Amplify the voice of the neighborhoods
I would use my role on the Council to encourage and coordinate neighborhood associations, of which only two are currently active in our district: the Cane Ridge Neighborhood Association, and the Star Neighborhood Association. Will support the creation of at least two more associations.
Condition development on increased infrastructure
Hickory Hollow needs continued steady support; our local community has done amazing work in starting to turn the area around; it benefits Nashville to support the efforts.
I will support mom-and-pop stores, as they are engines for growth and opportunity. Nashville should put the same efforts that are put into supporting bigger investments, to smaller.
Zoning variance issues should be decided with input from all affected stakeholders. I pledge to involve neighbors and landowners in the decision-making process as early as possible in a clear and fair way.
Depending on the size of the growth, it will affect the community at large. I will take this impact into consideration when looking at a zoning variance by seeking input from a wider area (beyond what is now required).
Traffic and speeding are a district-wide problem; we need to find district-wide solutions by creating a thorough plan that includes traffic calming measures, stop signs, lights, and bumps to reduce the excessive speeding on residential roads. Partnering with police to increase the presence in our area should be part of the solution as well.
I will work to create friendlier and safer streets by promoting connecting sidewalks installing curbs and adding street lighting.
I will fight to bring much-needed services outside the core.
I will support retrofitting or refashioning of strategic roadways with multi-modal design that considers all users (bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders; children, the elderly, and people with disabilities), that supports access to existing businesses in the area (without displacing them).
I see a lot of potential for rapid transit (whether it be BRT or light rail) just outside the district along I-24, one of Middle Tennessee’s most heavily traveled and congested Interstate corridors due to all the growth that's in the Murfreesboro area.
Because District 31 borders Williamson County, our community interacts more with our neighbors to the south than elsewhere in the Metro geography. Since 2000, a coalition of regional and state partner agencies including Cumberland Region Tomorrow, the Mayors Caucus, Partnership 2020, and the Nashville Area MPO have accomplished a lot to address growth challenges and to advance the region towards a more sustainable future. I've been at the table during the formative stages for some of these efforts and am committed to helping to further Middle Tennessee’s demonstrated capacity to effectively organize key leaders to address issues of regional significance, such as transportation and tourism.
Solve crime and enforce codes violations
With the support of neighbors, law enforcement recently caught a man who had committed many break-ins in our district. Residents who actively support and watch out for each other will always be safer than those who don’t. As I said above, helping and coordinating neighborhood associations will be one of the priorities of my tenure in the Metro Council.
Dumping trash, too many parked cars, and similar problems are Codes violations that hurt our quality of life. I will promote more code enforcement to crack down on the non-criminal infractions and revitalize our streets and public spaces.
Will continue to support efforts to revitalize the Hickory Hollow mall and work closely with other Councilmembers to make a safer, more citizen-friendly Hickory Hollow Mall.
Support education
I will support a satellite campus plans for Nashville State Community College in Hickory Hollow as it will 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.
I will support our schools, without question, educating our young is critical to the vibrancy and future of our city. There is nothing more important, or challenging to do, than educating urban public school children. We are living in an era that, unlike any before, demands academic accountability and academic and demonstrable, increased achievement. At the same time, however, we must never lose sight of the reality that we must educate to both sides of the report card ... the cognitive side and social-emotional maturation. Both are important. Children, particularly those living in our urban centers, are in need of a well-rounded education if indeed they are to become contributing members of society. Fortunately, our school district is making great strides at addressing both ... by professionalizing its work through the adoption and implementation of educational best practices as well as by adopting strategies that address the personal development of our children.
