Eric Crafton

Eric Crafton (b. October 15, 1967 in Nashville) is a member of the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County, representing the 22nd district.

Education and career

Eric Crafton is the Vice Chair of the Convention and Tourism Committee. He is also a member of the Parks, Library, Recreation, and Entertainment Facility Committee; the Planning, Zoning, and Historical Committee; and the Public Works Committee. He has served on the Metro Council from 1995 to 1999, and since 2003.

Eric Crafton graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1989, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Math/Economics. In 1994, he graduated from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, having studied Japanese and Political Economy. He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy for four-and-a-half years and is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He has been bestowed with the Navy Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal. He earned the Navy Achievement Medal for saving his ship, the USS Mobile Bay, from hitting a mine during Desert Storm. He works as a general contractor and as a realtor; he has been building homes since 1996. Additionally, he has authored a book titled Backspin. Hackers, Hustlers and the Fat Man.

Political views

Proposals

When interviewed by The Tennessean on the most important issues facing the 22nd district, Councilman Crafton said that it was important to ensure the redevelopment of the Bellevue mall, and that there should be a new library built in Bellevue. Eric Crafton proposed the ill-fated English First bill, also known as the English Only Amendment, which would have made English the official language of the Metro government. It passed 23-14, but it was vetoed by Mayor Bill Purcell. He also proposed to reduce the public's speaking time in front of the Metro Council during the public meetings it holds for zoning changes. Councilman Eric Crafton wrote a resolution declaring that Metro supports the use of the words "Christmas" and "Merry Christmas", instead of terms such as "Happy Holidays", "Winter Festival", or the like when referring to Metro Government entities or activities traditionally associated with Christmas.

Votes

Eric Crafton voted against canceling zoning in Percy Priest Lake, for Sylvan Park historic zoning, for a Westin Hotel on Lower Broadway, for Lower Broadway historic zoning, and for rezoning Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. On the third reading, he voted against the proposal for a new ballpark for the Nashville Sounds, which included provisions for hotels, condos, shops and other businesses on the land adjacent to the stadium.