Nashville’s 2015 Mayoral Contest Has Its First Candidate: Charles Robert Bone

Charles Robert Bone announced his mayoral candidacy on Thursday. (Photo: Bonelaw.com)

Democratic attorney Charles Robert Bone announced on Thursday his candidacy to be Nashville’s next mayor.

Bone, 40, a well-known party darling, raised hundreds of millions of dollars for President Barack Obama in the 2012 race. His father started a notable law firm, for which he now works. He’s a Hendersonville, having grown up next door to the late Jonny Cash.

In announcing his bid, Bone said he respects current Mayor Karl Dean’s direction. But, without question, he said the next eight years will have to be different.

“The idea that we would do another billion dollars worth of capital improvements in the central business district – clearly that’s not gonna happen,” Bone said. “But I do believe that we need to continue to invest in our city, to be intentional about that, and be pro-active about that in a way that touches all of our neighborhoods.”

Somewhat ironically, Bone serves as the lead attorney for the half-billion-dollar Music City Center.

Another potential candidate has actually taken more steps than Bone.

Though not declared for the August 2015 race, Metro Councilwoman Meagan Berry has raised more than $64,000 for a potential campaign. The two, according to Bone, are close friends.

LEAD charter school founder Jeremy Kane, former school board chair David Fox and out-going District Attorney Torry Johnson have all been mentioned as potential mayoral contenders.

Asked how he might distinguish himself among other potential candidates, Bone said it’s too preliminary for that.

“I think it’s probably a little early to be drawing distinctions,” Bone said. “Obviously there will be lots of opportunities for that over the next year.”