RESOLUTION NO. RS2008-426

A resolution recognizing and congratulating Belmont University as they host the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate.

WHEREAS, the eyes of the nation will turn to Belmont University, Nashville and the State of Tennessee on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, as Belmont hosts the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate; and

WHEREAS, a state already rich in presidential history as the home of Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson and James K. Polk, Tennessee will now host its first presidential debate thanks to the vision and leadership of Belmont University; and

WHEREAS, beyond its role as host site for the debate, Belmont has gone above and beyond to ensure the debate is a memorable event for the citizens of Nashville and Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, through an extensive and varied schedule of programming and events throughout the 2008-09 academic year, Belmont is actively engaging its students and the Nashville community with opportunities to learn more about and become involved in our nation’s political process; and

WHEREAS, the Town Hall Presidential Debate at Belmont will take place in the university’s Curb Event Center, home of the Belmont Bruins men’s basketball team, who won over the hearts of our city with their near-win versus Duke in this year’s NCAA Championship Tournament; and

WHEREAS, Belmont has prepared a weekend full of city-wide events for Nashville citizens and the 3,000 media the debate is bringing to town to celebrate Belmont’s role in this year’s election while showcasing the finest Southern hospitality and Tennessee’s volunteer spirit; and

WHEREAS, The City of Nashville has rallied around Belmont’s efforts to create a lasting memory of the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate for all citizens. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau have all offered their support to the university and have developed long-lasting, valuable partnerships that will benefit Nashville long after the Debate is over; and

WHEREAS, Belmont is making the most of this incredible educational opportunity by establishing a higher education task force with other Nashville and Middle Tennessee colleges and universities, including Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Volunteer State Community College, and Nashville State Community College. Together, this consortium is creating opportunities to bring all of Nashville’s young voters to the forefront of this year’s election, through voter registration drives, debate viewing parties and other opportunities to celebrate their freedoms as American citizens; and

WHEREAS, “From Here to Anywhere” is more than a motto at Belmont University, and this year, it extends to all of Nashville as we work together to bring the best of what we are to the rest of the world; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Belmont University on being chosen to host the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate and wish them a successful event.

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

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing and congratulating Belmont University as they host the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Belmont University President Dr. Robert Fisher.

Section 3. 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: Keith Durbin

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	September 2, 2008
Adopted:	September 2, 2008
Approved:	September 9, 2008
By: