Political Philosophy for James Bruce Stanley

Candidate for
Council; District 14

James Bruce Stanley's political philosophy is founded on his involvement in community issues and his education. The most important factor associated with successful political representation is cooperation. This cooperation can be accomplished by maintaining an open line of communication between the elected representative, the constituents, and the government authorities through whom certain issues or concerns must be addressed. Local government represents that level of American government where individuals can have an input on public policy by communicating with their local elected officials. Due to the fact that Metropolitan Nashville has a municipal legislature of forty (40) members, the number of constituents represented by each councilmember is limited thereby providing easy access for the citizens to their coucilmember. Throughout Stanley's first term in office, he has been openly accessible to his constituents thereby allowing him to immediately work on concerns voiced to him by citizens of District 14. In addition, this open accessibility has given his constituents the opportunity to express their views on any issue impacting them or the community as a whole. This has been vital in determining the position he should take on issues facing the Metropolitan Council.

This political philosophy was adopted by the citizens of the Donelson-Hermitage community following the construction of the new air terminal in September of 1987. This air terminal opened the Donelson-Hermitage community's vast undeveloped tracts of land to development, i.e.'Gateway'. The failure of elected representatives at that time to notify the community of such massive developmental projects resulted in the community's election of more open candidates who placed the desires of their constituents above those of major developers. Stanley's involvement in the Donelson-Hermitage Neighborhood Association at that time educated him on the necessities of being accessible and open to the concerns and desires of his constituents. His 1995 election to the Metropolitan Council educated him further on the importance of developing an open and cooperative relationship with Metropolitan Department officials. This type of relationship is essential in having specific concerns addressed promptly and thoroughly by metropolitan officials.

Stanley's political philosophy can be summarized by stating that he views his election to the Metropolitan Council as representing the constituents of District 14 and addressing their concerns immediately through cooperation. He does not view his election to the council as having the citizens give him the right to make decisions on his own as to what would be considered the best for the community. Citizen involvement is crucial in regulating growth and addressing issues of the community.