Candidate: Jennifer Gamble
Metro Council District 3
Website: jennifergambleforcouncil.com
Occupation: “I’m a small business owner and public relations executive. I specialize in helping community and nonprofit organizations promote programs and build brand recognition.”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “Metro Council Member, District 3, 2019-Present
Executive Committeewoman, District 3, Davidson County Democratic Party, 2014-16”
Community experience:
“Member, NAACP Nashville Chapter, 2017-Present
Board Member, Nashville Education, Community & Arts Television, 2013- 2014
Commissioner, Metro Beautification and Environment Commission, 2008- 2013, 2017-2019
Board Member, Nashville Neighborhood Alliance, 2002- 2008
President, Bellshire Terrace Neighborhood Watch, 2007-2010”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“My top priorities for a second term in office include getting a library in District 3. Currently, District 3 is the only council district that doesn’t have a public library for youth and adults to have access to books, computers, and the Internet. Also, I will work to advance local and regional transit initiatives to address traffic congestion and growth in our city, and work to garner more affordable housing for working, middle class families.”
What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?
“Voters in District 3 would like to see more sidewalks, transit, traffic calming, and smart growth and economic development. I will work with government, neighborhoods, businesses, and developers to identify and advance projects that enhance the community and improve quality of life.”
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’m supportive of plans to develop the East Bank because I believe the project will bring diversity of housing and economic development that will generate tax revenues to benefit the city and county for decades to come.”
Did you or would you have voted to approve the new Titans stadium financing legislation?
“I voted to approve the new Titans stadium legislation.”
Does Metro need more police officers beyond the unfilled positions?
“I believe we need more police officers to adequately serve the community. I also believe that we need to invest in more technology similar to body cameras and LPR’s, which assist police officers and help build trust in the community by taking bias out of policing.”
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 voted for and support the current framework passed by the council around LPR usage. I do not support the use of facial recognition technology in the city/county.”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“I do not think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years, if the trend for property values continue to increase at a moderate level. However, an adjustment may be needed if values increase or decrease significantly.”
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 see my role in the council as a leader who informs and works with the community to find solutions that serve everyone.”
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 don’t appreciate how the TN General Assembly is working to micromanage Nashville’s governance and finances. However, I think the city and state would benefit if we worked better together. We can start by working together on things that we agree will help move the city and state forward in a more productive way such as on economic development and transportation.”
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 more quality housing to address the affordable housing crisis. City leaders need to work with neighborhoods, businesses, and developers to identify and attract more diversity of housing options that serve more people in an equitable way.”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“I’m a big proponent for advancing local and regional transit initiatives such as expanding WeGo crosstown bus routes and establishing a dedicated funding source for light rail service.”
Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $15,801
Spent: $11,358
Cash on hand: $9,057
Link to full disclosure here
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $11,090.32
Spent: $3,778.26
Cash on hand: $16,368.93
Link to full disclosure here