Belmont hosts second televised 2019 Nashville Mayoral Debate

Mayor David Briley, At-Large Councilman John Cooper and former Vanderbilt professor- turned-national television analyst Carol Swain and Rep. John Ray Clemmons speak in a Nashville Mayoral debate in the McAfee Concert Hall on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, July 9, 2019.

Belmont University hosted the second and final live, televised 2019 mayoral debate last night with Nashville’s leading mayoral candidates participating.

In partnership with WKRN, the debate provided voters an up-close perspective on the positions of current Mayor David Briley, State Rep. John Ray Clemmons, Metro Councilman John Cooper and retired Vanderbilt professor Carol Swain. News 2 Anchor Bob Mueller moderated and questioned the candidates on a variety of issues affecting Nashville, including teacher pay, police body cameras, property taxes, traffic and transit, and even scooters.

“Belmont always seeks to be an engaged member of this community, bringing people together to talk about issues, whether it’s a mayoral, gubernatorial or even a presidential debate,” Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said. “This city’s course directly impacts our alumni and campus community, and we want to do our part to help educate voters in a race that determines Nashville’s future while also modeling active citizenship for our students.”

This is Belmont’s second successful mayoral debate this summer after collaborating with News Channel 5 and The Tennessean to host the first live, televised debate on June 25. Early voting in the mayoral race begins July 12 with Election Day on Aug. 1.

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