For those who maybe haven't realized it yet, I am a pastor of a local congregation. And I believe that part of my calling is engaging in issues that are important to my community, be they located here in Old Hickory, or involve the entire City. I am a politically engaged pastor in that I... Continue Reading →
Consistency Isn’t A Hallmark of the Dean Machine
I was just reading Joey Garrison's story in the City Paper about Karl Dean's active opposition to the re-election of Robert Duvall and Duane Dominy in their respective council seats out in Antioch. While I have worked with both guys and consider them friends and colleagues who care deeply about their community, I'm not surprised... Continue Reading →
Down With The Sunset Grill
I'm currently out-of-town so I'm not exactly in the think of Nashville politics, but I did run through the news today and learned of Randy Rayburn's recent fundraising letter in opposition to Burkley Allen's campaign in District 18. Randy, of course, is the restaurant magnate who owns the Sunset Grill, Midtown Cafe, and the Cabana,... Continue Reading →
Get Ready Local Churches
Older residents and families with young children who depend on federal aid to pay their utility bills will have to wait until Oct. 1 to reapply. via Needy will have to wait until Oct. 1 to apply for utility bill aid | The Tennessean | tennessean.com. It's already a given that local congregations generally have... Continue Reading →
It’s Time to Help Mercedes
I was in a Justice For Our Neighbors meeting last week (an amazing faith-based organization that is providing counsel and assistance on legal issues to immigrants) when I learned about a young lady named Mercedes Gonzalez. Mercedes was brought to the U.S. when she was 2 and has been a successful newcomer to Nashville. She... Continue Reading →
Dear Gail — Election Edition
Dear Gail Kerr, I have to give you credit for this morning's commentary on the election in the Tennessean. It was much less effusive than past articles, perhaps I suppose because you helped in creating the climate in Nashville where no candidate of any note would challenge Karl Dean. Yes, the mayor is running against... Continue Reading →
A Confused Chamber President
Almost a year ago, I moved from the diverse community of Antioch to the little hamlet of Old Hickory, TN to become the pastor of a local church here. I had been involved in community organizing and development efforts in Antioch, and so when I saw that the local Chamber of Commerce was meeting, I... Continue Reading →
Another Flood Story — Jason Holleman and the Legal Warriors
I just finished reading Steve Goerge's piece in the Nashville Scene regarding the race for Council District 24 (Sylvan Park) between Jason Holleman and Sarah Lodge Talley, and how the opposition to Jason seems connected to his not toeing the line 100% with the Dean administration. Â I am not a resident of District 24, although... Continue Reading →
A Request from the Martha O’Bryan Folks
Here is some information from our friends at the Martha O'Bryan Center regarding their Taste of Music City event this Saturday.  I've been told that they still need around 80 volunteers, so let them know if you can help: The Martha O’Bryan Center still needs volunteers for the second two shifts (evening and night) for... Continue Reading →
I’m really trying . . . really I AM!
Okay, I'm really trying to rekindle some support and respect of Karl Dean and his administration. After all, the fact that pretty much no one was willing to take him on must mean something . . . right? His re-election is all but a coronation -- which was affirmed in the e-mail I received today... Continue Reading →
JustNashville 