A resolution requesting Council-At-Large candidate Ronnie Steine to reimburse the Metropolitan Government for the costs associated with the elections to fill vacancies resulting from his resignation in 2002.

WHEREAS, in 2002, Ronnie Steine resigned his position as Vice Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in disgrace after admitting to a shoplifting arrest in 2001 at a local Target store and failing to disclose a prior shoplifting arrest in an interview with the Tennessean; and

WHEREAS, as a result of Mr. Steine’s illegal and immoral acts, subsequent general and runoff elections were held to fill the vacant Vice Mayor position, followed by a vacant at-large position after Vice Mayor Gentry was elected to fill Mr. Steine’s seat; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that these elections resulting from Mr. Steine’s resignation cost the taxpayers of Nashville and Davidson County more than $407,000; and

WHEREAS, as a man of personal financial means, Mr. Steine can afford to repay the taxpayers for the election expenses caused by his lapse in judgment; and

WHEREAS, repayment of the $407,000 election cost would be the decent, civic-minded thing to do, especially in light of the tight budget for Fiscal Year 2008; and

WHEREAS, these funds could be used to pay for critical public safety and education functions, such as additional police officers and firefighters, as well as teacher salaries; and

WHEREAS, for the reasons set forth in this resolution, it is fitting and proper that Ronnie Steine reimburse the Metropolitan Government for the election costs resulting from his resignation as Vice Mayor.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Council-At-Large candidate Ronnie Steine to reimburse the Metropolitan Government for the costs associated with the elections to fill vacancies resulting from his resignation in 2002.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mr. Ronnie Steine.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Adam Dread, Jim Hodge, Jason Hart, Harold White, Edward Whitmore