City Paper candidate endorsements

Candidate Endorsements

METRO NASHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD

District 1: Sharon Gentry

Gentry’s connection to the city’s political “in crowd” is immediate and obvious, given her spouse is former Vice Mayor Howard Gentry. Yet, Sharon Gentry has stood on her own two feet this election season. She is already showing real signs of political independence, as her views on rezoning may not entirely reflect those of the district she would represent. In addition, her professional background and communication skill at forums with potential constituents gives her the edge over the field in terms of promise.

District 3: Mark North

North volunteered for arguably the hardest assignment in recent board history in chairing the committee to craft a now unpopular rezoning plan. That should not dissuade voters from supporting North as this board could use a few more public servants like North ready to tackle the difficult problems facing our schools. North is earnest and well intentioned as a board member. He studies the issues, and casts independent votes. He is just coming into his stride as a school board member, and deserves more time on the board.

District 7: Ed Kindall

Kindall is a polarizing figure, and an old-school politician with tactics and moves that hearken to Nashville’s not-too-distant past. Yet, Kindall does represent the people of his district in earnest. He has made a case for blacks across the city feeling disaffected by the rezoning plan, and in turn helped some consider a second look at the plan.

In addition, Cordenus Eddings has run a campaign that has become increasingly lackluster as it has progressed. Kindall still has a passion for the board after decades of service and voters should send him back for another term.

District 9: Alan Coverstone

District 9’s race has several talented individuals who, in any other year, might be serious contenders. Voters face a particularly tough decision in choosing between Alan Coverstone and Lee Limbird, both of whom would probably be very effective board members. However, Coverstone’s experience in an excellent, successful secondary education setting gives him the edge. He understands kids and the classroom. His background in education from outside the MNPS system is an asset and perspective the board sorely needs.

52nd District Democratic Primary: Mike Stewart

Their positions are nearly identical, so it is difficult to discern difference on policy matters between Stewart and his opponent Eric Stansell. However, Stewart has demonstrated a real desire to serve, having run for this seat before and lost by a handful of votes. Stewart’s grasp of the concerns of his district, the legislative process and his campaigning ability suggests he has the makings of a polished leader. The level of support he has garnered in his district during this campaign suggests he has the support of many of the district’s most engaged leaders. He appears to be the better choice to represent this eclectic district in the General Assembly.

U.S. Senate Democratic Primary: Bob Tuke

The road for any Democrat to unseat U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander is going to be tough, even in a year nationally where GOP candidates are facing tough re-election campaigns. Of the candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to run against Alexander, we believe Bob Tuke has the best chance of offering voters a choice in that race.

From a strategic standpoint, Tuke’s experience as a former state party chairman and his connections nationally suggest he may have the ability to make the race with Alexander competitive.

In addition, his understanding of veterans’ issues and his middle ground position on the war on terror also show he is the kind of moderate Democrat Tennesseans can back.