A Nashville mayoral candidate Tuesday touted an endorsement from a colleague on the Metro Nashville Council.
“16 years ago, [Council member Sharon Hurt] welcomed me to Jefferson Street, where her leadership produced business success and a stronger workforce. As we joined Metro Council together, I witnessed her steadfast commitment to building a more equitable city. I’m honored to have her support,” said Freddie O’Connell, attaching a video endorsement from Hurt.
16 years ago, @SharonForNash welcomed me to Jefferson Street, where her leadership produced business success and a stronger workforce.
As we joined Metro Council together, I witnessed her steadfast commitment to building a more equitable city.
I'm honored to have her support. pic.twitter.com/6nDUdkn4gi
— Freddie O’Connell (@freddieoconnell) September 12, 2023
Hurt is the second at-large council member representing Davidson County. She ran for mayor during the current race, garnering only 6 percent of the vote in the primary election.
“Good morning, I’m Sharon Hurt, the leading black mayoral candidate for 2023,” Hurt said in the video. “During my platform, I talked about restoring hope and prosperity on every block in every community, and not leaving one person behind. I believe we have in Freddie O’Connell that person who will ensure that that happens. Freddie and I have collaborated for over 16 years before either one of us were [sic] an elected official.”
“I want a man who’s going to ensure that all of the communities are included in the economic boom that we have in Nashville,” she said. “I want a mayor who’s going to ensure the participation of and expansion of small women and minority-owned businesses. A mayor who’s going to ensure educational excellence is provided to our children before they get on the pipeline to prison. Freddie is that person. Nothing changes if nothing changes, and we’ve gotta get out to vote to ensure and help propel him to that position so that Nashville can be a place for all Nasvhillians to experience that hope and prosperity. For me and my house, we’re voting for Freddie, and I hope you will too.”
O’Connell will square off against former school teacher and former Tennessee State Economic Development official for Gov. Bill Haslam (R), Alice Rolli.
The election to decide upon Nashville’s next mayor will be held Thursday.
Rolli recently expressed her disappointment in the General Assembly for failing to pass red flag laws during the August special session.
– – –
Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
Photo “Shaon Hunt” by Freddie O’Connell.
