title
A resolution requesting that the Tennessee General Assembly authorize the naming of the Gallatin Pike bridge over State Route 155, Briley Parkway, as the “Representative Carson W. ‘Bill’ Beck Memorial Bridge.”
body
WHEREAS, Representative Bill Beck was a dedicated public servant for nearly a decade advocating for the people of Nashville and Davidson County in Tennessee General Assembly until his passing in 2023 at the age of 61; and
WHEREAS, Carson W. “Bill” Beck received his Bachelor’s degree from Belmont University and served in the Tennessee Air National Guard. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from Nashville School of Law before opening a personal injury and family law firm, Beck and Beck, with his mother Martha Lu Cone Beck in Inglewood; and
WHEREAS, Representative Beck was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 2014, where he represented downtown Nashville, Germantown, East Nashville, Madison, Old Hickory, and other parts of Nashville and Davidson County for nearly five terms. While in the legislature, he served as the Democratic Caucus Floor Leader, Davidson County Caucus Chairman and served on a number of committees; and
WHEREAS, while in office, Representative Beck, known for his gregarious personality and infectious laughter, worked with both Democratic and Republican legislators to pass bills to better the lives of Tennesseans. His legislative record includes laws to expand parental leave for state employees, to ensure that homeless students can obtain birth certificates and photo identifications, and to fund the Madison Campus for Nashville State Community College; and
WHEREAS, Representative Beck was also an active member of the community before and after he was elected to the state legislature. He was involved with many community organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Madison, Inglewood Neighborhood Association, American Legion Post 82, Old Hickory Chamber of Commerce, Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce, Madison Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce, Discover Madison, Inc., Historic East Nashville Merchants Association, , Madison Fifty-Forward, Stratford High School Booster Club, Isaac Litton Alumni Association, and served on the Board of Directors for the Allegro School of Music; and
WHEREAS, a beloved member of the community and the legislature, Representative Beck was known by his colleagues as the “Prince of Madison,” or the “Happy Warrior” and often compared to a golden retriever. He was an outspoken voice for Nashville and Davidson County, unabashedly stood up for his progressive values, lived his Christian faith through his words and actions, and offered mentorship, wisdom, and levity to those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council finds it is fitting and proper to honor Representative Bill Beck’s many contributions to Nashville and Davidson County, by requesting that the State of Tennessee authorize naming the Gallatin Pike bridge which connects many of the neighborhoods that Bill Beck represented to his beloved Madison legacy.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council requests that the State of Tennessee authorize the naming of the Gallatin Pike bridge over State Route 155, Briley Parkway, as the “Representative Carson W. ‘Bill’ Beck Memorial Bridge.”
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.