Candidate: Jeff Gregg
Metro Council District 15
Website: www.JeffGregg.com
Occupation: “Currently I’m the Executive Director and a Therapist at Lantern Lane Farm”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “None”
Community experience:
• “Nashville Public Television, Board Chair
• Pencil, Board Chair
• L’Evate (formally Leadership- Donelson Hermitage), Board Chair
• The Larry Keeton Theatre, Board Chair
• Leadership Music, Board Chair
• Donelson Hills Neighborhood Association, Board Chair
• Donelson- Hermitage Chamber of Commerce, Membership Chair
• Communities In Schools, Board Member
• Two Rivers Community Orchestra, Advisory Board
• Leadership Nashville class of 2019”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“Aging infrastructure – Nashville has a severe traffic problem. Our streets and thoroughfares are not sufficient for the growth Nashville has experienced. Our older neighborhoods have no curbs, storm drains, sidewalks, or bike lanes.
Safety- Nashvillians do not feel safe. They worry about their children. They don’t feel comfortable letting them play in the front yard or sending them to school. Something has to change.
Affordability- The cost of living in Nashville is rising faster than wages. For many residents, housing takes up a significant percentage of their paycheck. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the working class to live in Nashville.”
What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?
“Pragmatic Economic Development/Infrastructure improvements- District 15 is a thriving community, and businesses are beginning to see our community as an excellent investment opportunity. I plan to support economic development/Infrastructure improvements in the following way:
• Ensure that economic development is equitable throughout District 15
• Renovating and investing in areas that need revitalization
• Increased investment in mass transit and neighborhood infrastructure (greenways, sidewalks, and bike lanes).
Quality of Life- Identify the quality-of-life factors and attributes needed to ensure that all residents can thrive:
• Investing in the health, wellness, and safety of every citizen in District 15
• Understanding the needs and concerns of those living and working in District 15
• Seeking solutions to problems that benefit each and every stakeholder in District 15
Affordable Housing- Affordable housing has a lot of misconceptions; one of them is that affordable housing development is for those who need public assistance. That is not true; affordable housing is for our teachers, police officers, young musicians, creatives, and other hard-working citizens just trying to make ends meet. I support making our neighborhoods more inclusive and representative of those living and working in 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?
“I support the East Bank development. It presents a unique opportunity to transform a tattered area of Nashville into a true live, work, play neighborhood. The primary way to control housing costs is to build more of it, especially in highly desired communities like downtown and the East Bank.”
Did you or would you have voted to approve the new Titans stadium financing legislation?
“Regarding the Titans Stadium, A decision of this magnitude brings benefits and ramifications. After talking with several council members, they felt it was the right decision after they reviewed the facts. I trust the process; I trust our council.”
Does Metro need more police officers beyond the unfilled positions?
“Nashville is rapidly growing; we must ensure our police force can keep up with the increasing demand. We need to continue hiring the best and brightest police, fire, and paramedics and continue to increase the the size of our force.”
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 pilot program, it greatly enhances our ability to locate missing children and the elderly, stolen vehicles, stolen license plates, and violent offenders. I do not think Metro should allow facial recognition technology to be used. Studies show facial recognition is often inaccurate and biased.”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“Property taxes are one of the biggest concerns for homeowners in Nashville. Property values are increasing faster than income. Residents want a rate reduction, not an increase.”
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. As an elected representative, it is the reasonability of the councilperson to represent the people in the district. Additionally, he or she must communicate with the public about policies and decisions being made that will affect the district and the city as a whole.”
How do you view the relationship of the city and Council to the General Assembly in the face of adverse legislation from the state?
“If we work together, Nashville and Tennessee will be a better place for all our citizens. We can disagree on some issues and still respect each other. Instead of turning choices into political partisanship, we must find common ground. It is normal to disagree; tension can drive democracy. When destroying the other is the goal, democracy fails. Polarization takes its toll on our voters. We must bring back civility and compromise.”
The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?
“Affordable housing is both a process and an outcome that requires education and commitment. The council needs to lead the way.
What steps are needed?
1. Educate our citizens on the value of affordable housing and the people who need it.
2. Collaborate with city leaders, the private sector, neighborhood groups, and nonprofit organizations to leverage resources.
3. Avoid the concentration of dedicated units in disadvantaged areas of Nashville.
4. Appropriately incentives private investment for the development of quality affordable housing”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“We need to duplicate the recently completed Hillsboro Transit Station across our city. The project, a collaboration between the state, metro, and MNPS offers expanded operating hours and service times. Our entire community benefits from this type of investment. Greater funding will ensure that all of our residents have affordable and convenient transportation. We need dedicated funding to meet this goal.”
Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $21,999
Spent: $2,708
Cash on hand: $26,756
Link to full disclosure here
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $4,020
Spent: $2,249
Cash on hand: $23,621
Link to full disclosure here