Priorities Matter

As Nashville grows, our aging utilities and infrastructure are falling behind. We need significant investments in our out-of-sight utilities like waterlines, sewers, storm drains, internet, and electricity if we want our residents to thrive. 

I have worked in engineering and infrastructure for 36 years. I know how to talk to contractors, developers, city planners, and our residents about what we need and how to move forward on any project that will improve our city for the future.

We must use our budget to bring our transit options closer to our people. It must prioritize sidewalks, non-vehicle transit, and buses.

Our bike lanes need to be modernized  and we need to invest in more usable sidewalks. We need traffic-calming solutions in every neighborhood to ensure our families are safe and secure. 

We must actively promote increased use of our WeGo bus system. We can do this with stronger public campaigns and WeGo Ride - the employer-sponsored commuter program.  

As we promote the use of WeGo we also much ensure that this public transportation  works for everyone 24/7. The current bus system eliminates 2nd and 3rd shift folks and leaves too many more stranded out late at night. 

No public transportation system pays for itself. However, a good working public transit helps a city grow and is attractive to both business and visitors.

Our city has seen tremendous growth and progress over the past few decades, but only some have benefited. 

We must create a plan to develop real, affordable housing that doesn’t take more than half a monthly budget. We must harness opportunities with city partners and negotiate good public/private partnerships.  

Earlier in my life, I was homeless for a short time. I know the struggles that the unhoused face daily. We must use the Council's resources to provide services that save the lives of those in need. 

This means prioritizing funding for mental health and healthcare programs, rehab and drug abuse, job training, and career development. Some folks just need a helping hand up. 

As we tackle these overarching issues, I will work with the Mayor to created temporary and permitant housing solutions across our entire city. 

Our budget shows our priorities as a city, and it should reflect the priorities of our people. It should be a guiding document that ensures we are safe, informed, and connected. That means a budget focusing on public schools, infrastructure, and developing affordable housing. We must ensure our budget process is transparent and accessible to the public from day one.  

Our children are our future, and we should treat our public education system as our top priority. 

We have to make sure that parents can choose our public school first. That means guaranteed after-care, accessible ways to get to school, and adjustments to start times. 

No matter their circumstances, every child should have the opportunity to thrive in strong public schools in our city. I am a product of Nashville public schools and will fight to ensure they have all the necessary resources.  

We must maintain and reinvest in our neighborhood parks and bring them up to the standard of our prominent, historic areas. We have to encourage public/private initiatives to invest in and build new parks and green spaces so every neighborhood and Nashvillian has one that is nearby in their local community.