At their Tuesday 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 council member present was added as a prime sponsor of the resolution.
After the call to order, pledge, and other traditional aspects of the beginning of council meetings, Vice Mayor Jim Shulman brought up the resolution, which was originally listed later on in the agenda, without objection and suspended the rules to consider the resolution. The rules committee gave their report which had no objections to the late-filed resolution. Several council members spoke about the situation in Ukraine and their personal connections to Nashvillians who are of Ukrainian descent.
The resolution gave background on the trials that the people of Ukraine are going through, stated the limited ability of local government to address foreign policy, encouraged other cities to join in efforts to sanction Russian leaders, expressed support for innocent Russian people who are not behind the aggression, and encouraged Nashvillians to support organizations giving aid to the people of Ukraine.
Finally, Metro Council went on record recognizing Thursday, March 3, 2022, as a city-wide day of prayer for the people of Ukraine.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as supporting the people of Ukraine and encourages the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County to participate in a city-wide day of prayer for the people of Ukraine.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Councilmember Murphy also announced that as part of the city-wide day of prayer, on Thursday morning there will be a prayer vigil held for Ukraine and peace throughout the world at the Metro Courthouse at 8 a.m.
At the beginning of the meeting, Shulman made reference to former Councilman Steve Glover’s resignation. The Tennessee Star previously reported that Glover, one of the few councilmembers to stand against progressive causes on council and who also opposed the mask mandate, had resigned immediately due to health concerns.
Shulman had nothing but praise for Glover and wished him good health. “I believe that he will find ways to continue to serve. That’s the Steve Glover I know.” he said. “We want to thank you for your service to our city.” Shulman’s remarks on Glover were met with applause from the chamber.
Nashville’s Mayor John Cooper was briefly at the council meeting but did not have any messages for the meeting and left as proceedings were beginning.
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Aaron Gulbransen is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]. Follow Aaron on GETTR.
