METRO NASHVILLE - DAVIDSON COUNTY BELLEVUE EDITION - 2015

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 357FRANKLIN, TN

Ken Jakes has seen his fair share of attention. He has been featured on almost every Tennessee news broadcast station for his efforts to hold government entities accountable

for their financial judgment. A well-known proponent for open records, he has played a key role in exposing the wasteful spending and unethical actions of numerous area “untouchables,” including NES, Metro, and Hendersonville Government.

For readers less familiar with Ken Jakes, what is important to know about him is that he is a bold and committed voice for the average citizen, and a force to be taken seriously in this upcoming election. A candidate for Metro Council at Large, Jakes has taken time throughout his campaign cycle to contact state legislators, speak at events and keep citizens informed.

He even helped rally a coalition of citizens and civic organizations to combat legislation that would prevent open records in the state of Tennessee While he has been branded by political adversaries as a “governmental gadfly” and an “interloper,” Jakes is affectionately know as “General” Jakes by those he has helped and supported for his ability to rally the troops around causes affecting the rights of Tennessee citizens.

When asked why he wanted to run for Council At-large, Jakes replied, “Every candidate has a motive for running and mine is that I want to be a voice within the Metro Council for all of the citizens of Davidson County.”

KEN JAKES: AT-LARGE AND IN CHARGE

Ken Jakes —Metro Council At-Large Candidate

Over the last year, the $175 million bus rapid transit project championed by Mayor Karl Dean became a divisive issue among Nashvillians. The proposal, known to most as AMP, called for a 7.1-mile, dedicated-lane bus route, starting in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood, and ending in West Nashville near St. Thomas Hospital.

What happened? Even those in favor of the proposal, with a green AMP sign in their front yard and those against it, with a red StopAMP sign in theirs, would likely argue the merits of a mass transit solution for our city. “This proposal failed due to process, funding and too little public input,“ says Metro Council candidate Lonnie Spivak. “I want to engage in more dialogue on this subject, to help develop an enduring approach to improving Nashville’s mass transit.”

Working with StopAMP president Rick Williams, state legislators and community leaders, Spivak was integral in highlighting AMP’s cost excess and dedicated lane design, which most area businesses and residents were against. “Lonnie was involved from the very beginning,” says Williams. “He helped to develop the plan we took to the state legislature, which in the end stopped the project.”

As we approach a new election cycle, these discussions have returned to the forefront. The Metro Planning Commission and all of the Mayoral candidates seem to be focusing on the need to address mass transit now and in the future.

Spivak remains committed to helping find a solution,

despite the challenges. “I want to help streamline design for future transportation projects in Middle Tennessee. I envision a new Metropolitan Department of Transportation, in which planning and construction are handled by combining the Regional Transit Alliance (RTA), the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and the Davidson Transit Organization (DTO). Doing so, Spivak says, “ will help create informed decisions and accountability at every stage of the process.”

With the majority of Nashvillians discussing mass transit, this issue may

decide not just upcoming elections, but how our “it” city handles its growing population and the related increase in traffic going

forward.

PUTTING MASS TRANSIT ON A SMARTER TRACK

ELECTION GUIDE — DAVIDSON COUNTY - JULY 20152

IS THERE A HIGH SCHOOL IN BELLEVUE’S FUTURE?

Bellevue has not had a high school since Bellevue High School closed in 1980. That may be on the verge of changing. Last year, Metro Nashville Public Schools unveiled a plan that could bring Hillwood High School to Bellevue.

According to Dr. Jesse Register, Director of Schools, the Metro Schools Planning and Construction Department commissioned studies with the approval of the Board of Education in order to explore alternatives to renovating the Hillwood and Hillsboro high school buildings. Both schools were constructed in the 1950s and are currently in need of major updates and repair. “Significant capital investments are needed at both Hillsboro and Hillwood to provide the students at those schools with modern learning facilities,” Register said. “Before we ask the Board of Education,

the Mayor’s Office and the Metro Council to support spending upwards of $50-$60 million on renovating those two schools in their current locations, we felt it was our responsibility to examine all of our potential options.”

The Hillwood site study examines relocating the school further west, adjacent to Bellevue Middle Prep on existing public property. The combined campuses would also include the new Bellevue branch of Nashville Public Library, as well as improved park space and a shared plaza between the schools.

“Bellevue has been asking for a high school for many years,” says Metro Council candidate Lonnie Spivak. “I believe that whether or not we are able to relocate Hillwood High School, we need to approach the decision from the

understanding that a high school is needed in Bellevue.” Spivak continues “While I believe the relocation of Hillwood makes the most sense, recent growth alone supports the need for a new high school in Bellevue.”

As part of the planning process and to inform the community, the district will work with Metro Public Works and an independent firm to study any concerns related to traffic. Metro Planning, MTA, and the Nashville Civic Design Center have been involved in the planning process and will continue to be consulted in the development of the master plans. While there is currently no timetable for a decision, the good news for Bellevue is that public officials seem to be aligning with many in the community in favor of a high school in Bellevue.

VOTE FOR LONNIE SPIVAK ★ AUGUST 6, 2015Early voting begins Friday, July 17—voteforlonnie.com

MNPS - Hillwood Architectural Study relocation site plan .

ELECTION GUIDE — DAVIDSON COUNTY - JULY 2015 3

ELECTION SCHEDULEMETROPOLITAN GENERAL ELECTION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

IS NASHVILLE’S DEBT GROWTH SUSTAINABLE?

Nashville is a beautiful city that has seen a lot of upgrades over the last 15 years. – L.P. Field, Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center and most recently, the new Sounds stadium and a pedestrian walking bridge in the Gulch. The question is: will all of these projects leave Music City singing the blues?

These upgrades come at a cost many taxpayers might not see, Metro Council candidate Lonnie Spivak points out. He is worried about the ballooning debt and how the city will overcome this issue in the future. “In 2000, Metro’s general obligation bonds totaled $975 million, Spivak said. “However since then, our debt has grown to more than $2.4 billion, which is an increase of more than $100 million per year. These bonds normally help build things like schools, libraries, police precincts and fire halls. I am convinced the next mayor will be forced to make some difficult financial decisions very soon, as the principle for these bonds come due later this year.“ Spivak notes that the composition of the incoming Metro Council will go a long way toward determining how these issues are addressed, “It is important that voters in my district know that I am a fiscal conservative, when it

comes to spending their tax dollars. In addition, I’m worried about what this means to the pensions of our public sector workers. This includes everyone from teachers, first responders – even MTA bus drivers.”

So, who is going to help keep Nashville debt in tune with reality? “When it comes to Metro budget and tax increases, the mayor wields the most power, Spivak said. “While the Metro Council approves the budget and typically makes small adjustments, it is very difficult for council members to make big changes to a proposed budget.”

Similarly, were there a proposal to increase property taxes, that initiative would likely face a public referendum. Knowing bond payments will soon consume more of our budget and any push for a property tax increase will likely rest with the public, Nashvillians can see that the value of their vote in the next Metro election has grown as well. Unless changes are made to our spending habits and until the public elects stewards, such as Mr. Spivak, who best represent the pockets of the average citizen, Nashville residents might soon be paying more in property taxes.

EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE AT SONNY WEST AUDITORIUM AT HOWARD OFFICE BUILDING

700 2nd Ave S. Nashville, TN 37210

Friday, July 17 .....................8:00 am – 6:00 pmSaturday, July 18 ................9:00 am – 4:00 pmMonday, July 20 ..................8:00 am – 6:00 pmTuesday, July 21 .................8:00 am – 6:00 pmWednesday, July 22 ............8:00 am – 6:00 pm

EARLY VOTING SATELLITE LOCATIONS AND SCHEDULE

Thursday, July 23 ............... 8:00 am – 6:00 pmFriday, July 24 .................... 8:00 am – 6:00 pmSaturday, July 25 ............... 9:00 am – 4:00 pmMonday, July 27 ................. 8:00 am – 6:00 pmTuesday, July 28 ................ 8:00 am – 6:00 pmWednesday, July 29 ........... 8:00 am – 6:00 pmThursday, July 30 ............... 8:00 am – 6:00 pmFriday, July 31 .................... 8:00 am – 6:00 pmSaturday, August 1 ............. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Belle Meade City Hall 4705 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

Bellevue Community Center 656 Colice Jeanne Road, Nashville, TN 37221

Bordeaux Library 4000 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218

Casa Azafrán Community Center 2195 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

Edmondson Pike Library 5501 Edmondson Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

Goodlettsville City Hall 105 South Main Street, Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Green Hills Library 3701 Benham Ave, Nashville, TN 37215

Hermitage Library 3700 James Kay Lane, Hermitage, TN 37076

Madison Library 610 Gallatin Pike S, Madison, TN 37115

Sonny West Auditorium 700 2Nd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210

Southeast Community Center 5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, Antioch, TN 37013

Lonnie Spivak discusses property taxes on News Channel 5+.

For more information regarding the voter I.D. laws, please visit www.tn.gov/sos/election/photoIDFAQs.htm

ELECTION GUIDE — DAVIDSON COUNTY - JULY 2015

Paid for by Friends of Lonnie Spivak. Troy Brewer - Treasurer

WHAT ARE CITIZENS OF NASHVILLE SAYING ABOUT THIS ELECTION?

“I’ve known Lonnie for several years, and feel that he’s always represented us well. I know he was upfront arguing against raising our property taxes. He worked to save the fairgrounds. And he never stopped fighting AMP until the project itself was stopped. That’s the guy who gets my vote. Lonnie will be the kind of elected official I can count on to work on what is important to me.” - Michael R.

“What impresses me most about Lonnie over the years is his consistency in serving our community. As demonstrated by his leadership during the Nashville flood of 2010, he is a tireless worker who cares deeply for his fellow citizens. He has a tremendous grasp of what’s going on with Metro and is heavily engaged in improving our schools. I believe his ideas have great potential to affect our city in very positive ways, especially for our children. If you want strong leadership and unwavering voice on the Metro Council, vote Lonnie Spivak.” Betty H.

SAMPLE BALLOT

Metro Council

Zoning With smart planning and zoning, Bellevue can continue to be a destination for families and businesses, while remaining mindful of the needs of residents and businesses.

Education As parents of public school students, my wife and I are fervent believers in and supporters of our public education system. I look forward to working to make sure Bellevue has the best schools in the system.

Individual Needs No issue is too small. I believe in responding quickly to these and other seemingly little things that actually matter quite a lot to the people I represent. This begins with you.

In order to keep Bellevue growing responsibly, my campaign is focused on key areas including:

METRO COUNCIL - DISTRICT 35VOTE FOR ONE (1)

VIC LINEWEAVER

DAVE ROSENBERG

LONNIE SPIVAK

Early voting will begin at the Bellevue Community Center

Thursday, July 238:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Election day is August 6, 2015