On average, I tend to believe that most societies can generally function adequately with what I'd call "medium-level" leadership. By medium-level leadership, I mean a style of management that isn't necessarily terrible but also isn't exceptionally inspiring. However, as time passes under this type of leadership, situations often deteriorate rather than improve. This trend typically continues until a new and different approach comes into play. However, if this "something new" takes too long to emerge, the unfortunate reality is that nothing less than a disaster looms on the horizon.

Let's confront the reality: Nashville cannot afford to continue its lax approach when selecting its mayor. This pattern has been repeated numerous times in the past, and one could argue that it's precisely why the city finds itself in the difficult position it currently faces.

At this moment, the residents of Nashville must decide who will lead the city as mayor for the upcoming years. The choice is between #Freddie O’Connell and Alice Rolli. Fortunately, this decision is among the simplest that Nashvillians will make this year.

Currently, the fact is that there is no one better suited for the role than O’Connell. This Nashville native is the logical choice to lead the city for several compelling reasons. For me, the most significant of these reasons is his evident and profound concern for the well-being of both residents and businesses in the city.

More than anything, what we truly need right now is a leader who can not only rescue the city from the brink of collapse but also steer it towards a better future. This involves ensuring that any progress made now is sustained and continuous. In this regard, I firmly believe that Freddie O’Connell is the best person for the job.

You might naturally wonder, what sets this individual apart? In my view, it's his distinctive perspective, his ability to grasp problems at their core, and his knack for finding viable, effective solutions.

Let's take his stance on the issue of #violent crimes in the city as an example. Nashville's violent crime rate significantly exceeds the national average, making it a pressing concern for any potential mayor. What I find intriguing here is that, unlike the conventional rhetoric we've heard before, O’Connell doesn't boast about cracking down on crime. Instead, he focuses on sustainable solutions.

In an interview with News Channel 5, he stated, "…one of the police commanders I work with regularly has identified the correlation between poverty and crime. The safest cities are the ones with the most hope, the best schools, and the most economic opportunity. We need to create a public safety plan that doesn't force us to choose between safety and justice. It should bring together the community, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to devise a roadmap for making Nashville as safe as possible. This includes involving other departments so that our police can prioritize crime over noise complaints, party buses, and parking violations. It also means expanding funding for the REACH program, which pairs paramedics with mental health professionals to address mental health crises."

Finding a more efficient and enduring solution for the city's crime problem is a challenge!

And what about his perspective on the ongoing homelessness crisis in the city? Speaking with WKRN, O’Connell remarked, "As mayor, I would ensure that our plans also encompass housing with supportive services, like mental health care, as some of our neighbors will never consistently earn enough for housing. We must maximize every dollar we allocate to this issue. As Mayor, I would continue the work I led as chair of our Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Oversight Committee to ensure our HMIS is among the most effective nationwide. Having contributed to the Metro Homeless Impact Division's three-year strategic community plan, I understand the importance of reinvesting in our Continuum of Care to enhance our competitiveness for grants and federal funding."

It's worth noting that the approach mentioned above is something that previous leaders could have adopted but didn't.

Of course, I support any effort to elevate the city's transit system to the standards of comparable regions. That's why I was particularly pleased to discover that O’Connell plans to, "...invest in a system with more mobility options and reopen discussions about dedicated funding for transit. This way, we can enhance affordability for residents and ensure our economy's strength."

Listening to O’Connell repeatedly, I've come to realize that Nashville has been lacking, and desperately needing, two crucial elements: a leader with a clear vision and the determination to see that vision through. Fortunately, O’Connell possesses both of these qualities in abundance.

So, let's provide Nashville with the opportunity it requires to flourish. Let's advocate for O’Connell as mayor and help Nashville attain its full potential.