District 11: Sherard Edington

Candidate: Sherard Edington

Metro Council District 11

Occupation: “I am a Presbyterian pastor.”

Previous candidacy/offices held: “none”

Community experience: “As a pastor, I have always been active in my communities. I’ve served on the Old Hickory Village Neighborhood Association as well as the Homes Tour Committee. I’ve coached softball on the Old Hickory fields. When I lived in Maury County, I was president of Big Brothers Big Sisters and president of the Maury County Library Board.”

What will be your top three priorities on the Council?

“1. Public Safety.

2. Education.

3. Aiding the creation and development of small businesses.”

What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?

“District 11 is the best-kept secret in Davison County. We have a beautiful lake and river. We have parks and greenways and world-class golf courses. We even have the home of an American president. We are justifiably proud of our many unique and diverse neighborhoods.

District 11 is a wonderful place to call home because, for many years, with Larry Hagar and Darren Jernigan on Council, we have been fortunate to have had excellent leadership fighting for the interests of Hermitage and Old Hickory. I want to continue and build on the accomplishments of these Council Members to maintain and improve the quality of life for all residents. I want to protect neighborhoods from unrestricted growth. I want to make sure that we have responsive police and fire protection. I want to clean up the eyesores on our main thoroughfares. I want to do all I can to assist in the creation and development of small businesses.

To accomplish these things I will always listen to the residents of District 11. I will listen to their needs and complaints. I will encourage the input of their ideas to improve our District. I will be accessible to everyone. In fact, anyone can reach me now at (615)602-1126. I will represent this District with pride and will fight tirelessly to represent all people.”

Much of the city’s developmental focus, like plans for a new East Bank, have focused on downtown. What’s your vision for downtown?

“My vision for downtown, as for all of Davidson County, is for planned growth and sensible development. As a city, it feels like we’ve lost control as new buildings spring up every day. We need to think about where we are going and how we intend to get there. This requires public input and deliberation. Nashville can continue to be the economic engine for Tennessee while we balance the needs and lives of its residents. A great city is great for everybody.”

Did you or would you have voted to approve the new Titans stadium financing legislation?

“I would have voted to approve. Overall, I believe that this was a good deal that protected the taxpayers of Davidson County.”

Does Metro need more police officers beyond the unfilled positions?

“It is difficult to answer because it has been so long since the department has been fully staffed. The greater issue is that we are overworking our officers by mandating them to work at all the extra events that now take place on weekly basis. Twenty-five years ago, an officer knew they would have to work just three special events a year. Now, there is something going on nearly every weekend. These mandates are proving to be detrimental to recruitment, retention, and morale.”

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 support the LPRs and their task to identify stolen vehicles and people with outstanding warrants.

Facial recognition is another matter entirely. Before that technology is implemented, I would demand explicit assurances that privacy rights would be protected at all costs.”

Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?

“I do not believe that a property tax rate adjustment will be necessary. Nashville has multiple streams of income that need to be managed more efficiently and effectively.”

Do you view your role in the Council as leading your district on issues or simply reflecting the views of the district’s residents?

“A good member of Council does both. They should seek to reflect the views of all their residents while making the decisions that are most beneficial to their community.”

How do you view the relationship of the city and Council to the General Assembly in the face of adverse legislation from the state?

“Ideally, the city and state should work together as partners for the betterment of all people in Davidson County. Regrettably, the state has decided to use its super-majority status to enact whatever law pleases them despite the wishes of the residents of Davidson County.”

The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?

“The Council can work with the Mayor’s office to develop incentives for developers to create affordable housing.”

What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?

“A reliable, comprehensive public transit system is essential for Nashville’s future. I would be willing to consider any proposal that improves WeGo and makes it easier for any person to get around the region.”

Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure

Raised: $19,190

Spent: $5,952

Cash on hand: $13,238

Link to full disclosure here

Pre-General campaign finance disclosure

Raised: $16,992

Spent: $30,069

Cash on hand: $161

Link to full disclosure here