By Mark Kelly
NASHVILLE, TN (WKRN) — A Metro councilwoman calls it a victory for Nashville and democracy. A three-judge panel ruled that the state law to cut down the number of Nashville council members is unconstitutional.
Councilmember At Large Delishia Porterfield breathed a sigh of relief. “We are very very thankful that the judges saw what was right and sided with us,” said Porterfield.
After a months-long, high-stakes battle between Metro and the state, Metro Nashville won this fight. Two out of three judges decided that it is unconstitutional for the state to cut the size of the Metro Council from 40 members down to 20 or less.
“This was a huge victory, not only Nashville, but for the state of Tennessee and democracy. I’m so thankful that the judges ruled in our favor, and saw that this was state overreach, this was unconstitutional.”
Metro feared that a smaller council would cause confusion come election day, mean less representation for minority communities, and dilute constituent services by forcing fewer council members to represent more constituents.
“We had a very big concern that it was going to disproportionately impact minority representation on our body, and we wanted to make sure that we continued to have a voice for all communities,” said Porterfield.
This hostile territory isn’t new for Metro and the state. Porterfield said many hours of testifying and legal work have also gone into fights over the Airport Authority, Sports Authority, and fairgrounds, and it might not be over yet. If they so choose, the state can appeal this recent decision, but they have 30 days to make that call.
“We are hopeful that they won’t appeal, but if they do, then we will keep fighting all the way.”
The Attorney General’s office told News 2 they are reviewing the judge’s ruling and will make a decision on next steps shortly.
