By Austin Thompson • Staff Writer Jan 30, 2019
Nelson Andrews, president of Andrews Cadillac and Jaguar Land Rover Nashville, stopped by the Williamson County Election Commission on Friday to file his petition to run for Brentwood City Commission.
As of Monday, eight people had picked up petitions seeking to fill four open Brentwood City Commission seats in the May 7 election. However, only five — Nelson Andrews, Anne Dunn, Susannah Macmillan, Terrence Smith and Ken Travis — had filed their petitions as of Monday.
After Andrews officially filed, he said the process has been enjoyable, so far.
“I feel great. It was really fun getting the signatures,” he said. “I’ve just been overwhelmed by all the folks I’m meeting through the process.”
In a previous interview with the Williamson Herald, Andrews pointed to his business experience and being a longtime resident in the city as reasons why he is running.
“I feel that living and working here and being involved in the community, both through civic work and business, that I have both the experience and the skill to really add something to the city,” he said.
Andrews is a member of the Brentwood Morning Rotary Club and the Ravenwood Red Zone Football Booster Club. He is a former board member of the Williamson Business PAC and Williamson, Inc.
Candidate platform
According to Andrews’ recently launched campaign website, some areas of focus for him include maintaining Brentwood’s unique identity, keeping Brentwood green, improving Brentwood’s mobility and investing in schools.
Andrews further explained on his website what his areas of focus would be, if elected as a Brentwood commissioner.
“People come to and stay in Brentwood for the promise of a beautiful community, great school system, convenient transit and cost-effective governance,” he said. “As a commissioner, it will be my responsibility to protect the Brentwood ‘Dream’ and carry it forward for future generations. Keeping our overall density at one home per acre, protecting our hills and preserving our water quality is critical.
“Our park system is one of Brentwood’s ‘Crown Jewels.’ To keep Brentwood both beautiful and healthy, I am committed to keeping our park system great and will look for opportunities to expand not just city parks but also privately maintained green spaces. With a unique combination of modern amenities, beautiful scenery and historic sites, we must continue to work hard to keep them all in good balance.
“Congestion is a widespread problem that could find improvements through road improvements, technology, mobility options, and forward-thinking employment practices. As a commissioner, I will work to assure a mobile community the links people with home, work, services, and recreation.
“As an ardent supporter of strong schools, I will continue to support investment in Williamson County Schools where enrollment includes at least 25 percent of Brentwood residents. Furthermore, I will use whatever resources I have at my disposal to advocate for our schools with the Williamson County Commission and School Board, as well as seek to develop public-private partnerships that can further improve the educational experience of these students.
“Brentwood’s city government works well today because it stays focused on maintaining and improving core municipal services. Brentwood should continue to be the leader among Tennessee cities in providing excellent services such as police, fire, public works, parks, library, water/sewer and land use planning. We must continue to budget conservatively and keep the property tax rate as low as possible, while maintaining adequate reserves in the bank for unanticipated needs. As a part of the greater community, it is important to be a part of the regional conversation. Brentwood should strive to maintain good working relationships with Williamson County and other adjacent cities.
“Commercial development should be limited to the existing areas in the northern and southern ends of the City. At the same time, we must also protect and enhance the existing commercial areas which equate to 4 percent of the total land in Brentwood that generates almost 60 percent of the general fund tax revenue. We must maintain strong development standards and be fair and consistent in their enforcement.”
For more information about Andrews’ campaign, visit www.electnelsonandrews.com/the-issues.