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Members of the Vanderbilt community and its neighbors had the opportunity to learn more about the candidates and issues in the Aug. 2 local election at today’s “Meet the Candidates” picnic on Olin Lawn. More than 70 percent of Vanderbilt’s approximately 20,000 employees live in Davidson County.
“The Vanderbilt picnic has become a Nashville political tradition,” said Michael Schoenfeld, vice chancellor for public affairs at Vanderbilt. “Our city will make critical decisions about leadership in the next few weeks, and Vanderbilt wants to help all voters become educated about the issues and the candidates.”
In the style of an old-fashioned campaign, all candidates on the Metro ballot, including those for mayor and vice mayor and all the council at-large and district contests, were invited to stand on a soapbox in Vanderbilt’s “public square” and briefly introduce themselves to the audience. Candidates were encouraged also to “work the crowd” by shaking hands with the attendees and displaying or distributing campaign literature.
A complimentary picnic lunch was served and live Dixieland jazz added to the festive atmosphere.
Maps to identify the various districts were available at the picnic, which was sponsored by the Office of Community, Neighborhood and Government Relations in the Division of Public Affairs.
For more information, call 615-322-6511.
Media Contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, 615-322-NEWS
annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu