Mayor Cooper has pushed Nashville to the edge. He MUST be RECALLED.
Mayor Cooper Did These Things
Demonstrated Poor Fiscal Stewardship
Terribly Mismanaged Nashville Finances
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He promised to address Nashville’s long financial problems. Yet as mayor, when it was time to create a budget, he made no cuts to the budget and plans to spend the unexpected sales tax revenue.
He then passed an exorbitant 34% (37%) property tax increase. Renters now pay an additional $150/month ($1,800/yr) and homeowners pay an additional $750/yr on a $300k home.
Nearly 30,000 people signed a petition against the tax increase. Instead of listening to the voters, Cooper threatened taxpayers by saying he will cut school funding, the police, and fire departments.
He is now threatening to sue the Election Commission if they put the Tax Payer Protection Act on the ballot as 30,000 voters demanded. Having no choice, the EC has now sued Nashville citizens.
Nine areas below show where Cooper could have cut cost, but did not.
Showed Indifference To Children And Young Families
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Pediatricians and 9 months of data confirm that schools should be open. Teachers and parents should decide whether to send their children back to school or keep them home for virtual learning.
We know COVID-19 is not a significant threat to our children. If schools remain closed, however, data tells us students are at an alarmingly increased risk for suicide, substance abuse, domestic violence, and long term educational setbacks that destroy the foundation of a child’s future.
The gap between financially “challenged” families is widening between them and the wealthy. Cooper is creating devastating difficulties for those who need him most. He is running our youngest and most challenged families out of Nashville.
Destroyed Businesses And Jobs
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Thousands of people remain unemployed because Cooper placed restrictions on small businesses. Many small businesses have closed their doors leaving people jobless with nowhere to turn.
He misled us about COVID-19 data, targeting some businesses while allowing others to thrive.
He refuses to reopen business without restrictions. This leaves people with crushing family finances.
His COVID-19 mandates with enforcement coming from deputized city employees drive people to neighboring counties to do business.
Music, the very thing that makes Nashville transcendent, has been silenced by Cooper’s orders.
He prohibited large gatherings. He then permitted and personally attended a protest with thousands.
When the protest turned violent, he instructed police to stand down, allowing downtown businesses to be burned and looted.
We Advised Mayor Cooper
To Cut The Below Costs Before Taxing Nashville Citizens, And He Did Not
Furlough city employees
$10,000,000 per week/4 weeks
Homeowner
Saves: $90
Renter
Saves: $215
Budget Cut $40,000,000
Reasoning: Most aspects of Nashville economy have been shutdown for 7 weeks, requiring few governmental services. With the crisis averted, and service needs low, now is a good time to save some tax dollars.
Pull this out of reserves
Homeowner
Saves: $225
Renter
Saves: $560
Budget Cut $100,000,000
Reasoning: A huge tax increase on property owners shouldn't be used for building up government's un-spent funds. Now is the time to cut a reserve buildup.
Pull this out of MTA
Homeowner
Saves: $55
Renter
Saves: $136
Budget Cut $25,000,000
Reasoning: Ridership is down, cost is up. Consolidate operations while we rebuild a better, more cost effective MTA. Keep MTA at last year's funding, not including CARES Act funding.
Pull This Out of Public Schools
Homeowner
Saves: $22
Renter
Saves: $54
Budget Cut $8,000,000
Reasoning: This is no time to put good money after bad. Performance data is awful. We must rebuild MNPS so it is cost efficient and delivers better results.
Pull This Out of Metro Hospital
Homeowner
Saves: $34
Renter
Saves: $77
Budget Cut $15,000,000
Reasoning: Partner with other city hospitals and move low volume operations to them, while focusing Metro General on its core competencies.
Pull This Out of Arts & Non-Profits
Homeowner
Saves: $13
Renter
Saves: $32
Budget Cut $6,000,000
Reasoning: We must not fund this when families have been out of work and are struggling. They need the money, not the arts.
Pull This Out Of City Payroll
Homeowner
Saves: $295
Renter
Saves: $688
Budget Cut $131,000,000
Reasoning: Most aspects of Nashville economy have been shutdown for 7 weeks, requiring few governmental services. Now is a good time to save some tax dollars.
Pull This Out Of The Barnes Fund
Homeowner
Saves: $16
Renter
Saves: $38
Budget Cut $7,000,000
Reasoning: Use City land deals to attract developers to build affordable housing units, instead of subsidizing rents.
Do Nothing
Homeowner
Saves: $0
Renter
Saves: $0
Tax Incr. $332,000,000
Reasoning: You think a 32% property tax increase for $332 million is OK. On average, renters will pay an annualized +$1,800, homeowners will pay an annual +$750.
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