Candidate: Tim Thompson
Metro Council District 1
Website: Linktr.ee/thompsonplace
Occupation: “Master Barber”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “None”
Community experience: “Haynes Park Neighborhood Association, Book’em kid’s board member, Nashville Local Golfer’s association”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“Uniting the community, develop an advisory board, community care program, shore up the community with Zoning, overlays, property taxes and estate planning.”
What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?
“Economic development and growth, I would address this by meeting with the planning commission, neighborhood associations in the areas to attract smart development.”
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 has become the beacon for Nashville development! My vision is for the rest of the city should reflect the new development of downtown. Increasing density along the major corridors of the city will help drive economic development and public transit. Also would like to see more obtainable housing to grow families.”
Did you or would you have voted to approve the new Titans stadium financing legislation?
“I would, because with Nashville being an emerging city it is important to be attractive to future events in Nashville. Sports entertainment has been a huge factor in the economic growth in our communities. The stadium will also provide more opportunities for other entertainment year round increasing revenue streams.”
Does Metro need more police officers beyond the unfilled positions?
“Yes, growing economies are subject to higher crime levels due to the increasing population density. Unfortunately crime rates grow when the economy grows and the population ratios to police officers should be balanced. We have to be a safe space for local residents and visitors as well.”
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?
“LPR usage has helped to increase the number of criminal suspects arrested. In turn it has helped police investigations to find the suspects in the community where they hide. However there is limited data on how facial recognition will help police identify suspects and capture them with a shortage of police officers in our city.”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“Yes, Nashville has to be balanced with the growth of the city. Growing economies are great, but not at expense of local residents of the working class and seniors. This should be a benefit to a healthy economy and balance between living in the city and communities being able to sustain themselves.”
Do you view your role in the Council as leading your district on issues or simply reflecting the views of the district’s residents?
“It’s both, the views of residents are paramount in success of the council person. Being able to communicate with residents and understand their needs and concerns is important for community. It’s the responsibility of the council person to take action and lead the district based on those concerns and make recommendations to vote for such changes in their district. Advocacy is the responsibility of all leaders to ensure the district they represent are a part of civic engagement in the city.”
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 the relationship is far apart from where we should be. The city, the council and general assembly should have the best interests of their constituents and the people they represent. Usurping their powers over a municipal government on a controlled basis (GA) is not how governments operate. Affective communication is the key for effective legislation and not retaliation due to the local government push back.”
The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?
“Obtainable housing for residents is the key factor in community. The business community needs employment for the day to day operations and the employees need sustainability for their families. Healthy growth has to be balanced by employment and the ability sustain a healthy lifestyle for the family. Balancing the amount of obtainable housing in the districts are important tasks that aid in reducing affordability.”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“Public transportation is key to improving traffic conditions and access to the city’s employment opportunities. Dedicated funding helps to stabilize the transportation needs of the public transit. As the city grows the council has an obligation to ensure that the city can provide services for the community to get to work and other perspective places in the city.”
Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $1,989
Spent: $2,009
Cash on hand: $533
Link to full disclosure here
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $1,700
Spent: $1,550
Cash on hand: $683
Link to full disclosure here