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A resolution stating the Metropolitan Council’s opposition to HB48, SB87, and other legislation that makes substantial changes to governance in Nashville-Davidson County without the assent of Davidson County voters.
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WHEREAS, the governance of Nashville-Davidson County is enumerated in the Metropolitan Charter; and
WHEREAS, these provisions include the size of the Metropolitan Council, the length of elected members’ terms, and the dates for Metropolitan elections; and
WHEREAS, these provisions can only be amended with the assent of the voters of Davidson County subsequent to either vetting by a supermajority of the Metropolitan Council or the endorsement of ten percent of Davidson County voters; and
WHEREAS, legislators in the Tennessee General Assembly have introduced HB48 and SB87 (“the legislation”), which would make substantial changes to governance in Nashville-Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, the legislation, as introduced, would reduce the number of Metropolitan Council members from 40 to 20; and
WHEREAS, the legislation, as introduced, would further create elections in consecutive years, forcing voters to elect Metropolitan Councilmembers to a one-year term this year; and
WHEREAS, the legislation, as introduced, would further change voting precincts, causing many voters to vote in three different precincts in a two-year period; and
WHEREAS, the legislation, as introduced, would further force changes to the Metropolitan Charter and other local documents to reflect the change in number of Metropolitan Councilmembers; and
WHEREAS, the legislation, as introduced, includes passages that contradict themselves, creating additional confusion; and
WHEREAS, the provisions in the legislation run counter to the Metropolitan Charter; and
WHEREAS, no legislators in the Tennessee General Assembly who were elected by the voters of Davidson County have introduced, sponsored, or stated support for the legislation; and
WHEREAS, conversations as to the virtues and drawbacks of reducing the size of the Metropolitan Council are best made by Davidson County residents; and
WHEREAS, conversations as to the virtues and drawbacks of other changes to the governance of Nashville-Davidson County are best made by Davidson County residents; and
WHEREAS, decisions as to changes to the governance of Nashville-Davidson County are best made by Davidson County voters.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County hereby goes on record opposing HB48, SB87, and other legislation that make substantial changes to governance in Nashville-Davidson County without the assent of Davidson County voters.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to each member of the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill Lee.
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.