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Tenn. State Official Becomes Nashville Vice Mayor

By Gregory Brand
Black College Wire

Tennessee State University's assistant vice president of relations and development, Howard Gentry, can add another major responsibility to his already impressive resume: vice mayor of Nashville.

Gentry, 50, a Metro councilman at large, is the first African American and only the sixth man to hold the office of vice mayor since Nashville adopted a metropolitan government in 1962.

The vice mayor oversees Nashville's 40-member legislative body. Gentry's victory is being called a milestone because he now holds the highest municipal office ever held in Nashville by a black American.

"The election of Howard Gentry showed a great deal or unity in the city of Nashville.", said Jamie Riley, president of the Tennessee State University Student Government Association. "He has opened new doors for the city."

Gentry was supported by both black and while communities in greater Nashville.

On Aug. 1, the regular election for vice mayor left the position open when neither candidates Gentry nor fellow metro councilman Chris Ferrell received the required 50 plus 1 percent of votes. Gentry had 34 percent; Ferrell, 32 percent.

A special election was then set for September.

Gentry won with 56 percent of the vote to Ferrell�s 44 percent.

The vice mayor�s position went up for grabs when former vice mayor Ronnie Steine resigned in April. Gentry was appointed to replace Steine on an interim basis, then decided to run for the position. He said he plans to serve out the remaining 11 months of Steine's term and seek re-election next August. Tennessee State students were happy with the outcome. "I think it is very good that Mr. Gentry won the election for vice mayor," said LaShandra White, sophomore majoring in health administration and planning. "He has my full support as long as he does his job for the full benefit of the city of Nashville. I'm confident that he will."

"Howard Gentry seems to be the most concerned and qualified for the position," said Stephanie Taylor, senior biology pre-med major. "I'm glad he won the election."

Gregory Brand is a student at Tennessee State University.