“[The] notice of appeal by the state’s office of the Attorney General was not unexpected. While it would help organizational efficiency and morale to have this matter resolved sooner rather than later, I respect the judicial system’s appeals process.

“It remains my position that, per the Home Rule Amendment of the Tennessee Constitution, the size of the Metro Council is a decision for the voters of Metro Nashville. The Small Government Efficiency Act was advanced through the General Assembly in 2023 purportedly to address the “efficiency & effectiveness” of Nashville’s legislative branch. Respectfully, as the county-wide-elected president of the Metro Council, addressing the operational performance of the Metro Council is my job, and over my first 11 months in office, we have accomplished quite a bit of work on that front. It is my duty and intent to fulfill the will of Nashville voters and help make our 40-member body work well for all 715,000 Nashvillians residing within our city’s 526 square miles.”