Meet Tony Chapman, candidate for Nashville Metro Council At-Large

David Plazas, Nashville Tennessean
Updated ·4 min read

Editor's note: The Tennessean Editorial Board invited candidates for the 2023 Metro Nashville-Davidson County municipal elections to fill out our questionnaire. They include biographical information and answers to 12 questions on variety of topics from key policy issues to their recommendation for visitors on what to see or do in the city.

Election Guide: Learn about candidates running in the Aug. 3 Metro Council At-Large election | Editorial

Key dates:

  • July 5: Voter registration deadline

  • July 14-29: Early voting

  • July 27: Deadline to request absentee ballot

  • Aug. 3: Election

  • Sept. 14: Runoff election

Biographical information

Tony Chapman, candidate for Metro Council At-Large seat in the 2023 Nashville-Davidson County election
Tony Chapman, candidate for Metro Council At-Large seat in the 2023 Nashville-Davidson County election

  • Name: Tony Chapman

  • Which office are you seeking? Metro Council At-Large

  • Age: 59

  • What neighborhood/part of the county do you live in? Antioch

  • Education: High School Graduate

  • Job history: Krispy Kreme Customer Service 2017 - Present; CNI Distribution Packing Lead 1996 - 2016

  • Family: Brother and sister-in-law, Niece and Nephews

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Twelve questions for the candidates

Why are you running for this office?

The reason I am running for office is because I want to help make Nashville an even better place. I want to give a voice to everyone in the city.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

I feel like I am uniquely qualified because I am an average working person and I have talked with many people through my years of work. I feel that I have a good sense for what the citizens of this great city need.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

Help make our streets safer, affordable housing and try to address the homeless issue.

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What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

Help with affordable housing and help improve the economy for everyone.

A 2023 Vanderbilt poll showed that most Nashvillians do not agree with the direction of the city. Do you agree? Why or why not?

I do not believe that Nashville is heading in the right direction. The amount and speed of the growth within the city has caused many issues that have not been properly addressed, such as cost of living, affordable housing and infrastructure along with keeping our communities safe.

What is your assessment of the performance of the Mayor and Metro Council over the last four years?

I don't think they have done enough to address the important issues of affordable housing and infrastructure that are needed to support the major growth of the city or enough to address the additional safety needs of our communities.

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Affordable/attainable housing has been named by citizens again and again (NashvilleNext, polling, etc.) as a top concern. What should the city do to address this crisis?

I think we should build more affordable housing along with converting some of the older non used buildings into affordable housing. In addition to this try to build a great partnership with organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

The Tennessee General Assembly has gutted Metro Nashville's governance model and finances. What is your position on this and how should the city address the relationship with lawmakers?

I believe that there should be a much better partnership between state and local government. I believe that the state should be focused on state issues and the local government should be focused on local issues. I believe that each entity should focus on what is best for their area and do a better job of staying in their own lane.

Are you supportive of Mayor Cooper's plans to renovate the East Bank now that the Titans deal has been approved? Elaborate on your position.

I support the Titans building a new stadium, but I believe that the Titans should have paid for the stadium instead of taxpayers. That being said, now that it has been approved, I obviously believe we should do what is necessary to promote the business growth for that community.

What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?

I was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee. I was raised on good Christian values that has caused me to love God, love my city and love my country. I also want to work very hard to represent the people of Nashville, to help our city be even greater than it already is.

A "fun" question: When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Nashville?" what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?

Go to at least one Grand Ole Opry show, go to a local sporting event such as the Titans, Predators or the Sounds and go visit the Nashville Zoo.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes

Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville election: Tony Chapman for Metro Council At-Large