Nashville Mayor Issues Statement On Election Commission Decision Regarding Referendum Proposal

From the City of Nashville:

September 25, 2020

By Chris Song

Mayor John Cooper today release the following statement following the meeting of the Davidson County Election Commission:

“Clearly, there are serious questions about the constitutionality of the proposed charter amendment, and we look forward to the court’s ruling. Right now, the mere discussion of the referendum threatens Metro’s ability to provide essential city services to all Davidson County residents.
“This proposed amendment would turn Nashville’s temporary financial challenges into a chronic and permanent condition and be a roadblock to our community’s success. As essential city services are reduced, including classroom sizes, emergency services and response times, and infrastructure maintenance, our property values and our business landscape will quickly diminish.
“Nashville requires a stable financial condition to address the many challenges presented by 2020. We’ve faced two historic crises this year unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes. Mandating a county-wide referendum every time our city requires a new school or other significant infrastructure project is completely contrary to way we govern here in Tennessee.
“Nashvillians are resilient and responsible. We rebuilt homes after the 2010 flood and the March 3rd tornado. We reopened businesses in the face of a global pandemic. And the Mayor’s office will continue to stand by the difficult but necessary decisions that will help us re-emerge from this period of historic challenge as the greatest city in the nation.”

This press release was produced by the City of Nashville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.