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Thom's priorities/promises 

I am running for re-election and would deeply appreciate your support for another term.

1. Protect and enhance

Hopefully, I have earned that support.

I have always valued those in government and business who do what they say they will do. 
For the record, here is what I have done since being elected your Metro Council Representative. 

PRIORITIES / PROMISES (click for details) 
1. Protect and enhance our homes and neighborhood.
2. Increase government transparency and accountability in metro budgets. 
3. Develop strategies for inequities in our city. 
4. Responsive
5. Leadership

1. Protect and enhance our homes and neighborhood

Margie & I moved to West Meade for its incredible beauty and nature. We need to protect this for generations to come. To this end we need to ensure our neighborhood is well organized and proactive in making responsible improvements and ensure that legislation is up to date, especially in light of changing conditions such as stormwater runoff. If we are passive, this will not happen. 

KEEPING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD the WAY it is MEANT to BE.  I have opposed all zoning variances that would change the character of our neighborhood.

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LEADING the DISCUSSION to UPDATE STORMWATER REGULATIONS for infill or current neighborhood development. We are experiencing increased runoff and flooding from new development. Regulations were revised in 2014/5 but that was before the significant increase in home sizes that is increasing impervious surfaces and reducing natural foliage and grades. I was the lead sponsor for the following resolution that had unanimous council support. Currently, Metro is hiring a consultant that will provide best practices and long-term solutions to our ongoing stormwater issues. 


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ESTABLISHED the FRIENDS of WEST MEADE HILLS chaired by Susan Castle and Willi Honneger. The group provides a proactive approach for our neighborhood conservation. We need to work on preserving our backyard, conserving trees, and the land between West Meade and Bellevue that includes some of the oldest forests in Nashville. This is the last leg of Radnor to River within the Tennessee Green project. 

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INCREASED PRESERVATION of OUR TREE CANOPY. Our old-growth trees are the jewels of our neighborhood and city. I get calls regularly from neighbors concerned about developers cutting trees down on nearby lots. On occasion, I have been able to meet with developers and dissuade them from cutting trees, but we need a more comprehensive plan to protect our old growth. As a start, I have: 


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CREATED a DISTRICT 23 BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE chaired by Patricia Knight and Andrea Pruijssers. The first event was a seed and tree exchange on 11/5 and there is a long list of plans to come. We have the opportunity to enhance the natural beauty of our district. Click and see.

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IMPROVING the SAFETY in OUR NEIGHBORHOOD  with focuses such as the 100/70 split. We started a process with NDOT and have made some safety improvements while continuing to bring the intersection to the focus of TDOT. Additionally, I have invited input from local businesses on their experiences with the traffic split. I have succeeded in adding some enhanced warning signage on Harding and worked to control builder-related traffic issues on our neighborhood streets. There is more to be done. 


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SIDEWALKS – Prioritized the Davidson Rd sidewalk and expanded the Vaughn’s Gap sidewalk from Harding to 100. A sidewalk is under construction that will run on Davidson from HG Hill Middle to Harding Road. A sidewalk has been approved for Vaughn’s Gap Rd from Harding to 100 that will connect to the entrance of Percy Warner Park. I continue to advocate for more sidewalks in our district.

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NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY – Developed and supported the District 23 Safety Committee chaired by Lauren Balmer, Rachel Kaiser, and Tom Wright. We are neighbors and I want to foster neighborhood spirit. Toward that goal, we have begun to identify traffic and public safety projects until traffic calming projects can be approved. They are off to a great start. 

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DEVELOPED the HOLIDAY LIGHTS for HOPE EVENT with a great committee: Tom Wright, Carole Raley, Wayne Underhill, Jena Armistead, Lauren Balmer, Joel DeSantis and Matt Lascara. It is now in its 3rd year. The event is more than just awards for light displays. Funds are raised to support the Nashville Rescue Mission. We have Santa Clause on a firetruck escorted by the Belle Meade police officers who donate their time to support this cause; they even supply the Grinch. 

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SUPPORTED the HARMONY WILDLIFE REFUGE now in the hills of West Meade. It is recognized by Tennessee State as a Wildlife Refuge and Rehab Center. Stasia Kudrez has shown her passion for our animal friends and is a great resource for our neighborhood as we find animals that need help. 

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DEVELOPED STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS for the HOMELESS and the ENCAMPMENTS. 
The Brookmeade homeless encampment was a situation right in our backyard where we saw the problem of people living outdoors, in public space, in terrible conditions. Crime and drug use and distribution were major problems for the homeless and for those who live and work nearby. The encampment of at least 16 years was growing, as was homelessness across the city. Our public park was unusable.
 

  • We needed a long-term solution.

    I worked closely with knowledgeable nonprofits, including Reclaim Brookemeade; former homeless; consultants; and stakeholders to identify and form possible solutions.

  • With the leadership of Cathy Jennings of the Contributor and the knowledge combined at many meetings, a Foundation Guide for the City of Nashville/Davidson County Outdoor Homeless Strategy was created and a fund of $50 million was allocated to support the strategy.

  • Closer to home, the results of the strategy have been implemented. The Brookemeade encampment has been closed. The residents have been offered housing and the wrap-around services they need. Brookemeade Park has been secured and is being returned to the community.

  • I chair the Human Services Committee and Homeless Oversight Committee and will continue to work to make sure the $50M in resources is used for the intended support.

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APPROVED the NEW DEPARTMENT of HOMELESS IMPACT. Needed a stronger focus working directly on the homeless problem. Click and read about Legislation BL2021-971 authorizing the Department of Homeless Impact.
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HOW the $50 M WORKS: Nashville approves $50M in one-time federal funds for homelessness. Click and read.
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WEIGHING on the CONCERNS of OUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Metro council member says mayor has all the resources to house everyone at Brookmeade Park. Click and read.
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BROOKEMEADE ENCAMPMENT CLOSED based on housing first solutions using $50M to solve problems and improving lives of the homeless. Click and read. 
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ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT with STRATEGIC PLAN for DAVIDSON COUNTY OUTDOOR HOMELESS STRATEGY

2. Increase government transparency and accountability in metro budgets.

IN 2019, I CAME into OFFICE RECOGNIZING that OUR FINANCIAL POSITION was BROKEN. In our first 3 months, the State Comptroller announced that our financial position was not sustainable. We only had enough cash in bank for 2 days of payments and had to borrow gap financing. Our debt impact on the operating budget was not always clear.  

HOMELESS and the ENCAMPMENTS
Increase government transparency
Stormwater Regulatons

OUR GROWTH of DEBT SPENDING HAD GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY, FROM 8% to 15%.  There was a lack of understanding in how capital project debt impacted the operating budget that we all pay. I sponsored bill BL2020-534 that required the Metro Director of Finance to project capital projects’ impact on the operating budget before the capital budget is approved. It was considered a strong step in ensuring our finance policy was transparent and well supported against future financial budget needs. Click and read about bill BL2020-534.

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ELECTED by the METRO COUNCIL to SERVE on the AUDIT COMMITTEE that reviews internal audits of metro departments. 

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APPOINTED by the VICE MAYOR to be ON the EAST BANK and STADIUM COMMITTEE.
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APPOINTED by the VICE MAYOR to LEAD the $50M HOMELESS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.
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SERVED on the BUDGET and FINANCE COMMITTEE ALL 4 YEARS.
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SPONSOR of RESOLUTION RS2022-1901 ADOPTING FUND BALANCE RESERVE POLICIES that develop minimal reserves for our funds that ensure we maintain sound financial management. Click and read about bill RS2022-1901.
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RECOMMENDED that METRICS be USED for BENCHMARKING PRODUCTIVITY. Currently the mayor’s office has implemented a Performance Metric system to evaluate department productivity.

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SERVED as CHAIR of HUMAN SERVICES.

3. Develop strategies for inequities

3. Develop strategies for inequities in our city
 

WORKFORCE and CAREER DEVELOPMENT for AT-RISK YOUTH. We have needs in communities in our city that require more aggressive and direct involvement and investment. I have spent over 40 years working with at-risk youth in numerous cities throughout the US on many levels. I recognize the strategic needs of many of our youth. We need to build a long-term plan that provides greater opportunity and a foundation for a better quality of life for many. The plan must be sustainable across political and administrative changes to provide long term progressive change.
I AM CURRENTLY LEADING a TASK FORCE that WILL COMBINE INVESTMENT in YOUTH, including those most in need, with job skill exploration and comprehensive whole youth training. 

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CHAIR of the MAYOR’S TASK FORCE on YOUTH CAREER EXPLORATION and ALIGNMENT OPPORTUNITIES.  – Improve career paths for disadvantaged youth to identify and provide job skills. Our Task Force includes 30 business, non-profit, school and community leaders. 
Read all about it: Mayor Cooper Announces Youth Career Exploration and Alignment Opportunities Task Force.
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE of NAZA – Nashville After School Alliance that works with after school programs.

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VICE MAYOR’S TASK FORCE on AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS – Education and the development of our children is critical for the future of Nashville. The goal is to support MNPS Policy with community partnerships. We seek to develop programs so that students with SEL (Social Emotional Learning), ESL (English Second Language), disabilities, and students in youth justice have access to the strategies they need to succeed.  

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CHAIR of the EDUCATION COMMITTEE in 2021
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NASHVILLE CHAMBER of COMMERCE REPORT CARD COMMITTEE – Selected to be on the Report Committee that evaluates key drivers for MNPS and makes recommendations.

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FORMER ADJUNCT PROFESSOR at TSU for LEADERSHIP and HOTEL/RESTAURANT CLASSES

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DIRECTOR of NASHVILLE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGES’ HOSPITALITY PROGRAM – Focus is teaching and identifying learning alternatives to career development.
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ED.D. CANDIDATE for UPPER EDUCATION  – Focus on improving minority and at-risk opportunities.

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CLICK and READ MY RESUME for OTHER PROFESSIONAL and VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE.

Youth Career Exploration And Alignment Opportunities
4. Responsive

I have worked hard to ensure that I am available to address and, where possible, solve your concerns and problems. Whether it is a zoning change, a pothole, flooding, or a power outage, I have tried to be responsive to anyone needing help. It’s been a pleasure connecting with you and staying in touch through my newsletter. While much has been accomplished, there is more for us to do. To see that through, I will need your support.

4. Responsive
 

5. Leadership

5. Leadership
 

  • Budget & Finance Committee – all 4 years. 

  • Chair Human Services Committee 

  • Chair Homeless Oversight Committee 

  • Former Chair of the Education Committee – 2021 and 2022 

  • Elected by the Metro Council to serve on the Audit Committee that reviews internal audits of metro departments. 

  • Chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Career Exploration: Improve career paths for disadvantaged youth to identify and provide job skills. Task Force of 30 community leaders focused on solutions. Click and read. 

  • Appointed by the Vice Mayor to be on the East bank and stadium committee 

  • Executive Committee Metro Council 

  • Executive Committee of NAZA (Nashville After School Alliance) Focus on career exploration for middle school students. 

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