Not only are 18 council members being forced out, several more are expected to be defeated or aren't running again. By some estimates, about 25 members of the 40-person council could be replaced. There will be dramatic change in Metro's top elected posts as well. Outgoing Mayor Phil Bredesen, who has enjoyed high approval ratings and steered Nashville through prosperous economic times, is winding down his second and final term. Vice Mayor Jay West, whose primary responsibility has been guiding the council, isn't seeking re-election in that job so he can run for mayor instead.
Unemployment is at record lows.
Schools, though widely criticized, aren't operating in a crisis mode. Police and firefighters are generally perceived as doing a good job. One at-large council candidate hopes to sharpen the community's focus in those areas the way it has been honed on pro sports in recent years. There will be some pet issues in this race, too. In the past, he claimed the law is unconstitutional.