Nashville PRIDE July 28, 2023 Election Edition

July 28, 2023

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Nashville Election

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Nashville PridE

Nashville PRIDE Newspaper presents...

2023 Nashville Election Special Edition

Election day is Thursday, August 3 Early vote ends Saturday, July 29

Early Voting ends Saturday, July 29. Election day is Thursday, August 3.

The last day for early District 51 Special Pri- tember 14. voting is Saturday, July mary Election, and Tenn.

Early voting loca29. Election Day is House District 52 Spe- tions are open Friday, Thursday, August 3, for cial General Election.

July 28, from 8 am –5:30 the Metropolitan GenerIf necessary, a runoff pm, and Saturday, July al Election, Tenn. House election will be on Sep- 29, from 8 am–4:30 pm.

Locations include: Belle Meade City Hall, 4705 Harding Pk., Nashville, Tenn. 37205 Branch Bellevue Library, 720 Baugh Rd., Nashville, Tenn. 37221 Branch Bordeaux Library, 4000 Clarksville Pk., Nashville, Tenn. 37218 Casa Azafran, 2195 Nolensville Pk., Nashville, Tenn. 37211 Edmondson Pike Branch Library, 5501 Edmondson Pk., Nashville, Tenn. 37211 Goodlettsville Community Center, 200 Memorial Dr., Goodlettsville, Tenn. 37072 Green Hills Branch Library, 3701 Benham Ave., Nashville, Tenn.

37215 Hermitage Branch Library, 3700 James Kay Ln., Hermitage, Tenn.

37076

Howard Office Building, 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Nashville, Tenn. 37210 Branch Madison Library, 610 Gallatin Pk. S., Madison, Tenn.

37115 Margaret Maddox East YMCA, 2624 Gallatin Pk., Nashville, Tenn. 37216 Southeast Branch Library, 5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy., Suite 201, Antioch, Tenn.

37013 Tennesseans can find Election Day hours, polling locations, view and mark sample ballots, and much more with the Secretary of State’s <GoVoteTN.gov> website or <GoVoteTN app>. Voters can also download the <GoVoteTN app> for free in the App Store or Google Play.

Voters need to bring valid photo identification to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government, or the federal government is acceptable even if expired. A student ID or out-of-state driver’s license is not acceptable.

For more information about what types of IDs are permitted, visit <GoVoteTN.gov>.

Nashville The PRIDE does not endorse candidates, but we do encourage our readers to vote for candidates who advertise in the Black press.

These candidates show that they respect and value our community and have proven to be Continued on page 4B

Meet Matt Wiltshire, candidate for Mayor of Nashville I’m Jennifer Horne, CEO at Urban Campus and Core, a woman and minority owned firm creating paths to equitable economic growth.

From my work on affordable housing, I’m strongly supporting Matt Wiltshire for mayor – I’ve seen Matt in the trenches, full time, working to improve housing affordability.

My name is David Swett, Jr. . . . my family has run Swett’s for decades and now I own a catering company. I’m strongly supporting Matt

Wiltshire for Mayor.

Matt Wiltshire has a track record on helping diverse local businesses.

When it comes to economic equity and affordable housing, Matt Wiltshire is the only candidate running for Mayor with a proven track record of getting things done. Our next mayor needs to be laser focused on affordable housing. Matt Wiltshire is the only affordable housing expert running for Mayor.

As Mayor, Matt Wiltshire can do so

much more, especially for senior citizens. Matt has solved big problems before, and he has new ideas to get Nashville back on track. The cost of housing is rising, making Nashville unaffordable for many. As Mayor, Matt will address the rising cost of living in our city and develop an ambitious affordable housing plan that leverages city assets to build new homes.

Matt will aggressively create sustainable funding for affordable housing in Nashville and

streamline regulations to make it easier for people to build much needed housing.

Matt understands the urgency of our housing crisis, and he’s worked hard to get results. In his three years at the Nashville Housing Authority, Matt brought together the public and private sectors to help build more than 4,000 new units of housing that Nashvillians can actually afford.

Matt knows housing Continued on page 4B

Matt Wiltshire

THE Y AFF ORDABLE HOUSING HE ONL LY ONLY AFFORDABLE EXPER T RUNNING F OR MA AY YOR: EXPERT FOR MAYOR:

MATT MA ATT WILSHIRE “I work on affordable housing and equity.

Matt Wiltshire Ma tt W iltshire understands our housing crisis and has worked hard to get results.”

— Jennif er Horne Jennifer W Wiltshire iltshire will ffocus ocus on:

Vote Vote Matt Matt Wiltshire Wiltshire for for Mayor Mayor on August Augus g st 3 Early Voting: Voting: July 14 - July 29

www.Wiltshire.com Paid for by Matt for Mayor, Anna Cramer, Treasurer

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Nashville Election

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July 28, 2023

Meet Bernie Cox

Arnold Hayes, Candidate ference table, make for Metro Council At-Large

Bernie Cox I often get asked why as leader of this great I’m running for the city. However, qualificapolitical leadership of tions don't naturally what we all know to be make a good mayor. My an amazing city. My several years experience answer is the same as all as a business owner and the candidates; we all entrepreneur has been want what’s best for this varied, living as a priNashville. vate citizen and never Where I differ is I’m once living on the taxnot part of the long-run- payers dime as a politining bureaucratic men- cian. In that sense, I am tality that continues to grounded closer to realiwield power and contin- ty with the citizens of ue along a path of failed Nashville in what we see promises and blame- as real problems and gaming political oppo- glaringly obvious solunents for their big gov- tions to our budget and ernment failed policies. growth plan. It only This goes back decades takes the courage of to fix traffic, fix hous- someone who does not ing, fix education, fix all want to play politics else that never gets with those solutions. fixed. They keep promNashville has given ising THEIR solution is birth to a multitude of the only way and by the growing pains. We’re sole reason of party affil- business friendly and on iation, voters sweep the world stage in them back into power. regards to Healthcare, I don't know the per- Music, Sports, Hospitalsonal backgrounds of all ity, Entertainment and so my fellow candidates, much more! Time has and they may be quali- fermented for political fied to hold the position parties to sit at the con-

friends, and negotiate our best choices for Nashville.

Let’s Get In Tune!

We are a kaleidoscope for every music genre from the roots of our own National Museum of African Music to the world famous Country Music Hall of Fame, and everything else in-between. And when music is mentioned, never once does a conversation ever imply a message of distortion, misinformation or discrimination. It’s as if all of us are “in tune” with a common message. Music.

It amazes me to this day, the divisiveness in politics depending on whether you carry an R or D before your name.

There was a time I could have a spirited debate with friends about opposing political views, and afterwards . . . we’d go have a beer!

Sadly, those days have evaporated and simulate hot tempered sand covering the Mojave Desert floor in mid-August. In addition, main-stream media and politicians continue to elude the general popu-lation, by elimination of a total narrative in order to disguise the truth and seek control for the benefit of insider politics.

Imagine what could be accomplished if differences of opinion could be discussed at a conference table in support of Nashville, as opposed to using a flame-thrower to discolor an objective. It’s repulsive to myself and the majority population that politics has evolved to disinformation and disgust by those wanting to control a game of arm-chair warrior. It’s certainly time to get our politics “in tune” . . . like music.

My life experiences are what led me to run for Council At Large.

My journey began in the small-town of Calhoun, Alabama, located in Lowndes County -- a place previously referred to as “Bloody Lowndes” because of the overt racism and violence against African Americans to maintain segregation.

A defining moment in my life occurred after the Selma to Montgomery March, when SNCC workers stayed in the county to assist in defending, mobilizing and registering Black voters. During this period, I attended mass meetings, and witnessed the first county African American candidates, reconstruction, since risk their lives to run for office. Faith in God is also important to my journey. Whether advocating for equity of the marginalized in the corporate world or social justice and/or police in accountability Nashville through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), NOAH, the Community Oversight Now, or the NAACP. Fighting for those on the margins is

Arnold Hayes in my DNA. ter, food and a living What will become of wage to continue to live everyday people if we in Nashville. maintain the status quo What I witnessed on and continue to elect Christmas Day 2022 representatives that care convinced me that it was more about self-promo- time to do something to tion than improving the make change. Seeing community? As eco- hundreds of people, left nomic prosperity contin- with no other choice, ues, so should the care come to the Nashville for those on the margins. Rescue Mission on one There is nothing wrong of the coldest days of the with prosperity, but far year is one of the reatoo many poor and sons that I am running working people lack the Continued on page 4B basic resources of shel-

July 28, 2023

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Nashville Election

Mayoral Candidate Fran Bush

Fran Bush I am a Native ensure that our students Nashvillian, Educator, received the support Entrepreneur, Experi- they academically needenced Community ed to become college Leader, Homeowners and career ready. My Association President work was to ensure our and a Graduate of Ten- teachers received the nessee State University, tools they needed to a Wife to DeWayne teach while educating Bush, Mother of Five our most valuable pubSons, Desmond, Dylan, lic-school students. My David, Daniel, and Dal- work for 4 years was to ton. I am also a new consistently vote on a Grandma of a baby boy budget that would align named Malachi. with prioritizing a I also served as Met- school budget, pay raisropolitan Nashville Pub- es, new school buildings lic School Board Mem- and major school renober from 2018-2022. vations.

While serving my time I have been a great as your School Board leader in the Antioch Member for Metro community, serving as Nashville Public Sch- an HOA President for 21 ools for four years, I was years helped to restore able to work on behalf of the integrity and infra80,000+ students, their structure and now Antifamilies, teachers, sup- och is on the rise getting port staff and bus driv- it’s very own Tanger ers.

Outlet Mall and restauMy work was to rants, helped bridge the

community by hosting several community events, petitioned to bring Nashville State to Antioch, fought against the downtown jail from coming into our community, helped relocate our WIC office into a medical plaza where it would be in a safe place for families along with making sure it had a bus line.

I am a business owner of three licensed quality facilities, childcare Model Kids Learning Academy and Campus of Model Kids Learning Academy.

My work and leadership have always been consistent and now I am ready to step my game up, roll up my sleeves and do the good work to make Nashville the greatest city in this country.

My priorities will be neighborhoods, affordable housing, homelessness, crime prevention & safety, education, and infrastructure. As I focus on these priorities and many more, I will have a plan, procedures will be in place and progress will be made.

Nashville is recognized for its diversity with rich culture and history, businesses, education, arts, food, and music. We are very proud to celebrate our Heritage.

By voting for me, Nashville will regain a trusted leader who will make our city better than ever.

Vote for me, Fran Bush as your next Mayor!

Nashville PridE

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Meet RJ Mamula, Candidate for Council District 14 RJ Mamula is not a politician. He is a working class man who will fight to ensure that it is easier for Nashvillians to enter the middle class, not easier for megacorporations to break ground.

RJ Mamula was born in Hammond, Indiana. He attended Purdue University, graduating with a bachelors degree in Education and a masters degree in History.

He made Nashville his home in 2015.

Mamula is a member of Donelson Presbyterian Church and the Donelson Lions Club. RJ works as an Inventory Auditor for Under Armour Sport Equipment Company, and also as a tax professional at H&R Block.

Since coming to Nashville, Mamula has partnered with local charities, including Room In The Inn to help combat homelessness in our city. In 2021 he was appointed Secretary of the Davidson Democratic Party.

The next year he was elected by the people of District 14 to serve as the Executive Committeeman. In these posts he has been an outstanding voice of the working class, pushing for higher wages, affordable housing, and programs

rJ Mamula to combat homeless- on our streets. Homeness. lessness is a deadly RJ on the Issues, in issue. It is unknown his own words: exactly how many We must stop homeless people reside residents’ in the Nashville area, spending dollars on tourists and but we all know that start investing tourist the number is growing. dollars on improving Homelessness should the quality of life of not be a social punishresidents. I oppose ment for other societal spending taxpayer ills. As a city we must money on new stadi- focus on housing this ums and tax abate- population. We must ments for corporations. partner with charities If corporations want to such as Rescue Misinvest in our city they sion and Room In The must use their vast Inn to increase access wealth to do so, they to job placement and do not need our tax- housing for the homepayer dollars. Invest- less population. We ing in the needs of the also need to increase people first is what will funding of the Barnes benefit everyone in the Fund and cut the red long run. tape that is making it In the wealthiest hard for affordable country in the world, housing developers to and in one of the do business in fastest growing cities Nashville. in that country, we We need to usher should not have nearly Nashville into the 50 people a year dying Continued on page 4B

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Trusted Leadership for the City of Nashville I am a Native Nashvillian, Educator, Entrepreneur, Former MNPS School Board Member, Experienced Community Leader, Homeowners Association President, a Graduate of Tennessee State University, a Wife, Mother of Five Sons, and a New Grandma of a Baby Boy. My priorities will be neighborhoods, affordable housing, homelessness, crime prevention & safety, education and infrastructure.

As I focus on these priorities and many more, I will have a plan, procedures will be in place and progress will be made.

Nashville is recognized for its diversity with rich culture and history, businesses, education, arts, food, and music. We are very proud to celebrate our Heritage.

By voting for me, Nashville will regain a trusted leader who will make our city better than ever.

Vote for me, Fran Bush as your next Mayor!

WWW.FRANBUSHFORMAYOR.COM

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Nashville Election

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July 28, 2023

Election Day... from page 1B the same legislators who consider us in the decision they make. Candidates include: Council district 1 Council At Large Mayor Joy Smith Kimbrough Arnold Hayes Fran Bush Council district 14 Jeff Syracuse Bernie Cox R.J. Mamula Matthew A. Wiltshire

Matt Wiltshire... from page 1B isn’t just a basic necessity. It’s the cornerstone of a thriving community.

As Mayor, Matt will tackle our housing problem and make home ownership affordable for everyone.

Matt will fight for our families and our future. Matt is committed to increasing investment in the Barnes Fund and building more affordable housing. Matt knows how to make it easier for low-income seniors to get tax credits so they can stay in their

home. Matt will implement the Envision Plan to ensure that no one is displaced when developing housing.

For many Nashvillians, our city doesn’t feel as safe as it once did. Matt knows that protecting communities is local government’s most fundamental responsibility, and as Mayor, public safety will be one of his top priorities. As Mayor, Matt will fully staff our police department and work to reduce violence and get

guns off our streets. He will double down on programs that divert community members experiencing behavioral health crises from the criminal justice system.

And he will focus on breaking down silos and implementing unique, high-impact solutions that harness the power of partnerships with the nonprofit community and the private sector.

Vote for a stronger Nashville. Vote Matt Wiltshire for Mayor on August 3rd.

Arnold Hayes... from page 2B for Council At Large.

People like them and others deserve better, in a city of enormous wealth.

A ‘Safer City for All’ cannot be achieved in a vacuum. We need to work toward creating a public safety environment that is conducive to protecting both citizens and sworn officers.

Nashville is becoming more dangerous for all of us with assault weapons on the street, relaxed open carry laws, and a lack of background checks. We need to do something -whether background checks, or banning

assault weapons.

Let’s acknowledge that policing is a challenging job, but police accountability is also important for a safer Nashville.

We are entering year five of the operation of the Community Oversight Board and it is widely acknowledged that there have been some improvements in oversight of the police, including memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and the Community Oversight Board (COB). As well as poli-

cy improvements, like the soft empty hand control reporting.

Nashville is yet to effectively address the issue of mental health and policing. The coresponse model with the combination of police and mental health professionals, was chosen instead of a communitydriven model backed by seasoned advocates that centered the expertise of mental health professionals.

There needs to be more mental health funding that allows both police and social workers to do the jobs that they are trained for.

RJ Mamula... from page 3B future and make our city designed for people and not for cars.

We must ease traffic, reduce pollution, lower the cost for people to commute to work, and reduce the need for parking garages to make

space for better use. I will make investing in public transit a priority.

Specifically, I plan to revitalize Briley Parkway to reduce congestion in the district.

Join RJ on Facebook at: RJ Mamula for Coun-

cil, Follow on Twitter at @RJMamulafor14, or Follow on Instagram: rjmamulafor14; Email RJ at: rjmamula14 @gmail.com. And, most importantly, vote for RJ Mamula, Metro Council District 14.

Official Sample Ballot State of Tennessee Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County August 3, 2023 Davidson County Election Commission Jim DeLanis, Chairman Tricia Herzfeld, Secretary Will “Butch” Burns, Member Dan Davis, Member A.J. Starling, Member

www.berniecox.com

Attest: Jeff Roberts, Administrator of Elections