(Editor’s note: After this questionnaire was returned, a series of anti-semitic and anti-immigrant remarks made by Williamson were discovered on social media. The Banner published a story about the remarks here and he was asked about them in a Nashville Post article.)
Candidate: Jonathan Williamson
Metro Council At Large
Website: Votewilliamson4council.com
Occupation: “Currently I work in Nashville great hospitality industry with Marriott Hotels & Business”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “I have not held a governmental office yet.”
Community experience: “I have built multiple community and civic engagement efforts of involvement in Nashville youth programs and boards like The Oasis Center, Rocket Town, Metro Public Health Department, The Mayor’s Youth Council, Youth Leadership Awards, Youth Summit and being a Life Scout with the Boys Scouts of America. As an adult I continued this community involvement by serving within varies community leadership organizations including the Urban League Young Professionals of Middle Tennessee, the Nashville African Street Festival, the Davidson County Democratic Party Executive Committee and the NAACP Nashville Branch.”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“My top 3 priorities on the council is to strongly advocate for public health policy, increased youth engagement and protection resources for the arts communities of Nashville.”
Much of the city’s developmental focus, like plans for a new East Bank, have focused on downtown. What’s your vision for downtown?
“A logistically safe and accessible downtown where people can happily live, eat and play. I envision a new downtown Nashville that is welcoming to All of the great demographics that make Nashville the IT City in real life and not just on postcards and t-shirts.”
Did you or would you have voted to approve the new Titans stadium financing legislation?
“No”
Does Metro need more police officers beyond the unfilled positions?
“No”
What do you think of the current framework passed by the council around LPR (license plate readers) usage? Do you think Metro should allow facial recognition technology to be used downtown?
“LPR are not being used as they were initially attended and I feel the current framework is setting Nashville up for dangerous security risk to data leaks from out of state technology entities. Absolutely not, the adoption of facial recognition is not alone a true invasion of our citizens privacy, it is also a methodical tool of profiling that will be weaponized to target our Black and Brown communities.”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“Absolutely, due to the Titans/East Bank development for starters”
Do you view your role in the Council as leading your district on issues or simply reflecting the views of the district’s residents?
“Both are important and will be a key factor towards effectively representing the citizens of Nashville Davidson County.”
How do you view the relationship of the city and Council to the General Assembly in the face of adverse legislation from the state?
“The relationship is a challenging one but one that I believe can be mended with balanced perspective, crucial conversations and collective negotiations.”
The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?
“The councils role will be to mandate and direct new developments to be held responsible in contract and planning requirements that would lead to equitable housing options for all.”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“Increase access to Antioch, Hermitage and Bellevue communities. Yes, I support creation of a dedicated funding source.”
Second quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $0
Spent: $0
Cash on hand: $0
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $875
Spent: $640
Cash on hand: $285
Link to full disclosure here