Candidate: Joy Smith Kimbrough
Metro Council District 1
Website: www.joykimbrough.com
Occupation: “I am an attorney who primarily practices Civil Rights.”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “I have not held any governmental offices.”
Community experience:
“-I have served the community by volunteering as an attorney for the Legal Redress Committee of the Nashville Branch of the NAACP.
-I have personally filed to have over 3000 criminal records expunged which allows those in the community who have paid their debt to society have a better chance at getting jobs, housing, and student financial aid.
-I’ve worked hand-in-hand with organizers to, successfully, gather enough signatures throughout the community to have the Civilian Oversight Board (COB) placed on the ballot. -I’ve helped educate the community on the advantages of working with the Union to keep “Right to Work” out of the Constitution.
-I’ve performed thousands of hours in pro bono legal work for community members who could not afford an attorney.
-I’ve sponsored several events for children in the community, including sponsoring the 2022 Positive City Inner Kids (P.I.C.K.) Christmas giveaway to ensure that hundreds of children were able to receive, collectively, over $45,000.00, in gift cards, books, and other gifts.”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“1) Economic parity between neighborhoods 2) Transparency and Communication between the district and councilperson 3) Smart growth.”
What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?
“Transparency. I would address this issue by holding regular community meetings, disseminate information, and request feedback.”
Much of the city’s developmental focus, like plans for a new East Bank, have focused on downtown. What’s your vision for downtown?
“More diversity.”
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?
“I disagree with the current framework passed regarding LPR usage. No; Metro should not allow facial recognition technology.”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“No. Explore other ways to increase revenue.”
Do you view your role in the Council as leading your district on issues or simply reflecting the views of the district’s residents?
“Neither. I don’t necessarily view myself as the district’s “leader”, but rather their chosen representative to do what is in the best interest of the community which necessarily includes the views and input of the residents.”
How do you view the relationship of the city and Council to the General Assembly in the face of adverse legislation from the state?
“Strained”
The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?
“Approve legislation to allow builders to build on public dilapidated properties while simultaneously strictly enforcing council guidelines regarding inclusionary housing.”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“WeGo should make more improvements in advertising, accessibility, and increased funding. Yes, I would back creation of a dedicated funding source.”
Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $23,129
Spent: $22,420
Cash on hand: $710
Link to full disclosure here
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $26,376
Spent: $24,576
Cash on hand: $2,510
Link to full disclosure here