Party Friday night

Greeting, friends.

Last night we finished the work we started together many months ago, and with your support I became the Councilman-Elect for District 31.

I want to invite you to join us for a party tonight (Friday) at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the council win in District 31. We'll be at the Ibiza Club at 15128 Old Hickory Blvd. There is no cost to attend, but they encourage a donation at the door to support 'AUTISM SPEAKS,' an incredible organization dedicated to raising awareness, and funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism.

Fabian

Councilman-elect Fabian Bedne!!!

Photo by Brent Moore.  Licensed via Creative Commons.

It's official: Fabian Bedne will be the next Metro Councilman to represent District 31!  Congratulations to the councilman-elect on his successful campaign, and a hearty "THANK YOU" to everyone who has come to place their trust and support in Fabian along the way.

Fabian's election-night speech, with some specific thank-you's and a look forward to the future of District 31, is here.

As for this web site, we're thinking about how to create a new space online to continue the conversation about preserving and improving District 31.  If you want to pitch in to building that space, or if you want to submit your ideas already, please let us know.

For now, feel free to continue to contact Fabian via his address, phone, and e-mail in the upper-right hand of the web site at www.bednefor31.com, or via his Twitter and Facebook accounts, accessible on the same side of the web site.  Our incoming councilman looks forward to speaking with everyone about the important work to be done in the district.

Election Day: see you at the voting booth between 7 am and 7 pm; then at Pie in the Sky for the party

It's finally here - Election Day. The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  If you are not sure where you vote, you can check at www.nashville.gov/vote or call 615-862-8800.  If you or anyone you know needs a ride to the polls, you can call 615-358-8683.

After you vote, join Mary Linden and me at the Election Night Watch Party at Pie in the Sky Pizza, 6917 Lenox Village Drive, 37211.  We will gather as soon as the polls have closed.  There will be plenty of great pizza, soft drinks and good conversation with our neighbors and friends.

Nashvillians are supporting Fabian Bedne - please vote on August 4

Leadership, transparency, and quality of life: Fabian at the Cane Ridge Community Club

Cane Ridge Community Club

Earlier this month we attended a forum hosted by our neighbors from the Cane Ridge Community Club for candidates for Districts, 31, 32, and 33, as well as at-Large seats.

We enjoyed a great dinner and fellowship, and the meeting was well attended with a standing-room-only crowd.  Fabian shared his vision for the District and Nashville and also answered these questions from the hosts:

Q. Why do you want to be a Metro Councilman?

Fabian: This has been home for me and my family for 13 years, we love this place. I saw many changes to the area and tried to help my neighbors by participating in any available way (from attending the South Area Plan meetings to being on the Board of Zoning Appeals) but at the end of the day Metro Council is the place where zoning and planning issues are decided.   I am running for Metro Council for District 31 because I have the experience and knowledge to do it, (my training in Architecture and Urban Planning, and my experience in neighborhoods and at the Board of Zoning Appeals) and believe wholeheartedly that it is possible to grow our area in a balanced and smart way, meeting our needs and the existing infrastructure.

Q. What is your style of Leadership?

Fabian: I am very comfortable working with groups; I have been doing this for over 30 years (from being an assistant professor in the University to working in Columbus, Ohio doing neighborhood development to leading volunteers in the aftermath of last years flood) I believe in listening first encouraging people to speak out, trying to reach a consensus amongst as many people as possible and then acting based on it. I believe in transparency and sticking to my promises.

Q. What do you see as Metro-Nashville’s biggest Challenge in the next 4 years?

Fabian: These are Nashville's three biggest challenges:

• Paying off the refinancing of the debt we incurred last year.
• Bringing much needed services outside the core.
• Updating our infrastructure.

Q. How do we keep our most productive citizens in Davidson County?

Fabian: Our County has a component of transitory homeowners, people move in and after a number of years they move on.  We need to minimize this by

• providing local services and amenities, including sidewalks, parks and recreational facilities
• continuing to support our schools, police department and firefighters
• supporting existing and new small businesses
• bringing more efficiencies into our government
• developing a mass transit system
• traffic and speeding has become a big problem affecting quality of life in our area, it won’t be solved as a patchwork as it was made worse by the interconnecting of neighborhoods, we need to work with the City to pursue immediate regional solutions

Q. How do you plan to engage the Community in your quest to lead the District?

Fabian: Although there are several homeowners associations in the district, there are only two existing regional neighborhood associations. I will use the existing neighborhood associations as a model to support the creation of new ones in the Nolensville Rd corridor. People already know what needs to be done and we need to create an environment where we can use it for the betterment of the District. I will work to recruit leaders to form neighborhood watch groups in each of the subdivisions and communities in the district and give them regular information they can use to keep their neighbors informed.
I will also use social media as a way to maximize this interaction.  If I am successful and become a member of Metro Council, I will use the contact information I have gained from the voters and will contact them regularly via a weekly e-newsletter about upcoming events and what is happening in Metro government. Citizens especially need information about any proposed zoning changes; clean-up days, police activity and neighborhood watch activities. I will hold regular office hours for Citizens to meet with me about their concerns.
Communities don’t happen overnight, they need to be nurtured and supported, and I will do that. My campaign number and e-mail is my real number and e-mail, I encourage people to keep it and let me know what the concerns and strengths are so I can get to work immediately.

Q. Explain the difference between a resolution from an ordinance?

Fabian: Resolutions are usually used to make changes in internal policy or to take commendatory or memorializing action.  A resolution is used when the Council needs to finalize a lease or contract.  They also can be used to settle property damage claims exceeding $15,000 or other claims exceeding $5,000.
Resolutions are required to be adopted by a majority affirmative vote of all Council members voting and are only required to receive this vote one time.  Many times they are used to publicly recognize a citizen for outstanding community service and a commendatory resolution is usually proposed by the council member in whose district the citizen resides.
Ordinances, also referred to as “bills,” usually amend or add sections to the Metropolitan Code of Laws.  Ordinances require passage on three separate readings – at Council meetings held on three different dates – and require a majority vote of ALL council members (21 votes) for passage on the third and final reading.
Zoning-related ordinances (bills) disapproved by the Planning Commission require a two-thirds (27) affirmative vote for passage, as do ordinances affecting traffic control or street use that have been disapproved by the Traffic and Parking Commission.  Ordinances (bills) may not be amended after second reading without a suspension of the Council’s rules except on zoning, budget, revenue service charges, or tax matters.
Both ordinances and resolutions can originate from three different sources:  the Metro Department of Law, the Metro Council office and other departments of Metro Government.

Q. Do you plan to support the satellite campus plans for Nashville State Community College in Hickory Hollow?

Fabian: Yes!  This is going to make a huge difference in our community.  Many students who are unable to drive to the campus on White Bridge Road will now be able to get an education. The students’ presence in the area will be a catalyst for the opening of other businesses and will be a general boost to the economy in our area.  

Testimonial of Jim Pareigis for Fabian Bedne

Jim Pareigis

My name is Jim Pareigis, and I worked with Fabian Bedne for many years at Hart Freeland Roberts, a 100-year-old architectural and engineering firm here in Nashville.  I am excited about Fabian's candidacy for Metro Council.  He knows first-hand how the city is built, he is a great designer, he is a great ally, and personal friend.

I personally witnessed Fabian's attention to the clients who hired our firm. Fabian's excellent design skills and his ability to listen helped translate those client needs into new buildings and spaces that are a joy to live and work in.  I also personally appreciate Fabian's passion for neighborhoods, including my own.  When we had an issue with a nearby development, we asked Fabian to sit in on our meetings with the developers and members of the Metro Council. We felt that Fabian was able to clearly understand and firmly articulate our position with the other side to find common ground.

Fabian also goes the extra mile for what's important.  When I asked him to go with me to help the Red Cross in Franklin, in support of Katrina victims, he was right there with me every day.  We ate lunch together, answered phones, and even helped make it easier for actual hurricane victims to get around the shelter by creating the signage that pointed them in the direction of aid. I've also worked alongside Fabian as he poured himself into Love Helps letters and as a Habitat for Humanity’s Board Member.

Fabian is someone we can count on.  I believe he will be quite an ally for Metro Council District 31.  Your vote for Fabian will continue his service to Nashville, and we need him.

Early voting starts Friday

Photo by Paul Chenoweth. Licensed via Creative Commons.

EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE
JULY 15, 2011 THROUGH JULY 30, 2011

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
MONDAY, JULY 25, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011 - 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.

BELLE MEADE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 121 DAVIDSON ROAD
BELLEVUE COMMUNITY CENTER, 656 COLICE JEANNE ROAD
BORDEAUX LIBRARY, 4000 CLARKSVILLE PIKE
DAVIDSON COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION, 800 2nd AV. S.
EDMONDSON PIKE LIBRARY, 5501 EDMONDSON PIKE
GREEN HILLS LIBRARY, 3701 BENHAM AVENUE
HERMITAGE LIBRARY, 3700 JAMES KAY LANE
LIVING WORD CHURCH, 5380 HICKORY HOLLOW PARKWAY
MADISON LIBRARY, 610 GALLATIN PIKE, S

BELLE MEADE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011, ALL OTHER EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS WILL BE OPEN

Happy Fourth of July

Photo by Nicolas Bonanno. Licensed via Creative Commons.

This Fourth of July, Americans will come together all over this great Nation of ours to celebrate and be proud of living in the best country in the world. We'll see fireworks, eat home-cooked food, meet with neighbors (old and new), and honor the day we chose to declare our Independence and establish our Nation.

We will remember the words from hundreds of years ago and rejoice...

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

The best homage to those words - "the consent of the governed" - is to act on them, and our District has a tradition of participation in government that I am proud of having been part of many times. The people of District 31 know what the district needs, and we elect officials to listen and act in consultation with the people. In the spirit of this Fourth of July, I call on all those running for Metro Council in Nashville to make that commitment with me - to listen to and proactively work with the people, so that the governed can truly consent to what is being done in our name and in our neighborhoods.

America's form of government is unique, and we celebrate not only with fireworks, but with our presence, our vote, and our voice.

Blessings to you and your family on this day.

Staying connected with transportation options

Photo by Nashville MTA

In the district, we have now more access to public transportation than what we had just a couple of years ago. Still more needs to happen.

As Dave Keiser of Transit Now Nashville said in a recent statement, quoted in the City Paper:

We need to ensure that the older generation remains connected to their communities and provide the needed resources to support transportation options for older adults.

Balanced growth contemplates the needs of every person in the community, including all forms of mobility.

Thoughts of Dad on Father's Day

On this Father's Day weekend, I am celebrating the many happy years I had with my Father, and I hope you will allow me to share some memories.

Me and my Dad, when I was 13 

My father Samuel J. (“Mito”) Bedne was eighty-seven when he passed away last month. He raised a family, provided for us and a number of charities, and made his mark in Argentina.

Dad taught me that if you work hard, you can make things happen. He himself did it again and again, and even when awful things happened to us, he was able to carry on, get back up and reinvent himself.

His mother (my grandmother) had been a teacher in Russia before she escaped Communism and fled to Argentina, where she had to start over. At first she worked as a maid, and later she opened a little neighborhood grocery store. She was widowed early in life, which meant that my Dad had to help at the store since he was a kid. One of his regular errands was to pick up blocks of ice to keep the food in the cooler fresh. The ice was sold a mile away, and he carried those blocks of ice on his back.

Dad was a polio survivor, too. Everyone knew him as “Mito” - a nickname he inherited from the doctor of the same name who cured him of the disease. Dad’s limbs held out until a few years ago, when his right knee twisted in such a way that he walked with the bottom part of his leg at a fifteen-degree angle. Dad never stopped smiling and telling jokes, though, despite the pain. And he refused to use a wheel chair; he said if he did, he'd never get out of it anymore. Dad kept walking - and at a fast pace, too.

It was that way all his life. Dad never wondered if something could be done; he just did it. He and a number of friends founded a Lions Club in their neighborhood, and for thirty years they provided scholarships to students, donated flags and supplies to every school in the country that needed them, fed the needy and also carried on the Lions Club goal of helping people in need of eyeglasses. Many times we joined in as a family, and it made me very proud.

One of Dad's buildings

Despite never having finished high school, Dad did more than many professionals do in a lifetime. He had two businesses - a wholesale store and a construction company. The wholesale store was not just a business but a neighborhood institution. People stopped by all the time to visit or ask for advice, and Dad always made time for them. The construction company attracted investors and built many buildings, such as this one. In construction, Dad made his mark on both the city and on me.

I studied architecture because of my Dad. I loved to see his buildings flourishing from nothing, the jobs he created, the places that people would use when he was finished. I also loved to play on the construction site; the smell of concrete being poured still makes me smile. Everything I do now in my professional life, from neighborhood volunteering to home design, points back to him.

Dad was a loving and faithful husband and father for over fifty years. He was a hard worker and fast walker - a great role model. Every day, he made the world a better place for himself, his community, and his family.

Now that he is gone, I cherish a friend’s condolence: “He’s not lost to you forever; he will always be with you… We are our parent’s children, they shaped us whether we realize it or not.”

Happy Father's Day to you.

Fabian

Fabian's father

As some of you know, Fabian received word on Sunday, May 29, that his father Samuel J. Bedne had passed away in Buenos Aires after a long illness. Fabian was able to fly down to Argentina and spend a few days there with relatives, and he returned home to Nashville yesterday.

In a message to friends and colleagues, Fabian said, "He was a great guy, you all would have LOVED meeting him, I am very proud of him."

To those who have been keeping Fabian and his family in your thoughts and prayers: thank you.

Population and infrastructure

Above: a reminder of the agricultural history of our district. As farms are sold to developers,
the resulting population increase has outpaced infrastructure growth.

A recent headline in the Nashville City Paper read, "Antioch population boom puts focus on needed infrastructure."

It seems to echo many conversations I have had with people all over District 31. Over the last decade, we have seen an increase in infrastructure, but an even larger increase in population. As we move forward, we need to focus on creating smart and balanced growth.

Remembering their sacrifice

Ernest ("Ernie") Salter

Ernest Salter (or Ernie as we called him) was my children’s grandfather; I met him 21 years ago when I started dating my wife. At the time he was a retired College Professor in Nevada Missouri, the town where my wife grew up. Ernie served in the US Army from 1954 to 1957 and was very happy, of all the assignments he could have gotten, to have been posted in Berlin after World War II.

Ernie never talked much about his service; he likely got the posting because he spoke German. But he was happy too because he had several German relatives that he could visit and that helped the family stay connected after the war. He also talked about wanting to spend more time visiting his family while he was there but it was awkward apparently - given that the Germans had been our enemy. We think some of his hesitation to talk about his service was because he'd been proud of his German heritage but during and just after World War II that was not something to be openly proud of at the time. My wife tells me that this is one of the influences on her life that helped her to be sensitive to how people are viewed and treated. But she also understood what it meant to him to have guarded just that little piece of what was left of freedom in Berlin.

Years later Ernie developed Alzheimer’s and we decided to move to Tennessee from Ohio, because he was moving to Tennessee to be with Martha, my sister in law. We moved to Tennessee to help take care of him. I was happy we managed to keep him in our home for a while so he could be amongst family.

I never stopped being thankful to Ernie and the many other soldiers that have been doing their part over the years and continue doing it right now all over the world so we can have the freedom and safety that we enjoy every day. I am thankful to them every day, their sacrifice is one of the reasons I want to do my part to make this world a better place for all.

Last week in my neighborhood I met a soldier that had served in Afghanistan for four years, and recently had moved back to our area. While serving he had been hurt and had a prosthesis. We talked for a long while, and when we parted ways he asked me not to forget. I promised him we won’t. On this Memorial Day weekend, I keep the memory of what Ernie gave to my family and my country close at hand while I remember the sacrifices our troops have made in the recent Middle East conflicts.

I hope your family will have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and that you will remember to thank a soldier for service to our country.

Neighborhood improvements go online

Report your non-emergency issues via SeeClickFix

We created a District 31 area on SeeClickFix.com, to facilitate communication on non-emergency issues in our area that need improvement.  As of this posting, here are some of the issues that have been raised:

Summary	Rating
Widen Nolensville Rd. South of Old Hickory	3
Subdivision Needs A Traffic Light	3
Needs To Have An All Way Stop	2
Create A Real Right Turn Lane	2

Please share with your neighbors.  The link is seeclickfix.com/watch_area/16961

Thanks.

Revitalizing Hickory Hollow

2009 photo of Hickory Hollow Mall by Casey Fleser.  Licensed via Creative Commons.

Last month, the Tennessean reported that Mayor Dean had made a revised offer for the city to buy space at Hickory Hollow mall, to be used as a library, community center, and a park.

This kind of thing is great news for Antioch. I support efforts to revitalize the Hickory Hollow Mall area.

http://blogs.tennessean.com/politics/2011/karl-dean-takes-another-run-at-hickory-hollow-relax-flea-market-fans/

Walking with the Mayor

Back in April, as part of Walk 100 Miles With the Mayor, my kids and I walked with many Cane Ridge neighbors and Mayor Karl Dean. It was a beautiful day to do so. 

The Park was crowded with people walking and playing sports; it highlighted the need to continue to improve our parks and greenway infrastructure.

A few days after the walk the Tennessean reported that Nashville is planning to add 22,000 acres of open space over the next 25 years. This is great news for Nashville! And with the addition of the Mill Creek Greenway (PDF map here), an important area of Cane Ridge will be preserved and improved.

My son Gabriel meeting Mayor Dean

My friend Jerry and I trying to see under the bright sun, gorgeous day in Nashville, loved the walk.

Right before the walk talking to the great Phil Ponder

Celebrating Easter in Southeast Nashville

For the past few months I have been on the Planning Committee for the Southeast Nashville Easter Event, at Antioch Community Center on Blue Hole Road, on the new border of District 31. Saturday with rain and cold weather, we still were able to continue a great tradition in Antioch that brings people together to celebrate. There were

* Egg Hunts for all ages
* Easter Bunny greetings
* Inflatables
* Character Parade
* Live Entertainment
* Food
* Lots of vendors & booths
* Free ice cream
* Bake Sale; and
* Special Prizes

Over 500 kids were in attendance, and many candidates and the mayor attended, as well.

I spent some of the morning directing traffic with Councilman Sam Coleman; see the pictures below.

The New District 31

On April 12, the Metro Council unanimously approved the recommended plan of redistricting; all that's left to make it final is for Mayor Dean to sign off. Our District 31 was split up, divided by Nolensville Road, with new District 4 to the West and new 31 to the East. As a result, some former District 31 candidates are now District 4 candidates, including Banks, Petron and Canterbury.

The revised District 31 boundaries are shown above; you can click here or on the map for a closer look. The Planning Department's redistricting web page has a broader, countywide map, as well as PDF closeups of each new district.

My family and I have lived in District 31 for so long, and we have history here, so I'm glad the "new" 31 is still our district. Planning did a great job taking all the different suggestions from people across Nashville and putting them into a workable plan.

Redrawing the district map

Metro is redrawing district maps, using recently released 2010 Census data.  The proposals are due next week.

The end result may be that homes in District 31 today will not be in District 31 by the time of the fall election, and homes not currently in the district may come in.

Metro's Planning department has started the work of reviewing the Census numbers and using those numbers to tweak the lines on the district maps. According to Planning's new redistricting web site, these are the guidelines for drawing the new boundaries:

• Districts must be, as nearly as possible, equal in population.
• Districts must be as much like current districts as possible.
• Neighborhood boundaries must be maintained.
• Natural boundaries must be utilized as much as possible.
• Districts must be as compact as possible, with "contiguous" territory - in other words, districts must be in one piece, with no "islands" of additional territory.
• "Satellite" cities within Davidson County (for example, Belle Meade, Oak Hill, and Lakewood) must not be split by Council districts.
• Redistricting must be done in compliance with the 1964 Voting Rights Act, which ensures equal representation for all citizens.
• The public must have an opportunity to comment during the redistricting process.

For more information, the articles published in the Nashville City Paper on March 1, March 3, and March 16 are good background reading.  The e-mail below that went out from Craig Owensby in Metro Planning has most of the details:

The Planning Department has received population data from the Census Bureau, and will be posting proposed district lines on a new webpage for public review and comment. Public meetings and a special Planning Commission meeting have also been scheduled, and details are below. [...]

The Planning Department received 2010 Census information from the Census Bureau [on March 16, 2011]; preliminary processing of those figures has begun, and proposed new Council district boundaries will be available online forpublic review and comment beginning Wednesday, March 23. The Planning Department is attempting to propose new Council and School Board districts in a timely fashion so that the new district boundaries can be used in the August 2011 Council elections.

A new Planning Department webpage at http://www.nashville.gov/mpc/redist.asp provides information on the Metro Council redistricting process. This page is also linked directly from the Planning Department front page; it currently displays existing Council district lines based on the 2000 census and explains the guidelines that the Planning Department will follow in the generation of new district boundaries. The page will be updated regularly with maps showing potential new district boundaries as those maps are drawn, and includes an email link for public comment.

Three community meetings have been scheduled to discuss and explain the process and proposed new Council district boundaries and School Board district boundaries. Half of those public sessions will be directed to current Council, Board of Education, and Planning Commission members, and half to Council candidates and the general public. Planning Department staff will make short presentations and be available for informal discussion; there will be no formal public hearings, but written and verbal comments will be accepted.

Wednesday, March 23
Sonny West Conference Center, Howard Office Building, 700 Second Avenue South
1:30 pm - 3 pm: Council, Board of Education, and Planning Commission members
4 pm - 6 pm: Community members and Council candidates

Monday, March 28
Metro Southeast, 1417 Murfreesboro Pike
1:30 pm - 3 pm: Community members and Council candidates
4 pm - 6 pm: Council, Board of Education, and Planning Commission members

Wednesday, March 30
Sonny West Conference Center, Howard Office Building, 700 Second Avenue South
1:30 pm - 3 pm Council, Board of Education, and Planning Commission members
4 pm - 6 pm Community members and Council candidates

The Planning Commission will meet in special session at 4 pm Thursday, March 31, at Metro Southeast, 1417 Murfreesboro Pike, to consider potential new district boundaries. Once approved by the Planning Commission, the Council and Board of Education boundaries will go to the Metropolitan Council for final decision; the Council will set its own timeline for that process.

Prioritizing sidewalks

Sidewalks encourage walking, exercise, interaction with neighbors, and reductions in traffic. The trick is where to put them - who wants and needs them most? Where would sidewalks have the greatest impact?

Here is as good a place as any to have that conversation. Is there a part of District 31 where we should prioritize the placement or repair of sidewalks?

Smart and balanced development

Portion of Site Plan for Lenox Village, by Regent Development, LLC
An example of smart and sustainable development in our district

When William Williams interviewed me for yesterday's cover story in the Nashville City Paper, he asked why I am running for Council.

"To bring smart and sustainable development to my district", I told him. I’ve been a Commissioner on the Board of Zoning Appeals, but a Metro Councilman can be much more proactive on those issues. The Council is where the city itself can be shaped for the better.

I’ve been involved in shaping the built environment for almost 30 years, working in large firms and in my own small business. I headed up a Columbus, Ohio revitalization project and have helped guide Habitat for Humanity’s Nashville developments, as a member of its Board and Construction Committee. I have worked on several large Nashville projects, including the LifeWay campus, the Fulton complex, and the Howard Office Building. I have designed schools in Nashville and elsewhere. My residential design brings that experience to the individual scale, with remodels, new home design and solid construction.

Project design starts with listening to stakeholders who are affected by the projects I work on, and the best design process includes those stakeholders every step of the way. Having the active participation of a consumer improves both the project and the process. This philosophy belongs on the Metro Council, and I intend to bring it there. As a Councilman, I will be mindful of the impact of development on safety and crime, green areas, privacy, property values, traffic, and noise. And I will be include my fellow Nashvillians as partners on every project.

I am running for Metro Council for District 31 because I have the experience and knowledge to do the job, and because I believe wholeheartedly that it is possible to grow Nashville in a balanced and smart way.

Preserving history

HNI Board member Patrick Gilbert and I enjoy a moment of laughter at the group's annual meeting at Belmont Mansion on January 27, when I formally joined the board. Patrick is HNI's point of contact with Habitat for Humanity.

On January 27, I was honored to join the board of directors for Historic Nashville, Inc., whose mission is "to preserve, revitalize and enhance the natural, built and cultural heritage of Nashville and Davidson County." HNI has been influential in preserving many landmarks in our city, including the Ryman Auditorium, Union Station, Hermitage Hotel, and historic districts in East Nashville.

In the 13 years I have lived in District 31, I have already seen dramatic changes. I believe that while we work on growing our area for the better, we should also preserve the rich history - buildings and land - that make our area so different and unique.

Fond memories of the BZA

This video is of my last day on the Board of Zoning Appeals.  The job of the Board is to review zoning issues brought to it by the people of Nashville, and it is limited to only that.

I served as a member of the Board from 2008 to last November, when I decided to step down to more proactively engage in helping shape the growth of the city by serving on the Metro Council.

I thought it was nice how they gave me a chance to officially say that I was stepping down, and I appreciate their kind words about my time there.

One Nashville: community involvement in education

Rita McDonald and Fabian Bedne

From 2003 to 2006, I had the pleasure of working on the Citizens Panel for a Community Report Card - a deep-dive into the city's school system - with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. It was a great learning experience and an opportunity to see the ins and outs of how MNPS works. Over many months, we met with everybody from parents to principals to teachers and staff.

One of the people I met during that time was Rita McDonald, who in 2010 became the director of the One Nashville campaign.

One Nashville is a great step in improving education in our district and in our city. One Nashville is for people who believe, like I do, that a successful learning experience doesn't end at the school doors, and that parents and the whole community need to get involved. One of the ways we can get involved - to support Rita, our city, our children, and our schools - is to get connected to One Nashville, and a good first step is to visit their website here.

Looking back on the flood

Almost one year has passed since the terrible flood that caused the deaths of eleven people and affected more than 8,000 households. Thousands of Nashvillians pitched in to help our fellow neighbors with the clean-up, and even after the story was off the news, people were still in need, and Nashvillians were still out there helping.

Some of the people I had the privilege of working with during the aftermath of the flood were Rebuilding Together Nashville and Hands on Nashville, as well as another non-profit helping people living off Haywood Lane who had lost everything. My most formal role ended up being as a Project Manager, coordinating the work of hundreds of volunteers and subcontractors with the help of the House Captains and other staff. We were able to rebuild 25 homes, for which I am extremely proud.

One of the homes we rebuilt was in River Plantation. The owner told us about the day of the flood, and how her son had come to rescue her after the water was 4 ft high in her house, and rising rapidly. They made it out by boat.

Thanks to the Ford volunteers pictured above and countless others, she has been able to return home.

Saturday morning recycling at Granbery Elementary

(L-R) Sherry Force, recycling and environmental awareness coach at Metro’s Granbery Elementary, me (Fabian Bedne), and my wife Mary-Linden Salter, standing in front of the Granbery recycling drop-off station.

Lots of neighbors come to Granbery Elementary to recycle after the holidays, and this morning we were there to help.

Thanks, Sherry, for all your hard work!

Best wishes for the new year

Dear Friends

I trust that this finds you, your family and loved ones enjoying a happy and healthy holiday season.

During the year 2010 we have seen many people suffer from the economic downturn as well as from one of the worst natural disasters Nashville has ever had. We also have seen the response - why we all choose to call Nashville home, in the way in which our city responded to the flood and how our citizens came forward to help the suffering. Yes, we are all Nashville.

As we close the old year and welcome a new one I want to wish you a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year. Many of you know that I have announced my candidacy for Metro Councilmember for District 31. I have a strong desire to serve as a member of the council and help make our city an even better place to live. I will be calling on many of you to learn what is important to you, and for help; I look forward to continuing working with you to make our community a wonderful place to live, work and raise our families.

Sincerely,

Fabian Bedne
615.829.6226
fbedne@gmail.com

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if you want to contribute to the campaign you may mail a check to:

Friends of Fabian Bedne

6649 Sugar Valley Dr, Nashville TN 37211

Click here

to volunteer online or to request a yard sign to help elect

Fabian Bedne for Metro Council District 31

Press coverage of my decision to run for Metro Council

This week I made it official and announced my decision to run for Metro Council. Below are links to some of the media that covered our press release. The response has been great.

• http://politics.nashvillepost.com/2010/12/17/council-race-gets-tuked/
• http://blogs.tennessean.com/politics/2010/fabian-bedne-announces-metro-council-run/
• http://seanbraisted.blogspot.com/2010/12/fabian-bedne-announces-for-district.html

I have created this form as a way to help you get involved with my campaign, I am very thankful for your support, with your help I know we will succeed.

If you know people that may be interested in helping, please share the link with them.

Fabian Bedne Announces Candidacy for Metro Council

Fabian Bedne, residential designer and small business owner, launched his campaign today for Metro Council’s District 31, a seat being vacated by current Metro Councilman Parker Toler who is term-limited. Bedne named Attorney Bob Tuke as his campaign treasurer. Others who have agreed to serve on his advisory council include Cristina Allen, Richard Courtney, Dr. Nedra Huggins-Williams, Reverend David Kidd, Pam Kidd, John Little, Tom Negri, Avi Poster, Attorney Gregg Ramos, Attorney Martin Sir, Kathleen Egerton Harkey, Linda McFadyen-Ketchum, Renata Soto, Chris McCarthy and Alma Sanford, J.D.

Bedne said:

Today represents a true highlight in my life as I am joined by family, friends and supporters as I announce my candidacy for District 31. This district has continued to develop sustainable growth areas and has become a model on how to eat, work and play right in your own neighborhood and it’s a place that has been wonderful to raise my family.

I look forward to meeting new friends in the district and serving as a voice to the Metropolitan Government on how we want our neighborhood to develop. Neighbors from Brentwood and Lenox Village, to Cane Ridge and Antioch are all supporting my campaign.

Bedne and his family have lived in Davidson County for fifteen years, including thirteen years in District 31 and he currently operates his own business here. He was until recently, a Commissioner with the Davidson County Board of Zoning Appeals, and currently serves on the advisory board of the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity, on the Board of the Housing Fund, and Community Nashville, and on the Davidson County Leadership Council of the "Communities Putting Prevention to Work." He is also the chair of the Beautification Committee of his home subdivision.

District 31 spans parts of southeast Davidson County and includes the neighborhoods of Brentwood, Nipper’s Corner, Lenox Village, Cane Ridge, and portions of Antioch. The district borders are Old Hickory Boulevard and Hill Road to the north, interstate 65 to the west, interstate 24 to the east, and the Davidson County line to the south. The election for the District 31 council seat will be held next year in August 2011.

Bedne is married to Mary-Linden Salter. They have two children who attend Oliver Middle School and Martin Luther King Magnet School