Candidate: Erin Evans
Metro Council District 12
Website: erinfor12.com
Occupation: “I’m an Account Manager for a financial services marketing firm.”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “Metro Council District 12 2019-Present”
Community experience: “Metro Beautification: 2017-2019”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“1) Homelessness/housing attainability
2) Department service delivery
3) Public/behavioral health”
What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?
“It crosses district lines, but it’s definitely homelessness. I believe that the initial $50M allocation that came from federal ARP dollars was a good start. I have a resolution during this council term to create an action plan on using the COVID pods that were bought with a state grant that I would hope could extend our temporary/gap reach. In addition to building housing on Metro owned land I believe that we need to look at whether it’s time to build a city shelter and stop attempting to have non-profits carry the weight of the problem.”
Much of the city’s developmental focus, like plans for a new East Bank, have focused on downtown. What’s your vision for downtown?
“I would like to keep downtown functional for the tax revenue but really see an emphasis on other neighborhoods this term as was promised during the last election cycle.”
Did you or would you have voted to approve the new Titans stadium financing legislation?
“I didn’t vote for the Titans Stadium on third reading.”
Does Metro need more police officers beyond the unfilled positions?
“I think that, as a growing city, we will need to look at eventually increasing the number of officers beyond unfilled positions.”
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?
“As part of the council that passed the LPR pilot, I ended up feeling comfortable with the framework enough to vote in favor. I don’t know that Metro should allow facial recognition technology downtown and would have to educate myself on it before taking a position.”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“I would say it’s likely considering the ARP funding that the Mayor had access to over the last 4 years. (For instance, the $50M for homelessness came from ARP funds and we will need a plan to sustain this work in a future budget.)”
Do you view your role in the Council as leading your district on issues or simply reflecting the views of the district’s residents?
“I think it’s a combination of both, depending on the issue.”
How do you view the relationship of the city and Council to the General Assembly in the face of adverse legislation from the state?
“I think that there are certain legislators who will spend their entire summer thinking of ways to creatively screw Nashville and put us in a defensive position. However – I also think that we should never stop trying to work with the state on issues that are vitally important to our residents, and where we need their help. We don’t have the luxury of packing up our bat and balls and going home. During the next term I would like to see some new tactics – a group of council members who lobby state legislators and help build relationships – a lobbyist hired specifically to represent Metro Council, etc.”
The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?
“We need to look at some zoning issues and department process improvements that will enable the creation of more housing. Even if a property is rezoned it can take years before a project can be developed. I’d like for us to focus more on those barriers.”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“I would back the creation of a dedicated funding source. My first job out of high school was working for a company that completely overhauled the bus system in Orlando, Florida. We need WeGo transportation to be convenient and frequent in order for people to get out of their cars.”
Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $4,761
Spent: $4,295
Cash on hand: $15,923
Link to full disclosure here
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $3,050
Spent: $2,429
Cash on hand: $16,544
Link to full disclosure here