Quick Facts
Biography
Melvin Black (born January 14, 1936 in Nashville) was a member of the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County, representing the 2nd district.
Education and career
Black was first elected to the Metro Council in 1995 and re-elected in 1999 for a term lasting until 2003. During that time, he was the Vice Chair of the Federal Grants Review Committee. He also served on the Education Committee; the Parks, Library, Recreation, and Auditorium Committee; the Public Safety - Beer, Wine, and Whiskey Committee; and the Charter Revision Committee. Melvin Black is a retired teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree and master's degree in Education from Tennessee State University.
Political views
Sponsored bills
Melvin Black co-sponsored a resolution asking the Metro Board of Public Education to provide a yearly plan to Council about how it uses existing school classroom space. On October 2, 2001, he introduced a resolution that requested the Solid Waste Division of the Department of Public Works to determine the feasibility of providing a free day each week for disposal at the convenience centers, and to construct additional convenience centers. On March 19, 2002, he asked that the resolution be amended to also request that the Solid Waste Division begin a program to educate Nashville citizens about the convenience centers.
Votes
He voted to raise pay rates for city council members from $6,900 to $15,000, the vice mayoral salary from $8,900 to $17,000, and the mayoral salary from $75,000 to $136,500. He voted for the bill to ban discrimination against homosexual members of the Metro government.