Tennessean endorsement

Sunday, July 17, 2011

The images are still strong more than a year later:

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean walking through devastated neighborhoods, consoling victims of last year’s flood. Rallying local and federal relief groups. Inspiring a citizen army. And personifying the unity and commitment that drove a remarkable recovery. That was community leadership.

But that’s not the only reason why The Tennessean endorses Dean and believes Nashville needs him to serve a second term.

There is his vision for Nashville’s future prosperity, from an economy lifted by the convention center now rising — a building that will elevate and help to grow downtown — to the new jobs already attracted and the many more in the economic development pipeline.

There is his commitment and follow-through toward making his first-term campaign promises a reality — improved schools, more police on the street, neighborhood and green space improvements, and initial conversations about finding regional solutions to complex issues.

There is his prudent fiscal management during the worst recession since the Great Depression and losses caused by the flood — the city is on solid financial ground, taxes are flat, and the city’s priorities have been funded.

And there is his moral leadership, including his strong stand in leading opposition to the ill-considered English-only proposal, leadership that helped preserve Nashville's attraction as a welcoming city where all people can flourish.

When he ran as a political unknown four years ago, Karl Dean maintained that “it’s all connected” — explaining the need to address several issues that, collectively, would shape the city’s future. He has done just that, and done it well.

Metro schools are fully funded at the urging of the mayor. The city’s police department is at full force for the first time in 50 years and two new precincts are being built. All that happened as Dean’s administration built back the city’s reserves.

Earlier this year, Nashville and HCA engineered a land swap that will allow a new public health facility to be built. The new building on Charlotte Avenue “will be a shot in the arm for that corridor,’’ an area the city wants to revitalize, the mayor has said.

Meanwhile, the Music City Center, scheduled to open in 2013, will bring hundreds of jobs with it. Last month, construction started on an 800-room, privately financed $250 million Omni hotel next to the convention center.

And under a $1.61 million incentive deal proposed by Dean, Metro Council OK’d a plan that will have technical services company IQT Inc. bring 900 jobs to downtown Nashville.

Dean has worked tirelessly to improve public education in Nashville. He helped to attract Teach For America and other outside help. Dean has been a supporter of and partner with educators — from the director of schools to charter school proponents. And while much improvement is still needed, confidence in the public schools is growing and graduation rates are up. Education will remain a second-term challenge — perhaps the top priority.

The 28th Avenue Connector will be a reality, spurring growth and aiding a sometimes forgotten part of town. Greenspace projects are advancing, as well.

When he took office in 2007, Dean observed that regional challenges follow regional growth — air pollution and traffic congestion “do not end at the county line.” He promised to help lead regional cooperation, and he has done that. In February, Dean was elected vice chairman of the Regional Transportation Board of Directors.

Determining the right transit strategy for the region will be a significant challenge and an opportunity. Dean is ready to explore approaches and funding that match the region’s interests and needs.

A second term likely will address proposals such as a new baseball stadium, a performance amphitheater on the riverfront, and continued revitalization of the corridors leading into and out of town.

Ultimately, Dean told The Tennessean editorial board last week, Nashville’s quality of life must continue to improve.

Dean is best positioned to lead that improvement. Sound fiscal management, an exemplary record of economic development and job creation, key support for education, public safety and public health, and true leadership skills and vision are his calling cards.

Karl Dean has earned a second term as mayor.

— MARK SILVERMAN AND DWIGHT LEWIS, FOR THE EDITORIAL BOARD