Candidate: Davette Blalock
Metro Council District 4
Website: davetteblalock.com
Occupation: “I am a real estate broker and a financial planner”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “Metro Council District 27 for 8 years”
Community experience: “Room mother for my son and daughter’s entire elementary career, help with various beautification goals in the city, taught Financial Peace courses to low-income families, Girl Scout leader for 10 years.”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“Improve infrastructure including thoughtful development, make metro more efficient like being able to call and get a real person on the phone, keep spending down while fully funding the police, fire and paying teachers and all metro employees a deserved wage.”
What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?
“Traffic, complete the roundabout on Edmondson Pike, Complete the widening of OHB and Nolensville Pike, work with the state to increase penalty for street racing, work with metro police to enforce traffic laws.”
Much of the city’s developmental focus, like plans for a new East Bank, have focused on downtown. What’s your vision for downtown?
“Downtown needs a lot of focus, I like all the new ideas. They will provide funding to the individual districts.”
Did you or would you have voted to approve the new Titans stadium financing legislation?
“yes”
Does Metro need more police officers beyond the unfilled positions?
“yes”
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 think they are still working out the kinks in the LPR. After a new design maybe, they will work as hoped. I think most technology that is said to help the police creates some fear and doubt and a lot of unknowns. I would gather all the information and take it to the district to see what we feel is best for us and the city as a whole.”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“no. I believe with more efficient planning within our departments we can take better control of our increase in popularity.”
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 am a leader. I will gather all the information and then work hard to educate the district so they understand the choices I will have. The district will understand why I will vote a certain way.”
How do you view the relationship of the city and Council to the General Assembly in the face of adverse legislation from the state?
“The current relationship is in shambles. I am a hard-working, peacemaker and I already have many good relationships with the General Assembly, and I plan on continuing to nurture those connections.”
The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?
“We have to think outside the box. We have to look into other areas of the world for solutions. We have to partner with nonprofit organizations and builders to bring housing to our area.”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“WeGo needs more riders. I believe we have to dig deeper to find our traffic solution. There is so much new technology out there that we are just learning about. I vow to continue to search for new ways to get around.”
Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $11,200
Spent: $5,715
Cash on hand: $5,485
Link to full disclosure here
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $14,500
Spent: $14,318
Cash on hand: $5,667
Link to full disclosure here