, supporting transit, and workforce development. This can improve transparency about how incentivized projects are benefitting local residents. In general there is a decreased need to offer economic incentives since Nashville has become such an attractive market.	I think incentives are not abstractions, we use them for a purpose and that is job creation. That is why I co-sponsored the Do Better bill, which unanimously passed Metro Council in 2018. The law enables Council to assess whether incentives serve the public interest before voting on it. We need to make sure the objectives of incentives come true. We also need to look at the impact, I didn’t vote for the Amazon incentive because I felt that with amount of people moving to Nashville because of it we also needed to look at the impact on housing and infrastructure. That is why I sponsored equity legislation that requires parity of investment (when we spend on incentives, we need to look at the housing cost as well). This bill also passed Metro Council just last month.	We only spend less than 0.001 percent of our operating budget annually. However it appears to be time to stop bringing large businesses in to Nashville until we get a handle on infrastructure and transportation.	I understand that we need to have skin in the game and that means investing financially, however, I don’t think we should do it off the backs of the poor and middle class. We have given private companies enough, now it is time for us to come to the aid of our people who need us most.	Incentives have to be equitable. There must be a balance to show the concrete return for the investment of that incentive. For example, a past action was the incentive to HCA, where they purchased an $8,000 sofa, which was not just lucrative for HCA, but ludicrious in terms of being good stewards of the public's funds.	We have given too much away without getting anything in return. I am not against incentives as long as the city gets something in return with guarantees. If they do not produce there should be a penalty.	I understand that incentive payments were started during the economic depression to stimulate the economy. Now that Nashville is the number one destination for businesses and individuals, we should not be heading into contract negotiations with incentives as the lead-in. Having said that however, business acumen requires that we never to say never. If we need to offer incentives, then the benefits to our city must be outstanding in terms of job creation, schools, and investment in Nashville. There must also be accountability and provision for callbacks. Additionally there must be clear communication on every parameter of the project and expectations must be fully understood, both with the business with which we’re negotiating and across our wider Nashville community. We will be hard negotiators for the city, with contracts that put Nashville first.	I believe that we cannot rely solely on property taxes to move Nashville forward. I also believe that the return on investment from new businesses moving here, bringing folks who will buy a house, shop and lay down roots is such that our neighborhoods can and should benefit from the revenues realized from those returns. When appropriately vetted, I have supported economic incentives if the return on investment was sufficient.
16	How involved should the mayor and Metro Council be in governing Metro Nashville Public Schools?	The Metro Public Schools System desperately needs stability and direction right now. As long as the current school board continues to be disrupted by infighting, the mayor’s memorandum of understanding proposal offers a needed layer of long range planning that can be beneficial.	I was the Chair of Education in my first year in Council, as such I was able to remove roadblocks to building new schools and also managed to bring to the table departments that didn’t talk to each other so we could do a better job siting new schools. We do have a responsibility by charter when it comes to schools and we shouldn’t shy away from it. I also believe that the School Board has a unique responsibility and we owe it to them to respect their authority.	If we want to govern the schools, either the executive branch or legislative branch we should lobby the state for constitutional changes. Neither branch has any authority under the current law.	I understood that it was a school board position to manage the schools, but the fiasco in this past year, I believe offers a great debatable issue. When the school board doesn’t maintain its integrity and lose control, I believe the Mayor/Metro Council should step in and have the last say.	As of now, the Mayor and the City Council have no control over Metro Schools. They simply vote on the budget. They can provide listening opportunities and support but cannot govern the school system. MNPS has its own governing board. However in light of the recent challenges, which resulted in the school's director resigning, there is an opportunity for more guidance and collaboration from the Mayor and the Council. There should be more accountability for the money given.	The Metro Charter is very clear, they can only approve their budget. However, I think the Mayor should appoint a committee consisting of council members with a background in education and qualified private citizens. The committee should work with the board to address the many issues facing our education system. Of course, the board would have to be open to this initiative.	I believe in the schools’ decentralization from the Council because their local governance ensures accountability and oversight through separation of authority. The Council currently serves as an oversight entity for the school board though the approval of the budget. The Council can decide to fund or not fund the school as it is, and I believe that is enough. Additional involvement is not warranted. Moreover, the school board members are elected by the citizens just as the mayor and Council are, and they should be allowed to perform independently.	I have long advocated for a system that allowed the Council and Mayor to assist MNPS in their governance. As a councilmember responsible for spending taxpayer money, it is frustrating to only be directed to provide a blank check and not be able to address how that money is spent. It's unrealistic to expect that 40 Councilmembers can/should micromanage MNPS, but a collaborative relationship with well established goals that guide the work would go a long way toward improving the circumstances for our teachers and children.
17	Do support increasing the property tax rate for Metro Nashville residents? If so, why? If not, why not?	The history of the Metro budget has traditionally included a property tax increase as part of the reappraisal process. This did not take place at the last reappraisal due to concern about placing economic hardship on those whose property values had increased dramatically. This has led to the lowest property tax rate in the history of Metro government, and one of the lowest tax rates in the state. In some parts of the city, property taxes actually went down. At the same time, many citizens are expressing concern about inadequate pay for experienced teachers, understaffed fire stations and emergency services, and other government services that are strained. Having to operate on a lean budget has forced all departments to operate efficiently as confirmed by the findings of the Blue Ribbon Commission. There is not a lot of waste to cut. Restoring services will require new revenue. New revenue can come either from waiting on new growth or from adjusting the property tax rate now. As I complete my evaluation of the three choices before the council on June 18 – the mayor’s proposed budget, the Budget Chair’s substitute, and Council Member Mendes’s substitute, I will give serious consideration to a tax increase as the most fiscally responsible way to continue to meet the city’s needs.	When the Dean administration proposed a tax increase I created an amendment to reduce it to match what was needed and not more. It failed to pass at Council. Our revenue has increased last and this year, therefore the budget has increased as well. The reappraisal and our failure at adjusting the tax rate has created a much smaller amount of revenue which in turn didn’t let us address the impact of the inflation on the Nashville cost of living. The higher revenue we have is not enough to cover the cost of maintaining and improving the very needed services we need as a city. I voted for the tax adjustment last year, if it comes up again I will likely vote for it again.	Only for one year to cover the COLA, then no. We need new leadership that will manage the money we are receiving. IF additional funds are needed; we need to make the case to tax payers. I don’t think we need any new revenue, but it will require making cuts in area’s that fall outside of the priorities of the city and what our government should be providing.	I do support the increase, that will give us monies to help some people. We may not be able to help everyone this time, but it shows a good faith effort and will put us in a better position to help more people as we move forward.	No. I do not support increasing property taxes. The reason why is that it will not be equitable for all citizens in this city, for example, teachers. Furthermore if property taxes are increased, everything will be increased, food, shelter, rent, etc. To make it plain, an increase in property taxes will trickle down to negativly impact our citizens and help create more poverty.	Without knowing the facts regarding how much monies are being given to companies and addressing that first, there is no yes or no answer. The assumption by most people I talk to feel that the city is over spending/giving away too much.	I support property increases as an option but not necessarily the first option or the only option. I believe we need to look into some changes in our charter to explore additional revenue sources. In the meantime, in order to fund employees salary increases, it is important to correct the current property tax rates so that it generates enough to fund salary increases and funding for our schools. I used the term correction rather than increases because we must ensure the changes does not create a burden for low income residents.	Metro is in a budget situation that requires that we put need ahead of want, to establish our employees as a priority, and to be respectful of how we spend taxpayers' money. Metro does not even have a dedicated grant researcher, there is an analyst who reviews grants, but no one to coordinate researching grants that would benefit multiple departmental initiatives. That is alot of money left on the table that would help to relieve the stressors on our budget. There are duplications across departments that could be alleviated without costing jobs but would create greater efficiency and save money. Until I see the substitute budget that the Chair presents, look at funding projections, and evaluate the property tax rate proposal in full, I cannot speak to what I will do one way or the other.
18	Although the transit referendum of 2018 failed, how should Metro approach transit and transportation issues into the future?	Nashville needs a long range plan for transit, but the implementation will need to be incremental, beginning with improving our bus service. Increasing the frequency of the buses, having them run later at night, and adding cross town routes are key factors to increasing ridership. Enforcing the HOV lanes on the interstates so that express buses from the outlying counties can reliably and quickly bring in large numbers of commuters will keep those cars off the interstate and out of downtown. We should look to make use of rail lines that are available for commuter rail and continue to negotiate to gain access to more rail lines. A dedicated source of funding will enable us to build a reliable long term system, but we need all the stakeholders involved in figuring out what that system will ultimately be.	By being more inclusive in deciding what to do. We do have to continue to figure out how to deal with transit, it is unavoidable. I was an early supporter of the Nashville Community Transportation Platform sponsored by groups like Walk Bike Nashville, Workers' Dignity Dignidad Obrera, AARP Tennessee and the Urban League, which was crafted by listening to members of the community.	On a regional basis. Nearly 50% of our traffic comes from outside of this county. A Davidson only plan will be destined to fail before it ever launches.	We need to take care of those who need our transit services now!!! Provide clean facilities, extended routes/hours to make it safe for them. I think just identifying an express lane on the interstate or use a trucks only lane at certain times of the day will help eliminate traffic. While I know light synchronizing is old, it would be helpful. Too many lights last too long and cars coming from the opposite side.	The Nashville transportation issue is beyond the city proper. It is a regional issue and should involve officials from the surrounding counties, as well as the state and the federal government. We have got to face transportation from a broader position than just Nashville. The city's overarchng appeal should require those six surrounding counties, as well as the state and the federal government to assist in alleviating Nashville traffic problems.	I think a more inclusive committee needs to be appointed utilizing public citizens in addition to transportation experts. I think the public needs to feel they had a part in the process. Then an extensive education process should begin. In addition, I think some commonsense approach to address issues such as entrance/exit ramps crossing each other on our interstates.	A good transportation system is needed for a good economy and good health. Every minute spent in traffic is time and money lost, which creates stress and is not good for people’s health. A good idea that can be implemented short term is to increase the number of bus routes and extend bus hours. Encourage park-and-ride by enhancing security at those locations. If our transportation need is not addressed, the future will be a disaster. I am therefore proud to support the Nashville Community Transportation Platform put together by a coalition of ten community organizations and endorsed by several elected officials and candidates. The platform can be found at https://www.nashvilletransportation.org/.	As Council At Large member, I will work with my colleagues, the Administration and WeGo/RTA to make a transportation plan that is fair to Metro residents from a cost perspective, that offers connectivity around and through Nashville and one that we can realistically implement in a phased approach sooner rather than later. I will recommend that we go to the neighbors who live in the communities inside Nashville who spend hours in traffic, ask about their destinations. I will recommend that we get zip code data from downtown employers relative to their employees so we know where the bulk of drivers/riders come from and use that data to prioritize a phased approach to relieving traffic. It is going to take an approach that capitalizes on multiple solutions and a dedicated funding source.
19	What is your position on the future of scooters in Nashville?	Scooters could be part of the mobility solution in Nashville, but only if the operators carry the burden of making sure that the riders are using them responsibly. The companies must figure out a way through either technology or enforcement provided or paid for by them to keep riders from endangering themselves and pedestrians.	I believe scooters will be gone in a couple of years; the technology will probably evolve to follow the demand for safer alternatives. in the meantime, we need to step up enforcement and engage with the owners to limit users who are using it dangerously or irresponsibly.	Send them packing	I understand that alternative transportation mode needs to be available to our younger generation, but they should wear helmets and their safety should be first. Many said that Henry Ford was crazy when he invented the car. I don’t want to be so stuck in my old ways that I cannot embrace the new. Whatever is done, I will accept, I see both sides.	Scooter drivers need to have more regulations for travel safety. Riders zip and zap around walkers on side walks and ride in streets without little regard for others. They cross streets in droves with no regard to the signal lights, in order to stay together. Scooter riders should not "Scoot" while sauced.The scooters are left anywhere and everywhere causing a "junk look" in front of buildings, churches, restaurants and randomly on sidewalks. My position is the need for stricter regulations.	If we cannot regulate them more closely without taxing our police office to enforce them, they should be eliminated. I think one solution would be to hold the company owners more responsible for scooters left laying on the sidewalks etc.	Scooters help ensure mobility and can be a solution in a walkable/bikeable city. Unfortunately due to lack of oversight and accountability, scooters have become a liability to both renters and others. My preference will be the implementation of regulations that hold renters and companies accountable, including penalties for noncompliance.	While on the Council I proposed that all scooters be corralled because of the danger to pedestrians, handicapped and bikers (and other scooter riders). The corrals have not been implemented yet. We have had a death, injuries and pedestrians hit. I have almost been hit in my car by riders using the scooters to play 'dodge 'em' in the middle of intersections. Needless to say, I believe that the test has not been successful. The cap is too high. The enforcement mechanism is insufficient. Self governance has not worked. The scooters are being used as toys and not as intended. I would support and encourage a hiatus on this if and until a comprehensive approach that ensures safety of riders and non-riders. This must include roadway improvements so that there is safe passage for everyone.
20	How should Nashville address the affordable housing scarcity? And what is your position on Mayor Briley's Under One Roof initiative?	Nashville needs to use every tool available to preserve existing affordably priced housing and to add to the stock. MDHA’s Envision plans are providing new work force housing in their mixed income model. With the funding committed by the Under One Roof proposal, the Envision projects can also increase the number of homes for very low income tenants. Increasing funding to the Barnes Fund will enable non-profit builders to produce more homes for home-ownership. These need to be linked to the newly developed Community Land Trust so that they can be set up to remain affordable even as owners become successful and sell to the next first-time home buyer. Low Income Housing Tax Credits enable for-profit builders to produce hundreds of new affordably priced rental units. This is a start, but the need is in the thousands. The council needs to support funding and tax incentive mechanisms that can make it easier to build affordably priced housing. As a city, we should be supporting new innovations like housing cooperatives and social enterprise funds that can provide equity for workforce housing. Nashville needs to refine the housing action plan produced by the Mayor’s office into measurable steps and to publish the “Housing Score Card” called for in a resolution I sponsored, so we can evaluate our progress toward closing the housing gap.	I believe that the issue is not about affordability but displacement, just concentrating affordable housing in one part of the city won’t solve our collective problem. People that leave Nashville looking for affordability still drive here adding to traffic. We need to look at the issue comprehensively. When I Chaired the Ad Hoc Affordable Housing committee we put together such a plan (which was preempted by the State Legislature) so although I support the plan proposed by the Mayor I believe we need to reengage with the State to be able to enact our comprehensive plan.	We can’t afford to spend the money the mayor wants taxpayers to spend. Our debt is one of the primary reasons we have the issues we have now. Raising taxes creates greater burdens on lower income households.	I think the Under One Roof initiative is a good one. Amazing for the short time he has had to produce something, however, it is a day late and a dollar short. I would take a old school, hotel and create housing for the homeless. I would insist that the developers who create housing provide a better percentage of affordable housing in contrast to market rate. It would need to be at least a 60/40 or 70/30 percentage for market rate/affordable. MDHA on the other hand needs to do just the opposite, 60/40 or 70/30 affordable/market rate.	The "Under One Roof" program is a postive way to address the affordable housing needs of our city. The $750 million commitment in "The Under One Roof 2019" initiative is a valiant effort. It involves MDHA, the Barnes Fund and public private partnerships that speak clearly to the affordable housing issues. I hope we can continue to focus on the shelter needs for families who are struggling because of low income and lack of educational opportunities. The Under One Roof initiative is a good start. It is the citizens who must demand it is implemented to the fullest and continues to grow to provide the housing services needed. Although we can not save everyone, we can certainly try to help as many as possible.	Assuming affordable housing is defined as those that are at or below the federal poverty level, we should first attempt to lift those individuals up economically. I like the Barns fund as it is a partnership between public and private monies. I like the fact Mayor Briley has proposed more monies for the Barns Fund. The under one roof program sounds like a great effort to address the issue.	I support the following ideas: 1) Increasing funding for the Barnes Fund. 2) Creating Metro funding for mixed economy homes, to avoid having concentrated low-income housing in certain parts of town. 3) Requiring developers to include low-income housing as part of their proposed projects.	As I shared above, everyone in Nashville deserves to benefit from the city's successes. I know many who cannot afford to live in Nashville but spend a large percent of their take home pay in transportation costs. The STR industry has had an impact in this area as well. As Council at Large member, I will work with my colleagues to implement legislation that will enable us to identify, not only funding sources, but meaningful actionable plans to implement affordable housing. Mayor Briley's Under One Roof initiative is important and we need to be sure of the long term funding mechanism - given our budget constraints, where is the dedicated funding going to come from, is it sufficient?
21	What is your position on a proposal to privatize parking enforcement in the downtown and surrounding areas?	Our parking system is antiquated and unquestionably needs to be modernized. I appreciate the decision to decouple the parking from the budget and to allow more time for evaluating how the proposed management arrangement compares with the economics of the city doing it ourselves.	I am in general against privatization	Bad idea, may be done by the city but not give away the revenue as was proposed. Just another form of taxation.	I do not like it.	I do not support the privatizing of parking enforcement. The $30 million plan offered more questions than answers. Again, the company that received the bid was going to immediately increase meter parking costs and the cost for the ticket. Once again, the citizens of Nashville would be the main ones punished because of this deal. Keeping the parking within the control of Metro, would keep our citizens with good jobs as a metro employees. Privatizing is a quick band aid with long term problems. I believe we should seek solutions that embrace our citizens and employ those who make our city proud by being dedicated employees who care.	Totally against. First, if a private company wants to buy it they would not do so unless it was profitable. I think Metro should maintain our parking system and utilize the system the private company planed to use.	I am glad the mayor is reconsidering the move.	I want to know more. There is not enough clarity - we are receiving mixed messages and clearly should not move forward until this is fully, fully examined in order to know what the long term implications are for our residents, visitors and Metro budget.
22	What is your position on the future of the Nashville Fairgrounds?	By Charter, we have an obligation to continue all current uses at the Fairgrounds even as we incorporate new uses like the MLS stadium, Fair Park, and a mixed use development. Continued coordination with existing users is critical to ensure that new exhibit space and parking work and that existing uses can thrive.	I love the fairgrounds and was worried about the decay and lack of investment on it. I believe that our public private partnership being built now will revitalize and ensure that we have a fully functioning fairground for generations.	We should have followed what voters wanted. The project may be great but we ignored the voters totally. That is never a good thing.	I don’t have a strong opinion one way or the other.	My position is to listen to the residents, and collaborate around getting consenus from the neighborhood citizens. We should gather developers, government officials, and residents to find mutually-agreed upon projects that are beneficial economically and safe and confortable for the area. We must work together.	I think the racetrack is a Nashville institution and should be left to grow. The other aspects is a moot question, however I think the fairgrounds should remain the fairgrounds.	The fairgrounds have played an important part in the history of our city. Many of the voters I talk to grew up going with their families to the State Fair. The Nashville fairground is a space that has created memories for thousands of Tennesseans, and I hope the memories will continue. The addition of the soccer stadium will be a special boost for Nashville. I feel confident that we will be able to keep the Fairground while adding the allure of another pro sports team for our city.	The fairgrounds plan has been presented, scrutinized and established so that the vendors, visitors and newcomers are met with an improved facility and a boost to a community wanting economic development. Changing direction now when Metro is in the midst of the improvements is not something I support. I do support working within the framework we have to create a synergy with the racetrack.
23	How could Metro better balance the needs and wants of downtown and the outlying neighborhoods?	The budget process offers a rational and transparent mechanism for each council member to prioritize projects within their district. The Planning Department is officially responsible for reviewing all requests relative to the General Plan and priorities set by various master plans for Parks, sidewalks, bikeways. Key departments like Public Works and Schools have quantifiable rating scales for road projects and school renovations that need to be easily accessible on Metro’s Data.Nashville.gov website. Relying on this prioritization as the Capital Spending Plan is developed can lead to a more balanced and transparent approach.	Empowering residents from the suburbs will go a long way to deal with it, also supporting investments citywide (like the Fairgrounds, Bellevue or the Crossings) will ensure that we don’t look at downtown as our only way to generate revenue for the city.	By actually working with all district council members. Allow them a budget on an equitable basis and let those elected officials tell downtown what is needed to make their district better.	Be fair and not give more to some and so much less to others. Every part of town should be a place that any resident would like to live.	We need to reach out to all the citizens, rather than just considering what developers want to do. Elected officials, as well as metro administrators, must work with all citizens to find solutions that are workable for everyone, as best as possible. If parking is a problem based on cost and availability, if traffic is too troublesome, if buildings are not accessible, then we are running away the core of our existence--the productive citizens. The message then becomes, "We want you to be taxpayers, but we do not care about what you think nor need." If our citizens are saying, "I can't afford to go downtown to have dinner because it is too costly and too inconvenient, we are sending a terrible message. Metro can better balance the needs and wants of downtown and outlying neighborhoods by working together. Leaders must talk to citizens and not talk "down" to them. Listen to the ideas of residents and understand the problems they identify as barriers, which include transportation, high parking fees and accessiibility to buildings.	I think a formula needs to be developed that would allow proportional spending in each district. Once again, a committee could be appointed utilizing both general and urban council members along with private citizens.	It is time to look at a priority shift for our city. We have done an amazing job with building up our downtown area, and we have prospered because of it. The festivals, the NFL draft, and continued tourism have been great for our economy. And now we need to shift the focus to our neighborhoods and to the infrastructure for those who live here. We have communities without safe places for children to walk down the streets. We have neighborhoods that are still experiencing flooding during heavy rains. We have whole areas of town that don’t have a grocery store to get fresh food or a library for children to continue to learn and do research. The issues of our neighborhoods need to become a priority.	As I shared, we should take advantage of the success of the core and invest in amenities and economic development for our outlying neighborhoods. Bellevue is not the same place it was in 2011 when I was elected. I was deliberate in the plan to bring a destination, a transformative catalyst, amenities and new residents to the area. Today, where we were not generating property, sales tax revenues or jobs, we are thriving. Today we have a new firehall, community center and high school underway, and look forward to a late summer opening of the Ford Ice Center at Bellevue. Our families have a state of the art library and renovated Red Caboose playground to enjoy. Every outlying community should be able to say the same. Metro's return on investment will go far beyond the financial by offering quality of life.
24	When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Nashville?" what are the top 3 things or places you recommend?	I actually have a two page list of “Things to Do with Visitors in Nashville” that I routinely share with visitors. At the top of my list are hiking in one of our big parks, biking on one of the greenways, and enjoying music wherever they find it.	Nolensville Rd (the Zoo, Plaza Mariachi, the many restaurants) Green Hills Cheekwood, the garden and museum	Depends on what they are interested in. But always the Opry, and then a toss up for downtown and possibly our lakes or outdoor activities.	Eat Prince’s Hot Chicken and visit the amazing universities. Go listen to good music, all genres. Visit the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park	As a Nashville native, I have a plethora of ideas and recommendations for visitors to experience. We are a heartfelt people, full of love, volunteerism, caring attitude and friendly spirits. This attitude can be found throughout the city in Mom and Pop diners and major retail establishments. A few places to experience would be 1. The Downtown area from Lower Broadway to the Gulch, 2. The Black Heritage Tour, which is a golden history lesson that is educational, enlightening and fun-filled, criss-crossing the city populated with higher education institutions, commerce stations, entertainment venues, museums and Kingdom Cafe and Grill on Historic Jefferson Street. 3. The Centennial Park area and the Parthenon to focus on the impressive Athena statue.	1) Downtown in general. 2) Opryland Hotel. 3) Centennial Park.	1) Centennial Park with the Parthenon is a beautiful place for family. 2) The Ryman auditorium is a great spot place for music lovers. 3) For food, I recommend Woolworth’s for the history or Hattie B’s for good old Nashville hot chicken.	Any of our restaurants - Nashville's food scene is exploding and offers a great opportunity to experience the diversity of who we are. Our Country Music roots - the Ryman, Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame - it's what has made Nashville what it is today. Nature - whether it's our rolling hills, expansive park system or waterways - we are fortunate to live in an area that offers so much.
25	Is there anything else you would like us to know about you, your values and priorities?	I have loved serving this city, and I believe we can all work together to make it great for everyone. I am committed to listening to the needs of the community and to working collaboratively on solutions to those needs.	As an immigrant I faced many challenges, and as one who has fought for justice in many different arenas, I have a lot of empathy with the people that feel disenfranchised by the system. I believe we are all on this together and our responsibility is to leave this place better than how we found it.	My values are always rooted in the needs and desires of the voters and making sure that we keep our city healthy with our finances.	I always make a decision based on information to support my decision and what I believe is right. I am courageous to speak up for the best interest of the people. I am a Rotarian and I use the 4-way test often when making decisions.	I am a life-long Nashvillian with a heart for this city. Too often leaders, whether elected or appointed are silenced for various reasons and the people are left out and ignored. I will continue to work hard for the citizens of this city. Whether working with a district council person, being informed by metro administrators or meeting with the mayor or other officials, I will focus on what the people want. I will ensure that as an elected official "we work for the people," and that is who we must serve. Developers, business people and other officials, all have to go home to their neighborhoods, and home is where the heart is. And, our hearts are in our neighborhoods. We need to listen to the millenniums and the senior citizens because their voices are valuable. Anyone who dismisses others, dismisses oneself. We all matter. The true measure of a really great city is how we treat everyone, especially the least among us. As a pastor and educator, I have been intricately involved in the activities of this city all of my life. Fairfield Church, where I have served as Senior Pastor for 30 years has addressed affordable housing for more than 20 years, purchasing apartments and making them affordable to low-income residents, (they are never empty, except for cleaning during transition). We purchased a restaurant, formerly Harpers on Jefferson Street, and has made it a viable eatery, Kingdom Cafe & Grill since 2015, with the largest grand opening and dedication of any facility on Historic Jefferson Street. Furthermore, we purchased a multi- million dollar worship center on Dickerson Road in Goodlettsville, which allowed for continued growth and activities at that location, still maintaining our strong presence throughout the entire city.	I feel I have always been a community servant and will do what I can to protect all communities in Nashville.	Good education means better jobs, better earning power, better real estate investments, more property taxes, more sales taxes, and more individual and community growth. As someone who got her education in Nigeria, I can attest to the fact that a good education is something that you take with you wherever you go and can sustain you no matter where you are. As a proud mother of five children—one doing a Ph.D. in psychology, one doing a Master’s in computer science with a concentration in software engineering, two in medical schools, and one about to start Hume Fogg—my husband and I know the value of education. I strongly believe that funding our education systems is crucial. Finally, if elected, I will be the first Muslim (male or female) elected to council. As a Muslim, CPA, MNPS parent and an activist, I bring a lot of diverse experiences to the council. I believe these experiences help bring a lot of voices to the table and help build a truly welcoming, equitable and inclusive CITY for ALL	My work over the last years speaks to who I am - a community service driven resident who stepped up to serve everyone, who prioritizes fiscal responsibility, fairness and compromise. I have championed responsible economic development. I believe that elected officials should be accessible and responsive and have walked that walk.
26	Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
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