3 Dems make promises, stomp for votes
By Shawna S. Kelsch
Diversity Institute Fellow
07.27.02
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| James Bruce Stanley, District 14 councilman, gives opening statements at a 5th Congressional District meeting about fair housing for people with disabilities in and around Nashville. |
Three Democratic hopefuls in the 5th U.S. District congressional race told a crowd of largely senior voters Monday night that improving health care would be a top item on their agendas if elected to office this fall.
Candidates took questions from about 150 Hermitage, Donelson and Old Hickory residents at a public forum, which attracted members from several area homeowner associations.
Flood plains, education and fair housing emerged as key issues of concern at the forum, but skyrocketing health-care costs and Social Security seemed most critical to many in the audience.
Candidates were each given three minutes to discuss how they’d address the issues once in Washington.
"I have a distinct advantage over my colleagues because of my experience in Washington," former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper said, referring to the 12 years he represented the 4th congressional district up until 1984. "I could walk on the floor January 2, 2003, and begin speaking with complete respect (from congressional counterparts)."
It might take his Democratic opponents, Gayle Ray and John Arriola, years to attain that level of political ground, he said.
Candidates also made a point of illustrating their commitment to and love for Nashville.
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| From left, Donald L. Miller, Jane B. Miller and John Hopwood fill out questionnaires on housing for disabled people at 5th Congressional District meeting. |
Ray, former Metro-Nashville councilwoman and twice-elected Davidson County Sheriff, said she has lived here for more than 30 years and wants Nashville to provide the same things to today’s residents as it did when she first moved to the area.
"We must offer opportunities for our children to stay here, as well as safe streets and jobs," Ray said. Increasing corporate business and improving infrastructure here could be a starting point for this, she said.
Arriola, a former state representative, repeatedly promised to fight for in-home services for the aging rather than nursing home placement – a move he said helps the elderly retain their dignity and families save money.Gayle Buckler, a seven-year resident of Donelson, said the meeting helped gel her vote for the primary election on Aug. 1. "This forum was a great opportunity and covered several issues of importance to the community," she said.
The forum came to a somewhat humorous end when the moderator asked candidates if they were aware of the law prohibiting the placement of campaign signs on public lands, such as the Hermitage Library lawn adjacent to the police precinct.
Arriola and Cooper admitted to being "bad boys" and promised to have their campaign staffs remove the signs immediately. As the sitting sheriff, Ray said she both knows about the law and follows it.