Purcell Says Dean on Honeymoon with Council

Former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell says the new administration of Mayor Karl Dean is experiencing a honeymoon with the Metro Council.

As the Council passed the city’s operating budget this month, many of Purcell’s critics noted a new sense of cooperation from Dean’s office. Purcell says there was a time that relations between himself and the Council were smooth.

“I was very lucky, particularly in my first term, to have exactly that kind of relationship with the city council, and I’m pleased to see Mayor Dean has a similar relationship. There will be times ahead where they don’t always agree.”

Council members who complain about the Purcell years cite the finance department’s use of complicated accounting methods that made government less transparent.

Some have come to Purcell’s defense, though, including Council lady Emily Evans. On her blog, she writes about Purcell’s legacy including comprehensive plans for land-use, sidewalks, bikeways and parks. She says before Purcell, the city didn’t do much planning.