Metro Councilmember At-Large Jim Shulman is a candidate for Vice Mayor of Nashville. Jim Shulman has lived in Nashville for 40 years, and he’s been a leader in both public service and small business throughout his career. Jim is a former Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the Tennessee House, and he has experience in running a successful small business. Shulman graduated from Vanderbilt with majors in Business and Political Science and earned his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School.
“More than ever, we need an engaged Council that can come together to meet our challenges head-on,” Shulman said. “As Vice Mayor, I will work to build consensus around addressing our budget challenges, improving public education and ensuring that everyone who wants to live in Nashville can afford to live in Nashville.”
Prior to serving as Councilman At-Large, Shulman represented the 25th District – which includes the Green Hills area – on the Council from 1999 to 2007, where he chaired numerous committees, including Budget, Transportation, and Public Works. He currently serves as the Executive Director for the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. He has also served as President of the Board of Directors for Safe Haven Family Shelter, Renewal House and Outlook Nashville.
Shulman’s announcement was followed by endorsements from his colleagues on the Metro Council, who praised his good thinking and steady hand on key issues before the city.
“Nashville needs thoughtful, steady leadership from an experienced Vice Mayor who can bring the Metro Council together,” said Tanaka Vercher, Metro Council Budget & Finance Committee chair. “Jim is a trusted voice who brings good thinking to every debate. He is always focused on finding common sense solutions and promoting good ideas to improve our community.”
Jim has years of experience on the council, and he’s served as Chair of the Budget Committee. He can bring good ideas to solve our budget challenges, and he knows how to fund our city’s obligations without raising taxes. He will stick to the basics of running a city – schools, roads, and public safety – the things that really matter to Nashville families.
“Our city has had a lot of changes this year, but our reputation as an open, welcoming city has never been in doubt,” Councilwoman Mina Johnson said. “Jim has a solid reputation as a progressive voice who stands up for all of Nashville. We need a Vice Mayor who will include all voices in the conversation.”
Jim believes strongly in public education and will ensure that we fully fund our schools. He will support teachers, expand access to early childhood education and fund English Language Learner programs. With a reputation for building consensus, Jim can bridge the divide between the Metro Council and Board of Education. He will put funding for schools before tax breaks for business.
“Nashville’s next Vice Mayor should have the knowledge, compassion, and experience to make tough decisions and lead the Council forward,” Councilman At-Large Bob Mendes said. “Jim Shulman has remarkable experience and a steady hand. We need that now. He cares about the people of this city more than anyone I know, and I’m proud to support him.”
Jim stands firm that everyone who wants to live in Nashville should be able to afford to live in Nashville. Our city has had unprecedented growth, and it’s time that it benefit everyone. He will fight for dedicated funding for affordable housing, work to recruit the jobs that pay fair wages, and apply good thinking and new ideas to reduce the cost of living for all Nashvillians.
Jim met his wife Lori at Vanderbilt, and they raised their two daughters here in Nashville. The formal Election Day is scheduled for Aug. 2. Early voting begins on July 13.
