The 2015 election cycle is shaping up to be an interesting one, and there isn’t a presidential race in sight. It isn’t even time to shake up the House of Representatives again, yet. No, this year, Nashville is home to a hot, seven-way race for mayor, and a field of city council hopefuls numbering in the low six figures. But seriously, 122 people are officially seeking forty-two metro offices.
Based on responses by candidates to a survey O&AN sent out, along with our editorial board’s knowledge of the various candidates’ history and experience with the LGBT community, we make the following recommendations. A large segment of our July issue, which will hit stands and go online next week, details why we are recommending the candidates we chose.
Mayor: Megan Barry
Vice Mayor: David Briley
At-Large: Erin Coleman, Erica Gillmore, John Lasiter, Lonnell Matthews, and Jim Shulman (in this race we also highlight Jason Holleman, Phillip Hostettler, Bob Mendes, Buddy Baker, Adam Dread, Frank Harrison, Walter Hunt, and Sandra Moore as individuals who have made real contributions to LGBT rights in Nashville).
District 1: Jonathan Richardson
District 2: NO ENDORSEMENT
District 3: NO ENDORSEMENT
District 4: NO ENDORSEMENT
District 5: Scott Davis
District 6: Brett Withers
District 7: Anthony Davis
District 8: Nancy VanReece
District 9: NO ENDORSEMENT. NOTE: Incumbent Bill Pridemore vigorously opposed domestic partner benefits.
District 10 – Write-ins. NOTE: Doug Pardue, who is unopposed, rallied against partner benefits.
District 11 – Larry Hagar
District 12 – NO ENDORSEMENT. NOTE: Steve Glover opposed partner benefits.
District 13 – Marilyn Robinson
District 14 – Kevin Rhoten
District 15 – Jeff Syracuse
District 16 – Mike Freeman
District 17 – Paula Foster
District 18 –Burkley Allen
District 19 – Freddie O’Connell
District 20 – NO ENDORSEMENT. All candidates are affirming.
District 21—NO ENDORSEMENT
District 22 – NO ENDORSEMENT. NOTE: Unopposed Sheri Weiner stayed home for both roll call votes on domestic partner benefits.
District 23 – Mina Johnson
District 24 –Kathleen Murphy
District 25 – NO ENDORSEMENT.
District 26 – Jeremy Elrod
District 27 – NO ENDORSEMENT. NOTE: Davette Blalock abstained on partner benefits.
District 28 – Melissa Smithson
District 29—Karen Johnson
District 30 – Jason Potts
District 31 – Fabian Bedne
District 32 – NO ENDORSEMENT. Jacobia Dowell abstained twice on partner benefits, but MAY still be the best choice.
District 33 – Sam Coleman
Distrct 34 – Steve Butler
District 35 – Dave Rosenberg
For more information on the races as they shape up, check out the July issue of O&AN, and follow our coverage on the web.