Candidate: Scott Gillihan
Metro Council District 20
Website: “None yet”
Occupation: “I work part-time for the Cumberland River Compact in tree maintenance.”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “For six years I was the beautification commissioner for West Nashville.”
Community experience: “I am a member of the Nations Neighborhood group and the planting captain for RootNashville. I’ve helped plant over 100 trees in West Nashville.”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“Improving our public buildings, buying out flood prone land and creating affordable housing.”
What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?
“Gentrification. The Nations used to be a poor part of town, but housing is too expensive now.”
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 hardly ever go downtown but I was in the 2010 flood. That whole East bank is in a flood plain. I don’t think it should be built up if the Cumberland is just going to flood again.”
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 don’t like it”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“Probably. I own two houses and gladly pay my property taxes every year.”
Do you view your role in the Council as leading your district on issues or simply reflecting the views of the district’s residents?
“Leading”
How do you view the relationship of the city and Council to the General Assembly in the face of adverse legislation from the state?
“It’s terrible. The State Assembly should stay out of Metro’s business. The State is just being spiteful.”
The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?
“Have better zoning for affordable housing. I would be nice if there was a market solution, but I don’t see it coming. Metro should build some affordable housing where it can.”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“WeGo is doing pretty well around here. But I would favor a dedicated funding source.”
Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $0
Spent: $1,496
Cash on hand: $3,504
Link to full disclosure here
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $0
Spent: $3,503
Cash on hand: $0
Link to full disclosure here