Tag: Metro Nashville Council

Metro Councilman Jeff Eslick: Some Council Members Try to Shame Opponents of Far Left Resolutions

Kaitlin Housler
Jeff Eslick

Metro Nashville Council Member Jeff Eslick detailed how the council has recently taken up resolutions surrounding statewide issues and how some members request that a hand vote be recorded as a “shaming move” against members who oppose the resolutions.

In addition to activists taking advantage of the public comment period during Metro Council meetings to speak on the current situation in the Middle East between Israeli and Hamas forces, Eslick said the council has taken up three different types of resolutions that “condemn or express disappointment with the state” in recent weeks.

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Nashville Metro Councilman Jeff Eslick: Leftists are Using Public Comment Period to Advance Pro-Hamas Agenda During Meetings

Kaitlin Housler
Metro Council

Metro Nashville Council Member Jeff Eslick joined Thursday’s edition of The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy to discuss the latest developments and work from the Metro Nashville Council.

Eslick said the council’s meeting on Tuesday consisted of some good discussions on issues; however, it was dragged out by council members trying to convince other members on how to vote on certain ordinances as well as activists taking advantage of the public comment period to speak on the current situation in the Middle East.

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Metro Nashville Council Member Zulfat Suara Refuses to Condemn Hamas Terrorists, Claims ‘Standing Up for Innocent Palestinian Children Doesn’t Make One Antisemitic’

M.D. Kittle

Metro Nashville Council Member-At-Large Zulfat Suara has refused to condemn the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks that killed 1,400 Israelis, but claims that “standing up for innocent Palestinian children doesn’t make one antisemitic.”

Suara, the co-founder and former leader of the Nashville-based American Muslim Advisory Council, was first elected as one of the five at-large members of the 40 member Metro Nashville Council in 2019. She was re-elected to another four year term in August of this year.

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Nashville Attorney Accuses Metro Nashville Legal Director Wally Dietz and His Office of ‘Relentless Malfeasance’

M.D. Kittle

A nationally recognized Nashville constitutional law attorney is urging newly installed Mayor Freddie O’Connell to fire Metro Nashville’s controversial legal Director Wally Dietz on allegations of “relentless malfeasance in the Department of Law.”

Based on Daniel Horowitz’s email to Metro Council members, it appears at least some city leaders may agree with the attorney.

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O’Connell Picks Up Endorsement from Metro Council Member, Former Mayoral Candidate Ahead of Thursday Election

Peter D'Abrosca

A Nashville mayoral candidate Tuesday touted an endorsement from a colleague on the Metro Nashville Council.

“16 years ago, [Council member Sharon Hurt] welcomed me to Jefferson Street, where her leadership produced business success and a stronger workforce. As we joined Metro Council together, I witnessed her steadfast commitment to building a more equitable city. I’m honored to have her support,” said Freddie O’Connell, attaching a video endorsement from Hurt. 

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Metro Nashville City Council Member Bob Mendes Endorses Freddie O’Connell for Nashville Mayor

Kaitlin Housler

Metro Nashville Council Member (At-Large) Bob Mendes endorsed fellow council member Freddie O’Connell as the next mayor of Nashville.

In January, The Tennessee Star reported that current Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced that he would not seek re-election, leaving the race wide open. O’Connell was one of the first to announce his candidacy for the position.

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Nashville Council Amends, Passes Second Vote on $2.1 Billion Titans Stadium

The Center Square

The deal to build a new $2.1 billion Tennessee Titans stadium took another step toward happening early Wednesday morning when the deal was approved on second reading by a 25-11 vote during a Metro Nashville Council meeting that lasted into the morning.

A third and final reading is expected after a four-hour public hearing on the bill and the Nashville Needs Impact Fund starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

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Analysis: City Officials’ Spending Plan for $3.1 Billion in New Titans Stadium Tax Capture Funding

The Center Square

At least $3.1 billion is expected to be collected in a tax capture fund over a 30-year lease related to a new $2.2 billion Tennessee Titans stadium, according to updated estimates from the Nashville mayor’s office.

That number does not include $500 million the state of Tennessee will bond for the project, an additional tax on tickets expected to collect $470 million that was added to the deal through a Metro Nashville Council amendment last week or the $840 million funds the Tennessee Titans will spend on the construction project, including a $200 million National Football League loan and what the team makes on selling new personal seat licenses.

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Bill to Cut Nashville City Center Funding Calls into Question Tax Plan for New $2.2B Titans Stadium

The Center Square

A new proposed bill in the Tennessee not only proposes cutting some of the state tax funding to pay debt on the Music City Center, but it also calls into question plans to build a new $2.2 billion Tennessee Titans stadium.

Senate Bill 648, filed Thursday by Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, on behalf of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, would change the way taxes flow to Metro Nashville to pay debt from the Music City Center, which opened in 2013. The bill does not yet have a House sponsor.

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Proposed Bills Would Make All Tennessee Local Elections Partisan

The Center Square

Two proposed Tennessee bills would add to the partisan nature of all of the state’s elections, including local and judge races.

One of the bills would require all races, including local and state elections, to be partisan with candidates declaring a political party. Another would require all voters to declare a party and only vote in that party’s primary elections.

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Metro Council Gives Approval for Mayor Cooper’s Office to Pursue Development Partner for Stadium Area

Laura Baigert

At its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday evening, Metro Council gave approval for Mayor John Cooper’s office to pursue a solicitation for development of a portion of the Nissan Stadium campus.

By voice vote, an amended RS2022-1828 was approved unanimously, having advanced through three committees unanimously after it had been deferred at a previous Council meeting.

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Titans Release Nissan Stadium Renovation Plan Mayor Cooper’s Office Claimed Is ‘Proprietary’

Laura Baigert

At the end of the November 7 meeting of the East Bank Stadium Committee, a representative for the Tennessee Titans came forward and agreed to make public a plan to renovate Nissan Stadium developed on behalf of the team that Mayor John Cooper’s office has claimed is “proprietary.”

After questioning by several of the committee members, James Weaver, partner at Waller, Lansden, Dortch & Davis LP and representing the Titans said they would be happy to share the plan with council.

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Metro Council Approves Workaround Attempt at Banning License Plate Scanner Use for Illegal Immigration Enforcement

Aaron Gulbransen

Nashville Metro Council approved on Tuesday a workaround attempt to sidestep the Tennessee state law banning sanctuary city policies via legislation that bans the use of license plate scanner (LPR) technology.

BL2022-1115 amends “Section 13.08.080 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws pertaining to the use of License Plate Scanner (LPR) technology to exclude assisting with immigration enforcement as an allowed use of LPRs.”

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Metro Council Meeting Agenda Includes Nearly $17 Billion in Requests for Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Improvements Budget

Aaron Gulbransen

The Nashville Metro Council agenda for its Tuesday meeting includes $16.9 billion in requests for the Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Improvements Budget, which is an ordinance on third reading.

BL2022-1268 is an “ordinance adopting the 2022-2023 through 2027-2028 Capital Improvements Budget for The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County as the official Capital Improvements Budget of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.”

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Metro Council Calls for More Gun Control and Recognizes Woke ‘Pride Month’

Aaron Gulbransen

Nashville Metro Council approved woke resolutions calling for increased gun control laws and recognizing “Nashville Pride Month” at its June 7 meeting.

Metro Council approved RS2022-1580, which is sponsored by Councilmembers Joy Styles, Dave Rosenberg, Tanaka Vercher, Bob Mendes, Jeff Syracuse, Colby Sledge, Kathleen Murphy, Mary Carolyn Roberts, Ginny Welsch, Sharon Hurt, Courtney Johnston, Gloria Hausser, Freddie OConnell, Burkley Allen, Tonya Hancock, Sandra Sepulveda, Kyonzte Toombs, Larry Hagar, Zulfat Suara, Bob Nash, Brandon Taylor, and Delishia Porterfield.

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Nashville Metro Council Considers First Reading of Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and Grant Acceptances at Latest Meeting

Aaron Gulbransen

Nashville Metro Council considered the first reading of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and issues like grant acceptances at its latest meeting.

BL2022-1248, a bill on first reading, was the ordinance setting the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and is on the agenda. The full proposal can be viewed on the Metro Council website. It was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee.

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First Reading of Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and Grant Acceptances Highlight Metro Council Meeting Agenda

Aaron Gulbransen

The Metro Nashville Council agenda for the May 17 meeting is highlighted by the first reading of the budget as well as resolutions accepting grants from various agencies to address mental health, drug overdose, and tobacco issues.

The Tennessee Star previously reported that BL2022-1248, a bill on first reading, is the ordinance setting the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and is on the agenda.

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Metro Nashville Council Agenda Highlights Include Over $62 Million in Appropriations, LPR Information, Earth Day Resolution

Aaron Gulbransen

Metro Nashville Council released the agenda for their Tuesday meeting and highlights include over $62 million in appropriations, an ordinance concerning LPR information, bonds issuance, a resolution recognizing Earth Day, and a resolution setting the date and time for the 2022 State of the Metropolitan Government Address.

Other issues on the agenda include zoning and contracts.

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Metro Nashville Council Again Defers Action on Sanctuary City License Plate Reader Bill That Legislative Staff Said Was Illegal

Aaron Gulbransen

Metro Nashville Council deferred action to the second meeting in July on a proposed ordinance that council legislative staff said was illegal. In its current form, the bill would ban License Plate Reader use for cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This is the second time that action on the bill was deferred.

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Governor Bill Lee’s Financial Proposal for a New Titans Stadium Includes Very Few Details

Aaron Gulbransen

Governor Bill Lee’s office made a presentation to the Tennessee House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee on his $500 billion bond proposal for a new Titans stadium that included several generalizations with very few details.

Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration Butch Eley, who functions as Lee’s chief financial officer, made the presentation on Tuesday.

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Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s Office Leaves the Door Open for Taxpayer Funding of New Titans Stadium

Aaron Gulbransen

Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s office left the door open on the issue of utilizing taxpayer funding for a new Titans stadium to replace Metro Nashville-owned Nissan Stadium in a comment issued to The Tennessee Star.

“The Mayor’s Office continues to work closely with Titans leadership to find a responsible stadium solution. The Titans are important to Nashville and we know that being here is important to the Titans. Planning is still very much underway, and we do not have new details to share at this time.”

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Metro Council Unanimously Opposes General Assembly Legislation Aimed at Blocking Children From Receiving Materials that Promote LGBT Lifestyle

Aaron Gulbransen
Frank Niceley and Bruce Griffey

Metro Nashville Council approved a late filed resolution asking the Tennessee General Assembly to block a bill aimed at keeping LEAs and charter schools from distributing textbooks or other materials to children that include the promotion of the LGBT lifestyle at its March 15 meeting.

The resolution was sponsored by councilmembers Brett Withers, Nancy VanReece, Russ Bradford and Emily Benedict and urged “the Tennessee General Assembly to reject HB0800/SB1216 seeking to prohibit LEAs from utilizing textbooks or instructional materials addressing LGBT issues or lifestyles.”

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The Tennessee Titans Want a New Stadium, But How the Team Plans to Pay for It Is Unclear

Aaron Gulbransen

The Tennessee Titans want a new stadium, switching gears from modernizing Nissan Stadium to making plans to build a new one in the lot next door. It is currently unclear how the team plans to raise the money to pay for it.

the Titans’ president, Burke Nihill, talked about the team’s goals for a new stadium at a March 10, 2022 Metro Nashville Sports Authority Finance Committee meeting. The Titans are reportedly working with Metro Nashville officials on the design and costs for a new stadium which would be located in the parking lots outside the current Nissan Stadium.

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Democrat Socialist Metro Councilman Sean Parker Dodges Questions About Dismissive Tweet as Gas Prices Soar

Aaron Gulbransen
Sean Parker of Tennessee

Metro Nashville Councilman and founding member of the Democratic Socialists of America – Middle Tennessee chapter Sean Parker posted an insensitive tweet Wednesday about rising gas prices.

When The Tennessee Star called Councilman Parker Thursday to ask his thoughts about soaring prices at the pump and its impact on Tennesseans, Parker declared he had no comment and abruptly ended the call.

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Former Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen Admitted in 1997 That Direct Economic Impact Benefits Couldn’t Justify Taxpayer Funding for a Football Stadium

Aaron Gulbransen

Former Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen admitted in 1997 that direct economic impact benefits couldn’t justify taxpayer funding for a football stadium.

The then-Mayor Bredesen said in June of 1997, “I can’t justify building a football stadium on direct economic impact. The professors who make a living pooh-poohing that are right. But there are a lot of intangible benefits that make it more than easy to do.”

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Metro Nashville Council Defers Action on Sanctuary City License Plate Reader Bill That Legislative Staff Said Was Illegal

Aaron Gulbransen

Metro Nashville Council deferred action on a bill on second reading that council legislative staff said was illegal. In its current form, the bill bans License Plate Reader use for cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

When the issue came up at the meeting, Councilman Mendes asked for committee reports. The requisite committees recommended deferring the ordinance for two meeting. Councilman Mendes then moved to defer consideration of the ordinance for two meetings.

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Metro Nashville Council Passes Resolution in Support of Ukraine, Former Councilman Steve Glover Praised

Aaron Gulbransen

At their Tuesday, March 1 meeting, Metro Nashville Council unanimously passed a late-filed resolution in support of the people of Ukraine.

Originally sponsored by councilmembers Kathleen Murphy, Tonya Hancock, John Rutherford, Ginny Welsch, and Courtney Johnston, the late-filed resolution is a “resolution recognizing the Metropolitan Council’s support of the people of Ukraine.” Every councilmember present was added as a prime sponsor of the resolution.

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Metro Nashville Council Agenda Analysis Says Ordinance Proposal Banning License Plate Reader Use for Cooperation with ICE Violates State Law

Aaron Gulbransen

Metro Nashville Council has published the March 1, 2022 meeting agenda and contains an ordinance that bans cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using use of License Plate Scanner (LPR) technology.

The Metro Nashville Council legislative staff prepared agenda analysis, says that the proposed ordinance violates state law because it would create a sanctuary city policy, which is explicitly banned by state law.

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Metro Nashville Council Appoints Progressive Trans-Activist to Community Oversight Board

Aaron Gulbransen

Nashville Metro Council appointed a radical Leftist trans-activist to the Community Oversight Board at its February 15, 2022 meeting.

Metro Council had two community organization nominated vacancies to fill at their last meeting and they appointed  appointed Maxine Spencer, a radical Leftist trans-activist nominated by far-Left community organizing group Workers’ Dignity, to serve a term that will expire on January 31, 2025. Michael Milliner, nominated by NAACP-Nashville was also appointed.

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Radical Leftist Member of Nashville Community Oversight Board Not Re-Appointed by Metro Council

Aaron Gulbransen

Metro Nashville Council filled two vacancies for the Community Oversight Board for terms that expired on January 31, 2022. Individuals considered for those vacancies were nominated by community organizations.

Metro Nashville Council appointed Michael Milliner and Maxine Spencer to serve terms that will expire on January 31, 2025, and rejected Jamel R. Campbell-Gooch’s nomination. 

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